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The Great Idea: An Interview with Painter Leanna Litvinenko

by Alyssa Laube

Before her attendance at Emily Carr, Leanna Litvinenko’s artwork was all about realism. During her high school years, she spent her time copying photographs “and getting them to look as realistic as possible.” This natural inclination sprouted from the presence of Classical Realism throughout her childhood and resulted in a colourful collection of oil paintings featuring bold, detailed faces. In fact, this practice was what initially brought Litvinenko to Emily Carr. Yet, strangely enough, it is also where her art strayed from the concrete and into the abstract. After some personal reflection at the university, Litvinenko began to focus on “a great idea behind something” for the first time. Today, it is a part of her everyday work.

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“I was asked to question everything, including myself, my intentions, and whether my art has the ability to impact the world in any way,” said Leanna, about how Emily Carr inspired her current pieces. “I see a lot of parallels between the way I live my life and the way I handle my abstract paintings. In my current work, there are many layers. The process is quite chaotic but the result is harmonious, kind of like my personality. That brings me satisfaction because it confirms that I am staying true to myself and, therefore, am on the right track.”

While her time in school did push Livinenko to ask the bigger questions, travelling abroad greatly influenced her artistry as well. After visiting Northern India in 2013, she was “taken by the culture, the vastness of Himalayan mountains, and the freedom [she] felt.” In Europe, she studied the great works of the Renaissance and improved her understanding of human anatomy. New York’s Museum of Modern Art introduced her to abstract impressionism and sent her on a “learning frenzy” about the genre. Finally, growing up in Ukraine, specifically, left its impression on the artist with its vibrant culture. Specifically, Leanna adored Ukrain’s many street artists. “Those artists are who I looked up to growing up, and I am still in awe of their technical abilities.,” she happily recalled. “I could not find a way to express the impact it all had on my psyche with realistic paintings,” said Litvinenko, about her globetrotting. Thus, her abstract work was born.

The work itself is multi-media; the paintings are created using a combination of chalk pastels, ink, watercolour, spray paint, acrylic paint, and gels. In terms of process, Leanna likes to demonstrate her “great idea” of chance. The work revolves around “lucky mistakes” or, as put by Litvenenko, “unexpected turning points in the process, conceived by the paint itself, that take the work in a whole new direction.” She sees herself as nothing more than a “necessary active agent”, despite constructing everything from the canvas to the piece itself.

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“Normally, I begin the painting near the centre by drawing with pastels and mixing it with liquefied acrylic, followed by a spill of water. After, I spray the wet surface with spray paint. The chemical reaction between these two mediums creates an interesting design. I repeat those actions until I see something I like,” Litvenko explained, about her artistic process. “I can’t get too attached to anything I make in the process, as the next layer might cover it completely. If I get too attached to something in the piece, I treat is as a precious object and the painting stays incomplete. One of my professors told me, ‘Don’t be afraid to kill your babies’, referring to the destruction of unsuccessful creations that inhibit the ability to move forward. Now, I work by that mantra, and it has been a wonderful ride so far.”

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Leanna will be exhibiting at this year’s Art World Expo in Vancouver.

Buy tickets to the event here or visit Leanna’s site to learn more about her or purchase a piece.

Your Favorite Artist-Robert Mulolo interviewed by Monika Blichar

I AM YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR Robert Mulolo talks with Monika Blichar about his work, his inspiration and even Fresh Prince of Belair!

The Art of Event Planning: Kat Kou Events

The Art of Event Planning: An Interview with Kat Kou of Events by Kat Kou

An Art World Expo Spotlight

By Alyssa Laube

Not all of the artists that attend the AWE are exhibiting. As a matter of fact, many of the ticket holders are artists who have come to admire the work of likeminded people in their city. One of those ticket holders was Kat Kou, whose experience as a makeup artist drew her to the Expo. Upon arriving at Science World, she “fell in love with the whole concept,” and later used her skill with makeup to work at one of Monika’s Halloween events.

It was this skill that brought her to other special events, where she got a behind-the-scenes look at how they were run. Before long, she found herself “fascinated with the creative process of event planning,” and she moved to Toronto to explore her passion. “Because I always enjoyed upbeat, social environments, starting an event planning company was easy for me,” said Kat, about starting up her business, Events by Kat Kou. Since it’s inception, the company has hosted “anything from Sick Kids fundraisers to wine and cheese nights, comedy functions, and speed dating events.” Recently, she planned an indie pop show at a local Toronto bar, and in the future, she will be planning Toronto’s Art World Expo.

