bodypainting

Interview with Edmonton Artist Marty Johnson

By Monika Blichar

It’s exciting to expand Art World Expo. Our latest project in Edmonton is only adding fuel to the fire for making this event stand out from the crowd. Today, I caught up with Edmonton based artist Marty Johnson for MJ Designs to ask about his work and what we can expect from him at our March 16 event in Edmonton!

1-When did you start making art?

Art has always been a part of my life as a creative outlet and a way of procrastinating from things I should have been doing as a child. I chose a profession in massage therapy as I ventured into the ‘real world’ out of school. It wasn’t until a decade later that I felt I had learned what I needed in terms of self motivation to be able to create on a schedule. It was about that time when I started focusing on my art more. I had met some like minded people that wanted to create as well. This and with my training in massage therapy I started to put my creative abilities and comfortableness with bodies together. This was a challenge in the beginning. These open minded friends helped me venture into body painting. I now have such a wide variety of artistic mediums that I like to work with. Challenging myself to step out of my box has become a way of life with my art. And I love each new challenge as I succeed and fail because that is what growth is.

2-Your project for Canada’s 150th Birthday was amazing! What inspired you to use body paint in this project?

This project was a team effort between myself, a wonderful Photographer Christine Young and a creative Hair stylist Hollie George. Hollie first proposed the idea of a group body paint project. Us 3 met for a creative meeting about ideas and quickly developed into this amazing Canadian Body Paint artwork. As a team we narrowed down what aspects to show for each province. We know there are many beautiful and wonderful things each province has to show but we chose specific aspects that impacted us.

This was a 2 year long project and I specifically wanted to challenge myself more than I had in the past. I wanted artistic poses instead of painting just backs of people. I also decided to include a sunset, daylight and night scenes highlighting different aspects of Canada, like the beautiful aurora borealis in the northern provinces and territories. As you look at this piece keep in mind that we did not paint each province in sequence. For example BC was painted almost a year apart from AB.

We couldn’t have been happier to complete it on our Nation’s 150th birthday year.

3-What is your favourite medium to work with?

At present I have enjoyed acrylic paint the most but I have not ventured into oils or water colours. Sculpting I have enjoyed sand, snow, ice and foam.

I am a person that loves to try new mediums based on the creative job presented to me. If you ask me the same question next year it may be completely different and that’s what I love about art, we are our only limitation.

4-What kinds of work will you have at the Edmonton Art World Expo? Will you have any show specials?

I will be bringing three different series with me. The Canada Body Paint images of course. A must see! The other two, you’ll have to come check out for yourself. I’ll have originals, prints as well as some products with my art on them so there will be something for anyone.

5-Where would you like to see your business in 5 years?

Hmmmm…business and art, what an odd mix. At present I am guest curating a project with the art gallery in my home town. I continue to have doors open up to me that I never even knew existed. It will be a wonderful time these next five years. I love competing. I love creating custom artworks for people. And I love working on my own projects. I believe I am at a cusp of discovery within myself and the direction I am headed. My direction has been more custom work for individuals but I will be creating works of art based more on what moves me. I believe the next five years will have two paths; moving emotional artwork and products as well as competing in more renowned competitions.

6-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Simply I suggest to try and fail, but try again. Creativity is always a learning process so don’t be afraid to fail. Some of my best lessons I have learned from not succeeding. Do not ever think you can’t learn more and from many professionals in different fields. Be open to any lesson that is being presented because they are everywhere.

Learn more about Marty on his website and make sure to get your tickets to the event! http://www.mjdesignsart.com/

Boxing Week Specials!

Boxing Week is here!

Enjoy 10% off everything in our online store as well as extended offers on our 12 Days of Christmas Special offers! Use promo code “12DAYS” at check out! Visit our online store: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php

MAB Ventures Inc.-An Arts & Entertainment Agency, 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver BC

Art World Expo Christmas Fair!

Tomorrow we invite you all to our Christmas Fair at 4015 Fraser Street in Vancouver, BC.

