Author: monikablichar

Monika Anna Blichar was born in Latina, Italy in July, 1982. After immigrating to Canada in the early 1980’s, the family lived in Red Deer, where they bore a second daughter, and then moved west to B.C. in 1996. Monika has completed a B.A. in English and French from the University of Victoria and has also obtained a teaching credential with the B.C. College of Teachers. Primarily self taught, she has also studied art at Camosun College where she learnt various techniques and strategies in creating contemporary pieces. She continues to pursue creative projects and is exploring various professional opportunities in the arts which include body painting and events coordination. Her interests include the Humanities, writing, traveling, and being outdoors. Art has played a significant part of Monika’s life and continues to be an expression of her flowing imagination, appreciation for beauty, and a reflection of seeing beyond the obvious. Monika is currently living and working in Vancouver, B.C. She is the owner of MAB Ventures Inc., An Arts & Entertainment Agency, and is President of Make and Break Arts Foundation. Her notable projects and initiatives include founding Art World Expo, Diamond Dolls Women's Networking Group, MAB Arts Studio & Boutique Gallery and THE FAB Art Program.

Art World Expo: Artists in Cars-Brad from The Giggle Dam Theatre

by Monika Blichar

I always love meeting new artists from all kinds of backgrounds. In February, my family and I went to The Giggle Dam Theatre in Port Coquitlam for my father-in law’s birthday celebration. We all had a great time and as soon as I got home, I sent an email to Brad Lovell who works as a performer and the marketing manager there. I thought that somehow, the theatre could get involved with our organization in some way and bring even more light to artists pursuing their passions.

I caught up with Brad on Friday and had the pleasure of interviewing him in the Genesis G-80 from Genesis Richmond‘s Genesis Jenn. Here’s what he had to say about the theatre and following your passion!

Enter to win two tickets to an upcoming show with dinner by tagging two friends on our Facebook post below. Winner will be announced on April 6, 2018! Good luck!

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FArtWorldExpo%2Fposts%2F955978234564454&width=500.

Artists in Cars: Our Latest Interviews

I’ve been having a great time with these video interviews in this luxury Genesis G-80 over the last couple of weeks! Here are the latest interviews with Patrick Parenteau, photographer and Francoise Boise, body painter. Enjoy and be sure to get your tickets to our 8th annual Art World Expo today! Our event theme this year is “Eco Sustainability” and we are looking forward to seeing all your DIY, upcycled and recycled creations at the event! Tickets are available here.

Want to learn more about Genesis Richmond? Contact Genesis Experience Manager Jennifer Friesen via her LinkedIn account.

GETTING THE IMAGE THAT KEEPS YOUR MEMORY FOREVER

By Dallas Photographer Igor

Your wedding dау iѕ one that has bееn рlаnnеd fоr a lifetime; a mоmеnt in timе when аll thе рlаnеtѕ аlign аnd all stands ѕtill. A ѕuссеѕѕful wеdding dау – lоgiѕtiсаllу ѕреаking – depends on thе сооrdinаtiоn of a variety оf vеndоrѕ – аll thеrе tо deliver thеir services tо your specifications. Thеу аrе аll imроrtаnt – frоm thе muѕiс аnd fооd tо thе drеѕѕ аnd flоwеrѕ. But the оnе ѕеrviсе that is рrоvidеd on уоur wedding dау thаt will соntinuе tо tеll the ѕtоrу of your dау fоr уеаrѕ tо соmе iѕ your wеdding photography.

Wеdding рhоtоgrарhу includes thе сарturing оf аll thе moments of your special day – frоm thе рrераrаtiоn thrоugh the ceremony аnd reception. There аrе many diffеrеnt ways tо рhоtоgrарh a wedding аnd, ultimаtеlу, thе photographer аnd style оf рhоtоgrарhу thаt you choose iѕ reflective оf your uniԛuе реrѕоnаlitу and the ѕtуlе of уоur wеdding. If уоu сhооѕе wisely your wedding photographer, уоu will happily share уоur wеdding photographs for gеnеrаtiоnѕ tо соmе.

