art world expo

Become an Art World Expo Contributor!

ART WORLD EXPO CONTRIBUTOR PACKS are HERE!

Support this amazing event by becoming a contributor! All contributors will not only be rewarded with some amazing deals and collectible prints, but they will also be recognized on our website SPONSORS section. Consider getting a contributor pack and supporting over 100 artists annually!

INCLUDES:

*Two Tickets to Art World Expo ($100 value)

*4 painting classes at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery ($197 value)

*COLLECTIBLE 5TH ANNIVESARY LIMITED EDITION PRINT ($100 value)

*2 TICKETS TO THE FOOD LOUNGE ($40 Value)

*2 DRINK TICKETS INCLUDED ($12 Value)

*2 COASTAL IMAGINATION MASKS BY COASTAL STORM GALLERY ($40 value)

*ONE SIGNED “FAIRY TALE LIFE” ART PRINT BY FOUNDER AND OWNER OF ART WORLD EXPO

MONIKA BLICHAR ($100 value)

*ONLY 100 PRINTS WILL BE MADE OF BOTH AWE ANNIVERARY COLLECTIBLE PRINT & SPECIAL EDITION “FAIRY TALE LIFE” PRINT

*SWAG BAG REDEEMABLE AT THE DOOR! ($100 value)

VALUE: $689

BE AN OFFICIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO ART WORLD EXPO’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY AND PURCHASE ALL THE ABOVE FOR:

$179.00+gst!

For The Love of Art – An Interview with Caragh Geiser of Open Door Gallery

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:

A Canvas in Motion-An Interview with Kinsey Deakin

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

Humanity and Fantasy-An Interview with Effects Artist Isabelle Fallu

By Alyssa Laube

About: Isabelle Fallu describes herself as an “self-taught effects artist [and] certified makeup artist”. Her passion is to produce unique and fantastical creations using her skills and imagination! This year, she will be body painting at the Art World Expo.

When and how did you start your career in makeup?

I started right after high school! Being self-taught in FX makeup specifically, I did a lot of small local film/theatre stuff and birthday or club events. I moved to Vancouver knowing that it would be the best opportunity for me.

What are some of your favourite techniques to use?

Dry brushing! I love using a slightly dry paintbrush to create texture in my makeups.

What are some of your favourite colours and why?

Red because of how striking it is, and earth tones because of their organic feel. I like my makeups to feel as if they could be real.

isabelle3

What do you find most challenging?

Clean lines are really tough for me. My teachers and peers have frequently describe my style as being an “organized mess”. My challenge is to create something that is simply crisp and clean.

How has your work changed since you started attending cosmetology school?

College really helped me learn how to apply all of my knowledge to makeup, from colour theory to anatomy to proper use of space, etc.

Where do you get the inspiration for the “characters” you create?

A lot of books I read; mythology, fables, legends, history, comic books…but most of all, nature is my biggest inspiration. I like my creatures to have aspects of both humanity and fantasy.

Have you worked in films, plays, or television? If so, how was your experience?

I’ve been working on indie movie/television sets since I graduated school 6 months ago. It’s my passion and I don’t see myself ever doing anything but! I’ve done a bit of work in prosthetic shops as well, but the application process is truly my passion.

Do you prefer to create fantasy-inspired pieces?

Yes! Fantasy and science fiction are my heart and soul.

Which makeup companies or products would you recommend using?

Every product has pros and cons. I’m a huge fan of Makeup Forever, Kryolan, Nars, and Ben Nye. I worked at Sephora for a while and I think I spent more money there than I made!

Which makeup looks do you like for yourself?

Winged eyeliner and red lips. That’s pretty much it! if I’m going out, I might smack on some foundation, contour, and brows, but it’s rare.

Is there any makeup designer or trend that you love, above all others?

I don’t really look into designers or trends, but there are people who inspire me everyday. Sarah Elizabeth was one of my teachers in school. She’s been since a wonderful friend, teacher, and great help when it comes to finding work and making connections. Melissa Meretsky, or M3 Artistry, keeps me so inspired. I have never seen anyone bleed art like she does. Her work is so creative and ridiculous and beautiful and shocking. She defines the word “Artist”.

More of Isabelle’s work can be seen at:

https://instagram.com/izfx/

Seventy Countries to Touch An Interview with Jan Kasparec

By Alyssa Laube

About: Jan Kasparec, born in the Czech Republic, has settled in Vancouver after several years of travelling and exploring the world’s cultures. The influences of his travels can be seen in the artist’s work, which is very diverse, ranging from paintings and drawings to photography and writing. This year, he will be exhibiting some of his artwork at the Art World Expo!

