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.

Interview with Edmonton’s Wild Earth Artistry

by Monika Blichar

Each year, we are blessed to be able to work with a variety of artists who are so creative via our exhibitions at the Art World Expo. For our first annual Edmonton Art World Expo, the caliber of artists has not disappointed. Today I caught up with Joelle for Wild Earth Artistry who is competing in this year’s Art World Expo Body Painting Competition. She tells us about her journey as a make up artist and gives a tiny hint about her body paint entry for this Friday’s event at the Muttart!

149257_505492512848026_738631139_n - joelle Dubielew (1).jpg

1-When did you start make up and body painting?

I’ve always been an artist, but after playing around with Halloween make up for a couple years, I decided to go to school for it. I’d been working in the oilfield for way too many years and I just knew that wasn’t where I saw myself working in the future. So in 2011, I attended a film, fashion and theater course in Edmonton.

15622491_1275442445853025_3847392541833729004_n - joelle Dubielew.jpg

2-What is your favourite thing about being a make up artist? My favourite part about being a make up artist is seeing the transformation happen and seeing the model and clients reactions. It’s so fun to be able to dream up a creation in my head, but to see to come to life is so exciting! It’s the best feeling to see how happy your art has made someone else.

1186134_592495430814400_1814963215_n - joelle Dubielew (2).jpg

3-Do you have a favourite brand of make up or tool that you use? I like using torn up sponges to create texture, and help with blending.

4-Can you give us a hint about your “Lady Luck” body painting entry for Art World Expo Body Painting Competition at the Muttart on March 16? The only hint I’m giving about my “Lady Luck” body paint is….. she’s going to sparkle!

IMG_7721 - joelle Dubielew.JPG

5-Where would you like to see your arts business in five years? The last 5 years I’ve let my art sit more on the back burner. My job was the focus not my passion. I’ve recently started my own business and I’m super excited to give myself more time to create the art I love. So in 5 years from now, I just hope that I’ve better myself as an artist, that I’ve created a good name for my business and that I’m still doing what I love!

6-Just for fun: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I love travelling! I’m more of an adventurer so I would love some kind of backpacking type of trip to Europe, I love history, castles and anything old. Our world is so fascinating and interesting and I just want to see it all.

To learn more about Wild Earth Artistry, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to come to the show and check out Joelle’s entry to the body painting competition! It will be amazing no doubt!

monikaheadshot

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 Body Painter Rouge Gear Body Art

by Monika Blichar

Body paint is an amazing art form. It’s incredible what artists can create in just a few hours and even more incredible that the medium has to be washed off within the same day. It’s a fleeting kind of art-one that can only be truly enjoyed in person just after it is created. I met Rouge Gear Body Art online and have been taken with what she has accomplished-very excited to see her work in person! I caught up to her today and asked her about her work.

1-When did you start make up and body painting?

I started in October of 2016.

2-Your instagram is very active! How do you maintain such engagement on social media?

I have been in many international collaborations and online contests, since I started Halloween 2016, the first few of which were Christmas 2016. I have also had my work shared on various feature pages, and I’ve been featured in Skinmarkz Magazine. I love connecting with other artists, and appreciate all different kinds of art, as I am actually a mixed media artist! I have made some amazing friends, and it is easy to find inspiration and beauty everywhere. Happily, I am consistently approached by other artists for friendship, and collabs, I try to be a support whenever possible. The Instagram Body Art Community is an amazing supportive place. I count myself honoured to be among some of the most talented, awesome people I have ever met, let alone be considered their friend and collaborate with them!

3-Your range of characters and make up is extensive. Do you have a favourite project or character you have created?

Yes, I get bored easily, and I love to challenge myself! I am known for my Skulls and Cat characters. My most recent favourite project was a demon transformation, from a human I divided into 4 parts. I was also required to write a story to connect all the makeup looks as well. I won second prize in this online contest, always so exciting!

4-Can you give us a hint about your “Lady Luck” body painting entry for Art World Expo Body Painting Competition at the Muttart on March 16?

