Month: January 2015

A Business With Integrity

An Interview with Jennifer Daerendinger

By Alyssa Laube

About: Jennifer Daerendinger, owner of ROAM Gallery in City Square, Vancouver, creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere for emerging artists. She will be running a booth at this year’s expo, where artworks from ROAM will be on display.

What inspired you to open your own art gallery?

I have always had a huge love for art and a number of artist friends who inspire me. The opportunity to do a show presented itself in December 2013, and because it was a big success, there was a lot of interest to keep doing them for emerging artists.

How did you come up with the name ROAM?

My very good friend and colleague, Colleen Kirk (who owns the PR Firm, The Kirk Group), came up with the name. ROAM was initially suppose to be a “pop up” gallery. We just never left City Square.

What meaning do you find in supporting local artists?

I think that there are a lot of very talented artists in Vancouver and it is often very hard for them to find venues to show in. It’s my pleasure to provide not only the opportunity, but the space for them to show their work. My goal is to help artists market themselves by providing them with the exposure of social media and a show in a non-conventional gallery, giving them the chance to make an event with their art. There is something very special about directly supporting the arts in Vancouver. It is incredibly gratifying for me.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the gallery?

I like to think that the gallery is warm, inviting, fun and has a sense of community. It’s open for the artists that show every month to come in and paint, hang out, invite friends, or whatever else they like. Each show is different, seeing as how the artists really have an impact on what the space becomes and how it is used. Also, I am so lucky to be located in City Square in a beautiful historic building with the modern amenities attached. It has great lighting and an openness that is so complimentary to the art. Overall, the environment is a mix of styles, much like our art in ROAM.

What, to you, is the most important thing about running your own business?

I have had the privilege of working with and learning from some of the best companies in the world, including Chanel and Holt Renfrew. This gallery allows me the opportunity to apply all of that knowledge to my work. I’ve always loved art and dreamt of owning my own business, so the gallery is a perfect fit. It marries art, marketing and commerce.

How has owning the gallery changed you and your life and the lives of others?

I was working in consulting up until the last part of 2014 when, in December, I decided to take all of my energy and focus it on starting my own business. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I had built a successful gallery that was doing really well! I’m always pleased when the artists see their pieces on social media after it is hung and are thrilled with the results. What truly humbles me is that I have had artists show 3 times at ROAM already, which tells me that I am running a business with integrity. Sometime around the third show, people would walk up to me and say, “Are you the gallery owner?” and I would laugh to myself in disbelief and say “Yes, I guess I am!”.

What is it about the Art World Expo that makes you want to join?

Monika. She’s the Bomb.

More about ROAM Gallery can be seen at:

http://www.roamgallery.com/

Life and Loss

An Interview with Uma Sharda

by Alyssa Laube

About: Uma Sharda is a “design specialist in product packaging and labeling”, painter, and overall creator! Raised by Hindu parents, there are spiritual themes to her recent work as well as those focusing on femininity.

umaunborn1
Your “Unborn Series” features images of “babies, hearts, wombs, blood and bone.” Could you explain the meaning behind it?

When I think about the unborn, I think of a fetus and womb. The colours, textures and various visuals of bone and blood is fascinating. I think of miscarriages, abortions, life not yet breathing and the heartache and anxiety that can occur in the time of pregnancy. I wanted to distort the simple shape of the heart and use the womb, rib cage and pelvis to depict the twisted feelings of love and loss. I wanted to explore the concept of life incased in bone, muscle and tissue – not knowing the outer world of air and earth. I explore infertility, femininity and whether motherhood is an essential role in a woman’s life.

How did your studies in art history impact you?

It is great knowing how art developed with human evolution. Not only do I appreciate the complex and various ways we can visually express ourselves, but also the ability to add and extend that knowledge. Personally, art history allows me to explore movements and recognize the visual documentation of how we live, think and understand our reality at any given time. Reading about artists who were exploring similar challenges as I am is fantastic. Seeing their successes and strategies for overcoming them is even more incredible!

How was training at Emily Carr in graphic design different?

The culture and way of teaching at Emily Carr is unique; I haven’t met any art or design students from other institutions that have described the same experiences. I learned to be resourceful and ruthless with refining the best idea out of many. My fellow students had diverse backgrounds and we were able to provide many perspectives that challenged and opened each others minds. I learned to define how I get creative ideas, what creativity is, and how others access it.