You were born in the Czech Republic but moved to Vancouver. How did the two unique cultures effect you and your art?

I would say that my art is more affected by my inner journey rather than geographical location. Nevertheless, it’s not by chance that we call Europe the “old continent”. The art scene in Europe is an essential part of society, much more than in North America. Being immersed and educated in it from the age of 8 did make an impact on my artistic path. But Vancouver was love at first sight for me; a blind date that ended up in the best possible outcome: my new home. Just the feeling of living in a place I love puts my creativity on a very good frequency.

You’ve also travelled many other places in your life, including France, Brazil, Australia, and many more! Can you explain the effects that your travels have had on you?

Travelling opened my heart and melted the mental preconceptions that our society is so good at building inside of us. I understood that we are all the same, good in our essence, and what keeps us separate is an illusion; a clever fear-fiction created by the ruling class. I also realized that my frustration or sadness over the largely unfulfilled potential of human society and destruction of this planet doesn’t help to resolve it. Meditation and unconditional love taught me that the only possible outward change comes from within. 70 countries later, I still feel like I am at the beginning of a long journey.

Which place sticks in your mind the most, or had the greatest impression on you?

There’s no place I’d rather be than here and now of course! But if I have to name a few milestones on my journey I would mention mother India, where I took 10 days of silent Vipassana meditation and experienced an inner insight. People of the mountain plateau of Tajikistan (Pamir) touched my heart deeply. Mongolia was where I first lived in the state of no-time, some might call it Satori. Those moments shape my life in this very moment. Once you know there’s only light, you can’t be fooled by darkness anymore, regardless how “real” it seems to be.

On that note, could you share one memory or anecdote from your life that stands out or effected you as an artist?

Once, I was drawing a receptionist in Vietnam who fell asleep, while one of the most beautiful women I ever dated was patiently waiting for me to finish. It was our first date and the portrait was no good. I was late and exhausted. I thought I would never see her again, but she was actually one of the rare souls that I fell crazily in love with. I always remember the sleeping receptionist with half-open mouth when I remember her.

You’ve painted quite a few images of Buddha. Why does Buddha inspire you to create art?

I’ve had visions of Buddha in my meditations. I knew I had to paint “him” (I perceive Buddha as a quality rather than a particular person). Since that day, I’ve painted quite a few, and new visions come in the moments of silence of my mind. They’re very different from the conventional depictions of Buddha, but it’s my most successful theme so far. I’ve sold all of them without ever having a second thought of sales to taint the painting process. I am not Buddhist per say, but Buddha is my everyday teacher, encouraging me to empty myself, let desires go, and see through my attachments. Every day I fail many times and every day I come back to it in a loving way. The journey is the destination.

How would you describe your studio, and what’s most important to you in a studio?

My studio is my sanctuary. Most important is the energy of peace and belonging. I’ve charged my studio with this energy by lots of interior modifications and countless meditations, yoga practices, sittings with crystals, dances… Almost everyone who comes to spend time here tells me how good they feel here without knowing why. It always makes me smile. I spend much more time here than at home, where I only go to sleep. I love my studio dearly, including the mice and winter chill!

To see Jan’s studio yourself, you can visit:

#1000-420 Parker Street Studios, East Vancouver.

What fascinates you about creating portraits?

What is most fascinating about people’s faces is the truth in their eyes. You can fake a pose on a photograph. I don’t think you can do that on a painted portrait.

What was it that drew you to Canada?

I had just finished 17 months of globetrotting when I met a buddy, who I hadn’t seen in five years, in a pub in Prague. Another trip wasn’t something I was considering, so when he said, “Go check out Vancouver, man, you’ll love it!” I didn’t think much of it. Well, a couple of beers later, the idea became more attractive. I applied for a visa the same week and moved a few months later. In a broad sense, I was just supposed to be here. Why that is I don’t need to know, but beer was a rather painless accelerator.

What is your favourite part of Vancouver to photograph or paint?

Vancouver is a rare gem. I love seaside landscapes with snowy mountains looming in the background, industrial cranes somehow in harmony with their natural surroundings, railways and factories in North Vancouver, cargo trains in Strathcona surrounded by old graffiti’d warehouses, shabby buildings in Chinatown, waterfalls in Lynn Valley….I could go on for a while. This city has so much and I’ve still only seen so little of it!

Was the first time you bought oil paints at 24 your first true experience with art?

Yes, I first bought oil paints when I was 24 but I painted as soon as I learned how to hold a pastel (around the age of 2). The first true experience of art, if this can even be described by something so limiting as words, dates to early childhood. When you become blank and create out of pure joy, you are living a true experience of art. We are all creative by definition, and we are all true artists. Most forget along the way. I was fortunate enough to remember.

