art world

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:

Little Works of Art: Quality over Quantity

An Interview with Pam Jackson of Street Cat Designs

By Alyssa Laube

About: Street Cat Designs jewellery is a symphony of elegant gemstones, freshwater pearls and precious metals wrapped, coiled, crocheted and knitted into exquisite works of wearable art.They are hand-made by Vancouver designer Pam Jackson, who will be exhibiting at this year’s Art World Expo.

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What makes Street Cat Designs jewellery unique?

The uniqueness of my work comes from the techniques I use. I make everything except for chains and clasps myself. I don’t use moulds or pre-made components, so even if I were to try to duplicate a piece, no two would be exactly the same.

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What sort of materials do you use in your jewellery?

I use sterling silver and 14K gold fill wire in varying gauges, along with natural gemstones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski Crystals and Pearls. I don’t use any plated or base metals.

Where do you find your materials?

I have a number of sources for my materials, but the most important is my metals. I get them from the U.S.. They are certified and follow the European Union directive for jewellery metals. This directive regulates the metals in an alloy, so we are guaranteed that none of my jewellery will contain any amount of nickel or lead. My chains and clasps come from the same distributor and follow the same directives.

Why is the quality of your materials so important to you?

The fine quality of the materials contributes to the longevity of my jewellery. Each piece takes a huge number of hours to complete, so I want to use the best materials possible while still keeping it affordable. It makes sure that your piece will last and last.

What is your favourite material to use?

The gemstones I incorporate into my jewellery are determined by many factors. A lot of the time, it’s my mood that decides what I use. Every gemstone has it’s own properties; Some will calm the mind or soothe the soul, some will aid in clarity and inner strength, etc.. As I combine the gemstones, they’ll form an elixir of sorts that will continue to aid the person who ends up owning the piece. Other times, it’s simply the colours of the gemstones that pop out from my messy workspace!

Why is it important to you to create your jewellery entirely by hand?

Oh gosh, there are many reasons. I guess that the number one reason is because I can! It also allows me to know the quality of the materials. Once you start to buy your components, you lose the purity of the work. I love to take the wire and loop, coil, wrap, crochet and knit it into little works of art.

Can you list some ways that you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from so many places and things! From the messy desk, to current and past fashion, nature, and the gemstone properties, each piece is dictated by the mood I’m in or what i’m being influenced by. It could be something like the music or t.v. show I’m listening to, or even sunlight being filtered through the huge laurel tree outside of my studio window.

How would you describe your designing style?

I once had someone describe a pair of earrings as “little fairy gardens for your ears”. I like that.

Why do you love making jewellery?

It calms my mind and gives me a sense of peace, serenity and accomplishment. Also, it just thrills me that people want to wear it!

Where can customers find your products?

My work is available at Fine Finds, Blushing Boutique, Jeweliette, Two of Hearts (all downtown Vancouver), Favourite Gifts (Lonsdale Quay), Noir Lash Lounge (Lower Lonsdale), Tiny Finery (East Hastings), Juvelisto (Steveston), Muddy River Landing (Ladner), and Just Jewellery (South Surrey).

It is also available at Portobello West Fashion and Art Markets, and a number of other markets around town. You can check my website for updates on markets at www.streetcatdesigns.net

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/