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MAB Ventures Inc.-An Arts & Entertainment Agency, 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver BC
It’s the hype that can be troublesome while dealing with pieces of art. Treat each art piece as an asset and nothing more. It’s an investment, and a subjective opinion shouldn’t be coming into play just like it wouldn’t with any other form of investment.
Art appreciation is something that can lead one down the wrong path and make it hard to produce the returns hoped for financially. Investors can start to assume they’re dealing with a great piece but it will not lead to quality gains. This is why it is essential to focus on what works rather than what may work. A lot of this occurs when an investor begins to bet on a future artist that may become popular or well-received down the road. This is never the right way to go and is inherently risky.
If you invest in art you need to remember it is similar to investing in venture capitalism. The idea is to look at the core details and how the art is produced. You don’t want to think about going with too many start-ups as the market may leave them in tatters.
Subjectivity is going to matter when it comes to collections because there is a personalized interpretation involved with artwork. This can make it seem like art cannot be deemed as an asset nor can it be viewed as something to add to one’s portfolio of investments.
However, there is a way to determine the market value of an art piece. The best way to get started is by speaking to a proven art advisor with years of expertise in dictating sales figures based on previous entries. It could be something sold at an auction or at an art gallery. These related sales can offer insight.
Another avenue is to start dissecting what the artist may have sold in the past. This information is ideal for setting a price point and knowing what one is working with. For example, an artist renowned for his/her work will receive awards or fellowships, and this can be a sign of good things to come. It can even be the academic position they may have held in the field of art because that indicates the potential value of the asset itself.
Resale value is the wrong way to look at an art piece. This only applies to the biggest of names in the world of art. You have to focus on this as a long-term asset and one that is going to act as a collectible (according to the IRS), and you will be taxed nearly 28% on all gains. This is a part of the expense you are going to pay on a sale, which means you are not going to net as much as you think you will.
This is why you have to think about the returns coming in and how they will play out in the long-term. You want to think about the non-financial advantages before anything else. The financial gain is nice, but that is a real bonus. If you keep it as an investment, you need to go to a proper art advisor to get a gist of what you’re working with.
If you are getting a collection, you need to think of it as a set of pieces rather than a complete sum of artwork. It is all about looking at the quality of the collection based on each piece and then assessing its value in general.
The artwork is often seen being listed in estates after valuation begins post-death. This is why a proper estate plan is an excellent strategic move. This is something you have to factor in as you are dealing with it as an asset. Will it be sold? Will it be transferred to your children/grandchildren?
This is a significant investment, but you have to think about it with a good understanding of your cash flows, additional assets, and other collections in hand. This is how you will be able to get more out of this asset.
You should always look to benefit from the art market but do it the right way, so you get more out of it.
By Monika Blichar
I always love meeting new artists and sharing them in our network. This time, I catch up with Lindsay who has a daring sense of adventure in her art and life!
Lindsay graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Television Film and New Media then proceeded to get her MAED at University of Phoenix. Lindsay is from the Hollywood area where she worked at DreamWorks as well as other film companies and eventually took on her own clients. Some clients include Marriott, US Hanger Company, Hilton, San Diego Rescue Mission, Pussers and many more!
“My work is shows the compliments of coastal living and the carefree lifestyle of surfing. I like to do work with passion that shows the beauty of the sport of surfing becoming one with nature. I like to show how creative nature’s beauty can be. I live outside of the DC area and was born and raised in southern California which I am constantly coming back to. I create ocean art, accessories and jewelry. www.BlueFusionSurfArt.com Paradise Found is a favorite spot in Kauai.”
By Monika Blichar
When it comes to daydreaming and thinking up creative ideas, most artists can say that deep down, that’s all they ever really want to do. Being an artist is often like being a pirate and a gypsy; searching for that golden idea while striving to keep it secret until it is time to unveil.
I caught up with Paula Godden owner and designer at The Pirate and the Gypsy and asked her to give us a few insights into her world of wonder.
1-A lot of your inspiration to create a company came from your travels as a young girl. Do you have a favourite place that you have visited?
Jerusalem, a place so rich in history and culture. As a young girl, I was wide eyed with wonder walking through the streets of the old city, visiting historic churches and sites, places I had heard about in stories and later read about in books. The lush greenery of the Mount of Olives, the beautiful beaches, floating on the Dead Sea, touching the spot where the Star of Bethlehem landed when it fell from the sky. The market places were always so filled with color and the hustle of merchants with their beautiful art work and jewelry. It was magical, like fantasy had come to life, especially after watching movies like Indiana Jones which romanticized the Middle East with all its natural treasures and mysteries. My imagination ran wild and it was at that time my writings and drawings really began to develop.
