art world

A Feather and a Stone at Art World Expo

Welcome to our art family A Feather and a Stone. We are so looking forward to you being part of both our Christmas and Spring shows in Vancouver this year!

Let’s give Sheena some love everyone!

http://www.instagram.com/afeatherandastone

http://facebook.com/featherandastone

Growing up on Vancouver Island, Sheena Francis Olito has always found inspiration in the beautiful west coast rainforest. The ocean, rivers, and grand forests provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere for creative inspiration. As a First Nations artist, it is no surprise that her designs use natural elements like sterling silver, amethyst, moonstone, and turquoise.

Sheena had always known she wanted to be an entrepreneur. After high school she obtained a Business Diploma with Entrepreneurial focus and set out into the world. After meeting renowned artist Clarence Mills she rediscovered her love of making jewellery and enrolled in a Metal Jewellery Design program at the local college.

Today you can find her creating in her studio on the unceded territory of the Quw’utsun people. As she continues to expand her skills designing jewellery, you can view her evolving journey on IG @afeatherandastone

Sheena is of Southern Tutchone and Scottish descent. She belongs to the Kwanlin Dun First Nations in Whitehorse, YT. Having recently connected with her mothers biological family, she has discovered she comes from a long line of matriarchs belonging to the Wolf clan. She is eager to learn more about the culture and traditional teachings of her ancestors.

Art World Expo Vancouver-May 10!

Join us for Art World Expo Vancouver on May 10, 2019!

As usual, we have so many great things happening in store for you! An array of vendors join us again this year for your shopping pleasure-just in time for Mother’s Day, you won’t find such a selection anywhere else! We also have two fashion shows, live demonstrations, a body painting competition, live and silent auctions plus a bar and food vendors too!

This year is a special one because it will be our LAST event at Science World where we have hosted the show the last 9 years. It is truly the end of an era and will be a special event so we would love to see you all there! Be sure to get your ticket today and find a CINEMA THEMED costume to wear! Tickets are available HERE!

See you at the show!

Sincerely,

Monika Blichar, Event Founder & Producer

Questions? Call 1 604 999 6177

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

A.Effert-Headshot - Aryn Effert.jpg

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!

Knitter Kritter at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

I’ve always been interested in knitting. There’s something really special about; it brings back memories of childhood and adds a really warm touch whenever you get a pair of knitted gloves or a tuque. Today, I caught up with Kelsey Koon from The Knitter Kritter in Edmonton and chatted about her work, her inspiration and her process.

What is The Knitter Kritter?

The Knitter Kritter is kind of my business persona; I chose the name so the shop’s initials would match my own: KK. I like to think of it as the type of boutique storefront where you could find something really special and unique, knowing for sure that it was made by the person you’re buying it from. Everything I sell is handmade by me, and it is all limited-edition and one-of-a-kind! I try to rotate in a few new designs or products every few months or so, so there will always be something new and interesting on offer. I specialize in high-quality knitted accessories and embroidery art, though I am always experimenting with new techniques, new products, and new designs. I also try to use or reuse as much of my materials as possible: many of my items are made with remnants and remainders, since I just can’t bring myself to waste anything. Coming up with the perfect project for my little bits and pieces is kind of like a fun puzzle for me. I really take my tagline, “fine handmade gifts”, to heart!

What is it about creating that inspires you?

I am really inspired by seeing the item progress. I always have a picture in my head of what it will look like when it is finished, but seeing it take shape is always a magical experience. Sometimes my craft surprises me! It’s always very fulfilling to see the finished object at the end of the process, regardless of how well it matches up to that pre-imagined picture. I think anyone who has made something in their life will relate to the little warm-fuzzy feeling of accomplishment in the finished project, and no matter how many items I make, I still get that little thrill from seeing it come to life and being involved in that process.

What are your favourite things to make?

My favourite items would have to be my one-of-a-kind lacework knitted scarves. I really get a kick out of matching up the colorways of the hand-painted yarns to the intricate lace patterns I use, and seeing the color patterning complement the pattern. Blocking the lace (setting the pattern by dampening the finished product and allowing it to dry flat) is always the best part, because up until that point, it can be a little hard to get a full sense of how the finished piece will look. After blocking, though, you can really see the lacework open up and the yarn bloom and it makes the whole piece really pop!

As far as a business owner of a crafts company, what are your goals for your brand this year?