Does your culture and/or heritage impact your life? How so, particularly in British Columbia?

Of course. Your identity is the lens with which you view life, and I want to be true to myself. I acknowledge the privilege of having Hindu parents and look into what I have learned from the valuable culture they raised me in. I continue to find ways to express being Hindu and born/raised in northern B.C.. A small town like Kitimat was uniquely multicultural with over 20 different languages spoken in a population of 12000.

To expand on the previous question, could you briefly describe your “Lotus Series” and how Hinduism is integrated into your work?

The lotus is a symbol for calm and peace. This was seen in paintings with goddesses holding a lotus in their hand and gods meditating on the flowers in the lake, representing peaceful, not chaotic, minds. Since the lotus rests on the surface of the lake, but has roots below and flowers above, I think of it as an umbilical cord from earth to sky. In my paintings, I take it further: from water to stars. But there are other ways I use Hinduism in my work. The “holy trinity” describes how life is experienced with Shiva the destroyer, Vishnu the preserver and Brahma the creator. The Shiva dancer manipulated time and space and was part of the natural motion of the world. I didn’t want to paint the specific gods and goddesses, but I love the dancer as the force that moves us all through time and space, so I took the positions from Classical Indian dance (Bharatham). Also, I incorporate the “om” sign to provoke a feeling of peace. I currently have my Lotus Moon Dancer series artwork on display at the Naam Restaurant from Jan 20-Mar 3.

What’s your favourite quote and why?

“Do or do not there is no try.” Not every action will show success but every action snowballs into another. This momentum ensures success. When I think I’m trying, I know I’m worrying, and I have to stop myself and say, “Keep it simple – Do or do not.” Failure doesn’t matter.

umanaam2

Uma Sharda

cell: 778.893.6144 email: message_uma@yahoo.ca

www.umasharda.com

Uma’s work is currently on display at The Naam Restaurant in Kits. (January 2015-March 2015) Visit The Naam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAMRestaurant

A Natural Connection-An Interview with Bryan Cyr

A Natural Connection
An Interview with Brian Cyr

by Alyssa Laube

About: Brian Cyr is an award-winning photographer with a passion for nature and outdoor adventure. By capturing the stunning beauty of the West Coast, he hopes to inspire in us an awe for our planet and a motivation to be part of its preservation. Brian also loves to experiment with his camera to encourage viewers to pause and look more closely at the beauty of their natural surroundings; his work is a celebration of our interconnectedness with everything that is around us. To see more about Brian and his work, go to:
http://www.brianccyr.com

You were raised in Ontario, but moved to the West Coast for your photography.
What is it about the coast, and Vancouver, that drew you?

I came here to find work as a stills photographer in the film industry. However, it was the raw beauty of the West Coast that moved me, literally and figuratively. I had flown in looking for work and was in Tofino on a weekend trip. Standing on a headland in Pacific Rim Park in January with waves crashing around me, I experienced
the power of nature in a way I’ve never experienced before. One month afterwards in Toronto, I packed my Toyota with my gear and whatever else I could fit into it, and drove out West. I arrived in Vancouver three days and two speeding tickets later. With so many other wondrous places in our province, it can easily take a lifetime to explore and photograph them all.

What did each job teach you about being a photographer?

My film work taught me to see and understand people better. It taught me about my connection with others. My photography of nature has taught me more about myself and my spiritual connection to the planet and universe. Nature is a place where the ego can be lost or humbled, at very least.

What is “Camera Painting” and how did you first begin to practice it?

Working with slide film in the early years, my approach had been very traditional. The time and cost of processing slide film had constricted my ability to experiment. When I finally made the switch to digital, it became easier to continue work on my earlier projects. This was the time when I developed “camera painting”, which is a technique I continue to experiment with.The camera is moved while shooting long exposures, manipulating time and movement to create painterly images.

What was it like to win the Focus On Your World competition and be affiliated with the United Nations Environment Program?

Focus On Your World was my very first photography competition. It drew 33,000 entries from 144 countries! There were only four North American winners and I was one of them, winning a bronze. I was blown away. The show travelled to 100 cities around the world, and its final stop was at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where they flew in the winners for the opening gala. It was amazing to see my photograph amongst all of the incredible work that showed both the beauty of nature and the human impact on it. It was and still is the highlight of my career.

