Month: April 2015

The Beauty of Everyday Life – An Interview with Angela Weichel

By Alyssa Laube

About: Angela Weichel is a local, self-taught artist based out of Langley,B.C..She is inspired by everyday subjects and colours that can come to life on a canvas, and her acrylic paintings include a variety of wild life, landscapes, still life, and portraits.

Can you tell the story of how you started out in art?

I started painting as gifts for friends and family, until I received my first commission in June 2012. A family wanted to do a culture wall of eight paintings in their home to represent their adopted children and their heritage. Shortly afterwards, I entered into my first public art show and began showing my work. In February of 2014, I joined the Fort Langley Artists Group. This group has been an amazing way to meetand connect with other artists in mycommunity. We have a gallery in Fort Langley, BC at the Heritage CN Train Station. The next opening will be in May!

Weichel_Angela2

How did you teach yourself how to paint and are you still teaching yourself today?

My first time painting, my goal was to make my canvas look just like the photo I was referencing. I used to go from one side to the other to fill the space, which caused issues since I wasn’t creating any backgrounds or layering. I taught myself over time how to be patient and create a painting little by little without getting ahead of myself. Hopefully I will always be learning and growing, as long as I have a brush in my hand!

What is it about painting birds that you enjoy?

Birds seem to have so much personality. I love to focus in on them as the main subject, letting the background fall away. I also enjoy the fact that there are so many species to choose from and each has their own stunning feathers and colours.

What do you love about your hometown of Langley? How did it inspire you artistically?

I love that Langley is a “city meets country” kind of place. Wherever I drive, I can picture different spots along the way that would be great to paint. I’m particularly drawn to the sights off Glover Road, the quaint charm of Fort Langley, and pastoral colours set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains.

When you paint a landscape, do the places always exist in reality, or are they often creations of your imagination?

They always exist in reality. My favourite landscape experience was during an early morning in August of 2013. I got out early to meet the sunrise behind a barn that I had noticed a few days earlier. I placed my easel on the field and painted the scene as quickly as I could before the sun crept up. It was a beautiful morning!

Can you explain what you mean by “still life” and why you are interested in it?

Still Life painting is a work of art created from everyday objects. It can be fruit, flowers, a tea pot, or even a bottle of wine. It is totally up to the artist as to how they would like to interpret “still life.” I would love to paint more in this theme. It interests me because there are so many options and it is a great way to challenge myself.

Which artists or works of art inspire you?

My first inspiration as a high school student was Paul Cezanne (1839-1906). I was taken by his still life paintings and the rough brush stokes that he used in his work.

Currently I am inspired by artists like Zaria Forman, and Carol Marine.I love to watch their hard work and the amazing pieces they produce.

How has having such a big family impacted you and your life?

When I think of my family, I think of Sunday lunch after church. It’s a regular occurrence to see twenty people around the table laughing and sharing our weeks with one another. I have amazing parents who have guided me in my faith, and us siblings challenge each other for the better. But we’ve also had our share of trials: in 1996 we moved half-way across Canada with little more than faith that God would provide for us when we arrived in BC, and we’ve recently suffered a terrible loss to cancer. Our Sundays since then have changed, but we find newfound joy in all the nieces and nephews running around. Through everything, I love my family and thank God for every day I get with them.

What do you like about painting portraits, compared to you landscape and other works?

Painting a portrait really challenges me to be patient with my work. Emotion is not something you can rush. Every face has a story – and I enjoy using my paint to re-create that story.

Can you recall any specific portraits that had a lasting effect on you?

My brother (who is a photographer), was on a trip to the Philippines a few years back and he took a photo of a young girl. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to paint her. She was waiting for a bus that took inner-city children to a place where they received a bath and a fresh pair of clothes. I couldn’t get the look on her face out of my head. These are the types of portraits that I would love to paint more of.

Where can we find your work?