Over 50 participating Artisans, vendors, and designers who are selling a variety of goods and services! Art, fashion, jewellery, home decor, knitting, make up, skin care, health and wellness, desserts, and so much more! Finish all your shopping, support local and even enjoy lunch with us! Best part is that we invite all ages and it’s free to attend! We have 100 swag bags for the first 100 people too-great items inside include essential oil from SPOIL YOURSELF, Art by Elizabeth Hill, a copy of Fresh Magazine, one free art class at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery and an It Works drink sample to keep you healthy!

Learn more on our Facebook event page Here.

Our event auction, Christmas earrings and coffee sales are supporting two causes. The first is to help fund our new creative arts and wellness centre opening in North Vancouver in the Spring. The second is to support a member of our Art World community with cancer. Please be sure to buy a coffee, bid on items in the auction and purchase a pair of these earrings by Monika Colmorgen for $7! if you can’t make it and you’d like a pair of these earrings, please email us at artists@theartworldexpo.com or call 6049996177.

Final Call for our Art World Expo Christmas Fair Vendors!

Are you an artisan or independent rep looking for a holiday event to participate in this year? Look no further and join our exciting Christmas Fair this year!

We have a limited number of tables left for vendors at our Christmas Fair on December 16! Submit your registration today here: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ Questions? Call Monika Blichar 6049996177

We love to small businesses and Artisans and our Christmas Fair will be no exception to sharing the love for all things unique and local this December!

Thank you to Two of Hearts boutique in Kits for donating $5-$25 gift cards to spend in store! Lots of raffle prizes every 30 minutes!

Preview products, join the convo and connect with participants on our Official Facebook Event Page!

When you attend this COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY EVENT, you’ll find:
-Over 50 vendor tables including art, jewellery, fashion, hand knit goods, make up, skin care, chocolate, baked goods, kids accessories, essential oils, dog accessories, home decor, and health and wellness products and services and much more! Everything you need in one venue to complete your holiday shopping and networking! Ask our vendors about collaborations, participating in your events or if you’re a gallery or boutique owner, come browse to see if you could work with one of our Artisans in 2018!

-Fashion Shows by John Pfaff, Carolyn Bruce Steampunk Jewellery, and West Coast Hatters on models provided by award winning female body builder fitness models from Team Fitness! Yes! Exciting!

-Cheeses Crust Food Truck-Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Drinks! Really good sandwiches!

-Raffles every 30 minutes-Prizes from local vendors and of course, many of our sponsors from Art World Expo! Tickets sold on site!

-First 100 people through the doors receive a complimentary goody bag! No purchase necessary! Just be one of the first 100 people at 11:00am sharp!

-Face Painting for kids and adults by award winning body painter and visual artist Francoise Boise ($10/person) She’s amazing! Don’t worry, she will do Holiday themed paints too!

-Silent Auction Benefiting Make and Break Arts Foundation-all proceeds support independent Artisans and Arts Programs and Exhibitions in BC. It’s a win win! (Huge line up of awesome stuff to bid on-great for holiday gift ideas and of course-gifts for ourselves!)

-Arts & Crafts Station for Kids-leave them at the craft station and go shop and mingle! We have you covered!

-Finally, when you’re all done, take a photo at our photo booth with visitors from the North Pole! Capture a memory and celebrate Christmas 2017 with us!

Current vendors:

Monika Blichar

Art by Edy

Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry**FASHION SHOW**

West Coast Hatters**FASHION SHOW**

John Pfaff Art & Fashion**FASHION SHOW**

Fashion Show models sponsored by Team Fitness-Award Winning Female Body Builders from BC!