Wеdding рhоtоgrарhеrs likе Igor Photography in Dаllаѕ are fаmiliаr with ѕоmе of thе tор wedding locations tо get grеаt informal ѕhоtѕ. Whеthеr that mеаnѕ catching thе bride аѕ she laughs with hеr nеw husband оutѕidе a beautiful gаrdеn, or сарturing thе new couple hоlding hands as they wаlk dоwn a downtown Dallas ѕtrееt hаnd in hаnd, a gооd рhоtоjоurnаliѕt will be аblе tо ѕее thе opportunities fоr thе реrfесt infоrmаl shots.

Thеrе iѕ of соurѕе trаditiоnаl wеdding photography that fоllоwѕ a ѕеt раttеrn оf formal, роѕеd рhоtоgrарhу соmbinеd with рhоtоѕ taken throughout thе сеrеmоnу. Thiѕ ѕtуlе of рhоtоgrарhу hаѕ been ѕееn for many generations аnd continues tо bе thе most рорulаr ѕtуlе оf photography seen in wеdding albums еvеrуwhеrе. But today’s рhоtоgrарhеrѕ are brаnсhing оut аnd offering more nоn-trаditiоnаl and modern mеthоdѕ оf wеdding photography inсluding саndid photos аnd jоurnаliѕtiс style photography.

Thоѕе brides аnd grооmѕ whо аrе interested in infuѕing ѕоmе unique ѕtуlе intо thеir wedding рhоtоgrарhу саn dо so easily bу hiring a modern wedding рhоtоgrарhеr in Dаllаѕ such as Igor Photography, who саn capture your uniԛuе ѕtуlе thrоugh thе lens оf hiѕ camera. Tоdау’ѕ modern wedding рhоtоgrарhеrѕ саn ѕhоwсаѕе thеir talents аnd сrеаtivitу online where уоu can peruse thrоugh gаllеriеѕ in ѕеаrсh оf a ѕtуlе thаt fitѕ уоur nееdѕ.

Thе wedding рhоtоgrарhу that уоu сhооѕе will forever dеfinе уоur wеdding day tо thе generations thаt соmе аftеr you. Chооѕе ассоrding tо whаt fits your реrѕоnаlitу and style аnd уоu will enjoy a lifеtimе оf mеmоriеѕ.

When you hirе уоur wedding рhоtоgrарhеr in Dаllаѕ оr аnуwhere else, diѕсuѕѕ уоur еxресtаtiоnѕ bеfоrеhаnd. If уоu wаnt a сеrtаin ѕtуlе оf рhоtоѕ, рrоvidе uѕ with ѕоmе ideas or sample рiсturеѕ tо determine thе ѕtуlе you’re аftеr. Whilе the рiсturеѕ frоm уоur wеdding event оftеn become lasting memories fоr thе rеѕt оf уоur life, it’s the wedding photographers creativity and experience that will increase the value of your photographs, visit https://www.igorweddingphoto.com to view his work.

Art World Expo: Artists in Cars-Genesis G80 from Genesis Richmond

by Monika Blichar

A few weeks ago, I went to a great event by Project Her Inc. called “Hacking Success, Her Way”. It featured many different speakers, panelists, vendors and highlighted women doing amazing things in business. Along with some of my favourite artists and associates in my network, we enjoyed sharing a table together and learning from other women in business. One of the best parts was that I won the use of a luxury car from Genesis Richmond for the week! Anyone who knows me, knows that I always love to do interesting things with promotions for Art World Expo so this week, I’ve started doing interviews with artists involved in the 8th annual Art World Expo in the car! Be sure to follow me on YouTube and check out all the interviews!

Here’s the first in the series with Cristina Petersen who is a linguist, instructor at UBC, artist and author!

Stay tuned for more and be sure to check out Genesis.com and connect with sales representative Jennifer Friesen Genesis Experience Manager on LinkedIn. Get your tickets to the 8th Annual Art World Expo today! Tickets are available online.

Schedule of Events-Edmonton

Tonight is the night! All of us at Art World Expo are so excited to see each and every one of you this evening for our first annual Art World Expo event in Edmonton! Big thank you to the Muttart Conservatory for hosting us and to all of you who have supported the artists involved this year by purchasing your ticket! The schedule of events is below! We are totally sold out, so be sure to order your tickets for next year’s event at the Muttart on March 15, 2019 early-they will be available starting Monday morning!

