edmonton art sale

Mira Nova headshot by Agata Raymond Photography

by Monika Blichar

I love meeting new artists, especially ones that can do things I can’t. It’s amazing the talent that has signed on for the first annual Art World Expo Edmonton. Mira Nova was one of the first artists to sign on for our event and looking through her work, I was eager to meet her. She has a fluidity to her work that is both soothing and powerful at the same time. Her ability to convey and capture softness and confidence is why I chose her Hawk to be on this year’s flyer. In her explanation of the piece, she says that hawks represent messengers and for Art World Expo, that is exactly what our goal is to offer artists and the general public. We are the messengers of creativity soaring through time and space to share art and imagination with guests, readers, followers, fans and what has become our wonderful art family.

1-When did you start making art?

I’ve drawn since I was little. It was always an activity that I did most. That and playing outside or with pets.

2-What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the depths of emotion, constantly working on ways to bring them together. There is beauty in the dark aspects too, in a way that brings more life if that makes sense. So I like to bring it all together when I can.

11891269_398248440376857_7753496793696173795_n - Mira Nova (1).jpg

3-You work a lot with animals as a subject matter. What is it about animals that inspires you to create?

Animals have filled a large part of my life. From pets at home, to experiences at wildlife sanctuaries, they’ve always held a grounding, spiritual connection for me. Many moments of understanding, learning to trust, and bonding. Fascination with their ways of being keeps me captivated all the time.

4-This year, your image is featured on the Art World Expo Edmonton flyer. Can you tell us about this piece?

The Hawk was inspired by a good friend of mine Meighan, she commissioned me to draw it for her. When I began to draw it, the patterns and flow came out very naturally, it’s always great when that happens, sometimes things take a while to come together.

I heard a story a long time ago about the hawk being a messenger, so I drew a bubble just under the wing that I intended to put a message inside. As I drew it, I started to think it would be better for the person viewing the image to derive a message of their own, so I left it open for them.

5-Where do you see your work and business in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to have a few series out and finally experience being a vendor at the Whyte Avenue Artwalk. If everything goes well, tattoo will also be a part of my skill set in the future.

6-Just for fun: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

There are so many places I’d love to travel. Anywhere that is rich in nature, art and music, I would be happy to explore. The one that sticks out the most right now is Iceland.

The sense of wonder and creativity that is evoked when looking at Mira Nova’s pieces are an extension of the meaning of the artist’s name itself. Creating new wonders, this Edmonton-based illustrator and visual artist uses illustrations and paintings to show us a world that is bursting with vivid colors and enchanting lines.

Mira Nova has shown her pieces at various galleries, including the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Bleeding Heart Gallery. Additionally, her work has been featured at several local events and cafes, including festivals such as Reign Bough Fiddle and Spectrum. She was the principal designer for the Reign Bough Fiddle Music and Arts Festival (AB) poster in 2017.

To learn more about Mira Nova, visit her Facebook Page and be sure to visit her at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 happening at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain! Get yours today!

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.

by Monika Blichar

There are many artists in Edmonton but what drew me to Maureen was actually her Instagram account. She is active, robust and very engaging on her IG which is something very nice to see. Her work ranges from all sorts of subject matter but it is her eagerness to express herself creatively that is so conveyed in her work. I haven’t met her yet, but I know that from our interactions in the vortex of the online world, we will become great friends I am sure! I caught up to Maureen and here’s what she had to say about watercolour, life and super-powers.

1-Why did you choose watercolour as a medium?

It found me actually. I was so busy in my life that I needed something to bring me back to calm, peace, my center and found advertised in our community paper of Onoway AB Adult Watercolour courses at the high school by artist Dave Ripley. That was it. I took one course and I was hooked.

2-You say that you had spent most of your life doing anything but art. How has art changed your life since discovering your passion for it?

Art enhanced my life! It takes me out of life’s whirlwind of busyness and captivates me. Art keeps me spellbound while creating in the moment. Mixing colours and transforming them into an art work is rewarding. It’s a positive, spiritual experience. It’s fun! It’s JOY!

3-You mention that you have taken inspiration from your travels for your art. Where is your favourite place you have visited and have you painted it?

I have been to so many countries. I have just begun to paint series of paintings from those travels. I Love Africa, our ocean adventures, Asia…there are too many places to mention and so much to paint. It would take more than a life time to paint all my favourite places and wildlife. And we are still traveling. It’s like I paint from my photographs and memories and people get to know who I am through my art.

4-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years?

Because there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from I hope my style becomes recognizable as my own. If in 5 years one person was to say ‘that looks like Maureen’s work’, I would feel like I have achieved this goal.

5-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Let your self resonate in your creations. Experience the love and joy in expression. Be confident in and trust your uniqueness. Let your passions guide you.

6-For fun. If you had a super power, what would it be?

I would love to be able to give others the ability to see their gifts and talents and the trust to develop them to acheive their dreams.

Words to share: Never be afraid to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity – for you never know – you just might uncover a passion that may change the way you dream, care for yourself and how you discover every moment in life that belongs to you – colour it proudly!

To learn more about Maureen, visit her famous Instagram account and check out her exhibit at the Muttart on March 16, 2018! Get your tickets today, we are running low with only 83 tickets left!

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Interview with Edmonton Artist Mira Nova

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