2-Is anyone else in your family creative?
Yes, I have a lot of creative family members but the person that stands out the most for me is my Father, he was an amazing artist. I remember when I was little I would watch him, I was mesmerized by his drawings. I would constantly be bugging him to draw things for me and then as I got older he was the one I would go to when I wasn’t sure on how to draw something. He really helped me develop and hone my artistic skills.
3-Your work is made from many natural materials and stones. What is your favourite material to work with?
I love working with all metals and stones but if I had to choose one of each I would have to say that copper and Larimar are my favourites. Some think of copper as a “poor man’s” metal, a dirty metal, but its not. Copper is such a wonderful easy metal to work with and has amazing healing and conductive properties. It has the ability enhance the properties of all other metals and stones that are in contact with it. Copper also has such a rich, vibrant colour it reminds me of the sun setting on the water; those deep reddy orange hues shimmering on the waves of the ocean. Turquoise is usually the favourite for natural blue stones, but Larimar has my heart. It reminds me of horizon where the ocean meets the sky, blue seas and white pillowy clouds. As you can probably tell I have my head in the clouds and my heart at the ocean.
4-What’s the most memorable design you have created?
I’d have to choose the custom engagement/wedding ring remake I recently did. Working with a customer to bring their vision, their story to life was an amazing experience for me. This was definitely a challenging piece for me to do. I took on the project not just because of the story behind it, but for the opportunity to push my boundaries of creativity and increase my skill level. This customer hadn’t worn her wedding ring set for 15 years, saying the setting was too high and that it would get caught on things and scratch her children when carrying them. She gave me her vision and trusted me to take it and put my own creative twist on it and after 15 years she is now able to wear the expression of love and her family on her finger once again. The joy I experienced when I saw her face as she put her new ring on for the first time was overwhelming and I was even more moved but the testimonial she posted on my website. The process I went through on this custom piece brought my skill set to a whole new level and confirmed my love for the process of discovery, design and creation, this is why I hand pick all of my materials. My husband and I believe that in every piece of wood, glass, metal and stone there is a story and it is our joy to translate that story into the unique piece of art it becomes.
5-Where would you like to see your business and collection be in 5 years?
I see my husband and I doing this full time. The Pirate & The Gypsy will have moved out of our home studio into a small local store front in New Westminster on Front Street with personal studio space for the two of us. Our online store will have expanded and flourished, going from a largely local audience to more expanded national audience. I see us growing and evolving. As the business grows so will our skills and possibly our creative direction. The Pirate & The Gypsy has grown so much in the past year with the addition of my husband’s woodworking and stained glass art. I am blessed to have him with me along for the ride, to be able to share our ideas, methods, and dreams for the future. I see some stained glass pendant collaborations in the future and maybe even some wood and metal pieces. In 5 years we will still be sailing the seas of our imaginations and creating form the heart. We want to create a culture where people come to us from all over the world when they want unique custom designed pieces that tell a story or that celebrate their life and their journey.
6-Will you have any specials for Art World Expo attendees this year?
I have a few surprises up my sleeve for Expo attendees. I will be debuting a new limited edition collection at a special Art World Expo pricing. We will be giving away a complementary gift to the first 25 customers who visit our booth and while they are there they can enter our draw to win one of our necklaces.
For more information, be sure to visit The Pirate & The Gypsy Facebook Page
We love to share the Art World with you! Whether it is sharing new artists on our site or at our events, we think art is pretty special. Art has the ability to connect, inspire and create new ideas. Through art, we feel emotion, learn about cultures, and become in tune with ourselves.
Until March 31, enjoy our special price for Art World Expo tickets to our 7th annual gala. Featuring over 100 artists each year, we are excited to see you there!
This year, we have some special features including a Hat Show by West Coast Hatters, live dance performances by Mira Dance Company, a body painting competition with judges Kathleen Fowlstone; the 2016 Art World Expo Champ, and Natalie Fletcher; the 2014 Skin Wars winner! We have live music and live demonstrations by amazing artists from North America and Europe. Lots of fabulous vendors showing and selling a ton of amazing art, fashion, jewellery, accessories and beauty products including natural cosmetics, skin care and make up. Just in time for Mother’s Day! We also have beer and wine, a live and silent auction, plus goodies will love Gypsytrunk Vegan Food Cart & Catering who will be on site just for our patrons! Samples from Hot Arusha Healthy & Spicy as well as treats from our supporters at Jenny Craig too!