“I chose to work with AWE for many reasons,” said Kat, about her involvement with the Expo. “For one, I am an artist myself and enjoy surrounding myself with creative environments. It’s definitely not your average art event, as they’re always upbeat, vibrant and full of talented people! It has been successful in Vancouver for years now and I want to see the event grow. I think that AWE’s going to be big in Toronto and I am honoured to be part of the success.”

Her high opinion of the Expo combined with her talent as an event planner should ensure that it’s a night to remember. “To be in the event planning business, you definitely have to be a people person. I have always enjoyed being around people, so having an energetic and bubbly personality will get you places,” said Kat, she she has it in spades.

“I have always taken pride in my events being unique. I do not believe in limiting myself and always find a way to collaborate with local talents,” she continued, about her approach with Events by Kat Kou. “ It could be something as simple as a staff party, but I always manage to make sure everyone has a good time. Guests are usually encouraged to dress up to match the theme of event, which always makes things a lot more fun!”

It will be exciting to see how Events by Kat Kou leaves its mark on the Art World Expo. The combination of a fantastic event with a fantastic event planner cannot disappoint, especially when both sides believe wholeheartedly in the cause they’re supporting. Stay tuned to learn about which direction the event is headed in, and watch http://www.katkou.com/ for other great ways to spend your day.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor:

The Art of Hooping: An Interview with Colleen Costello of Hoop You

An Art World Expo Artist Spotlight

By Alyssa Laube

The art form known as “hooping” has a diverse and long-standing history. Although it originated in Egypt as early as the tenth century, it swept many nations throughout the world. In England, Switzerland, and America, it was used for various purposes; the Native Americans began hoop dancing as a medium for storytelling, using the hoop as a symbol for the eternal cycle of life. In the twentieth century, the hoop was commercialized. They were sold in stores as toys for children, first in Australia, and then more widely in America, but it wasn’t until the nineties that modern hooping was born. At live shows, bands started throwing them into the audience for fans to dance with, and the trend caught on. It wasn’t long until they were being used at huge festivals such as Burning Man, and the subculture of hoopers began to grow. Today, it’s thought of as an official dance medium; it’s a new way to have fun and burn calories, similar to zumba and jazzercise (which is still painful to say out loud). There was even a hoop dancer on Ellen the other day. How much bigger can the movement get?

Of course, the Art World Expo isn’t one to miss an opportunity, so dancers from Hoop You will be performing at this year’s event. The company’s founder, Colleen Costello, started hooping over five years ago, and was shocked at how much she loved it.

“It completely changed the way I saw myself,” said Colleen. “It created a space for me to jump around and flail like a kid again; to dance just because I felt like it to music that I love. The hoop provides immediate feedback that you’re doing it right (i.e.: it stays up) and it’s easy to forget about how you look while doing it, which as an adult woman, doesn’t happen too often.” Her past experience also encouraged her to pursue hooping. “Having worked as a musician for many years, the stage doesn’t scare me. Music is very integral to dance, so it seemed like a natural leap to make,” she explained.

Dispatch Talent – Fireguy & his Crew

That leap was made with the creation of Hoop You, which covers everything from fire dancing (described by Colleen as having “a literal flare”) to choreographed group hoops. They also do solo shows, and “Fun Zones” or workshops, which encourage public participation in the dances. At the Art World Expo, they will be featuring a hoop troupe hoop (say that five times fast!) with a glow performance, and possibly outdoor fire dancing.

“I met Monika (the founder) in Vancouver about the same time I picked up a hula hoop. I was new to the city and found her enthusiasm for the arts – especially women in the arts – very inspiring at a time when I needed it. Her dedication to art as her business and the vigour with which she pursues it has continued to encourage everyone around her to work for themselves in the careers they are passionate about. The Art Expo in Vancouver is a great event, so when I heard she was bringing to Toronto, I jumped at the opportunity to work with her again!”

The Art World Expo and everyone at MAB Ventures Inc. is equally as excited to work with Hoop You. They stick out in the industry for their genuine intent; hooping is more than just a money making ploy for Colleen and her employees.

“We love what we do and it shows,” she confirmed. “I want to be spreading joy in living through dancing. I am a big believer in communication and try to treat the people I hire with the same respect the client gets. Because I work to fit myself into a competitive market while still retaining a community feel, I aspire to act from trust rather than competition. It sometimes backfires, but at the end of the day, it means I feel good about my goals and intentions. We at Hoop You value longevity over the quick sell.”