I have something pretty intense planned, there will be accessories, and possibly prosthetics as well.

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

I’d like to be able to help support my family, and stay at home with my daughter! I have a secondary account for my Carvings, Jewellery and Sculptures @rougegearsurvivalart on Instagram.

6-Just for fun: If you could do make up for anyone past, present or future, who would it be?

That’s a tough one! I would love to meet so many artists, I hardly know where to begin although my favorite makeup artist is Mimi Choy, or @mimles here on Instagram. I love science fiction and fantasy so much, I would love to work with Tim Burton, or Guillermo del Toro.

To learn more about Rouge Gear Body Art visit her active Instagram account! Be sure to check out her entry into the Art World Expo Edmonton Body Painting Competition on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Barbara Mitchell

by Monika Blichar

It’s always very exciting to meet artists who push boundaries and really go for it creatively. Barbara Mitchell is one of those kinds of artists. She mixes, changes, adds and alters things that we wouldn’t normally think of to create really wonderful and unique pieces of works. She is also an avid teacher and welcomes all kinds of people to take her workshops. I caught up with her today to learn more about her process and her work.

When did you start to make art?

I began doing acrylic mixed media in 2008. Never having done any form of artwork before that, I was surprised to find out that I loved the outpouring of the creative muse on the canvas, which was different than how I had expressed myself previously. Ever since quite young, I had always written articles and stories, but mainly poetry, and I was blessed in having been published many times. Writing was my expression.

But in 2005 my mom died and from then on, words became too heavy and so I was looking for a new way to say what needed saying. Art is a wonderful way to do this because one can disengage from emotion and just paint with feeling, whereas for writing, one must be involved fully, emotionally, so that the words can make it to the page in the manner we want them to be heard/read.

I went on from acrylic painting to encaustics to water-media to many forms of mixed media…alcohol inks on tile and yupo paper, shadowboxes, mix media ladies, altered bottles, jewelry…and it continues to this day, always changing things up. I create late into the night, and because I am retired, I paint all day too! How lucky can a gal be!!

You are teaching workshops – can you tell us about your programs and how people can sign up?

In my studio I hold many women’s classes focusing on art, techniques, demos, but we enjoy a lot of sharing and camaraderie also. I do instruct outside my studio too, and have been blessed to teach frequently at the Treasured Memories Scrapbook Store, Camrose Chuck MacLean Art Center, Central Lion’s Senior Center, North Edmonton Senior’s Association and Smeltzer House, along with visits to Calgary where I have taught also. Recently I enjoyed a day-partnership with Darlene Madden from Inspiro Mix Media Works, co-instructing with her in her own studio in St. Albert…I led the group in poetry, Darlene guided us making spirit boxes. We will be adventuring again, together in this, on March 10th.

You can contact me by email : brjn@shaw.ca

Or by phone/text – 780-289-2121

It is best when you just contact me with your interests and tell me what day or weekend works for you. I get back to everyone and send images by email of my workshops and what you can expect. I do a lot by word of mouth, or when I am at markets, shows, gallery showings or teaching, I hand out brochures.

I teach alchohol inks on tile (tile whimsy), vases, cupboard doors also “art in the round” where we take upcycled light fixtures and turn them into beautiful globes that come with a stand. They are decorative and usually displayed indoors, though I have found they can sit outside in a covered area if there is no direct sunlight. Alcohol inks though brilliant in color, will, like anything, fade quickly in hot direct sun.

I love teaching altered bottles, mix media ladies, encaustics, tissue painting and acrylic such as The Socerer’s Forest (shown above), and lately I am instructing alot of pour workshops where we utilize acrylics in our pours but mix it up with other yummy ingredients.

You say you are an experimental artist. Can you tell us what that means?

Experimental to me, means I am not bound or guided by rules. If it is suggested not to mix two ingredients together, then likely I will want to pursue it just to see what effects I can get. Most often I am very pleased. It might mean painting on cupboard doors instead of canvas, mirrors instead of wood, integrating leather and lace in a perhaps “conventional” painting, which then makes it more avante garde and not so conventional.