LumberJax Custom Wooden Jewelry

Karolyn’s Tupperware

Inner Harmonious Peace

Kathline Essential Oils Accessories

Jennifer Haase, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

SPOIL YOURSELF, Cristina De Vellis

Jessica’s Homemade Alfajores-Baked Goods

Fifth Avenue Collection by Pardeep

Younique, Amanda Cherewick

The Sweet Doodle

Whisk Premium Matcha

Copper Paw Designs

Coastal Storm Gallery

Dagmar Doubkova Herbal Life

Bodacious Butterflies

Scentsy Kristi Weaver

SweetLegs Vancouver with Julia

Love Eco Jewels

Spain Gourmet Canada

Radiant Life Hoops & Styles

Petite Hippo

Earth Meets Spirit

Boise Art Works-Face Painting for Kids On Site $10/each

Deanna ArtFORMS

Diamond Movement

Andrea Renée Blackett MONAT

Diva’s Niche

All Day Shine by Julie SeneGence Independent Distributor # 384814

Crafts By Julia

Bryce Musil Azrael’s Forge Gems and Fine Jewelry

Taylore Mcmanne Jewellery

Interview with Boise Artworks-Body Painting Contestant

by Monika Blichar

Our roster of artists for this year’s body painting competition is amazing. Each year, I am humbled by the breadth of the talent that decides to participate in the Art World Expo, but also so proud of those who choose to compete. Being in a competition is hard work and can be nerve wracking. As an artist, it is also so very courageous to put your work, your ideas and yourself out there for people to judge.

Today, I interview one of the body painting contestants to learn a little more about her background and reason for making art!

1-What is your inspiration for doing make up?

I do not consider myself a make up artist. I am and was trained as a conceptual and fine artist and in fact as I enter the world of body painting, I realize how much I have to learn from, and of make up.

Though I do approach a body painting project differently than a traditional canvas painting, I still consider it painting, maybe even more so because I actually spend a lot of time preparing so that I get the best out of my model, not wasting her precious energy of being here, physically and mentally. I love the ephemeral component and the fact that it is a near umbilical cooperation between an artist and model, a living breathing feeling canvas. And the possibilities for incredible art are boundless.

2-You sold your business and have been working full time as an artist. How do you think owning a business has helped you become an artist today?

My former business was in the service industry, a service in high demand, I have a lot of experience in various service industries and I did not have to market myself, it was a residual effect of the service (janitorial). And I was able to create a word of mouth revenue stream which I find to be hard to reproduce in monetary terms when applied to the art world. However, Vancouver offers a lot of volunteering and cooperative opportunities for artist as it houses a vast number of gifted artists.

I am currently researching possibilities for being represented professionally.

3-Do you think that growing up in a different country gave you different perspective as an artist?

Absolutely. But maybe the biggest influence came not from the country but the setting. I had an unusual childhood cradled in two very different but both very alpine villages of the Alps. My family spent a lot of time each year in living conditions that did not include electricity, road, telephone, hot water, a bedroom which was not a family bedroom or much toys. But I had an entire alpine realm to explore and be as free as any child could dream of. And my imagination ran wild…

I was taught from a very early age to show utter respect to mother nature. It was a simple yet essential existence and I like to think that this simplicity and essential-ness is what I often bring to my fine art .

4-What is your favourite piece of work that you have made so far?

In body painting, I do not have a favorite piece of work, and I adore that about it. Each experience is so unique and beautiful and has brought me complete joy.

One of my latest favorite oil painting is visible on my website www.boiseartworks.com and is called “Splash”.

5-Where do you see yourself in 5 years time with your artistry?

My dream is to be able to make a sustainable living doing what i love doing, body painting and art. I think my skills as a conceptual and applied artist and my experience in various service industries are an asset to work on long haul body painting conceptual projects for the advertisements, magazines and media.

6-If you had advice to aspiring make up artists, what would you tell them?

To quote my good friend Yana : ” Keep an impressive wingspan, even when the cubicle shrinks..”

francoiseboise

Françoise Vèron Stamp a.k.a. Boise

My life has been a fortunate road with many horizons and possibilities. It has led me here, living in this Canadian land that has adopted me and that I have adopted. From my childhood in the highest inhabited region of the French Alps to the shores of Vancouver, I had the privilege to live in various countries and meet amazing individuals. Every time collecting new experiences, knowledge and perceptions along with a couple languages.I attended the French National Fine Art School in the 80’s and learned classic and conceptual arts. Until recent years, most of my artistic efforts were geared towards my children and my hobbies, awesome Halloween costumes, sculpted birthday cakes, flamenco dresses, custom made bead jewels etc. In 2011, after selling my small business, I decided to fulfill my dream of being a committed artist. I have produced, sold and exhibited number of pieces in shop settings, various artistic events and markets such as Lab Art, Vancouver Home and Design Show, and Commercial Street Café. I currently exhibit oil paintings at Float Sense in Burnaby. Eight months ago, I started to paint doodles on my friend’s bodies at the beach. I knew right away I wanted to realize complex body painting projects. And that is what I did! It has been so far, a rich and fulfilling endeavor and I wish to continue growing in that amazing medium that gives me great satisfaction. Ephemeral Art has always been one form I cherish and want to give my artistic soul to.