Enter promo code MARCHMADNESS at the ticket check out and receive 2 for 1 tickets for general admission.
See you on May 12!
Media register at artists@theartworldexpo.com
“You’re Going to Make It-A Creativity Workbook to Help You Make Your Best Art!” by Founder of Art World Expo Monika Blichar has been a real hit this summer!
Monika has been working with emerging and established artists since 2009 via various projects including teaching at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery in North Vancouver. In response reflections about how to help people be more creative in their art and lives, she put together a unique workbook to help even the most beginner artist ignite creativity!
Inside students can complete 10 exercises on things like highlighting, shading, perspective, colour wheel and even some work on portraiture. Monika also included some inspirational worksheets that will help anyone pin-point what they would like to do with their creativity and take action steps to achieve those goals. Blichar says that fostering the desire to create is crucial to well being and spurring imagination. She can’t live without creating and attributes her own creativity to doing something right-brained every day. “Whatever it is that you would like to create,” she says, “it can be nurtured and developed with an open-mind, dedication and most importantly, fun!”
Monika is always giving back to the arts community through fundraising and this is just another way for her to help others start their own work and be sure they understand the fundamentals of art. The first 100 books help support facility costs at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery. So far, Blichar has sold 80 copies! Help her meet the goal by ordering an Ebook Here!
by Monika Blichar, Owner and Producer Art World Expo
I first met Marilyn Mckee in 2010 when producing the first of a series of events; now known as Art World Expo produced in Vancouver and Toronto. Drawn to her talent in jewellery making back then, I knew that she was a treasure and kept my eyes on her. I think back to all those phone calls I made to check in over the years and wonder at how she could stand me asking about her art and progress. I wasn’t a customer after all; just an agent and promoter keeping tabs on her. Through my eyes, I knew that she was something special. I am really pleased that I kept in touch as today, she is the first feature artist of 2016 in my studio and gallery in North Vancouver.
If you haven’t met Marilyn, I will tell you that behind the stunning pieces is a truly wonderful woman who is not only a talented artist but an accomplished professional, mother and community member. Marilyn McKee is a member of the Tsit Gitanee (Eagle) clan of the Haida Nation, whose roots are from the islands of Haida Gwaii; world famous for its natural beauty and talented artists. Aside from creating, Marilyn is an active mother and grandmother and contributes to the community regularly. She is currently the President of Raycam Community Centre; the only community center in the Lower Mainland to offer free programs for kids and adults. She has been with the organization for over 10 years and has done everything from leading art projects to sewing 50 Halloween costumes.
Since a child, Marilyn has always had an artistic ability. Even when asking her about her work and photographing her for this article, her childlike joy and wonder shine through in her smile and in the way she talks about her work. She is at ease with her imagination and an innocence about her talent has stayed within her spirit. She is inspired by traditional stories and moulds them into her art with a modern twist, incorporating Celtic design, Fairies and mermaids amongst more traditional Northwest Coast elements. Her most popular are the Fairies; which are breathtaking in both jewellery and paintings to say the least.
As an artist myself, I feel privileged to have seen her art evolve into an array of beautiful works ranging from jewellery, drums, and paintings. I look forward to sharing our space with her essence this month; not only because of the beauty of the works but also to see an another artist’s work through my eyes and through those of our visitors.
Unafraid and experimental with her work, MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery is pleased to have Marilyn McKee as the January 2016 feature artist. Her use of many unconventional methods in her artwork result in a fresh look at the knowledge and richness her Haida culture.
For more information, please visit Mab Art Studio
All pieces featured are listed in the Facebook.
Thank you to our sponsors BLUSH Vancouver Magzine and Twin Peaks Construction.
By Alyssa Laube
About: For Transylvanian painter and poet, Hajni Yosifov, art is all about self-discovery. Her paintings (“painted diaries/journals”, or “dreamscapes”, as she calls them) use bold colours and heavy texture to evoke emotions of love, wonder, and struggle. Despite starting out her artistic career as a jewellery designer, Hajni has found her true passion in painting, and will be exhibiting at this year’s Expo.
When you mention the “idea of existing” as a key concept in your work, what do you mean?
My artistic journey is more than seeking; it’s a chance to go on, deeply and permanently, into the idea of existing. Art is how I record life.
The way that you’ve described your work on your page is quite poetic. Do you write poetry?
The dance between words and pictures is unlike anything else. Nothing compares with the discovery of your own verse, and some of my paintings gives my mind the power of words. “The Dreamer” is my self portrait in words.