I guess in a tiny way, I am a rule breaker. I do follow some fundamentals of basic art principals, like using the right brush to create clouds, or the right watercolor brush for a certain watercolor affect, but generally I am happy “dancing in a pot of paint” creating my own adventures, that I then share with the public at markets and workshops.

Dancing in a Pot of Paint is my website name which I hold onto and pay for, but no longer have the actual website. After being severely hacked a couple of years ago, I just didn’t quite find the time to put myself back out there….so I guess I am also ‘experimenting’ with having no website and no social media. But the experience has shown me I am very busy by word of mouth and I email a lot with potential seekers of art and workshops, by just sending my photos and information through the one-on-one channel of communication.

For me, it works.

It would not be everyone’s way to go.

Will you have any show specials, promotions or exclusive offers for Art World Expo Edmonton attendees on March 16 at the Muttart?

I do have a draw at my table where I give away an art item I created. Please stop by, say hello, enjoy the art and put your name in!

I will be showcasing many of my tile art pieces and will have an “Art World Expo special” where anyone who purchases two tile art can have a third at half price.

I will also have many of my altered bottles on display as well as a few mix media ladies and my curved glass pieces.

Where would you like to see your art/business in 5 years?

In all honesty I am very happy where I am at now. I love to hold the classes while people wish for them and the interest is there. But I also love time for my kids and family and friends, travelling and enjoying my yard/garden. So I re-evaluate each six months or so, and change things up according to how I feel at the time.

Certainly in five years time I still want to be creating, enjoying color, and dancing with the muse!

Just for fun: If you could interview any artist living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I would wish to interview Rumi. He was a poet and sufi mystic, born 1207 and died 1273, whose treasures of wisdom and colorful insight offer me constant poetic uplifting. His poems make me think, ponder some more, want to change the way I live my life, embrace all things good and beautiful and find joy in the not so happy moments as well.

I would want to ask him….who did you love that you write of such joy…and such sorrow? Where did you walk that you know not only the beauty of the landscape but the inner landscape of emotion of the heart and soul as well? What pictures did you draw in your own mind that you can so readily impact me 870 years later, with your simple but profound language and make me paint beautiful and invigorating artwork, just by reading your words?

To learn more about Barbara Mitchell, send her an email or visit her at the show! You can’t find her online so you must be sure to get a ticket for the show on March 16, 2018! See you there!

monikaheadshot

Interview with Edmonton Artist Mira Nova

Mira Nova headshot by Agata Raymond Photography

by Monika Blichar

I love meeting new artists, especially ones that can do things I can’t. It’s amazing the talent that has signed on for the first annual Art World Expo Edmonton. Mira Nova was one of the first artists to sign on for our event and looking through her work, I was eager to meet her. She has a fluidity to her work that is both soothing and powerful at the same time. Her ability to convey and capture softness and confidence is why I chose her Hawk to be on this year’s flyer. In her explanation of the piece, she says that hawks represent messengers and for Art World Expo, that is exactly what our goal is to offer artists and the general public. We are the messengers of creativity soaring through time and space to share art and imagination with guests, readers, followers, fans and what has become our wonderful art family.

1-When did you start making art?

I’ve drawn since I was little. It was always an activity that I did most. That and playing outside or with pets.

2-What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the depths of emotion, constantly working on ways to bring them together. There is beauty in the dark aspects too, in a way that brings more life if that makes sense. So I like to bring it all together when I can.

11891269_398248440376857_7753496793696173795_n - Mira Nova (1).jpg

3-You work a lot with animals as a subject matter. What is it about animals that inspires you to create?

Animals have filled a large part of my life. From pets at home, to experiences at wildlife sanctuaries, they’ve always held a grounding, spiritual connection for me. Many moments of understanding, learning to trust, and bonding. Fascination with their ways of being keeps me captivated all the time.

4-This year, your image is featured on the Art World Expo Edmonton flyer. Can you tell us about this piece?

The Hawk was inspired by a good friend of mine Meighan, she commissioned me to draw it for her. When I began to draw it, the patterns and flow came out very naturally, it’s always great when that happens, sometimes things take a while to come together.

I heard a story a long time ago about the hawk being a messenger, so I drew a bubble just under the wing that I intended to put a message inside. As I drew it, I started to think it would be better for the person viewing the image to derive a message of their own, so I left it open for them.

5-Where do you see your work and business in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to have a few series out and finally experience being a vendor at the Whyte Avenue Artwalk. If everything goes well, tattoo will also be a part of my skill set in the future.

6-Just for fun: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

There are so many places I’d love to travel. Anywhere that is rich in nature, art and music, I would be happy to explore. The one that sticks out the most right now is Iceland.

The sense of wonder and creativity that is evoked when looking at Mira Nova’s pieces are an extension of the meaning of the artist’s name itself. Creating new wonders, this Edmonton-based illustrator and visual artist uses illustrations and paintings to show us a world that is bursting with vivid colors and enchanting lines.

Mira Nova has shown her pieces at various galleries, including the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Bleeding Heart Gallery. Additionally, her work has been featured at several local events and cafes, including festivals such as Reign Bough Fiddle and Spectrum. She was the principal designer for the Reign Bough Fiddle Music and Arts Festival (AB) poster in 2017.

To learn more about Mira Nova, visit her Facebook Page and be sure to visit her at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 happening at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain! Get yours today!

Interview with Edmonton’s Aurora Artistry

by Monika Blichar

I have loved make up like most girls since being introduced to it in my teenage years. When we were in high school, we experimented with lots of different kinds of make up and I remember that when Halloween rolled around, it was the time of year where everyone got into make up! Since my teenage years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing some of the most talented make up artists in the country via Art World’s body painting competition. Today, I caught up with Aurora Artistry to learn more about her company! Looking so forward to seeing her entry into the first annual Art World Expo Edmonton Body Painting Competition!

1-What is Aurora Make Up Artistry?

Aurora Artistry is a Hair, Makeup and Body Art business ran by myself, Deonna Fetzko. The name stems from the Aurora Borealis, I grew up in a very small Northern Alberta town underneath the inspiring glow and that’s how I want to make people feel. Aurora aims to let your true colors dance. I provide mobile services as well as services out of my home. My goal is to make anyone who receives our services feel like a complex piece of art. No matter if it’s a glamorous editorial, a wild costume or a natural day look I hope to make every person really “feel” their look. Everyone has unique qualities and I love to accent and play those up!

2-When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the make up industry?

I always have wanted to be a mother. When asked as a kid what I wanted to be it was always “A mom and -” So when I finally found myself ready to search for a career I knew I wanted something I could do from home, on my schedule. I was always involved in theatre and performing, would paint large dragons and vines on my face and shoulder in high school just for fun and wear it to school. One day my mom sent me a link to a makeup school and it just flew from there. I moved to Calgary 9 hours from home and got an International Certification in Makeup Artistry and my love for the beauty industry and the art scene has just developed from there.

3-What kinds of jobs or projects are your favourite?

Avante Garde, Body Paint and Runway work has to be my favourite. Though I’m very new to Body Paint. Being able to really stretch my creative muscles and put together a large project gives me a wonderful sense of satisfaction. I love to test if i can bring my hands to do what my brain is creating and playing with textiles and texture.

20171025-053354-C5D_4563 - Levi Mass (3).jpg

4-What could you tell make up artists who are emerging in the field about business and art?

Get the schooling. Youtube and instagram are great but there are so many things as far as the science behind makeup goes that you are missing that could potentially put your clients at risk if you don’t get proper training. Also don’t sell yourself short! In my experience undercharging and giving away your work does nothing for your career besides empty your wallet. Trade for portfolio work is good, while you need to build your portfolio, don’t overdue it.

5-Can you give us any hints about your “Lady Luck” body painting entry for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16?

You wont be able to keep your “eye” off of her.

6-If you could paint any historical or current person, who would it be and why?

Bob Ross. It would just be so much fun and I would love to pick his brain for paint techniques!