I am very excited to participate to the AWE 2017 body painting competition, which is my second competition so far.

Thank you to all who attend and participate!

Interview with Body Painter Devon Burbank

by Monika Blichar

Burbank, Devon, Fin.jpg

1-When did you know you wanted to be a make up artist?

I think I realized that I wanted to be a makeup artist when I recognized that there are more options than painting on a flat canvas. I really enjoy the 3D aspect of the art form and also that it’s more socially acceptable to talk to living models rather than an intimate object.

2-Why do you love working with make up?

I like having the freedom of being creative while also simultaneously following the natural bone structure for each person’s unique characteristics. It’s much more challenging being able to walk in to something with so much artistic inventiveness, but also having to follow the rules of realism at the same time. It’s a perfect mixture of art and balance!

Burbank, Devon, The Lava Mutant.JPG

3-You won at the IMATS in 2016. What was your inspiration for your character submission at that competition?

I’ve always been inspired by the Star Wars franchise and the creatures that lived in it, and though it was such a crazy random happenstance that it was chosen as the theme for that years IMATS competition, Star Wars was, ironically enough, my inspiration. That being said, when we were told to create a unique character complete with costume and a story, I immediately started to plan one around the desert planet of Jakku. I was inspired by the story line of Ray and her struggle of living alone on such a deserted bleak desert planet and wanted the thriftiness and cunning of her character to come across through my own.

4-You do make up and prosthetics. What has been your favorite character design so far?

It’s incredibly difficult choosing my favorite design, I put hours of planning and preparation in to each creature and they all hold a special place in my heart. Though I think it’s safe to say that the most entertaining character designs so far were when I turned my two best friends in to Mike and Sully from my favorite childhood film, Monsters Inc. It was a strangely satisfying feeling getting to see the animated characters that I held so close to my heart for all those years be given life and personality from the two people that now share that same spot.

5-Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you have any goals for your business?

In 5 years I’d like to be able to look back on all that I’ve done and be proud of what I’ve accomplished in that short amount of time. I would love to be able to work as a full time freelance makeup artist that specifies in creature design and prosthetics, but at the same time I don’t think that I could ever limit myself to just one form of makeup artistry since it’s such an amazing art form. So I guess the goal for my freelance makeup artistry business is to have as many opportunities as possible so I can enjoy the unexpected journey of where it takes me.

6-What are you looking forward to the most about competing in Art World Expo this year?

I’m looking forward the 6 hour time-span that we have for painting, usually I’m used to working with smaller durations of 1-3 hours so having that extra time will be wonderful for detail work. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the other artists bring to the table for the ‘7 Wonders of the World’ theme, each person has such a unique art style which will cause some truly incredible ideas and designs.

To learn more about Devon Burbank, have a look at her FACEBOOK PAGE or WEBSITE

Learning to Speak Through Silence An Interview with Andrea Alcala

by Aly Laube

andrea2

About: At the age of seventeen, Andrea Alcala fled Venezuela with her family and settled in Canada to find a new home. Despite the initial culture shock, Andrea developed a love for creating art in her senior year of high school, which led her to continue pursuing it throughout her life. For six years, she studied at The Alberta College of Art and Design, until she moved to Vancouver with her husband in search of greater opportunities. Today, she attends The New Image College of Fine Arts, where she is developing her skills as a makeup artist, in hopes of fulfilling her dream of working in the film industry! You can support Andrea and her work at this year’s Art World Expo.
How did growing up in Venezuela affect you? Specifically, how did the change in government effect you and your family?

It changed everything! I am immensely lucky for the parents that I have; they never made me and my sister feel like we were lacking anything. However, their bravery to stand up for what they believed in cost them their jobs and possibility of working anywhere else. After a few years, my mom got the chance to work in the oil sands in northern Alberta, and she didn’t think twice about it. She accepted the offer in 2006, and a year later, we moved to Fort McMurray. Personally, it made me grow up and realize that nothing is given to you in life. You have to work hard. I was twelve when my parents lost their jobs, and seventeen when we got the opportunity to move to Canada. Here, I found a new home, my passion, and the love of my life.