I’d really like to find some new selling venues (either in-person or online) to market my products in. It always makes me so happy to have one of my items go home with someone who loves it, and I would like to find opportunities for all of my products to connect with people who love them! I’ve also been enjoying making some more connections on social media, so I would like to continue to expand in that arena as well. Being able to spend more time on creating is also an aspiration of mine, so one goal is to set aside time to spend on crafting new, unique handmade products.

Will you have any show specials at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I’m planning on bringing at least one surprise show-stopper for the Expo! This will be a brand new handmade product that I haven’t yet offered for sale on the shop, so the attendees at the Art World Expo will get first crack at it!

What would you tell an aspiring crafts person about starting a handmade business?

I think my biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy your process. When I started out, I was very worried about the end result of my crafting, i.e., whether or not the item would sell. But as things went on, I learned that the process of creating is really the most important thing. It’s nice if you are able to share your work with someone who appreciates it, but ultimately, your art and your process is a reflection of you, and it’s important to love that as well. Enjoy seeing your work take shape as you make it!

Links:

Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theknitterkritter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theknitterkritter

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theknitterkritter

What’s in a camel’s hump?

https://youtu.be/-8woOKnLkgo

Now that you know, go check out Travis Cataldo, the artist who created this animation.

Here’s a link to his website – www.traviscataldo.com

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfTravisCataldo/

Have an awesome day!

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.

Artists in Cars: Our Latest Interviews

I’ve been having a great time with these video interviews in this luxury Genesis G-80 over the last couple of weeks! Here are the latest interviews with Patrick Parenteau, photographer and Francoise Boise, body painter. Enjoy and be sure to get your tickets to our 8th annual Art World Expo today! Our event theme this year is “Eco Sustainability” and we are looking forward to seeing all your DIY, upcycled and recycled creations at the event! Tickets are available here.

Want to learn more about Genesis Richmond? Contact Genesis Experience Manager Jennifer Friesen via her LinkedIn account.

Interview with Edmonton based artist Frances Pelletier

Frances Pelletier is an artist from Edmonton who is showing and selling her work at Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory. We caught up with her today to learn more about her work, meaning and goals.

What’s your background?

My background probably has the most influence on my art today. I was born in 1965 and raised in Edmonton, AB. Growing up, I was exposed to photography, music, writing, painting, and singing. My family is very artistic/musical. My dad introduced me to oil painting at an early age. I finished 3 paintings I believe. Then I assume my piano lessons took over. I don’t remember painting again until my late teens. This time it was watercolors that I dabbled with on my own. One work is really all that came of it. A lighthouse that is hanging in my parent’s home.

Dad was a photographer and he would take me on road trips in the countryside to take photos of old houses and barns. It was quite an adventure. I would climb around in these old buildings and pose for pictures in doors and up high in windows. Visits to my uncle’s farm every summer were great fun, too. My uncle had granaries full of old treasures (not grain!). At the top of the hill we could visit a huge array of old cars. A car graveyard. Rural scenes, old cars and old buildings are now a favorite subject for me to paint!

Growing up in Edmonton gave me an appreciation for city life. It might sound odd, but I happen to really like the look of oil refineries. They were practically in our backyard! At night the lights look so pretty. I hope to do a painting that flatters the refineries. One day. Bussing it to university every day, I got to see the river valley, cross over a lot of bridges and take in all the high rises of the city. I guess this is why I also like to paint cityscapes.

After completing my BA Special in Criminology at the U of A, I was unable to obtain work in this field. Marriage and children happened instead. What a blessing! My husband, Mark, and I moved to his home town of Legal, AB. Mark returned to farming and we moved out of town and raised 4 children. I really had no time or space for art as the kids were growing up.

Fast forward 30 years to 2017. I am not sure how it really happened, I just decided to buy a cheap acrylic paint set at Walmart and try my hand at painting again. Since I have no formal art training I turned to YouTube and discovered I could learn quite a lot from some of the tutorials! Living on the farm gives me so many photo opportunities which in turn develop into art. My “art heart” is torn between city and country life.

What does your work aim to say?

I aim to show the beauty in whatever I am painting. I like to paint realistically in most cases. I’m a stickler for rules and laws, a “by the book” kind of person. I believe that’s why I like to paint things true to their likeness. Basically, a painting should look like what it represents. That’s how I’ve always felt. Impressionism and abstract art seem difficult for me to comprehend and even harder to create! However, I am trying to grow my style by taking a few art classes and painting subjects that are out of my comfort zone.

My paintings of old buildings, cars and rural scenery are an attempt on my part to capture what is fading away in the countryside. Eventually, all the old houses, homesteads, cars and machinery will disappear, to be replaced by new homes, modern cars and farm equipment. We can never go back. It’s kind of sad, but the past will live on in my artwork.