To see Hoop You’s group hoops, glow performances, and fire dancing, attend Toronto’s Art World Expo or visit one of their hoop dance websites to set up your own event!

Last Day to Submit at the Early Bird Rate-Vancouver!

Are you an artist who needs some exposure for your art? Do you create something that is unique and out of the box?

We are looking for YOU! Be sure to take advantage of the early bird rates as an Art World Expo TM exhibitor and join one of the most interesting shows in Vancouver, and now Toronto!

Application forms for Vancouver artists and more information can be found: HERE

Bringing Back Bubblegum Pop: An Interview with Solo Artist Indigo

By Alyssa Laube

“The genre of pop has always been natural to me,” said musician Indigo, who will be performing at the Art World Expo in Toronto’s Hard Rock Cafe this year. “This isn’t a surprise considering I grew up in the 90’s and 2000’s when pop, R&B and hip-hop were dominating the music world.” Certainly, the powerhouse songstresses of that time can be heard in her songs, ranging from the lively hooks of Madonna and the Spice Girls to the soulful crooning of Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys. As a matter of fact, Indigo seems to emulate the charm of bubblegum pop’s poster child, Britney Spears. It’s the upbeat sound combined with the darling image that evokes images of America’s (ex) sweetheart, but although the parallel can be made, Indigo brings something fresh to the table. Like Britney, she’s a solo act who describes herself as “flexible” when it comes to who she works with, but all-in-all, she’s more involved, unprocessed, and authentic. Basically, every Indigo original starts and ends with her. Along the way, fellow musicians and producers may lend a helping hand, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to Indigo.

Although she’s a true indie artist, her live shows (such as the one that will be taking place at the Hard Rock) are played with a three-piece backing band. James Karfilis, “a good friend and an incredible artist with many creative projects on-the-go,” plays guitar, sings backup, and helps co-write. Ben Müller, the bassist, and Bradley Connor, the drummer, joined Indigo on stage together with their talent, musicianship, and admirable stage presence at hand. For Indigo, who “looks for heart, commitment, and drive in people,” this was exactly what she needed. The trio gives her shows a full sound and a high, positive energy. It’s the group’s expertise and friendly dynamic that promises a good night out of any Indigo performance, which usually consists of both originals and cover songs.

“Throw back tunes are a great way to connect with the audience because it’s speeds up the process of getting them comfortable with the band,” said Indigo, about her choice of covers. “It hits a nerve that makes them want to dance or sing along. For a performer, that’s the dream!”

Rather, that’s one of the dreams. Another one of Indigo’s is to publish an EP, but it will soon become a reality. The five-song record, entitled Child, is being released track-by-track (and two are available on iTunes already), but will be “re-released as a collection eventually”.

“All five tracks follow a chronological story, but due to money and time, I’ve had to spread them out over the years. I’m learning as I go and it’s taking me longer than expected, but in the end, I’m more interested in quality over quantity. I have another four to five song EP in mind for the future, once Child is completed.”

When it comes to inspiration for the albums, Indigo takes from the little things in life. “Honing on on every single detail” and taking notes on the interesting parts of overheard conversations has inspired many songs for the artist, but she was also heavily influenced by her childhood.

“My parents listened to a lot of world music when I was a wee one,” she recollected. “My dad played the Arabic tabla and the didgeridoo, and my mom was a professional belly-dancer. She took a couple of qanun lessons and they always had tambourines hanging on the walls. Growing up, I didn’t know how unique my childhood really was, but now, I see how lucky I was to be introduced to such exotic sounds and visuals so early on. I used a didgeridoo in the first four bars of ‘Mercury Retrograde’, not only because I think it sounds cool and works with the song, but also as a shout out to my dad. As an artist, I naturally gravitate towards those familiar sounds and I intend on incorporating them into my work in the future. It keeps me grounded and feels like home.”

Hopefully, these sounds will be heard on the upcoming releases. The trademark of most pop songs is that they’re somewhat formulaic, so the addition of an uncommon rhythm or instrument would undoubtedly give Indigo the upper hand. For now, she can use her tender (but powerful) vocals and admirable songwriting chops to gather crowds, including the show at the Hard Rock.

“The venue is a huge draw for people – it’s a household name that’s reliable. About two years ago, I was watching other artists play on that very stage and thought to myself, ‘It must feel great to be up there,’” she reminisced. “Now, it’s my turn.”