Out of curiosity, how did you meet “the love of [your] life”, your husband?

My husband, Luis, and I went to the same elementary school when we were little, and when his dad was chased out of the country, his family followed him to Fort McMurray. His dad worked with my mom in the oil industry in Venezuela, and he recommended her for the job that helped bring us to Canada. I met Luis again in high school and he helped me learn English. We’ve been together since then! We’re both huge Disney fans, so he proposed in Cinderella’s castle in Disney World. We got married in Cancun, Mexico in August 2013!

When you say that your parents stood up for what they believed in (and were prosecuted for it), what do you mean?

There was a presidential election in 1998 which made Hugo Chavez president, and it brought a lot of change. He slowly introduced communism to the government (masking it as socialism) and gave a lot of money to neighbouring countries, but not much to Venezuela. Those who didn’t agree with Chavez rebelled and were marked as the opposition by the government, who made it clear that they had control. People were kicked out of their homes, and protesters were fired and banned. Some were even chased out of the country! Right now, Nicolas Maduro is president of Venezuela, the country is as poor as ever. It’s making it impossible for people to leave or for any progress to happen. There’s so much more to say, but this would be as short as I can get it.

What was it like to move to Canada, a country with so many differences from Venezuela?

It was very hard. I was raised in a different climate, culture, language…let’s just say that everything was different. I have a very large extended family as well and lived my whole life in one small town, so when we moved, I left behind everything and everyone I knew. The first shock I had was (like in the Disney movie, “Cool Runnings”) the temperature. Then came the language, food, culture, and finally, the silence. Being used to having a large family, the silence was certainly strange. Don’t get me wrong, I’m hugely grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve gotten in my life, but I have definitely learned to adapt.

Do you think that those experiences led you to becoming the artist you are today?

Definitely! Silence allowed me to listen to my own voice more. I had already graduated from high school in Venezuela, but when I came to Canada I had to repeat the twelfth grade to learn English. Because of that, all I had to take was English, Math and electives. I chose Art as one of them and never let go from there. I love making things and the art of creating, itself.

Why was there so much silence for you in Canada?

I think it started when I said goodbye to my family. I knew I wasn’t coming back and that everything would change as soon as I stepped onto the plane. It sure did! I only had a basic knowledge of English so I didn’t speak much, and for the first couple of months it was just me and my mom.

Do you still practice your South American culture, and do you think it can be seen in your work?

I still eat some of the food (that I can find here), speak Spanish, and keep close ties with my family. Can this be seen in my work? I’m not sure. It’s almost like trying to notice my own accent! Some of the work I did at the Alberta College of Art and Design was political and I meant it to be that way.

You’ve worked with various and unique artistic expressions. Which were your favourite, and how did you learn them?

I’ve always liked trying as many things as I can. My favourite was glass blowing but I did switch it up a lot in many of my projects! I attended the Alberta College of Art and Design from 2008-2013, which exposed me to mediums I had never tried before, and mixed things along the way.

How did you find the Alberta College of Art and Design, and what was your experience there like? How about your current school, the New Image College of Fine Arts?

I knew I wanted to work with glass, and ACAD had a whole faculty for it! I was also living in Fort McMurray at the time, and going to a school in the same province made sense. Attending ACAD taught me a lot and certainly made me a stronger person, but my husband and I moved to Vancouver for better chances at success than we would’ve had in Calgary. I did a lot of research and was lucky to find New Image College of Fine Arts! I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and truly have my family and husband to thank for helping me make my dreams come true.

You have experience with glass blowing, something that not a lot of people have practiced. What is it like, and what have you made with your skills?

It’s thrilling, fascinating, and can all go wrong in one swift moment. I love glass as a medium and I made a lot functional shapes such as vases, bowls, and decorative sculptures. Glass will always be in my heart, but it’s very hard to keep up once you’re out of school.

You’ve mentioned that you have a love for film. What are some of your favourite films, and which films have you worked on?

I have yet to work on a film, but I want to! Some of my favourite movies include Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Mrs. Doubtfire, Pan’s Labyrinth, and so many more.

What are you showing at the Expo?