To learn more about Aurora Artistry visit their Facebook Page and be sure to cheer her on in the body painting competition happening on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, Alberta! We are running low on tickets, so be sure to grab yours today before we are sold out!

Interview with Edmonton artist Mel’s Big Art

by Monika Blichar

I always admire people who do different things. Mel’s Big Art is no exception to people who do different things and I was thrilled when her submission came in for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16, 2018. Melanie Schoenberger does custom art and woodburning which we just don’t see a lot of in the Art World. She describes herself as a Canadian self taught Artist focusing on Woodburning Pyrography, Acrylic, Charcoal, Multimedia painting and drawing. I caught up with her to learn more about her work and what she will be bringing to our event this year.

1-When did you start making art?

I started making art at a very young age as my father was a self taught artist. So he was a huge influence.

2-What inspired you to pursue art as a career rather than keep it a personal interest?

I was doing some pieces as gifts for friends and family and then I was occasionally doing commissions for people with always positive feedback. So it became a goal of mine to eventually create it into a business.

3-Your work incorporates a lot of natural wood. Why did you choose this medium?

I work at mill work shop so it started with bringing home scrap pieces of wood and making simple wood boxes with hand draw pyrography designs or painting on them. It slowly progressed into drawing and painting on larger panels. I like the rawness and working with the flaws and flow of the wood grain.

4-What can people expect when they visit your exhibit at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have show specials or contests for guests?

This has been the biggest event I’ve been in to promote myself. I am going to do a draw box for a gift card.

5-If you had to explain the Edmonton Arts Scene to someone who hasn’t ever visited Edmonton, what would you tell them about? Where are the best places to find local art?

I’m new to Edmonton so I’m still discovering myself. Looks very promising though.

6-Where do you see your art business in the next five years?

The next 5 years is going to be exciting. I want to be an established artist and make it a full time career.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite vacation destination?

Paris so far is my ideal vacation destination. I’ve had the opportunity to go there twice. It feeds my artist side with the history and museums. But I do love anywhere with beaches too.

To learn more about Mel’s Big Art visit her website and be sure to stop at her exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain, get yours today before we are sold out!

Interview with HumbleTara

by Monika Blichar

As we approach the Edmonton event, I find that the level of anticipation and stress increases for everyone involved in making this event happen! From all the little details to the final layouts and line ups, we are all getting ready for a great night! During the time where everything is busy and we are doing a million things at once, it is always great to remember to be “humble and kind” which brings me to my next artist interview with Tara Clelland, aka “Humble Tara”. I caught up with her and she’ll be telling us about what her brand stands for and some of her inspirations.

1-When did you start making art and when did you know that you wanted to pursue it as a career?

I have been creating whimsical pieces of art for years, privately. I let the world know in the summer 2014. I felt it was too personal to share with anyone. I paint with my heart. It takes a great deal of vulnerability to show the world your soul. I wasn’t ready till 2014.

Making art is a passion for me. If I could do this as a career, I would be on top of the world!!! If I can pay bills and do what I love?? Bonus!!

2-Your art name is “Humble Tara”. What does this name represent to you and your art?

The common theme in my life has been “be humble and kind”. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This world needs kindness and it starts with us. Everyone has a story. Being humble is putting others ahead of yourself.

The intention of my work is to evoke a “reaction”, a “feeling”. The stories I hear from people are truly amazing and inspiring. If I can give that person a “moment”, then I am fulfilled.

3-You mention that you paint a lot for mental health. How has making art helped you? What would you recommend others to start with if they were looking to use art as therapy?

Yes I use art as my therapy. Like a form of meditation. When I paint I only think about painting. I am present in the moment. Sometimes my anxiety is overwhelming, I shut out the world while I paint what is going on in my head.

My recommendation for others to start their art journey is to JUST DO IT. Get a pad of paper (thick paper is better) and a acrylic palette (like paint by number containers) and just let your mind flow to your fingers. Do not judge your thoughts or what you create..let it flow. Getting started can be very inexpensive.
4-What can guests expect to see at your exhibit? Will you have show specials or contests?

