art work

Art World Expo Interviews Blissbeads: Sandra Beingessner

Tell us about who you are and what you do? What’s your company name, when did you start, what are your main services and goals as a business owner?

I started Blissbeads in 2003 after participating in a three hour glass bead making class. I hand make glass beads using a torch fed by oxygen and propane. Blissbeads then go into a kiln where they are annealed for durability. After they reach room temperature they are thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next phase…Jewelry! Developing colour combinations and custom blending new hues, melting glass to its fluid state and manipulating it to form a new, luscious form excites me every time I light my torch. I feel that Blissbeads style is not easily defined. A client once described my designs as Feminine and Unforgettable…I love that description because I feel it reflects my intention as a designer and my feeling that each one of us is uniquely individual. This viewpoint inspires me to design wearable works of art and the lovely human is the canvas they adorn.

I design collectible one of a kind jewelry and commission pieces. I have been blessed with the privilege of designing for special occasions like Weddings and Anniversaries, corporate events, sentimental gifts and Memorial Beads containing cremains of loved family and four legged family. Customer service is key and it looks much different now that I am unable to meet face to face with guests.

Art World Expo’s 10th Anniversary is postponed this year due to the COVID19 global crisis. What do you normally offer when you are at a trade-show and how are you reaching new customers without being at trade shows this spring?

At shows I offer pieces made specifically for the event, loose beads for designers and whenever possible I accommodate adjustments and custom same or next day service.

Have you introduced new products or services during this time so that customers can still shop with you?

This season I designed a new line of Boho Glass/Leather Chokers that are ageless in their appeal. They pair beautifully with my multi strand leather bracelets featuring magnetic clasps. When it comes to commissions there are lots of photos going back and forth by text so the details of my designs are exactly what the guests desire. It is a very collaborative experience.

Lots of artists thrive in self induced isolation! Would you say that you are an introverted artist and enjoying this time or are you an extroverted one who is missing the hustle and bustle of events and people?

I really do enjoy my quiet, creative time…however I’m missing meeting collectors and ultimately seeing my creativity adorning them. That aspect really revs me up.

If you could give other creative entrepreneurs a tip right now, what would you tell them?

On a personal note I have been a Hairstylist for 36 years…my world has been very hands on people. My husband and I closed our brick and mortar businesses and sold our home in September. We sold most of our possessions and moved into our fifth wheel. We left our home town and headed on down the highway to Fort Langley. The plan was to spend the winter and then embark on a cross Canada tour. Music and Blissbeads…the Live and Kickin Tour…well thankfully we are “Live

and Kickin” but the tour is on hold. So we are staying put until…no definite plan…for two people who are pretty accustomed to a plan. My husband is a professional Musician so we are two creative humans anxious to share what we do with others at markets and venues across our beautiful land and surround ourselves with the diverse cultures from West to East.
For other creative types…dial into your creativity to tune out the crazy…I have been posting a lot more on Instagram (blissbeadscanada) which has connected me with many new followers and other artists. Introduce a new skill to what you

already do to keep your brain fresh. Stay connected.
And like us…continue…being creative♥️

You can find Sandra on Instagram and also visit her website here.

Gravel Shows Fan Art at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

I found Eric on Instagram and reached out to ask him if he was interested in participate in the Art World Expo in Edmonton. I loved his fan art work and thought he make a nice addition to the event since our show themes this year are “Celebrating Cinema!” The power of social media is so amazing these days! I caught up with Eric and asked him about his work, inspiration and what he would do if he had an unlimited bank account…his answer to that question is awesome!

What inspires you to make art?

I’ve always had deep love and appreciation for drawing. But what really motivates me to continue creating art is seeing how people react to it in such a positive way. Whether it’s the excitement that someone gets when seeing a character that we share a love for in my fan art, seeing themselves drawn as one of their favourite characters, or something else! It’s immensely motivating!

When did you know you wanted to pursue your art as a business?

I’ve always drawn for fun, but when I started to see that other people get pleasure from it as well (and are willing to pay money for it) I realized that it’s something that I could actually turn into a business. It started with selling my own comic books and drawings in Elementary school and evolved into what it is now!

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We met via social media. How does social media help you market your art products today versus what artists had to do say 10 or 20 years ago to “get out there?”

I’d say a strong social media presence is a key element to any successful business. It was more or less the same 20 years ago, though the avenues may have been a little different then. Instead of marketing through selling commissions through eBay, DeviantArt and DigitalWebbing, I can now save time making posts, and reach a much wider audience, through the likes of Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

This will be your first Art World Expo event. Will you have any never before seen work or show specials for our event on April 12?

