art

Dream of India: Stunning New photography Project Seeks to Paint a Picture of a Diverse and Vibrant Land

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India is arguably one of the most diverse and beautiful nations on the planet, which makes it a great subject for artistic photography. With its amazing mix of cultures and postcard scenery, there are endless opportunities. Croatian travellers Jelena Nikolic and Sanjin Kastelan are looking to share their journey through this rich and colourful nation via the media of video, photography, and blogging. They fell in love with India after working at a yoga retreat there last year, and would love to help others to do the same. Their photos are truly stunning, and really manage to capture the country’s beauty.

Jelena and Sanjin are looking to fund their project via the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. One of their focuses will be food, as they wish to display the unique culinary offerings that India has to offer. The overall aim of this project is to alter the way in which people perceive India. Oftentimes, when people think India, they think of squalor and poverty. In reality, these things exist in every nation, and are only one side to India. Perhaps this project could help to challenge preconceptions and replace prejudices with a new, more positive image. It is a fascinating artistic project that uses photos to achieve social good, which is one of the many functions of this multifaceted art form. Check it out for yourself at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dream-of-india–3#/

Aidan Liban-Street Artist in London

London Big Ben at night, UK, United Kingdom

Aidan Liban first started doing street art in London in 2013. When he debuted his cops and robbers street art in 2013. The concept was fantastic. The tongue-in cheek of it is essentially the most poignant aspect of it. The fact that a robbery is taking place whilst a police van is in the background makes this artwork so daring, fun and unique.

He’s always had a flair for stencil and graffiti art and his body of work best demonstrates that. Here are some of his pieces:

Pictured 1 Cops and Robbers (2013)

Pictured 2: Kangaroo Rumble with the King (2015)

Pictured 3: London Jungle (2013)

Last but not least, earlier this year Aidan showcased another piece that blew people’s mind. ‘The kangaroo Rumble with the king’. It’s his most elaborate work to date and requires some serious skills. He demonstrated an incredible level of artistic skill to create this magnificent street art. This is based on a stencil of a photo of one of Muhammad Ali’s famous fights. And by adding a kangaroo to the mix it’s a great juxtaposition which is typical of graffiti street art. This makes it this light hearted and magical.

You can view more of his work on his twiiter : https://twitter.com/AidanLiban_Art

And check out his Facebook: Aidan Liban Art

Testing the Limits: An Interview with M.U.A. Mark Boyer

Artist Spotlight Mark Boyer

by Alyssa Laube

Mark Boyer of 3BArtistry is a creative renaissance man. Under his company name, he works in set design, makeup artistry, body painting, and sculpting. It’s hard to imagine how someone could juggle so many professions without having a specialty, but that’s exactly what Boyer claims to be. In other words, he’s a jack of all trades in the art world. Although he’ll be partaking in the body painting competition at the Art World Expo, he doesn’t seem to limit himself to any one field. Instead, he views his combined talents as a single area of expertise.

“My specialty is actually blending all of [my skills],” he illuminated. “Whether I’m sculpting flesh wounds in silicone or clay, body painting someone green, or creating a wearable piece of art like a monster suit, it’s all a form of makeup to me. When it’s most powerful, the different elements all come together to make someone look beautiful, or different, or scary.”

All three of those adjectives perfectly describe 3Bartistry’s portfolio. His work with face and body paint focuses on changing the whole person to be something surreal and illusory. Almost every piece looks like something you’d find in a circus or haunted festival, though there are still times when a simple eyeliner-and-lipstick looks is also needed. The diverse talent coming out of 3BArtistry has also led Mark in another direction: working on film sets. This makes sense when attention is drawn to his latest goals.

“I’ve progressed towards special effects geared to the film industry, and one of my current projects is as a SPFX technician for film. When I’m not on set, I take gigs in everything else for variety and to keep my skills sharp. Plus,” he added, “I like to stay busy!”

Maybe that’s why he practices so many art forms in so many environments. Ten years ago, Boyer worked as a face painter and “wanted to gain a better sense of what [he] could do with makeup as a medium.” To satisfy this desire, he attended Complextions International (CMU College) and was excited by all of the opportunity he discovered. That excitement led him to Bodyssey, where he partook in his first body painting competition and met his now-girlfriend, Red Herring. After that, Boyer spent two years sculpting mascots and, finally, returned to freelancing with other forms of makeup.

Herring and Boyer collaborate on many of the looks produced by 3BArtistry. “We’ve been painting together for over 7 years. She knows my style and what I can do,” he added. “She likes to test my limits.” The back-and-forth between the two artists must contribute to what makes their art so unique. The audience is guaranteed to get something creative out of 3BArtistry at the body painting competition, as foretold by Boyer’s plans for the event.