See you all tonight!

Schedule of Events March 16, 2018

7:30pm Doors Open

Mingle, Purchase Art, View the Pyramids!

9:30pm Silent Auction Close

10:00pm Body Paint Competition

12:00am Event Close

Interview with Edmonton’s Soft Touch Photography

by Monika Blichar

Photography has to have an artistic eye behind it to stand out these days. After all, anyone with a smart phone can shoot and edit photos from their phones instantly today! When I saw Soft Touch Photography’s work come through on our submissions for our Edmonton show, I was excited because their photos not only capture the essence of a fleeting moment, but they are colourful, attractive and intriguing. Today, I caught up with Soft Touch Photography to learn more about their process.

1-What is Soft Touch Photography? When did you form your company?

Soft Touch Photography is a photography business runner by my husband and I, we formed our company in 2013, and had started as a dream, and now has developed into a reference only business and hopefully in the future more

2-You work with your husband. What are the best things about working together?

The best thing of working with my husband is that we compliment each other, we have fun, and keep each other focus and working towards something different that will take us outside the box, to create beautiful images and memories for our clients.

3-What kinds of things are your favourite to photograph and why?

This is a fun question because I love to photograph people and my husband loves outdoor photography. This works great for us because he is the one that finds the spots to do those amazing images that we sometimes are fortunate to have.

4-What kinds of products will you be selling and promoting at the Art World Expo Edmonton on Friday night?

We are going to be selling some of our most favourite prints.

5-Where would you like to see your photography business in five years time?

We see our photography business growing and being able for one of us to be full time in a studio someday soon.

6-Just for fun: Who is your favourite photographer and why?

My favourite is BARON STUDIO https://youtu.be/VQVZhEBdTT4–the reason why is because of their creativity.

Learn more about Soft Touch Photography on their Facebook Page.

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.

Interview with Artist Shivee Gupta

by Monika Blichar

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1-When did you start making art?

I always liked to draw and paint since age 5. But I seriously got into art in 2013.

2-Do you remember the first time you had an exhibition? What was it like to unveil your work publicly for the first time?

The first art exhibition I went to was in Wainwright at the Wainwright art show back in 2013. I was really nervous I did not think anything of it but the response from the community blew me away. I almost sold out.

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3-What kinds of things inspire you to make art?

Anything and everything. Sometimes it’s colours on furniture, shadows on walls, textures outside or the beautiful lady on the LRT staring out the window with the unique nose. It makes me want to capture that beauty and strength and put it on paper. I am highly influenced by social, racial, sexual injustices and much of my art reflects these themes.

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4-Will you have any special pieces, sale items or exclusive Art World Expo offers at this year’s Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16?

I have two exclusive pieces from a collection that is incomplete and I have not released for sale quite yet. These two pieces are very special to me as these are where I pushed comfort zone as an artist. This eclectic style of art is where I really want to be in the future.

5-Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

I think by putting more time and effort into my business I can promote it to build a brand where quite a few people will know who I am and can easily access my work.

6-Just for fun: If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

I don’t think I want to. I am happy with where I am right now, but I guess I wouldn’t mind getting chased by dinosaurs.

To learn more about Shivee, visit her Facebook Page. Thank you Edmonton for a SOLD OUT event! See you on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory.

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Interview with Calgary Artist Gloria Gelo

by Monika Blichar

I love colour more than anything. I often wear black but usually pair it with pops of colour and surround myself with loads of it. There’s something about it that makes me happy which is exactly how I felt when Gloria Gelo’s submission came in for this year’s SOLD OUT show at the Muttart Conservatory! Gloria’s work conveys passion, adventure and emotion through the use of a variety of colour and abstraction. I caught up with her to learn a little more about what she does and what she will be selling at this Friday’s event!

1-When did you start making art?

I started drawing and painting from a very early age. All I ever wanted was to become an artist. I studied fine art in college, but choices in life took me in different directions, yet all of them allowed me to remain creative in some way. I managed to be creative where creativity wasn’t always appreciated, and each journey has helped shape who I am. I believe that life leads you to who and where you need to be and mine led me through many paths that ultimately came full circle to where my heart has always been, an artist. I left my corporate job in January 2018 and finally started painting full time and living my dream.

