edmonton march 16

Interview with Edmonton Artist Mira Nova

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.

Denis Bouvier: Edmonton Visual Artist

by Monika Blichar

Art can do so many things. One of those things is undoubtedly striking a cord within the viewer. What is it that does that to us? The messages behind the work? The talent demonstrated in the skill or technique? The magnitude of art is undeniable and in today’s world, it is exciting to see artists who know this and create work to inspire others.

Today, I had the chance to interview Denis Bouvier a talented Edmonton based oil painter who tells us about touching the spirit of another person through his work and what we can expect from his exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 18. 2018.

1-What inspired you to want to start a career as an artist?

By creating from my own hands; I’ve become addicted to invoking emotional responses within observers. It feels great receiving feedback when I do something that touches the spirit of another person.

2-Were you encouraged as a child in the arts? Is anyone in your family artistic?

My mother and I oil paint together fairly regularly, she is a huge inspiration. As a child I saw both my parents as creative types, my Father, “the Fabricator” and my Mother, “the Decorator”. Luckily, I was raised in a home that allowed me to express my artistic self.

3-Your choice medium is oil. What do you like about oil painting?

Oil paints allow for phenomenal results when combined with skillful hands. No other medium creates the depth you can achieve, the colours are captivating.

4-Many of your works are inspired by nature. Is there a reason for this theme in your work? Why are you so inspired by Nature?

Nature is perfect and cannot be improved upon, breathing my life into wonders that will be here long after I’m gone just never goes out of style. Also, I enjoy painting eyes and attempting to capture a glimpse into the windows of a soul.

5-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition at the Muttart on March 16? Will you have contests or show specials?

I will bring a small sample of my different work, blue ocean life and life above sea level. Perhaps a painting of death also…

6-Just for fun: If you could be a superhero, what kind of super power would you have?

A superpower of my choice would be; the ability to fly anywhere in time or space, to be a fifth dimensional being.

To learn more about Denis’ work, visit his website and be sure to attend the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory! There are under 100 tickets left-secure yours today!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Emily Lozeron

by Monika Blichar

Nature is one of the most important things we have but often the one we appreciate the least. With all of our fancy technology and advances in transportation and industry, nature and the environment have long been suffering as a result.

One thing that I have come to value deeply in the arts is the ability aritsts have to give meaning and share important messages via their work. From pop songs to photography to paintings and poetry, artists of all sorts have been sharing important messages about our world for centuries. Today, I caught up with Emily Lozeron who stands for nature in her work. She is a member of Artists for Conservation and through her work is able to raise funds for conservation. Here’s what she has to say about being a full time artist and her inspiration.

1-When did you know that you wanted to be a professional artist?

I knew from a child that I wanted to be an artist. It seems that life sometimes creates detours and I pursued art as a hobby for several years as I became a nurse. But my passion for painting won out and I couldn’t ignore the fact that being a full time artist was what I truly wanted to do. I have been blessed to be able dedicate my time to painting for the past couple years.

2-Your work features a lot of Canadian animals. What inspires you to paint animals?

I grew up on a farm in Northern Alberta and spent a significant amount of time out with nature and animals. I feel the most at peace in nature. I love to hear the birds chirping and watching animals in nature. When hiking through the forest or camping, it seems like all stress and difficulties fade away. I can live in the moment and experience nature with my family. The sights, sounds and smells. It doesn’t get any better then that.

3-You are a member of Artists for Conservation. Can you tell us a little about the organization and also what your role is within the group?

Artists for Conservation is a worldwide organization that is dedicated to artists and conservation. Our world is fragile and takes effort to keep it as beautiful as it is now. I am a signature artist in AFC and donate a portion of sales of paintings to a conservation organization. It is a juried organization and every year has a juried show that includes artists from around the world. I am very honored to have been juried into the show several times, and the paintings tour around the United States and China.

4-What is the best part of being an artist? What would you say to an emerging artist?

The best part of being an artist is being able to do something I absolutely love. It takes a lot of work to get to the point of selling and being an artist, but worth it to do what you love. I was just talking with an artist and our conversation was “Just Paint!!! A lot!!!”. It takes effort to dedicate time to painting, but soon it turns into an obsession that is difficult to ignore. Plus the fact that I have set my studio up in the living room so that I am always surrounded by it. I’m always reminded that I am in the middle of a painting. I would also say to surround yourself with artists who are like minded and who are encouraging and keep you reminded of the end goal. Which, for me, is to continue painting what I love. Some of my artist friends have completely different mediums and styles. It keeps me striving for new ideas and pushes me to try new things.

5-What can guests expect from your exhibit at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have any show specials, contests or limited edition pieces for sale at this event?

People can expect to see paintings that represent what I love and experience. I hope to share with others what makes nature so special to me and encourage others to see nature in a new and beautiful way. All the paintings that I have at the show will be originals. I do plan to have a draw at the show for a small painting. Everyone who joins up on Facebook and/or Instagram will get a to have a ballot for the draw.

6-Where would you like your business to be in five years time?

I hope that my business continues to grow over the next couple of years. I plan to dedicate my time to increasing where I am showing my paintings.

7-Just for fun: What is your favourite travel destination and why?

Oh boy it would be easier to say where wouldn’t be my favorite destination. My husband always makes fun of me because everytime I hear of a place to go, I want to go there. I live in Northern Alberta so anywhere that is warmer then here is a desireable place to go.

EMILY LOZERON BIOGRAPHY

Emily lives near Grande Prairie, ab. She grew up on a farm in northern Alberta, where she first discovered her love for the outdoors and animals. She started drawing at an early age and loved to draw the horses and animals that lived on the farm. Eventually Emily ventured into watercolors and oils, but discovered that acrylic is the medium that gives her the flexibility and desired effect that she prefers. Emily’s main subject matter is wildlife and landscapes. Her goal is to achieve an accurate likeness and maintain the character of her subject while also giving an artistic effect to the painting. She does not look for the perfect or the beautifully manicured subject, but loves what makes the subject unique; the scar on the leaf, the rusted barbwire, the wrinkled face or the shedding of a winter coat of fur in the spring. Her inspiration is the beauty of nature and hopes that she can share what she sees to others, through her artwork.

Emily is a signature member of Artists for Conservation @ http://www.natureartists.com and her artwork has been juried into international shows in Vancouver with the organization. As well her painting has accepted into the international juried exhibit in Wausau Wisconsin in the “Birds in Art” at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
and also has been displayed at the Cloverdale Rodeo, Langley BC and at The Calgary Stampede. Emily is a member of Grande Prairie Guild of Artists. Her artwork can been seen online at www.emilylozeron.com or on Facebook at Emily Lozeron Painting.

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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