Currently you can find my work on my websiteand on Facebook. Starting in May, I will also have work in the FLAGstop Gallery in Fort Langley. To find out more about these shows, you can visit http://www.fortlangleyartistsgroup.com!

You can also learn more about Angela at:

http://www.angelaweichel.com/

Avant-Garde & Colourful A Glimpse Into the Mind of Makeup Artist Anita Chan

By Alyssa Laube

About: Although Anita has a Degree in Communications, she is currently studying her true passion at New Image College of Fine Arts: makeup artistry! Her dream is to work in the entertainment and fashion industry, and to run her own company where she can apply all of her diverse skills. At this year’s Expo, Anita will be demonstrating her body painting skills for the AWE audience.

You’re a student in Makeup Artistry and Film/Fashion Design. What made you interested in these specific studies, especially film and fashion?

My love for the fine arts started with drawing lessons when I was little. My teacher taught me the fundamentals:drawing straight lines without a ruler, shading, working with different mediums, tracing, colouring, and sketching. Later, myGrade 6 art teacher, Ms. Kolaric, inspired me and taught me new techniques; I learned to create a swan wing out of tissue on construction paper, use a sponge to make a background look like papyrus, and work with paper maché!In the curriculum, Ms. Kolaricintroduced us to Mesopotamian, Greek, and Egyptian history– it was like a grand tour of world art history!

Chan_Anita_Ms_Egyptian (1)

Later, when I worked at the Park (movie) Theatre, I was able to get hands-on experience with creatingsets for the lobby. I replicated scenes from the film that was showing at the time, and even got to recreate some of my favourites: Lord of the Rings and Apocalypse Now! After my cousin graduated from the Visual Arts program at Emily Carr and started working in the film industry, I realized that it’s a great place for me to express my creativity. With film, the sky’s the limit.

My official interest in makeup artistry started in 2008 when I became a volunteer with Anime Evolution. There, I was exposed to many talented cosplayers, photographers, and designers, who led me to pursue my passion as a makeup artist.

How do you think that social media is important for artists?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I manage seven social media channels for work and understandhow time consuming – yet important – it can be. It’s a great way to inspire, promote, and catalogue your work. You can use it to create a portfolio, help with your research, and mentor or connect with other artists. Still, one important thing to note is that one should always be careful of what they post. Always show respect and professionalism, as you are on displayall the time!It’s also important to remember that personalization is key; A catch phrase or a logo is what sets you apart from other artists.

Would you suggest your school, New Image College of Fine Arts, to other artists?

Absolutely! The small class sizes at New Image College are great. I’m in an evening class of 10, which I love because we really get to know, learn from, and inspire each other. I also receive more one-on-one time with teachers who provide constructive feedback, help the students realize their potential and turn their ideas into reality. As a whole, the school is responsive and adaptable in regards to problem resolution.When aconcern is raised, the president and teachers sit down with the class to discuss probable solutions. This opens communication between students and teachers, which fosters an inviting environment for all!

How has your education changed your work?

Key assets I learned in makeup school are to be flexible and open to new ideas. Each artist has their own unique style, some of which may extend beyond your comfort zone. When this happens, I embrace it and ask myself, “Why not?” At school, I also learned how to think analytically and ahead, which is critical in the fast-paced and ever-changing makeup industry. After all, you would not want a bride to become “Bridezilla” because you forgot to include extra eyelash glue in her take-away kit!

Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

I get my everyday inspiration mostly from the world of science fiction, fantasy, and Japanese anime, especially goth and punk. When it comes to techniques and mediums for communication, I draw on an art history course I took in university. In particular, the styles of Picasso, Lisa Steele, Yoko Ono, and Jackson Pollock inspire me.I also travel a lot and have been to different places in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North,Central and South America, which inspires my work both visually and expressively. Lastly, my grandfather taught me skills specific to the art of Chinese finger painting, which influences my work as well.

Do you consider yourself to have a niche in the makeup artistry industry?

