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.
Art World Expo 