Who are your biggest influences?

I would say that I am inspired and influenced the most by my Dad and my sister. Dad, because he photographed and painted a variety of subjects from the countryside and from the city. And of course, he introduced me to painting early in life. He’s supportive and encouraging in all my artistic endeavors. And my sister, what can I say…she inspires me because her art is so unique and unstructured. She works with mixed media and where my work is quite detailed and controlled her art can be abstract and freeing! Sometimes we work together in her studio and I learn so much! Techniques, mediums and enthusiasm!

How have you developed your career?

My “career” is pretty short, having just got going in March of 2017. I’m pretty prolific and spend quite a bit of time in my studio. At first, I did a few art walks in St. Albert. It’s there that I was introduced to Instagram. Thanks Karen! I learned about The Art from the Unknown from my sister. That was a great experience. Rachel Notley does a geat job with that show! I sold my first 2 paintings to people other than friends and family! I also joined the VASA (Visual Arts Studio Association) gallery and took part in an exhibition this past December. I started up my website (www.fdp-artworks.com). There are all sorts of opportunities if you spend some time searching the internet. I will be the feature artist at the Dow Centennial Center’s Alberta Lottery Fund Art Gallery in Fort Saskatchewan, AB during the month of July. I’ll have about 25 paintings hanging there. Instagram connected me with The Art World Expo in Edmonton. I just want to grow and expand, connect with other artists and let it happen!

Where do you want to go with your art?

I guess I would like to continue to expand my art to include other mediums besides acrylic. Watercolor is something I would really like to experiment with. I want to get my name out there. It will be a challenge since I live in a somewhat remote area. The idea of Studio visits appeals to me, but again, my location poses a challenge. Being surrounded by open space is appealing, though. I’d like to keep my artwork affordable, but if one day a big gallery takes an interest my work I wouldn’t turn down any opportunity! I want to continue to paint what appeals to me and not get caught up in just trying to please everyone else.

To learn more about Frances, visit her website HERE

Interview with Edmonton based artist Mr. Patrick Ennis

by Monika Blichar

Every once in a while, I come across an artist that is both proficient in marketing and creation. Let me tell you, this is not a common denominator in the Art World! When I do happen to find an artist who is steadfast about his or her career and is taking hold of all angles of business as much as he or she is creating, it gets me excited! One of the many things that we at Art World try to teach artists is that they need to be their own advocate for their art and really be their own brand ambassador. Mr. Patrick Ennis is doing just that and we are thrilled to have him be one of the artists in our Edmonton show on March 16.

Today, I caught up with Mr. Patrick Ennis whom I hear is a staple in the Edmonton art scene. Here’s what he had to say!

1-When did you start making art?

I have been painting 14 years and have made about 3000 paintings, had dozens of art shows across Canada as well as participated in a T.V show called “Painting with Pat”. I have worked with many people over the years, including being an artist in residence at the Lotus Art Galley and Isbe Domain Gallery . I received formal training from the last Poet Laureate of Ottawa the Honorable Patrick White.

2-You are working full time on your art. What kinds of things do you do daily to be able to turn your art into a full time career?

When I start my day doing work, I usually pre-paint the canvas and draw out the sketch. I try and get to work in the mornings, and spend the afternoon networking and advertising.

3-A lot of your work has reference to the universe. What draws you to painting this subject matter so often in your work?

I have always been fascinated with space, it’s kinda the Biggest thing in the universe, and the mother of life and creation. I also look for similarities in life, like patterns that replicate like the way trees grow like veins,or the universe existing on a microscopic level.

4-What kinds of pieces will you have at the Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you be offering any show specials or contests at your exhibition?

I am going to have a variety of paintings at the Edmonton Art Expo, from still life to surrealism, and landscapes. I find people take creativity more seriously if you can also paint realistic art.

5-What has been the most interesting thing about being an artist so far on your journey?

The most interesting thing about being an artist is it’s always different. Everyday the possibilities are endless. To quote Einstein “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited.”

6-If you could achieve anything with your work, what would be your dream within your art business?

I have always enjoyed the responses to my art the most. Having people have their minds blown by creating illusions of perspectives that can’t exist in the physical universe, but can be created using art. I often merge realities like people swimming in nebula. Art is very subjective to the person viewing it and the real mystery is that people can have different emotional responses to the same painting.

To learn more about Patrick, visit his Facebook page HERE. Get your tickets to the event today! Limited number remain!

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