See Indigo play at the Hard Rock at this year’s Art World Expo in Toronto, and

Visit her website to listen and learn more about Indigo!

Photo credit: Madelayne Hajek

Interview: Author Robert Mulolo Why Me? and Theatre

by Alyssa Laube

For most writers, getting a book published is the end-all, be-all. It’s a milestone to work towards for years; not only does the author have to write and revise the story, but they also have to find a publisher and discuss all of the details that come with distributing a book. However, for Robert Mulolo, the aspirations didn’t stop there. His first novel to be released in 2012, Why Me?, told the tale of a young woman’s struggle to thrive in the face of adversity.

“The basis of the story, when I first decided to write it, was that I wanted to display a character who had an uphill battle from the get go,” said Robert, about the inspiration behind his novel. “I wrote about Renee and created that character. She never knew her father. Her mother, running from taking responsibility for her actions, would blame her for the bad misfortune she’s experienced in her life, and her half-sister would be absent from her life unless there was a need to have her around. The story covers the span of 10 years and shows Renee trying to better her life, and she encounters three men during that time. The story touches on family, betrayal, abuse and the idea of love.”

After the publication of Why Me?, Robert felt that he had to make “a big announcement” with the book, and do more than simply release it to his audience. It was then that he felt inclined to host book readings and signings, but because the narrator was a woman, he decided that they would not do the character justice. It was this complication that eventually led to his next monumental success.

“I wrote the book in the voice of a woman…so I decided to hire a performer to [read it] out. After seeing one part of my book being acted out, I had the idea for the play. It’s not yet ready as more funds are required, but by the end of the year, it will either be on stage or we will have a date for it.”

With luck, the play will add more depth and excitement to an already well-written novel. The dramatics and emotivity of theatre has enhanced story lines countless times before; Les Misérables, Crime and Punishment, and The Grapes of Wrath are just a few on the list, and act as great inspirations for the developing adaptation of Why Me?. The play may not have a set date yet, but stay tuned to Robert’s Facebook for updates (such as his next novel, Just Chance It) and purchase your own copy of Why Me? at these three locations to prepare for Robert’s big release.

“Storytelling is all about showing a new reality to others, and that’s what you must do as a writer. Give your reader an opportunity to get out of the crappy reality they know and allow them to be the witness to an amazing story,” said Robert, and Why Me? should be a great escape.

Art World Expo-Call for Submissions TORONTO

We are very excited that ART WORLD EXPO is growing nationally and we want you to be a part of the show!

Art World Expo is currently looking for artists who want to show, sell and promote their work at our next event at Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of downtown Toronto. All mediums are welcome, and the more out of the box your art is, the better! We are looking for artists that are unique, interesting and who want to share their work with the general public at this extraordinary event featuring hundreds of artists annually.

To submit your art, visit: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/

World Hydration-The Importance and Possibility of Water

by Alyssa Laube

In North America, water is massively taken for granted. For most of us, it’s readily available anywhere. At home, we can drink it from the tap, and on-the-go we use water bottles. However, although we’re blessed with a quantity of water, the quality can sometimes be deceiving.

“Tap or bottled water contains chemicals such as chlorine, lye, ammonia, B.P.A.’s and even bacteria. All of the waters are lifeless, oxidizing, and acidic, so instead of cleaning and hydrating your body, they contribute to more health problems,” said Sabine Gaudette, business owner of water ionization equipment company, World Hydration.

The water that World Hydration produces solves this problem, along with many others, and the benefits are tremendous. Their filters remove any harmful substances, as well as altering the composition of your water depending on how you intend to use it. There are different types for every need: beauty water for hair and skin, acidic water for disinfection and wound care, Kangen water to replace degreasers and detergents, and most commonly, hydrogen/antioxidant-rich drinking water.

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Curious to know how it worked, I asked Sabine about how her products function.

“The units hook up to any tap and are plugged in,” she responded. “The water passes through a filter which takes out chlorine and other impurities, and then is charged as it passes over the platinum and titanium plates [inside of the device]. This separates it into alkaline antioxidant water and acidic water. All of the important minerals we need are drawn to the alkaline side, and the bad ones go to the acidic side.”

The result is pure, harm-free water with a flood of health benefits. Those who use World Hydration technology have reported being more alert and awake, weight loss, alleviated pain due to injury or illness, and generally feeling healthier. It’ll even help your pets! After all, we’re both mostly made of water.