I’ll have a new fan art print for sale this weekend of a certain Marvel superhero that’s graced the theaters recently. Available in 3 different sizes! Every purchase at Art World Expo will also earn you an entry to win a portrait sketch of yourself (or someone you know) drawn as a favourite character!

Your IG profile says that you create “Fan Art and other Nerdy Goodness.” Can you elaborate on what Fan Art is and why it’s cool to be a nerd? We love art nerds in particular!

Fan Art is artwork that is created as an expression of love for a certain franchise, usually found in pop culture but not necessarily. It’s about expressing a love for something you get pleasure from, and sharing it with others who might also share in that same love.

I think being a nerd is about having a deep love for any specific thing, wether it be art, pop culture, music, or sports nerds. In the wake of the internet and expos like this one, people are more capable now more than ever of realizing that they’re actually a part of a much bigger community of obsessed fans than they ever thought possible.

Just for fun, if you woke up and suddenly had access to an unlimited bank account, what would you tomorrow?

I’ve just recently gotten engaged with a truly amazing woman, and we’ll soon be moving into what might as well be our dream home with our two awesome boys (possession date on April 25!). On top of that, I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I get to do what I love for a living! I can honestly say life is pretty perfect right now and no amount of money could make any of that better than it already is!

To learn more about Eric’s work, be sure to visit him tonight at the show and connect with him on social media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

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Aryn Effert Returns to Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

One of the best things about Art World Expo is creating relationships with the artists who participate. Each year, we have the great pleasure of working with and helping represent hundreds of vendors via our four (currently!) productions in three different cities. As an organizer, this has been the best part. I feel like each year, returning vendors offer something new to the show, they add a level of experience and expertise and they also up their game each year. It’s an interesting process to watch artists evolve and when I met Aryn last year via the Edmonton show, I was so excited I used her art on our flyer for our first annual event. I caught up with her to see what she’s been up to and what she will be bringing this year!

Aryn’s art work at the top of the flyer for our event in 2018.

You were part of the show in Edmonton and Vancouver in 2018. What have be you been up to creatively since last year?

More photography, playing more with chromatography in my works & discovering the beauty of new inks!

What inspires you as an artist?

Architecture, light and dogs – the solid rigidity of architecture combined with the curves of Art Deco and the loss of line control caused by my techniques are so much fun to explore!

If you could do anything with your art, what would that be?

Share my joy of the combination of science & art.

Will you have any show specials at Art World Expo Edmonton on April 12 at the Muttart this year?

Some photo prints will be available for sale & I’ll be bringing some of my older pieces at a discounted price! Including the fishes from last year!

What would you tell an aspiring artist about showing and selling art in today’s market?

Network, network, network! There isn’t a really great central focal point for us newbies to get to know each other; volunteer and visit shows to try to meet the right people to get your name out there!

About Aryn

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Born in Red Deer, trained at ACAD in Calgary and living in Edmonton; an Alberta girl through-and-through. Currently working as Project Coordinator for a small Construction
Management Company.

A dreamer, a geek, a painter, and a drafter; a dabbler in photography. A lover of stairs,
sunsets, and sunrises; not only for their ability to paint the sky, but for the promise of
change – whether it’s moving from one level to the next or transitioning to or from the
magical night. The works are an attempt to capture the feeling of the moment of its
conception, to revisit something often overlooked.

In 2018 had pieces displayed and sold at the Nina Gallery on 118 Avenue, Art World Expo Edmonton and Vancouver, 2017 at RAW Artists showing at the Warehouse and in 2012 self-promoted show at Blue Café. Graduated as an Architectural Technician in 2017, and in 2004/5 spent a year learning to expand in Calgary at the Alberta College of Art and
Design, learning plenty from experienced artists and inexperienced alike.

Follow Aryn: FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM

Be sure to catch her at the show on April 12, 2019!

Call for Vendors!

It’s that time of year again-call for vendors for multiple shows we produce is now open. Are you a painter, jewellery maker, designer or a local business who would like to be part of the Art World Expo family? We cordially invite you to apply to our 2018/2019 shows in Vancouver and Edmonton! Join our group of talented vendors while also joining a community of creatives who support one another throughout the year!