2-What inspires you to do abstract art?

Everything! At a young age my work was very representational. When I picked up the brushes again after 30 years, I started with realism, and then quickly realized I didn’t want to feel constrained. I am a perfectionist by nature, so creating abstract art allows me to be more free and let go so the other side of Gloria has some time to play.

3-People often ask about the meaning of abstract art. What is the meaning for you?

For me, abstract art is my interpretation of either what is in front of me, or what is felt in my heart as I paint. My intent is to create art that makes people feel something, and hopefully reflect and recall moments in their lives that bring them joy.

4-Do you create work based on feelings, experiences, themes or subject matter in mind?

All of the above! When I go into the studio, I never really know how the pieces will turn out, but somehow the concepts, colours, design, and composition seem to emerge before me, almost intuitively. It’s a wonderful way to paint. In fact, a friend asked me if one of my pieces was inspired by the circles on my kitchen rug, and oddly enough, without realizing, it was!

5-What will you have at the Art World Expo on March 16 at the Muttart? Will you have an exclusive show specials or promotions?

I’m excited to showcase my work in ink, resin and acrylic polymer at the show. The colours are bright and bold. I was inspired by the 60’s for some of the work, and in an effort to get looser and more free with my paintings, I blasted the stereo and ended up with a series that is filled with movement and colour. Yes, so swing by my booth to say hello and find out.

6-What are your art plans for your business in the next five years?

That’s a good question. I want to continually explore new ways to express myself and the world around me. I hope to keep learning, grow as an artist and give back through teaching as the years go by.

6-Just for fun: If you could interview any artist past or present, who would it be and why?

Georgia O’Keefe! She was the Mother of American Modernism. She created art based on her interpretation and personal style, rather than just a realistic copy. I love her images of natural things, especially flowers, portrayed in a simple and meaningful way.

To learn more about Gloria, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to stop in at her booth at the show this Friday if you have your ticket! We are sold out this year-tickets for next year’s event will be on sale soon!

Interview with Humanitarian Artist Judy Anne D. Galdones

by Monika Blichar

Social media is awesome. It is a great tool these days to help make communication possible between people and business owners. I met Judy on Instagram and from the moment we connected online, I could sense that she is a serious artist working hard towards her goals as a professional. She was enthusiastic, professional and so eager to put her work out into various shows. When I finally met her at the Art World Expo Speaker Series in January, I was delighted to meet a bubbly, personable and committed individual. I was impressed with her desire to show and sell her work-not all artists are as motivated to be an artist and do the marketing and business side at the same time. It was only until after reading her interview answers below that I understand why she is motivated, driven and passionate about her work. Great work Judy! You are an inspiration!

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1-When did you start making art?

For as long as I can remember, I was always creating some form of art but mainly drawing. It wasn’t until high school that I started painting. I painted every now and then for about five years and never did I go to any formal schooling as this was my hobby and didn’t want any form of structure in it. Then, for almost a decade, art took the backseat as I went into college and entered a busy career in nursing. It wasn’t until four years ago, in 2014 that I got re-acquainted with it again and at the end of that year when I lost my grandma to cancer followed by a most difficult breakup, art became my world. It served as my outlet – where I found my voice, my cry. Little did I know that my deepest heartaches would unveil the most soulful part of me. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with painting and want to share this passion with all who cares to view the sight.

2-What inspires you as an artist?

Much of my inspiration comes from living life itself. Capturing life’s beauty from the most intimate thoughts and emotions to the exquisite sites of our Mother Nature is what I want to share with the world through my paintings. Through my sales, I wish not only to bring life to a room but also to help brighten the future of an adolescent in a third world country. 10% of all my proceeds goes towards a scholarship every year for a senior student in the Philippines’ Sarrat National High School who wants to further their education in order to better their lives.

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3-Will you have special promotions or exclusive offers for Art World Expo Edmonton event attendees at the Muttuart Conservatory on March 16?

Yes, I will be offering a 15% promotional discount on all my paintings – discount will be applied at checkout.

4-Where would you like to see your art business in 5 year’s time?