I am bringing a variety of pieces to show the diversity in mixed media. Classic cars, animals and a few abstracts.

Yes I most definitely will have show specials!! Stay tuned to find out!

5-Where would you like to see your art business in five years time? Any big goals or dreams you would like to share?

What I would like my art business to be like in 5 years, is to attend/contribute to more exhibitions across Canada. To have a recognizable brand. Also receiving commissions from patrons looking to capture their beloved vehicles in canvas form.

A dream of mine is to do a VERY large canvas for a patron. The options are limitless.

6-If you could be a superhero, which one would you be and why?

If I was to be a superhero I would most likely be Rogue. She is strong and has the amazing ability to absorb people’s memories via touch. For the people who are suffering, I would take away the pain for them. And of course she can fly!!!

To learn more about Tara’s work, visit her website.

Bio:

I am a self taught artist. I have been doing art my entire life, privately, for my mental health. My first public show was the Edmonton Whyte Avenue Artwalk of 2015. My favourite medium is acrylic. Miscellaneous types of paper and adhesives are a few of my “go to” tools to use in my work. Making 3 dimensional objects into 2 dimensional objects is such a rewarding challenge for me. I love animals, automobiles, landscapes and just about anything I can create into a whimsical collage of colour.

Interview with Edmonton Artist Maureen Donovan

by Monika Blichar

There are many artists in Edmonton but what drew me to Maureen was actually her Instagram account. She is active, robust and very engaging on her IG which is something very nice to see. Her work ranges from all sorts of subject matter but it is her eagerness to express herself creatively that is so conveyed in her work. I haven’t met her yet, but I know that from our interactions in the vortex of the online world, we will become great friends I am sure! I caught up to Maureen and here’s what she had to say about watercolour, life and super-powers.

1-Why did you choose watercolour as a medium?

It found me actually. I was so busy in my life that I needed something to bring me back to calm, peace, my center and found advertised in our community paper of Onoway AB Adult Watercolour courses at the high school by artist Dave Ripley. That was it. I took one course and I was hooked.

2-You say that you had spent most of your life doing anything but art. How has art changed your life since discovering your passion for it?

Art enhanced my life! It takes me out of life’s whirlwind of busyness and captivates me. Art keeps me spellbound while creating in the moment. Mixing colours and transforming them into an art work is rewarding. It’s a positive, spiritual experience. It’s fun! It’s JOY!

3-You mention that you have taken inspiration from your travels for your art. Where is your favourite place you have visited and have you painted it?

I have been to so many countries. I have just begun to paint series of paintings from those travels. I Love Africa, our ocean adventures, Asia…there are too many places to mention and so much to paint. It would take more than a life time to paint all my favourite places and wildlife. And we are still traveling. It’s like I paint from my photographs and memories and people get to know who I am through my art.

4-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years?

Because there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from I hope my style becomes recognizable as my own. If in 5 years one person was to say ‘that looks like Maureen’s work’, I would feel like I have achieved this goal.

5-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Let your self resonate in your creations. Experience the love and joy in expression. Be confident in and trust your uniqueness. Let your passions guide you.

6-For fun. If you had a super power, what would it be?

I would love to be able to give others the ability to see their gifts and talents and the trust to develop them to acheive their dreams.

Words to share: Never be afraid to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity – for you never know – you just might uncover a passion that may change the way you dream, care for yourself and how you discover every moment in life that belongs to you – colour it proudly!

To learn more about Maureen, visit her famous Instagram account and check out her exhibit at the Muttart on March 16, 2018! Get your tickets today, we are running low with only 83 tickets left!

Denis Bouvier: Edmonton Visual Artist

by Monika Blichar

Art can do so many things. One of those things is undoubtedly striking a cord within the viewer. What is it that does that to us? The messages behind the work? The talent demonstrated in the skill or technique? The magnitude of art is undeniable and in today’s world, it is exciting to see artists who know this and create work to inspire others.