Which artists inspire you?
There are many inspiring artists, but none touches my heart and soul like Emily Carr.
How did growing up in Transylvania (and then moving to Canada) influence you?
When I came in Canada in 1990, the course of my life changed. My first show happened to be at Hamilton Art Gallery, where I met the gallery Director, Ted Pietrzak. His encouragement and guidance led me to the most rewarding journey as an artist. That was the beginning.
How did you get started in jewellery design?
At the end of the high school I decided to become a jeweller. It was a fascinating process between melting gold and polishing the final piece. The finished piece always became someone’s treasure.
How did you discover that painting was your true passion?
Painting must be my true passion, because I paint after working at my job, even if I don’t have a showing or commissioned piece. I’m painting when I’m hopeful or hopeless.
Would you describe your work as abstract and why/why not?
I don’t consider my art abstract because abstract art seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colours and textures without representing an external reality. I call mine “dreamscapes”, because when I paint, my intention is to touch an emotional chord with such intensity that I can’t distinguish if it’s pain or happiness.
How do you like to use colour and texture in your art?
My inspiration comes from a thought, building textures and bright colours, and then balancing with soft pastel.
You’ve participated in over 190 exhibitions. Is there one, or a few, that stand out in your memory and why?
After over 240 exhibitions, each of them is important. I had so many amazing moments and met so many people that inspired me.
How do you think that your work reflects the “awakening of life”?
I’m collecting bits of nature, human forms, and sparkles of light and putting them back into my artwork romantically. The awakening of life is an endless wonder.
How have you found your “new self” through your art?
I’m an artist; this is what I do. My art is the bridge between me and the world.
Why is creating art important to you?
My art gives me the courage to be vulnerable, and to be myself.
What will you be showing at the Expo?
At the Art World Expo, I’m showing my recent work. As a collection, each painting orchestrates the mood and story behind it. The theme, ”Shades of Love”, echoes through each of them.
You can see or purchase Hajni’s work at this year’s Expo, or:
http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/h/hajni/.
You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Twin Peaks Construction!
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:
By Alyssa Laube
About: Kinsey Deakin is a Vancouver-based artist working primarily in paint and mixed media. Her vibrantly coloured works use surrealist imagery to create dreamlike worlds where the animal and human form intertwine. Kinsey will be body painting and exhibiting work at this year’s expo.
You have many artistic interests other than body painting, which you will be doing at the expo. Can you name a few of these and how you got started in them?
Yes, I definitely have many interests, and at times it can be overwhelming! I’m a painter, mixed media artist, jewellery maker, hula hoop performer, and most recently, body painter! Hoop dance came only a few years ago, along with jewellery making, which were both mainly inspired by festivals and travelling. As for body painting, I see the human body as a canvas in motion, which makes things even more challenging and exciting! I can also make my own head pieces and accessories for my models costumes.
Why is creating art important to you?
Creating art is important to me because it allows me to express myself. I can be a story teller and share the gift of my imagination, hoping that others are inspired to share theirs.
Your work is very colourful and geometric. How do you like to use colour and shapes in your work?
I use colours and shapes to break apart the canvas. I like the idea of using them to quickly change the direction or mood a painting is going in. I need to feel that my work is balanced before I can see it as complete. Shapes, lines and colours are my tools.
Which cultures or trends inspire you?
I recently taught English in Korea and was inspired by the architecture of their temples. They were very colourful, childlike and detailed. I then traveled most of South East Asia and spent quite a lot of time in Indonesia. I guess you could say that I’ve been deeply influenced by the patterns, people, and nature of Asian culture. The current tropical themes in my work are coming from the nostalgia I feel towards my past travels.
The naked body, particularly women’s bodies, is a reoccurring image in many of your pieces. What about the female form is fascinating to you as an artist?
For me, the female body is just so obviously beautiful and elegant. A lot of my work revolves around nature, and the female form seems to organically occur without me having to think twice about it.
How would you like to explore or develop your art in the future?
That’s a good question. I would like to set up more of my own photo shoots or installation works. I would paint and style the model, build a surreal backdrop (I am greatly inspired by surrealism), then take a photograph of the finished work. The photograph would be the complete art piece. I am greatly inspired by the work of Jee Young Lee, a Korea-based artist.
What will you be showcasing at this year’s expo?
I will be showcasing my body art in the body painting competition as well as putting a couple of mixed media pieces into the art auction. I’m very excited to be a part of this competition!
You can find more of Kinsey’s work at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artistic-Bones/186013598258254
Art World Expo 