To quote my Makeup for High Fashion teacher, Tiana Tran, my style is very “avant-garde and colourful”.

Do you cosplay, or help others cosplay?

Yes, I’ve cosplayed as Minion Dave and turned my friend into Minion Kevin from Despicable Me. Other cosplays I’ve done before include Poison Ivy from Batman, Ryuk from Death Note, and Sailor Galaxia from Sailor Moon. In total, each cosplay took me about 48 hours to complete.

What advice would you give to future makeup artists?

Volunteering for events is a good way to network and meet mentors. Jump at the opportunity to work on a gig, even if you don’t feel like you meet the qualifications. Tag team with a classmate or friend so that you can support each other. Keeping a positive attitude also helps, as negativity can affect more than just you. Most importantly, show respect to everyone you work with.

What will you be showing at this year’s expo?

In line with the fairytale theme, I will create a look based on nymphs. In Greek and Latin mythology, a nymph is defined as a minor female deity typically associated with a particular location or landform; They are the spirits who make nature come to life.

How does your personality or interests show in your work?

I love colours, and my favourite is purple, so I use a lot of it in my work.As a person, I’m a happy-go-lucky girl and feel that my work proves that; they’re upbeat, funky, and fun! I also love adventures and experimenting with new things, so the process of creating my art is equally as important to me as the art itself.

Your long-term goal is to have your own company. Can you explain what this would look like, and how/when you plan to get there?

During the next 3 years, I hope to build my repertoire as a makeup artist, event planner and communications specialist. Overall, I want to incorporate all of my skills and provide a one-stop, home-based shop for my clients! I think that the toughest task to do is coming up with a business name and going through all of the administrative and legal procedures.My family owned a floral business for over 20 years, so once the setup is complete, coming up with a business plan will be fun and easy. In 10 years, I hope to have a thriving business and have both local and international clients.

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*2 DRINK TICKETS INCLUDED ($12 Value)

*2 COASTAL IMAGINATION MASKS BY COASTAL STORM GALLERY ($40 value)

*ONE SIGNED “FAIRY TALE LIFE” ART PRINT BY FOUNDER AND OWNER OF ART WORLD EXPO

MONIKA BLICHAR ($100 value)

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For The Love of Art – An Interview with Caragh Geiser of Open Door Gallery

By Alyssa Laube

About: Caragh Geiser works on both sides of the art-selling business; She both creates and exhibits paintings at her Vancouver site, The Open Door Gallery! The gallery features a unique selection of local oil and acrylic paintings, some of which will be exhibited at this year’s Art World Expo.

What made you want to establish your own gallery? How did you go about doing it?

Despite a career in science, art has always been a necessary counterpoint in my life. Then about ten years ago I found out that my hairdresser was an incredible painter. He convinced me to model for him and it all blossomed from there.

At a dark point in my life Maurice showed me how to work in colour again, in every sense. Our shared love of painting led to an amazing two year fling and a return to the brush. My first painting, after a long period without art in my life, was called Open Door – which inspired the name of the gallery.

At the time, I was mostly seeking a way to capture all of Maurice’s undocumented work, and integrate it into some sort of curated platform. Irolled in my own pieces, and then somehow the artists just kept coming.

Open Door Gallery now carries the work of 14 local Vancouver and BC painters, and offers a unique selection of over 250oil and acrylic paintings and limited edition reproductions on stretched canvas.

Why do you feel it’s important to show local art?

Think of us like afarmer’s market for locally producedpaintings. By supporting local producers, you invest in a more stable local economy and higher quality arts future for our community. Our unique format allows the consumer toaccess the remarkable work produced by their next door neighbours.

What do you think makes Canadian artwork unique?

100% of the purchase price of Canadian made art is tax deductible as a business expense. Every painting offered by Open Door Gallery qualifies for this deduction. For detailed information please download our free eBook called the Corporate Guide to Canadian Art Acquisition at www.opendoorgallery.ca.

