abstract artist edmonton

Horse Jockey Turns Pro-Painter and Joins Art World Expo Edmonton!

by Monika

I grew up in Alberta and our friends had horses. I spent lots of weekends at their farm riding and just loved it. One of the great joys of my life has always been animals, one day I hope to have a horse of my own but until then, I will settle for admiring works like those of Craig Wonnacott Fine Art who has been painting only a short while professionally but whose work is magnetic and pays tribute so well to horses in particular. I caught up with him to learn a little about his inspiration and his background. To my surprise, he was a professional horse jockey for 15 years and he grew up in Zimbabwe! Artists like Craig have the most interesting stories! Enjoy his interview and be sure to come and meet him at the Art World Expo in Edmonton happening on April 12 at the Muttart Conservatory.

What inspired you to start painting?  

Ever since I can remember I have been creative and artistic, I have been drawing and making things all my life. I only really started painting at the beginning of 2018 . I mostly paint with acrylic.

You paint a lot of horses. Do you have your own horses or animals that inspire your work?  

When I was 15 years old I had the choice of an artistic career or to become a professional jockey , I chose the later and joined the Jockey Academy in Zimbabwe which is where I  grew up. I never gave up on my art.

What do you like to paint the most? 

I always said that when I retire from racing I would work as an artist. Horse racing took me around the world and for the next 35 years of racing I had time to really study the animal that would become my favorite topic to paint.

This is your first time in an Art World Expo event. What would you like guests to know most about you and your works? 

Although horses are my favourite things to paint I do a lot of portraits of pets and people.

Will you have any show specials or never before seen work at this event?

I like painting abstracts when I need to loosen up a little, it gives me the freedom to just paint without rules.

Just for fun. If you woke up tomorrow with access to a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Although I am from Zimbabwe, if I could fly anywhere in the world it would be Costa Rica. One day I’m going to move there and paint horses on the beach for as long can. I need to sell a lot paintings in order to do so.

If you would like to learn more about Craig, be sure to visit his website and be sure to get your ticket to the 2nd annual Art World Expo in Edmonton.

Interview with Calgary Artist Gloria Gelo

by Monika Blichar

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

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1-When did you start making art?

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

ALC_Sonata_2018_HI - Gloria Gelo.jpg

2-What inspires you to do abstract art?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.