A shepherd, wool worker and artist in the mediums of acrylic, watercolor, papier-mache and photography, Kathryn Stuart operates Northern Viking Farm from the original Stuart family homestead, where she raises her flock of purebred registered Icelandic sheep. She is passionate about shepherding, and finds great pleasure in sharing her knowledge with others.
In the wool studio, Kathryn explores traditional wool processing using a hands-on approach. The wool is processed on site; from the shearing and wool washing, to the picking, carding, and spinning of the wool into a unique double-ply lopi yarn with the use of foot pedaled spinning wheels and traditional hand powered equipment.
She finds the process of turning a sheep’s coat into wearable hats and scarves, into yarns and roving to be a fascinating study in transformation, as well as a real-time exploration of her ancestral heritage. Her products come in a wide variety of natural hues, as seen in the unique patterns and colors of the Icelandic sheep.
Kathryn enjoys the multifaceted skill set required in raising her flock, and relishes the creation of beauty from the harvesting and working of wool. This art form, is a continual source of learning, and serves as a constant part of her process as she further explores this natural treasure.
When Kathryn is not looking after her sheep, she pursues her artistic skills; over the last 30 years her work has been displayed in galleries in Quebec and Ontario, and in stores across Canada.
Her products can be purchased on site at the Northern Viking Farm Store; paintings, papier-mache creations, art cards, woven wall hangings, skull and horn sets, as well as a wide range of her wool products; handspun yarns, roving, felting wool, hats and scarves.
Northern Viking Farm is also home to youth artists working in the mediums of wood, leather
and metal; any of whom may be on site demonstrating during the tour.