Do you think the style of art changes depending on what area of B.C. the artist is from?

Some have a very strong connection to their surrounding geography anda deep connection to nature. I invite you to explore the work of Mihaela Stefan, Roy Geronimo, Jojo Geronimoand Marina Wright.

How do you go about finding or attracting new artists?

We’ve established a clear style, and it seems that artists who respond to our aesthetic seek us out.

What sort of message do you try to convey with your work – if there is one?

We simply want to demonstrate that beautiful art is being produced all around you every day.Purchasing this art helps artists to stay in Vancouver and keep creating.There tends to be the perceptionthat it’s everyone for themselves and that we must all grab for a piece of the pie. My philosophy is to instead view it as a collaborative process, working together to make the pie bigger. Vancouver is poised to make a much larger name for itself in the art world. We have the talent and we have the world stage, so lets step into the limelight and show off our world class creative industry.

Who and/or what inspires you?

I know it’s almost a cliche, but Vincent Van Gogh is a painter’s painter and I love his work dearly. As an artist I feel a deep connection with the work of Sergy Mann, who has continued to paint 25 years after going blind, feeling his way around using pieces of stick tack on the canvas as co-ordinate points. But most importantly, I’m inspired by the Open Door Gallery artists who continue to produce inspiring work despite day jobs, families and other commitments.

How is the diversity between your artists at Open Door Gallery important?

The broad selection of styles, size and price represented in our gallery increases the likelihood that a particular painting will connect with a viewer. You can see the various collections, such as landscapes, nudes, abstracts, celebrities, and local landmarks at our website www.opendoorgallery.ca.

There are few things more exhilarating than buying a piece of art. At least once in your life you should allow yourself to purchase a painting you fall in love with.

You do more than just create art- you also buy, sell, and exhibit it. What is it like to be involved in all of these different areas, and which is your favourite?

I like to see the buying and selling of art as a natural extension of exhibitions. For us, the thrill comes from displaying these unique works.

Since the opening of the gallery, have you changed as a person or an artist? If so, how?

I don’t know if I’ve changed much as a person but I’ve certainly worked hard at building the gallery into something I’m proud to represent, and now it is time to give something back to the community.

We have partnered with AIDS Vancouver to create the #iheartlocalart fundraising campaign for May and June, with our launch at the Art World Expo. We have packs of gorgeous greeting cards and postcards for sale online and at our booth, featuring a selection of paintings by Open Door Gallery artists.

50% of art card salesand 10% of all original artwork sales in May and June will go directly to AIDS Vancouver to support them in continuing to provide community support services including Case Management, a Financial Assistance Fund, a Grocery and Nutrition Program, and a Confidential Helpline.

During the campaign, we will be exploring the research to date on the interconnection between art and health at the local level. Science tells us that viewing art and creating art is good for your brain.I truly believe that when you find a piece of art you deeply connect with, acquiringit is an extremely healthy act.

Check out iheartlocalart.cato find out more about our exciting campaign!

Why do you work specifically with contemporary oil and acrylic painters?

Many people think that contemporary art is a style of art, but it simply means art produced in the current era. All of our artists are therefore contemporary artists. We specialize in oil and acrylic works, most of which are oil or acrylic on stretched canvas. Nothing beats the richness of oil paint,however acrylics are a very close second. The latter are cheaper, easier to work with, and less toxic. When water soluble acrylic paints became available in the 1950’s, it was a revolution for budding artists everywhere.

What is it about fruit that you find interesting to paint?

I’m attracted to colour, and some of the most dazzling colours I’ve ever seen just happen to have been on produce.

How many different art forms have you explored?

Personally, I’ve worked with pencil, watercolour, charcoal, india ink, acrylic and most recently oil. Now that I have painted with oils this will always be my preference, although with two young children at home acrylics may have to do for a few years.

What sets Open Door Gallery apart from other galleries?

We operate without a dedicated retail storefront, so we can offer our services without high commissions.