So far, I have a dress that I modified for an editorial photo shoot by adding different sizes of origami shapes all over it. I may have a couple more things, but i’m still working on it.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal is to work in the film industry. I love beauty makeup, special effects, and prosthetics. I’m on my way to learn more about these and can’t wait to be able to do it all!

To find out more about Andrea and her work, contact her at:
604-562-1307 or
info@akristina.com

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Twin Peaks Construction!

www.twinpeaksconstruction.com

Bringing Art to Life An Interview with Makeup Artist Marie-Helene Babin

by Alyssa Laube

About: Marie-Helene Babin is a professional makeup artist who specializes in body and face painting, SPFX, editorial work, bridal design, and film/television. In the past, she grew up in Quebec and worked as an illustrator. Today, she is creating art in Vancouver, with a focus on airbrushing and body painting. At this year’s Art World Expo, Marie-Helene will be displaying these skills!
You’ve been a body and face painter for over 15 years now. How has your work and skills changed since you started?

It’s changed on so many levels! I have better abilities and product knowledge now, so i’m getting greater and faster results. Going back to school also taught me different skills such as airbrushing, which I have since incorporated into my working technique. A lot of elements in my body paintings are still done by hand, but airbrushing is a wonderful tool which provides results that can’t always be achieved with other methods. I like using a balance of both techniques.
Why did you move to B.C., and why did you choose to stay here?

I lived in the United Kingdom for over two years before I moved to British Columbia. It was a bit of a hiatus for me, the goal of which was to discover where to take my career. During those two years, I face and body painted very little, but I attended the IMATS trade shows every year and took a film/television makeup course at the London College of Fashion. These were deciding factors in my decision to go back to school full-time for makeup and obtain my diploma. However, my Visa ran out, and coming back to Canada was the only way for me to attend school. I choose Vancouver (over Toronto) for various reasons; I wanted to study in a city where I could see myself staying, and the artistic industry, sea side, mountains, and mild winters were all very appealing reasons! It’s been a great journey so far.

Did your family impact your artistry?

My mother had a huge impact on me. She was a visual artist, so I grew up having access to all sorts of paints and mediums. As a result, I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember! She encouraged me to pursue my dreams, which played a big role in getting me to where I am today.

What type of body and face painting do you consider your favourite or specialty?

Body painting has a lot of creative options and freedom, not to mention a bigger canvas! As for face painting, well, I’m always going to love face painting. I always say that it’s like my baby. Since the age of nine, I knew I was going to face paint one day… and I did, and still do! Kids are so much fun to work with. They’re truly mesmerized by having their faces painted and it always makes me smile to see their delight!

Overall, I think my that paintings tend to have a surrealist and “flowy” feeling to them. I also like details and painting them by hand.

Can you describe one of your favourite projects or pieces that you’ve worked on?

“A Little Bird Told Me” is probably one of my favourites. I was pleased with the overall look and the beautiful pictures that came out of it. I do like “The Octopus” and “Carnival” as well, though. It’s actually quite hard to choose! There are certain elements from each painting that I am quite attached to, such as a back painting, colour themes, or props/costumes (I make my own props and headpieces when I have the time). Body and face painting is a very ephemeral form of art; Apart from pictures and memories, there’s nothing left to cherish. You have to learn to let go of the original and all of the time you spent working on it.
How did growing up in Quebec shape you as an artist?

Culture and art has an important place in Quebec. The government invests a lot in the support of musicians, visual artists, actors, dancers, and so on. Many small galleries have emerged, artist studios and music festivals are affordable, and therefore, we can access art very easily.
What did attending Blanche MacDonald Center do for you as an artist and individual?

It inspired me to take my art to another level and it made me realize that I didn’t necessarily want to choose a specific area to work with. I love all aspects of makeup, whether it be an editorial shoot, a commercial, or a body painting. I really enjoy the diversity that makeup has to offer and the different people you get to work with. That’s why I choose this field.
You also work in illustration. What sort of projects do you like to work on illustrating, and what draws you to it?

My style is mostly surrealist. I enjoy using pens and ink a lot, and I also paint with acrylics. Lately, makeup and body painting has been taking a lot of my time and energy, and I had to put my visual artwork on the back burner for a while. Still, I do have a painted series on wood panels that I started a couple of years ago. I would love to finish it and exhibit it in a gallery eventually.