Your earliest work revolves around the relationship between humans and nature. What about this relationship were you trying to convey?

In today’s world, we have lost touch with that spirituality and the search for a deeper connection to something larger than ourselves. We fail to look at the beauty that is right here around us. What I’m trying to convey through my work is our interconnectedness and the beauty of it. Every drop of water, every moment in time, and every creature, great and small, are connected to each other and everything else in the universe. One without the other is just a lesser whole.

What is your goal as a photographer?

My goal as a photographer is for my career to reach a point where it can allow me to travel the world and live my passion, which would be to do more photography! I want to share my work with those who appreciate the uniqueness of our planet. I want my work to evoke emotions strong enough to motivate us to make the preservation of our planet paramount.

What do you believe sets you apart from other photographers?

The uniqueness of my photography is in my experimentation with the interplay of
time and movement, physical and illusory, to create painterly images.

For more information about Brian’s work, please visit http://www.brianccyr.com/

TWIN PEAKS CONSTRUCTION-Building The Future

Twin Peaks Construction-Building the Future

by Monika Blichar, Art World Expo TM Founder

When I had the initial vision for Art World Expo, Rob Brody was one of the first who told me that I could do anything. From the start of the show in 2010, Twin Peaks Construction; a West Vancouver based full service construction and renovation company, has been supporting this annual event in numerous ways. A reputable and reliable company, we highlight the Vancouver General Contracting company and their annual contribution to the Vancouver art scene.

For more information, visit Twin Peaks at www.twinpeaksconstruction.com

“At Twin Peaks, we try to minimize the stress of construction by creating a smooth process, from start to finish. We pride ourselves on the fact that we keep construction inconvenience to a minimum as well as we keep the rooms tidy at the end of each day.”

As experts in the Vancouver General Contracting industry, Twin Peaks team is formed by a team of real professionals, with a solid track record of getting the job done, on budget and on time. Their years of experience allow them to factor in potential delays and issues that may potentially occur. From their transparency in all aspects of general contracting, their transparency, trust and high quality craftsmanship are only some of the reasons why this company is truly building the future both in their industry and via community initiatives. Twin Peaks not only manages multiple projects simultaneously, but within the organization you will find some of the most unique and hard working individuals that the construction industry has to offer.

Not only does this company have the experience and professional accreditation to give each client a comprehensive and reliable service that is unparalleled, they are also big on giving back. Twin Peaks generously supports Art World Expo, annually contributing to the success of many areas of the event. From transportation of equipment, to heavy lifting, general event duties and sponsorship, our event would just not be as successful as it is without these guys! In addition, Twin Peaks not only helps the arts in Vancouver, but also annually contributes to the needs at the North Vancouver Salvation Army where they have sponsored hundreds of Turkey dinners and also helped with the church maintenance for the past several years. These guys are truly an example of giving back to the community in order to see the success of all who live, work and enjoy our beautiful and colorful city.

A contractor’s word is his most valuable asset, second only to the skill and expertise of his team. The way they approach any residential, commercial or community project gives all of their clients and associates a security that they can trust on for years to come.

At Art World Expo, we are extremely fortunate to work with this team and are super grateful for their years of contribution!

Book a complimentary consultation with Twin Peaks. After your free onsite consultation, they’ll provide a comprehensive, no-obligation estimate. Call us today: 778 882 8001.

Volunteer at Art World Expo TM 2015!

Are you a lover of the arts and culture? Do you enjoy meeting new people and working in a creative environment?

If so, we are looking for you!

ART WORLD EXPO 2015-Dedicated Volunteers Needed!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ART WORLD EXPO 2015! Our 5th ANNIVERSARY!

Event Date: May 1, 2015

We need help to make this show amazing in celebration of our 5th anniversary special edition!

Event Management, promotions, fundraising and ongoing social media volunteers needed!

*Opportunities to work with Film and TV Producers, Specialized Arts & Entertainment Companies, Artists, Jewelers, Designers, Sculptors and More!*

We will have several events and campaigns throughout the year to make this 4th installment as magical and creative as possible!