You’ve been to a lot of exhibits – the Art World Expo is one of many. What makes this event special to you?

Through the affiliate ticket sales, presale items and silent auction, the format of the Art World Expo doing it right and putting money back into the pockets of the participants. As a member of Arts and Cultural Alliance of BC, Open Door Gallery is an advocate for this type of properly integrated business model.

What do you think is the most important thing while pursuing a career in the art industry?

The most important thing is to do the work behind the art.Nobody is going to discover you, you have to show yourself to the world.

To learn more about Open Door Gallery, visit:

http://www.opendoorgallery.ca/

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor:

Happy Easter from Art World Expo!

We hope you all have a great Easter weekend-however you celebrate!

Character: Bunnymund
Fandom: Rise of the Guardians (film version)
Reason for Being Hated: Mean to Jack Frost, grouchy, showoff, hostile and unwelcoming, only genuinely appreciated by the fandom when he’s in his disbelieved state (he’s dying right then, but he’s all cuddly so he’s welcomed…?), being an Australian stereotype.

Credit: http://fyeahcontroversialcharacters.tumblr.com/

Unlimited Potential-An Interview with Steven Lemire

By Alyssa Laube

About: Steven Lemire recently discovered his passion for painting and expressing himself, along with his wife, Sanda. He creates abstract paintings and will be showcasing them at this year’s expo.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe each piece of art as one of a kind. They’re uniquely painted,modern, contemporary oil paintings with an emphasis on depth, varied colours and deep textures. Each painting draws out various emotions and perceptions, especially when spot or focusedmood lighting is added, which can give the piece more character.

Lemire_Painting 2_Laguna

What do you like about creating abstract art?

Creating abstract art affords me the opportunity of not being limited, which allows my emotions and environment to affect how the paint is applied.It’s like the old saying, “If it feels good, do it!”

Which artists inspire you?

Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí are on the edge of inspired chaos, which makes their art fun and exciting!

Lemire_Painting 3 - Raven's Escape

How do you choose which colours to use in a painting?

I run a range of colourpalettes in my thoughts, and the very first one that captures my attention gets the paint flowing onto a new canvas.

How do you use turpentine/linseed oil?

I use paint thinners and linseed oil to stretch and thin the paints. Since they are like oil and water when mixed, itcauses a natural separation, which causes some of the paints to take on a life of their own. Experimentation has led to some amazing reactions – and sometimes failed outcomes – but the surprises are what makes it more interesting.

How long does it usually take you to create a piece?

The time taken to complete a painting is mainly based on how long it takes the layers to dry. If I had a large enough studio, I think I would do multiple paintings at once, but 4 – 5 days is average if you don’t count waiting for drying times.

I worked on my first commissioned piece for 1 month before I realized I didn’t like where it was going, as it felt forced. Later, I smeared the entire canvas, began to work over the original, and let my feelings go. Within 2 days, it resulted in one of my favourite pieces (found here: http://www.anartistsblog.com/seafire/).

Do you usually go into a painting with an image or idea you want to bring to life, or do you create as you go?

I’ve tried to start with an idea in mind, but it doesn’t seem to help me reachmy goal, so I usually paint as I go. Most of the pieces I start with an idea in mind become paintings covering paintings until the result is more than what was intended.

You work with your wife, Sanda. What is it like to work with your spouse, and how do you encourage each other as artists?

Honestly, I don’t know if I would enjoy painting without her. Each time we paint, we share candlelit nights, amazing music, bottles of wine and a lot of laughter. On hot nights in Mexico, we take a late-night dip in the pool on painting breaks. It refreshes the mind and helps to create excitement and longer nights of painting!

How did living in Mexico influence you?

Living in Mexico influenced everything.Warm nights, bright starlit skies, happy people, a much slower pace of living and the lack of any stress helps to open the mind andlet it flow. As a result, we hope to return this year and not look back.

See more of Steven’s work at anartistsblog.com!