edmonton artist

Ma and Pa WoodArt in Edmonton’s Art World Expo!

by Monika Blichar

Being self taught and starting a business is never easy but there are many people who do this. One of those is Ma and Pa WoodArt who will be joining us at our show on April 12 at the Muttart. I caught up to the duo today and wanted to learn more about what inspires the duo to follow their passion and what they do.

What inspired you to start your business?

Terry is self taught from a young age and has always loved working with wood.

You make a variety of items. Do you have one in particular that is your personal favourite in your line?

Although Terry makes different items, his favourite is the scroll saw art.

Are you currently selling in any locations in Edmonton or beyond? Where can people purchase your works?

Ma and Pa WoodArt products can be found at the St. Albert Farmers Market and 124 Grand Market.

This is your first time in an Art World Expo event. What would you like guests to know most about you and your craft?

Terry creates items that are one of a kind and uses the natural beauty of the wood as a decorative item or for practical use.

Will you have any show specials or never before seen work at this event?

We have 5 unique scroll saw art items that are one of a kind and limited.

Just for fun! If you won the lottery tomorrow and was awarded a million dollars, what would you do?

If we won a million dollars, we would love to travel more!

Ma and Pa WoodArt was created to offer unique and innovative designs in cutting boards / serving platters / home decor. Experience a delicious and appetizing moment when presenting your edibles on these beautiful works of art. Our unique WoodArt is made to be a decorative item or for practical use. Display these items as art on the wall or use it as a serving tray or charcuterie board while entertaining.

To see more, visit their FACEBOOK PAGE or INSTGRAM! Be sure to get your tickets to the show today and find the owners of Ma and Pa WoodArt Corinne & Terry Olinek at the event! April 12, 2019 at the Muttart Conservatory.

Interview with Edmonton Artist Danyella Axani

by Monika Blichar

One of my favourite kinds of art is POP ART. It allows us to step into all things popular in our culture but also into new interpretations of them. What I love about POP ART is that it is bold, colorful, and full of life. I’ve been long inpsired by Warhol and Lichtenstein and can still remember the first time I saw a real Lichtenstein in person at the Seattle Art Museum. For me, POP ART says a lot about our current reality and as with any good art, it also moves you and inspires you to think about the message behind the work.

Today, I caught up with Danyella Axani who attracted me to her work because she is using cultural phenomenons in her work to develop her style and platform. Her work as an illustrator and designer have proven to showcase talent and amusement but also depict pop culture and intertwine what is concrete and imaginary within her work. Ultimately, she allows the viewer to distinguish reality and imagination.

1-When did you start making art?

As far back as I can remember I have always had a need to create, draw or paint pictures. The need to be creative is such a large part of who I am. I have always loved drawing people. It is one childhood comfort I never out grew, like a ratty old comfort blanket, no one quite understands why this makes me happy. Never the less, it is a part of who I am and I will never let it go.

2-You are obviously inspired by fairy tales and well known characters from stories and movies. Is there a reason you have such an affinity for this subject matter?

What can I say…I’m a bit of a fan girl, I love watching movies and briefly escaping into another world, identifying with the heroine. I also love steampunk fashion. I wanted my princesses to show strength, sassiness and confidence, so I thought Steampunk inspired princesses would be the way to go.

3-What kinds of work will you have at the Art World Expo?

I will be showing my series of Illustrated steampunk inspired fairy tale princess available in prints, stickers, bookmarks and buttons. I will also be showing my acrylic paintings.

4-What is your favourite thing about being a visual artist?

There are two favourite things actually…I love seeing the joy it brings to the people around me. The recognition of someone’s face lighting up because they like something that I have created is amazing. Secondly, I love the inspiration I get from other artists. I can spend all day at Galleries, Art/craft expos and see all the amazing talent that flows out of people and talk to the artists about their technique and what inspires them.

5-Where do you want to see your art business in five years time?

Time will tell. All I know is I will continue to share my art with the world around me.

6-Just for fun: What character would you be if you had to choose one?

Princess Jasmine for sure. Having a pet tiger as your confidant, going on a trip around the world with your true love…not to mention being friends with Genie. That would be pretty fun.

For more information about Danyella, please visit www.danyellaaxani.com

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.

Interview with Edmonton Artist Pavel Kroupko

by Monika Blichar

I love meeting artists from other areas of the world who have immigrated to Canada. Being an immigrant from Poland myself has taught me a lot about appreciating culture, opportunities and about being patient with myself and others who experience being part of two worlds. When Pavel Krouppko submitted his application for our Art World Expo Edmonton event, I was intrigued not only by his diverse work, but also how his work is affected not only by his cultural background but also his welding profession. His work is a blend of cultural representation near and far while also reveling in hard and concrete materials. I caught up with Pavel to hear what he had to say about his work and art.

1-When did you start making art and when did you know that you wanted to pursue art as a career?

Moving around a lot when I was young gave me more time to be creative. It takes time to make new friends in new place but Art was always there. I also seen many different places and things and that always bring some kind of inspiration even if long time passed since the time you saw them, you can always dig in your memories.

2-You moved a lot when you were young. How do you think moving around has impacted your creativity?

No I have not been back to Russia since 1997. It’s something I want to do in near future. As far as art scene goes, I have been making art since 1997. I decided that I want to do it as a career about 3 or 4 years ago.

3-Originally, you are from Russia and moved to Canada when you were 15. Do you still visit? Do you think that the art scene in Russia is comparable to the one in Canada?

In Russia, it is very much like here. Russian people have always been influenced by the Western World. So many of the trends that are here are also there. I follow many Russian artists from Art teacher at Universities to Airbrush schools and Tattoo artists to Metal sculpture creators. Much inspiration all around the world.

4-You are a versatile artist but also a welder. How has welding influenced your art?

Welding and art. Been a pressure vessel welder everything must be clean meaning shiny ground metal before you can weld on it. So I seen lots of ground metal and welders love their shiny things. My ground metal work shows that. And fabrication skill can easily be applied to making sculptures.

5-What can guests expect to see at your exhibit? Will you have any Art World Show Specials or contests running at your booth?

There will be lots of ground metal work, airbrush oil paintings and charcoal. I will have some discounted items.

6-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years? Do you have a big goal for your work you would like to share?

In 5 years, lol! I just want to be able to do it full time and make reasonable living on it. I will continue to grow as and artist and we will see where it takes me.

7-Who is your favourite artist?

Bob Ross. I can watch that guy for hours. I learned oil painting from his videos.

To learn more about Pavel and his work, visit his Facebook Page. Be sure to get your ticket to the Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory today! This event will be the best art show of the season in Edmonton-you don’t want to miss it!

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!