Although her customers have praises of their own, World Hydration’s products also had a meaningful impact on Sabine and her loved ones. While she was initially interested in the business for it’s environmental benefits, the query took a much more personal turn when her husband, a war veteran, began drinking the hydrogen/antioxidant-rich water.

“He was not able to function after he was exposed to the effects of war. For 19 years, he suffered with multiple symptoms, P.T.S.D. being the worst of them,” explained Sabine. After drinking this remarkable water for 3 weeks, he began healing, and today he’s living his life fully and with purpose. Now, we’re inspired to help others to realize that they have the choice to help themselves, too.”

This motivation is what inspires Sabine to share World Hydration with anyone who will listen, but the environmental advantages are equally as important. “They eliminate the need to buy bottled water [and cleaning chemicals], thus creating less pollution,” as well as reducing the need for medication by improving the health of those who use it.

“Everything we put down the drain eventually gets recycled back to us in our water. Can you imagine how much the planet would flourish if we didn’t use these unnecessary chemicals?” Sabine questioned. World Hydration is getting us a little bit closer to finding the answer.

The company will be sponsoring this year’s Art World Expo in Toronto, where talented, Canadian artists will showcase their work.

“When I attended this years Art World Expo in Vancouver, I was absolutely mesmerized by the talent surrounding me,” said Sabine, about why she chose to sponsor the event. “Monika Blichar has really done the world a favour by creating this amazing venue for artists to be seen! If you haven’t been, you need to get there. You have no idea what your missing!”
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To learn about or purchase from World Hydration, buy tickets to one of 2015’s Art World Expos where you will find more information from this business!

Painting Dreams Art Tours meets Elizabeth’s Vines

We are so grateful to have made lots of new friends and connections while visiting Southwest France this year. One of the interesting women that we met this year is Elizabeth Vines. Elizabeth is a keen writer and lover of French wines, a worldly resident living in France, Canada, UK and Cypress throughout the year. Visit Elizabeth’s site here: http://elizabethsvines.com/

While we were in Dordogne, we met Elizabeth and to our pleasure, we found out that she loves to write about the area’s wine, food and music! Here is the latest from Elizabeth highlighting the Bergerac Wine Region! Be sure to check her out and sign up for our tour next year. Our free information session is on September 18 in our North Vancouver studio. Sign up here and learn how you too can enjoy South West France next year: Painting Dreams Art Tour Free Info Night

Bergerac Wine Region: jazz and wine

by elizabethsvines

The heat wave in South West France, with temperatures in the high 30’s and low 40 degrees C, has thankfully cooled. Sunflowers continue to salute the sun and lavender hedges are buzzing with the sound of many bees and other pollinators doing their work.

Lavender hedges

Sunflowers saluting the sun

Trimming the vines

In the vineyards it’s work as usual. The tractors are in the fields by 5.00 am getting a start on the work before it gets too hot. Vine trimming is complete and new vines are planted where the vignerons are making changes to their vineyards.

Amid all the flurry of vineyard work, there is still time to enjoy music and wine! More particularly jazz, performed at a wine chateau, in the barn or chai as it is called here, where the wine is made.

The Jazz En Chais, Cru 2015, a series of 5 jazz concerts held in the Pourpre Perigord area of South West France from March to November is very popular and offers live music, wine tasting at the host wine chateau as well as a farmer’s market where people can buy food and eat in situ before the concert.

Jazz en Chais concert: Chateau Court les Muts

Chateau Court Les Muts

Our most recent Jazz en Chais concert was held at Chateau Court Les Muts situated about 20 minutes from Bergerac and set in the gently rolling countryside of rural Dordogne, surrounded by the chateau’s own vineyards. The wines of this Chateau are highly regarded in the area.

First of all, we enjoy a glass of Chateau Court Les Muts ‘L’Oracle’, their premier red wine: 50% Malbec, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all black fruits, violets, chocolate and touch of white pepper. Then, we find our seats in the chais and settle down to listen to the Serge Delaite Trio play a concert called Comme Bach… in which the classical music of Bach is harmonized with jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Bart Haward and others and played with talent, style and energy. These concerts are a well attended and popular expression of South West France wine culture.

Being a fan of such music as Fly Me to The Moon, the Jazz En Chais series of live music partnered with high quality wines of the region ticks all the boxes for me for an enjoyable summer evening

References: Les Jazz en Chais concerts, Cru 2015. www.jazzpourpre.com

Chateau Court Les Muts, www.court-les-muts.com. See also their vine jewellery made on site.

Serge Delaite Trio. “Comme Bach”.