“I’m thinking about a darker feel in the fairy world since my thoughts are moving closer to Halloween. Trolls, giants, and evil kings interest me so, unsurprisingly, I’m a huge fan of Tolkien, Brian Froud, and H.R. Giger. To start, I’ll pick out a character and a few ideas. Then i’ll dig through my house full of props and sketch out a body template design, but nothing specific. Sometimes I make significant changes once I get on-site. At these competitions, I see a lot of great competitors out there and I like to challenge myself to create something unique. It will also come down to my models ability to live within my work; I have a few people in mind who are exceptional at acting and posing,” he contemplated. “Ideally, everything will work in harmony and I’ll be able to craft something that really wows the audience.”

Come see what 3BArtistry creates at the Toronto Art World Expo’s body painting competition!

Art World Expo-Call for Submissions TORONTO

We are very excited that ART WORLD EXPO is growing nationally and we want you to be a part of the show!

Art World Expo is currently looking for artists who want to show, sell and promote their work at our next event at Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of downtown Toronto. All mediums are welcome, and the more out of the box your art is, the better! We are looking for artists that are unique, interesting and who want to share their work with the general public at this extraordinary event featuring hundreds of artists annually.

To submit your art, visit: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/

Free Gift for Artists!

As artists, many of us forget that we are running businesses. We love to spend time creating and often put on hold or aside the tasks related to marketing, sales, advertising, promotions and accounting. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out this free eBook just for artists! Geared at any artist that is looking to learn how to promote their artwork and meet new buyers, a great way to start or refresh your thinking about the business of your art. Click this link below to get your FREE copy of 5 EXPERT Marketing Strategies for Visual Artist.
http://bit.ly/1GZe4vm

Great Quote-Bob Marley

Be inspired with this wall quote that will remind you every day to pursue your dreams and passion. At Art World Expo, we love to promote businesses and artists who are doing just that with their lives. Check out Wall Sticker Shop for some great wall stickers, thousands to choose from, that will keep you motivated and inspired! Have a look at their site http://www.wallstickersshop.co.uk/ for some fab finds that will bring some life to your home!

MONIKA TAKES FRANCE!

Some of you know that our owner and founder of MAB Ventures Inc., Monika Blichar, is taking a tour to France this summer alongside 9 creatives! As part of her fundraising and commitment to supporting kids summer art camp at our studio while she is away, she is currently painting 40 pieces to support the cause! A big thank you to everyone who has supported the initiative by purchasing one of these pieces!

One of our kids class participants was inspired and painted her own version of the Talon Haut. Thank you to Shoe Straponz for commissioning this painting. www.shoestraponz.com

40 Painting Challenge-Each Piece is $100!

Each sale of this 40 painting series will help take a group of artists to France for a professional international painting trip for two weeks. Faciliated by our studio and gallery; MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery, Monika will be teaching in France, but the studio in North Vancouver will remain open during this first international painting trip we are coordinating along with our guide Lynda Wrigley. By purchasing one of these original paintings, you are directly helping our studio and stable of artists gain international exposure and experience as well as facilitate cultural exchanges in the arts. Our studio will continue to facilitate classes and offer our third year of summer art camps for over 130 children. Our goal is to faciliate these trips year after year and with your help in any way possible, we can help dozens of artists exhibit their work and participate in professional development on the international stage.

The current paintings that are available are:

To purchase one of these peices, please visit: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php#!/Monika-Art/c/5833065/inview=product51497706&offset=0&sort=normal

Not in the market for a new painting? Art Cards by Monika are also available. Each is $4 and all proceeds support the studio while the tour is happening this year. Everyone needs a greeting card and these are stunning!

For more information about the trip details and how you can help or sign up for our trip next year, please visit:

http://www.gofundme.com/kf8vig

Looking for some fabulous advertising? Monika is currently working with select companies to advertise products and services while we she travels. Do you have an interesting product or service you’d like to promote in France, Poland and Germany? Grab a sticker on her suitcase, travel tote or even get your photos on the official photography for the event! Learn more about advertising opportunities for your business here: http://mabartstudio.com/events.php

Brüklyn-Bringing Brooklyn to Life

Bringing Brooklyn to Life with a New Mesmerizing Perspective

Artist Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Release “Living in Brüklyn”

Brooklyn, NY – May 16, 2015 – Joe Bloch is best known for his mesmerizing paintings and illustrations. Out of his small studio and gallery based in Dumbo, Brooklyn, he is excited to begin creating a new series called “Living in Brüklyn”, which is a collection of paintings, product, and prints that offer an alternate view of the famous Brooklyn, New York. In order to make this series possible, Bloch has launched a KickStarter campaign to raise funds by June 13th, 2015.

