march 16 edmonton

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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!

monikaheadshot

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 HumbleTara

by Monika Blichar

As we approach the Edmonton event, I find that the level of anticipation and stress increases for everyone involved in making this event happen! From all the little details to the final layouts and line ups, we are all getting ready for a great night! During the time where everything is busy and we are doing a million things at once, it is always great to remember to be “humble and kind” which brings me to my next artist interview with Tara Clelland, aka “Humble Tara”. I caught up with her and she’ll be telling us about what her brand stands for and some of her inspirations. Ford Cabover - Tara Clelland.JPG

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

I have been creating whimsical pieces of art for years, privately. I let the world know in the summer 2014. I felt it was too personal to share with anyone. I paint with my heart. It takes a great deal of vulnerability to show the world your soul. I wasn’t ready till 2014.

Making art is a passion for me. If I could do this as a career, I would be on top of the world!!! If I can pay bills and do what I love?? Bonus!!


2-Your art name is “Humble Tara”. What does this name represent to you and your art?

The common theme in my life has been “be humble and kind”. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This world needs kindness and it starts with us. Everyone has a story. Being humble is putting others ahead of yourself.

The intention of my work is to evoke a “reaction”, a “feeling”. The stories I hear from people are truly amazing and inspiring. If I can give that person a “moment”, then I am fulfilled.

Octopus - Tara Clelland.JPG3-You mention that you paint a lot for mental health. How has making art helped you? What would you recommend others to start with if they were looking to use art as therapy?

Yes I use art as my therapy. Like a form of meditation. When I paint I only think about painting. I am present in the moment. Sometimes my anxiety is overwhelming, I shut out the world while I paint what is going on in my head.

My recommendation for others to start their art journey is to JUST DO IT. Get a pad of paper (thick paper is better) and a acrylic palette (like paint by number containers)  and just let your mind flow to your fingers. Do not judge your thoughts or what you create..let it flow. Getting started can be very inexpensive.
Gnomes - Tara Clelland.JPG4-What can guests expect to see at your exhibit? Will you have show specials or contests?

I am bringing a variety of pieces to show the diversity in mixed media. Classic cars, animals and a few abstracts.

Yes I most definitely will have show specials!! Stay tuned to find out!

5-Where would you like to see your art business in five years time? Any big goals or dreams you would like to share?

What I would like my art business to be like in 5 years, is to attend/contribute to more exhibitions across Canada. To have a recognizable brand. Also receiving commissions from patrons looking to capture their beloved vehicles in canvas form.

A dream of mine is to do a VERY large canvas for a patron. The options are limitless.


6-If you could be a superhero, which one would you be and why?

If I was to be a superhero I would most likely be Rogue. She is strong and has the amazing ability to absorb people’s memories via touch. For the people who are suffering, I would take away the pain for them. And of course she can fly!!!

To learn more about Tara’s work, visit her website.

Bio:

I am a self taught artist. I have been doing art my entire life, privately, for my mental health. My first public show was the Edmonton Whyte Avenue Artwalk of 2015. My favourite medium is acrylic. Miscellaneous types of paper and adhesives are a few of my “go to” tools to use in my work. Making 3 dimensional objects into 2 dimensional objects is such a rewarding challenge for me.  I love animals, automobiles, landscapes and just about anything I can create into a whimsical collage of colour.

monikaheadshot

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.