Upcoming shows:

Art World Expo Christmas Fair

$60+gst / spot

December 15, 2018

Polish Friendship Society

4015 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

Art World Expo Edmonton

$100+gst / spot

March 15, 2019

Muttart Conservatory

9626 – 96A Street, Edmonton, AB

Art World Expo Vancouver-MAIN EVENT

$500+gst / spot for vendors: artisan and business vendors

$100 +gst / body painting competitors

May 10, 2019

Science World

1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC

Our Vancouver Event which is happening on May 10, 2019 is our 9th Annual Event and our largest event of the year.

The $500+gst vendor fee includes a 14-30 day gallery show at Monika’s Art Boutique store front location at 3063 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC.

ONGOING CALL FOR VENDORS ONE MONTH GALLERY SHOW AT MONIKA’S ART BOUTIQUE AT 3063 LONSDALE AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER

Includes one month store front rental and one evening gallery opening.

Cost for non-members: $750+gst

Cost for members who sign up for the Main Event in Vancouver: FREE

We invite you to have a look at the vendor registration form HERE. Should you have any questions, please call us at 604 999 6177 during business hours Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.

Art World Expo-Artists in Cars with Judy Anne D. Gondales

by Monika Blichar

Judy came into our exhibitor roster just a few months ago but I feel like I’ve known her for centuries! Not only is she talented and a wonderful creative, but also an amazing humanitarian. She donates a portion of her sales to a High School in the Philippines to support a graduate towards their further education. I always love when artists use their platform to help others and definitely appreciate the effort Judy is making to help a young teen about to embark into post-secondary education.

I caught up with this bubbly artist in our next interview for our Artists in Cars series in this Genesis Richmond G-80 Sport courtesy of Genesis Richmond’s Jennifer Friesen. Thank you Project Her Inc. for supporting our community of artists! Enjoy the interview and be sure to stop by Judy’s exhibit at the 8th Annual Art World Expo on May 11, 2018. Get your tickets here!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Nitasha Costa

by Monika Blichar

Every so often, I find myself contemplating other realms, parrellel worlds and questionning what happens in the afterlife. What does it all mean really? Do dreams tell us something? Are there aliens or angels? What happens after we die? I’m sure many of us think about many of these mysteries-sometimes being drawn into Netflix series, fantasy novels or even stories our friends or family swear are true.

Today’s interview is with Nitasha Costa, also known as L0velydoodles. Her work forces her audience to analyze those very questions we all ask ourselves and close friends and family about what’s out there. Through her work, she inspires playful thoughts about the universe while being deeply rooted in the questions that lie inside all of us. Here’s what she had to say about her work, imagination, and stepping into other worlds.

1-What is your style? You say that you are a surreal automatist?

My style is quite abstract fantasy in nature. I would say that it is the closest to Surreal Automatism because my drawings have no intention other than allowing my imagination to wander. Surreal Automatism is when the artists suppresses the conscious mind allowing an artist’s unconscious mind to connect to its own imagination and creativity. When I allow my mind to be still and focus on the lines and curves of drawing it displays creatures, alternate realms, and emotions. Through this process, I find myself often looking at my drawings with curiosity.

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2-When did you start creating the female alien that is represented in your work?

The female character in the drawings became visual once I became more intensively invested into creating art. When she is present in the artwork it gives the art a more emotional feeling that individuals can connect to. I was unconsciously immersing myself into the realms, creatures, feelings and connecting in some fashion. I have only recently discovered that I created this female as an extension of myself. She was never pre meditated or planned, but I find myself drawing her in more and more pieces. I believe that she is a symbol of how our minds are able to create monsters, situations and certainties that we subconsciously make to exist in our current reality.

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3-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition? Will you have show specials or contests?

I have multiple prints of my artwork framed and ready to go. The collection I am showcasing will be a mixture of 2017 drawings and some new 2018 drawings. I have approximately 20 pieces I will be showcasing. On top of that, I always have a draw that allows guests to have a chance at winning a free print in frame of my choosing, so stop by the booth and ENTER! I always love receiving feedback and insight it when people give me their interpretations of the art I draw. I believe that all artists enjoy this aspect of showcasing their artwork.

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4-You say you are inspired by mythology and fantasy. Do you have a favourite tale? If so, what is the summary?