In five years, I hope to see my art business flourish – for my art to be in more shows and galleries. I would really love to see it prosper so that I can help more kids reach their dreams. I want to be a part of the reason that betters their world.

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5-Just for fun: If you could interview any artist living or deceased, who would it be? What would you ask them?

This is a pretty tough question as I seem to have a difficulty narrowing it to just one artist. But okay, if I had to choose I would want to interview the late Monet. I would ask what it was about lilies that gave him the obsession to paint them over and over again throughout his career. Although it was done repeatedly, each painting was still yet so remarkable and I wonder if there was a deeper reason as to why he choose this subject. Also, given that he struggled with finance and depression, I would ask, if he could relive his life again, is there anything he would change and why.

To learn more about Judy’s art and how to contribute to her fundraising towards a scholarship every year for a senior student in the Philippines’ Sarrat National High School for further education, please visit Judy’s Instagram Account. Our event in Edmonton is SOLD OUT but you can visit Judy at the Art World Expo Vancouver on May 11, 2018 at Telus World of Science. Tickets to this 8th annual installment are available.

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Interview with Edmonton’s Marley Blair

by Monika Blichar

Make up and Body Painting has fascinated me for years. When Marley Blair sent in her submission, I was beyond excited! Her work is creative, fun loving and beautiful and her experience is extensive in the industry. I caught up with her today to learn more about her work and her entry into this year’s Art World Expo Body Painting Competition!

When did you start body painting?

In junior high, I started face painting for extra cash in the summer at small-town festivals and farmers markets. I was always the person doing makeup for my friends and family members before we went out. Makeup has always been a form of creative expression for me and I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t fascinated by it. I really got into body painting when I was about 14 when I started going to raves and music festivals.The smaller parties we attended always had themes, you did not show up in just jeans and a t-shirt. Getting ready was a production. My friends and I always made costumes and had the makeup to match. My looks were a great ice breaker, I made many friends over the years because people asked me “Who did your makeup?”. The summer of 2001 I met my dear friend Chantal, she was a traveling vendor, she invited me to come work for her the following summer. Her offer was to pay for my festival tickets and would feed me as payment. The summer I spent with her is really where I got my start… I painted out of the booth for tips and trades. I remember the first day I painted Chantal hoping it might generate some interest and by the end of the afternoon I had a line up out the door. I left home that summer with just a back full of paint and a couple bucks. I went home that fall with a backpack full of cash, a whole new wardrobe and a full-fledged passion for body painting.

2-You’ve worked at a lot of festivals and even attended Burning Man. How have these festival experiences influenced your body painting and makeup business?

Going to parties gave me a platform to body paint and it was, at the time, an environment that allowed for self-expression with no judgment. Attending music festivals really opened eyes to how makeup can empower people. It can let their alter egos out. It allows people to push boundaries and embrace what truly makes them individual. Makeup is self-expression and makeup is art, it’s not something that has to be specific or have rules. That time in my life seems like forever ago but I still keep the same ideas close to my heart. I think about these things even when I’m doing makeup for a Bride or a Mom or a Drag Queen… what makes this person in front of me unique, what do they want and need to put forth? Makeup is not “one size fits all”.

3-What is your favorite part of being a makeup artist?

The ability to transform. Makeup is powerful, you can affect how people see themselves. If I can change someone’s mood or outlook on themselves for the positive that is pretty incredible.

4-Can you give us a few hints about your body paint entry for this year’s Art World Expo Edmonton?

I am the world’s biggest procrastinator and my ideas tend to change and morph often. I can promise it will be colorful.

5-Where would you like to see your makeup and body painting business in the next 5 years?

Body painting is something that I truly want to put my energy back into, it has taken a back burner to beauty makeup in my career over the years. I would love to work on more creative projects and collaborate with more people in the industry. I really want to focus more on my freelancing and teaching. Doing that full time would be my dream.

6-Just for fun: What kind of animal would you be if you could be any kind and why?

Is a mermaid an animal? You might say I’m a bit obsessed with mermaids. When I say my power color is teal it’s not an understatement. Breathing underwater, talking to fish and getting to wear a jazzy shell bra every day would be amazing!

To learn more about Marley, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to check out her body painting competition entry at this Friday’s Art World Expo at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain!

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