Today, I had the chance to interview Denis Bouvier a talented Edmonton based oil painter who tells us about touching the spirit of another person through his work and what we can expect from his exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 18. 2018.

1-What inspired you to want to start a career as an artist?

By creating from my own hands; I’ve become addicted to invoking emotional responses within observers. It feels great receiving feedback when I do something that touches the spirit of another person.

2-Were you encouraged as a child in the arts? Is anyone in your family artistic?

My mother and I oil paint together fairly regularly, she is a huge inspiration. As a child I saw both my parents as creative types, my Father, “the Fabricator” and my Mother, “the Decorator”. Luckily, I was raised in a home that allowed me to express my artistic self.

3-Your choice medium is oil. What do you like about oil painting?

Oil paints allow for phenomenal results when combined with skillful hands. No other medium creates the depth you can achieve, the colours are captivating.

4-Many of your works are inspired by nature. Is there a reason for this theme in your work? Why are you so inspired by Nature?

Nature is perfect and cannot be improved upon, breathing my life into wonders that will be here long after I’m gone just never goes out of style. Also, I enjoy painting eyes and attempting to capture a glimpse into the windows of a soul.

5-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition at the Muttart on March 16? Will you have contests or show specials?

I will bring a small sample of my different work, blue ocean life and life above sea level. Perhaps a painting of death also…

6-Just for fun: If you could be a superhero, what kind of super power would you have?

A superpower of my choice would be; the ability to fly anywhere in time or space, to be a fifth dimensional being.

To learn more about Denis’ work, visit his website and be sure to attend the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory! There are under 100 tickets left-secure yours today!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Aryn Effert

by Monika Blichar

I love learning about why artists do what they do. I find it fascinating what drives people to want to pursue their craft and passion and always try to study those who are passionate about what they do. What is it that drives us to follow our dream, act on our ideas or pursue our goals?

Today I caught up with Edmonton based artist Aryn Effert who tells us about how she started in art and what inspires her to continue to pursue her creative side. Aryn’s work is featured on the Edmonton event flyer this year and we choose it as it demonstrated a connectivity between living things which also reflects our mission expanding the Art World Expo into new cities such as Edmonton and Toronto. Intriguing, inspiring and insightful, Aryn’s work is one that cannot be missed at the Muttart on March 16.

1-When did you start painting and what made you want to be a professional artist?

I started when I was a child, my Mom ensured I always had pencils and paints; she registered me in nature drawing classes and my family has always encouraged me. The professional part is relatively new, having met some wonderful local Artists through Kaleido they inspired me to give it a try.

2-What has been your greatest inspiration so far?

Animals and Architecture. Animals for the challenge in capturing their personalities in the painting or sketch, their movement and the depth of colour in their fur or fins. With Architecture it stems from a love of unique structures and well built and designed buildings, growing up my Dad cultivated my interest in construction and design.

3-Your painting is featured on the Art World Expo Edmonton flyer. Could you tell us about this piece and what inspired you to create it?

Intersections started out as a concept of paths crossing. It evolved to depict the two male Betta fish at a point where the viewer is unsure if a battle is about to start or if they will continue on their own way. I began painting it after my own life seemed to have strangely aligned intersections with others’ lives.

4-What can guests expect to see at your booth? Will you have any contests, sales or special promotions just for Art World attendees?

Several new pieces based on Edmonton are in the works, specials on my older paintings that I hope to send off to new homes and prints & postcards of my paintings and photographs taken here in Edmonton.

5-In five years, where would you like to see your art business?

Continuing it as a part time joy, creating it, sharing it with others, enjoying others works and company along the way. In 5 years I hope to be well on my way to becoming an Architect, using art as a means of communicating my visions.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite meal and why?

That’s a hard one! I have to say the Palak Paneer on Saffron Rice by Indian Fusion; it looks terrible but has such a rich and savory taste! I enjoy the initial reactions of people who haven’t had it before, the horror at the color and the way their eyes light up at the first bite; truly delightful!

To learn more about Aryn, visit her Facebook Page and be sure to visit her at the Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory on March 16! Get your ticket today!