I am inspired by fantasy and mythology as it has been a gateway for individuals for years upon years in many cultures. Fantasy is a big hit in the gaming world, children’s books, artists, even in movies for all age groups. It is quite a large genre and can be found absolutely everywhere. In mythology there are often warriors and gods that take on tribulations that cause for the hero’s journey. Engaging in struggles with their environment, grotesque beings, the unknown, the known, temptation, and rebirth and life choices. I find that my artwork portrays this same idea, that all of us as individuals are on a journey that engages us on becoming our true powerful selves. My art is always fun, intriguing, unsettling and sensual to look at.

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

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In the next five years I would love to see my artwork on the walls of homes, businesses and high traffic buildings. The intention of my artwork is to make peoples imagination wander and go on adventures. My artwork being displayed in places where the everyday hussle and bussle is present would be ideal for the purpose of my art. I want people to look at my artwork and immerse themselves into imagination, everyone needs imagination and I feel my artwork opens that door. In that moment you become absorbed by the odd but lovely story, pondering and feeling the influences the drawing imprint.

6-Just for fun: You are inspired by other realms and the possibility of other life forms. If you had the choice, would you leave this world to go live in another? What would that world look like?

For Fun, if I had a choice to leave this existence and travel to the next freely, yes, I would. I often find myself with my head in the clouds, imagining these foreign places and startling forms that I create. I truly do wish that I could physically immerse myself into my drawings, I think it would be incredible to experience. I do find myself having to ground myself, taking notice to what is currently and physically in front of me. I am not in that realm, but I can visit it unconsciously every once and awhile when I begin to draw.

To learn more about Nitasha’s work, visit her Facebook Page where you are sure to find inspiration, imagination and an opportunity to step into another world. Be sure to get your ticket to the March 16 Art World Expo Edmonton event at the Muttart Conservatory today!

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.

Make and Break Arts Foundation – Art Space Fundraiser

Eager guests intrigued by the annual body painting competition!

We are excited that after 5 years in our current studio and boutique gallery space, we are moving! The building we have been leasing has been sold and the new owners will be taking over our building and the one next to us for their own business. We will remain in North Vancouver and looking forward to celebrating a new space with added features in 2018.

We hope to find something close to our current price range but we know that the new space will cost more that what we are currently paying on Pemberton Avenue. For this reason, during the next three months, we are going to be partnering with many wonderful local businesses to increase our fundraising efforts and dollars to help support our move, new studio and gallery expenses as well as new licenses and fees so that we can continue our programs, events and exhibitions for years to come.

From January 2-15, we have partnered with Kristi Weaver Independent Scentsy Consultatnt and Director for our first online fundraiser! We hope that through this fundraiser, we can raise at least $500! There are a variety of oils, diffusers, wax melts, essential oils and even bath bombs! Tons of great finds! These make excellent gift ideas or nice additions to your own home or office spaces. 15% of all the proceeds go directly to Make and Break Arts Foundation to support our new space. Please consider purchasing and sharing this link with someone you know! Every little bit helps us continue to offer all these great events, art classes, kids camps and art exhibitions right here in Vancouver.

Please see more information about Make and Break Arts Foundation below:

We are a non profit foundation supporting artists and creative projects in BC.

The purpose of the society is:
a) to raise awareness of the arts in the community
b) to support artists and offer assistance for community project
c) to offer community workshops, events, and opportunities for arts education and programming.
d) to provide similar and related services as determined by the membership.

To support this fundraiser please direct message Kristi Weaver or purchase through this link: https://kristielliott.scentsy.ca/party/8828713/make-and-break-arts-foundation

Catalogue can be viewed at: https://kristielliott.scentsy.ca/form/view-my-catalog

Museum Quality Prints of Joan Reese’s Art Are Available!

Joan Reese is a popular New York City artist. Ms. Reese’s style is organic in nature while using shapes and tones to capture the essence of movement. They are very fluid. The colors look as if they bounce off one another and create a continual vibration through the image. She has been creating art for many years, she has a BFA from the School of Visual Arts. She has taught art and studied Chinese painting with a master painter in New York’s Chinatown. Fine Arts America produces Museum quality reproductions of her paintings and photographs on Canvas prints, framed prints, throw pillows, duvet covers, tote bags, shower curtains and household items.
https://joan-reese.pixels.com

Follow Joan Reese’s blog, “New York City Artist.” Each week you will receive a positive inspirational quote with a beautiful image to brighten up your week! Miss Reese’s blog is great for anyone that wants to know everything about New York’s entertainment scene, fine dining and the arts. A real plus: Ms. Reese shares her cost saving tips when visiting New York City.
http://joanreesearts.blogspot.com