What is it like to work on a film set, and have you worked on any well-known productions?

I enjoy working on sets, despite the very long hours! I’ve worked on small and bigger ones: a few well-known television series last year, and also a lot of smaller commercials and videos. Seeing the behind the scenes has always fascinated me, whether it be for a film or a stage production. It’s captivating to see how it all comes to life!

To see more of Marie-Helene’s work, visit:
http://mariehelenebabin.com/gallery/

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor-Twin Peaks Construction!

www.twinpeaksconstruction.com

Free & Happy-An Interview with Angela Ayre

By Alyssa Laube

About: After her time working with Canadian Forces, Angela Ayre decided to take a very different route and pursue a career in art. She is attending New Image College of Fine Arts for makeup artistry and is currently working with everything from body paint to beauty products!

What is it about body painting that you enjoy? Do you have any favourite techniques?

I enjoy body painting because it’s challenging, I can work on my communication skills with the model, and have a lot of fun along the way. The body is beautiful and it’s amazing how body paint can transform someone.

What was it like to serve with the Canadian Forces, and what was your role?

It was an honour to serve as a medic and clerk with the Canadian Forces, which was both my career and my family. I’m sad to leave but excited for what the future holds.

angelaayre

Why did you choose to move to such a different profession as makeup artistry?

When I closed my eyes and was honest with myself about what I could see myself doing and loving, makeup and art came to mind.

How do you feel when you’re creating art?

I feel free and happy when creating art.

You also like to use high contrast colour. How come? Do you have any favourite colours to use, and why?

I’ve always enjoyed high contrast colour cause I like how things pop and stand out. My favourite colours are pink and anything bright because it brings the piece energy!

Why did you choose to attend New Image?

I was inspired by a friend to take the course at New Image. I saw how much fun she was having and the projects looked interesting!

What makes you happiest?

What makes me happiest are the little things in life that make me grateful to be alive. When someone else appreciates the work I have done it makes me feel proud of the effort I put in.

What will you be showcasing at the Expo? Do you have a theme in mind, and if so, why did you choose it?

I think I will be donating my framed chalk drawing of a jean jacket. This piece is one of my favourites because it took a lot of time and patience to complete.

For more of Angela’s work, visit:

https://instagram.com/angelaayre/

Little Monsters at Art World Expo!

Interview with…

Little Monsters Studio

by Monika Blichar

Meet Artist Kathleen Erickson from Little Monsters Studio!

A first time competitor, we are very excited to see what this Monster can do! Apart from having amazingly talented creative skills in face and body painting, Kat is also an accomplished visual artist creating unique pieces like custom paintings and growth charts for kids. We caught up with Kat and asked her a few questions about her experience as an artist in B.C. Here is what she had to say!

When did you start doing face/body painting?

I took a more serious approach to my painting when I turned 15 and being an artist; I was always experimenting creatively with my children and painting their faces. This helped me transition into starting Little Monsters Studio three years ago.

Your family and work seem to blend together. How have your kids helped you with your inspiration for your business?

I find with maturity, I sometimes start to take a more scientific approach to my art. So having children helps to keep my art especially my body art & face painting fresh & unconventional.

My children & their friends always want their faces painted and it makes for great family outings like going to the Vancouver Zombie Walk or getting painted for a Seahawks game with my husband.

This is the first time you are competing in Art World Expo body painting competition. What are you looking forward to the most as a first time competitor?

The competitive nature of any competition will only help me to improve in my craft and with my confidence. But what I’m really looking forward to is being surrounded by so many exceptional artists and talented people. Just being part of this contagious atmosphere and networking with my peers, will be stimulating enough. Then there’s all the great art.

What kinds of services and merchandise do you offer the public?

Face painting & body art are my primary sources of income, but I also sell my paintings and growth charts. During the month of October, I open up my studio to work on big Halloween projects for costume competitions and parties.

What is your biggest dream regarding your art and business?

My goal is to be able to support my self enough, so I am able to continue to focus on projects that I love. I adore body art and especially the Halloween spirit and just being able to continue to grow in this realm would be ideal.

Welcome to the show Kat! Wishing you good luck!

For more information about Little Monsters Studio, please visit Kat and her troop on her Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/littlemonstersstudio?ref=br_tf