All art pieces are inspired by industrial Brooklyn, street art, impressionism, and graphic design elements. Joe hopes to bring forth a creative art that will leave a lasting impression on anyone that sees it. The “Living in Brüklyn” collection is made with a creative and meticulous technique to create layers built up over many days using acrylics. There are different methods used to enhance the colors and overall appearance of the artwork. The series provides a one-of-a-kind appearance under certain lighting conditions. This process takes a lot of time and is not an easy feat for an artist to achieve the desired effects. Using Joe’s many experience and talent as a painter, he will bring something new and exciting for the world to enjoy.

Those wishing to make a contribution can do so by visiting the Kickstarter campaign. Backers get to choose from many exclusive rewards as a “thank you” for the support. Perks range from signed prints, products, and original paintings.

About Joe Bloch

Joe has over 25 years experience in painting and illustration. He was trained at RIT with a BFA in illustration and painting. Joe spent 10 years doing anatomical illustrations for medical books, and now focuses his talents on illustration and fine art. His highly textured acrylic paintings are a fusion of impressionism and industrial surrealism merged with street art on a canvas. Joe draws on his technical illustration background, fine art, art direction, graphic design and gritty Brooklyn history as an inspiration. His use of a vibrant contrasty primary palette with metallics creates a sense of drama unique to the art world. His paintings are described as “heavy metal on a canvas” and “raw Brooklyn industrial”. Joe is available for fine art commissions as well as commercial assignments. To view his designs visit www.creativebloch.com.

Please have a look, feedback appreciated:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/78116501/living-in-bruklyn/description

Calming Chaos – An Interview with Painter Graham McKenzie

Calming Chaos

– An Interview with Painter Graham McKenzie

by Alyssa Laube

About: Graham McKenzie is an easy-going and honest person who draws his artistic inspiration from nature. Most of his work is based off of hikes in the Fraser Valley, so British Columbians can visit the scene of Graham’s paintings! He finds joy in escaping the man-made world and immersing himself in the magical, sporadic qualities of the natural world. With his paintings, he invites the viewer to experience it with him.

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Your interest in art started with wax crayons. When did you pick one up for the first time? Is there a reason why you loved it so much?

When young, we all pick up wax crayons. I remember my first real art lesson was given to me by my mother. While visiting some friends and colouring with their child, I liked the way his colours looked compared to mine. I told my mother that I wanted crayons like his. She simply said, “Don`t push down so hard.”

Art left your life for a while. Do you know why that happened, and what inspired you to get back into it?

I don`t think I lost interest in art, it just faded away for a while. I started having dreams which rekindled it, and soon started to push a pencil around.

How did working with your drafting board help you develop as an artist?

An artist, no matter what their skill level is, needs a work place; a place where you can return to your work and not have to clear up because it’s dinner or bed time.

How has your art evolved over time?

I really believe that practice makes you better. The more you paint, draw, or scribble, the faster your fingers and brain learn to communicate. I feel that my paintings have evolved over the last couple of years because I’ve made an effort to make painting more than just a hobby. I have always been a detail-oriented person and have been working creating more depth in my work.

Your desire to paint nature and landscapes started after you began to hike in the Fraser Valley. What is it about this place that inspires you?

Even as a child, I spent a lot of time in the woods playing and making forts. Walking into the forest really excites me! I love the green of B.C.. The way the moss grows and hangs from the trees creates a magical wonderland.

What are some of your other favourite places to paint?

I don`t know if I have a favourite place to paint but I really like the Cultus Lake area and Lindeman Lake as well.

Why do you love to paint nature, rather than anything else?

I work in the aerospace industry, where everything is measured down to the one-hundred thousandth of an inch. Everything is very controlled. Now, with nature, everything is beautifully random and free. It`s that freedom that allows a person’s mind to wander, paint a branch or throw some leaves here and there to suit your mind’s eye.

What does creating art do for you?

Sometimes, when painting, you get into this zone where things are flowing. It`s almost like meditation. You’re thinking about what you’re painting, your day, the people in your life, listening to music, or sometimes all of them at once. It sounds busy and crowded but your mind just wanders. Then you look up at the clock and 3-4 hours have flown by.

How would you like to challenge yourself in the future?

I feel like I`m just getting started in my painting career, so I definitely want to put more effort in and be more disciplined. Large canvases are intimidating, so I think I have to tackle some of those as well. I’ve been fortunate in that I have met a lot of helpful and unselfish people over the last couple of years who’ve been very supportive. I want to continue to support others that I meet and pay it forward, as they say. B.C. has a great artistic community and I’m grateful that I’m starting to mix in.

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