-Marketing
-Film & Segment TV Production
-Studio Interns & Volunteers
-Local & International Fundraising Initiatives

ART WORLD EXPO EVENT VOLUNTEERS:
-DOOR
-TICKET
-USHERS
-LOADING/UNLOADING
-GENERAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
-RAFFLE TICKETS
-GENERAL CLEAN UP
-ARTIST SET UP HELP
-ONGOING FUNDRAISING

MAB Ventures Inc. is pleased to produce the 5th Annual Art World Expo. We are looking for reliable and ethical volunteers who are interested in volunteering at this large scale event featuring over 100 artists, designers, body painters, installation artists and more. This event is one of a kind and has to date featured over 400 artists!

If you are interested in volunteering, please send your resume to us at artworldexpo@gmail.com. A semi-formal 30 minute interview is required prior to becoming a volunteer. Selected applicants should be prepared to submit three references.

Volunteers will receive:
-swag bags with products and service discounts
-free painting lesson(s) at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery
-Reference Letter upon successful completion of volunteer assignment(s)
-Opportunities to work, network and learn from industry professionals

-commission based ticket sales opportunities via affiliate programs

This event is a one of a kind experience that happens once a year. We are looking for volunteers who are able to commit to a shift from 4:30 pm-12:30 am or 6:30 pm-2:30 am in addition to a two hour weekly effort in any of the above area. Hours needed for this event can be done in studio, online or at events/initiatives leading up to the event and vary in duties from social media marketing, handing out flyers, fundraising and gallery/promotion set up/take down in our studio or in the community. We ask that all volunteers commit to a three month minimum commitment at the eight hour minimum. If you are a volunteer interested in only working at the event or have a specific schedule/availability, please specify in your initial email. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Power of the Female Form-Rudolf Sokolovski

An Interview with Rudolf Sokolovski

by Alyssa Laube

About: Rudolf Sokolovski is a talented sculptor whose work is influenced by linear expressionism, the female form, and those he admires. Rudolf specializes in portraying the subjects of his portraits as a fusion of their physicality and spirituality, striking a fragile balance between the two and making his work impactful and unique. To learn more about Rudolf and his work, visit:

http://www.modernsculpture.ca/

Q: You define your art as “Tectonics and Linear Expressionism”. Can you explain what this means in simpler terms, and how your work fits into this genre?

A: Linear Expressionism refers to rhythmic lines and the flow of forms to express emotion. I believe the father of this style is a French artist by the name of Jean Claude. Some of my pieces do have clear linear elements, but to say all my compositions fall under this style would be inaccurate. In any case, the type of style my artwork falls under is not important to me. What is important is that I am able to express my energy and feelings in my compositions.

Q: When you create a portrait, would you say that it’s more a product of the subject physically, or personally?

A: I like sculpting interesting faces, ones that have character. The physical structure of a face helps make an interesting portrait but ultimately it’s the personality that drives character.

Creating true portraits is an intimate affair, and also a very difficult one to do correctly. Sculpting a portrait that looks like the person is not hard, but capturing the person’s true essence is very hard to do. I’ve destroyed a number of finished portraits because I didn’t think the composition portrayed the person in the right way.

Q: Has your work helped you to understand people better, or in a new way?

A: I tend to look at people somewhat differently. My mind is always studying structure, movement, and gesture when I look at and talk to people, and this helps me in creating my art. I don’t know if it has helped me understand people better, as half the time I’m trying to understand myself, but I pay a lot of attention to body language because I find it’s a truer form of expression than speaking.

Q: In your “About” page, you mentioned that you’ve been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Che Guevara. Who do you look up to the most in your current life and why?

A: The people that inspire me have lived a pure life and worked to achieve greatness in their own right, be it composers, athletes, or artists. My father, Valeri, inspires me greatly. He is truly one of the great masters, and I’m very excited that we will be exhibiting together.

Q: Is your interest in Gandhi and Che a reflection of your spiritual and political beliefs?

A: Gandhi and Che are both remarkable individuals. They are such polar opposites in their personality and means, but ultimately they are both a symbol of freedom. My whole life I’ve been searching for the meaning of freedom. It’s something in my blood; something that has been passed down to me.

Q: Can you explain what you mean when you speak of the power of women, and what it means to you both personally and artistically?

A: Some will say that we live in a man’s world. But whether or not you want to admit it, the fact of the matter is that women are the driving force of evolution. It is a Yin-Yang relationship, two moving parts. Take women out of the equation and life becomes meaningless.

We are part biological and part spiritual beings. Aesthetically, the beauty of the female form is unparalleled; the gentleness of every bend and curve, the gracefulness of her flow. Human beings are visual creatures.