To learn more about Jan, and see some of his creations, visit:

http://painting.kasparec.com/

Marie-Helene Babin joins Body Painting Competition

We are excited that Marie-Helene Babin is returning to the show this year!

Have a look at her website: http://mariehelenebabin.com

The Work of an Evil Mastermind

The Work of an Evil Mastermind

An Interview with Kelly James McLeod

By Alyssa Laube

About: Kelly James MacLeod is a 44 year-old husband and father of six with the “limitless imagination of a 5 year-old.” He works as a freelance makeup artist who focuses on fantasy and science fiction-themed pieces and was professionally trained at Blanche Macdonald Centre.

How did you choose the name, “Mastermind By Design”?

It came about in the mid-90s while I was going to college. One of the projects in my business marketing class was to create a viable business, and a friend and I decided to do a t-shirt company that would showcase my art. My friends always called me an “evil mastermind”, since my imagination always went off on different tangents, and the name stuck for our business. When I had the opportunity to create a new makeup company after going to Blanche, I decided to re-use the name!

You work in a lot of different areas, such as airbrushing, bridal design, and special effects. How do these compare, and which is your favourite to do?

When I first left school I threw myself into absolutely everything! From fashion to runway to weddings and beauty makeovers and demos – I mean everything! However, I do prefer character-driven genre pieces. Full body make ups and character creation are my thing.

How did your training at Blanche Macdonald change you as an artist?

Before attending Blanche McDonald, the only make up I ever did was on my kids at Halloween. One day, I had the opportunity to see a make up demo by Howard Berger, made famous by his work on The Walking Dead. After the demo, I got 20 minutes alone with him and he basically told me to learn everything I possibly could about make up. Well, I guess the universe had something in store for me, because Blanche McDonald sponsored my program and I have never looked back. They gave me the tools to bring my imagination to life, and gave me the confidence to make my mark in the industry. Blanche McDonald change my life.

What are some of your “biggest” or most well-known projects?

Some of my most well-known projects are:

“Ugly Betty”

Horror theme

Model Lia Awesome

Photography by Jonny Ray Studios
“Epic Battle”
Superhero theme, full body paint and airbrush

Models Gemma Doyle and Cindy Van Beek

Photography by Ken Nash
And “Golden”
Hand sponged body paint

Model Sarah Notman

Photography by Greg McKinnon

I also have a “Kinky Klowns” series with Prudeworld.com that’s gaining a lot of popularity.

Can you list some films, people, books, etc. that have inspired you greatly in your work?

I was a child of the 70’s and 80’s, so for me it was comic books, Dungeons & Dragons, science-fiction, Star Wars, etc. that fed my imagination from the time I was a little little boy until now! I can’t really pinpoint anything specific that inspires me because I get inspired every day by people, things, and other artists. My imagination literally does not shut down for any reason!

You seem to have an interest in clowns and zombies. Why do you think you’re drawn to that kind of work?

Clowns and zombies are kind of what’s popular right now. Zombies are always fun to do since everyone loves them; it’s what people usually ask for. As for clowns, either you like clowns or you don’t. I think, personally, clown make up on a male is creepy while clown make up on a female is kind of kinky. Still, I do not limit myself to just those two characters.

What are your hopes, as an artist, for the future?

My goals for the future in make up are already in play. I have started a production company with a friend called “Mastergraf Productions”. We’re looking to write, direct, and produce our own short horror films. We are currently working on a script but it’s still very much in the developmental stage. I work very closely with prudeworld.com where I am the art director and key make up artist for erotic, fantasy-style shoots. I do everything else with Mastermind By Design. All in all, I just want to create new and amazing characters and bring them to life. My imagination is vast, so I have a never ending source for material. I want to bring something visually new to the public and I just hope that they like it.

To see Kelly’s work, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/kjmcleod1

OPEN JURY-MARCH 14 11-4

Are you an artist in the Greater Vancouver area looking for some more information about Art World Expo?

Join us for this Open Jury Day where you will have the opportunity to meet directly with Owner and Founder of Art World Expo, Monika Blichar. Bring in your portfolio, some samples of your art and all your questions about the show to MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery at 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, BC.

Carolyn Bruce Designs Susan Galick Fine Art

Margaret Kitchen

All sorts of artists are welcome to exhibit at the 5th Anniversary Special Edition of Art World Expo held annually at Telus World of Science. Questions? Please call us direct at 604 999 6177

Check out some of our past events: