metal art

Art World presents Two Carrots Studio

by Monika Blichar

5D00D46B-A3B0-4D8A-B96B-2924DF8D947C - Carrie Carbol-Ritcey (1).jpg It’s always interesting to see new artists come to our Art World Expo family and when I saw Carrie Carbol-Ritcey work come through our submission, I was not only thrilled but really interested in what she is doing because she is really invested in her work and business. Not only is she a talented metalsmith, she is also teaching, exhibiting, partnering up with local merchants in her area and continually learning about her craft by pursuing higher education in her industry. She is really doing it all. I caught up with her today and here’s what she had to say about her work, inspiration and goals for her company Two Carrots Studio.

You are an accomplished designer and metalsmith. When did you know you wanted to pursue design as a career?

I’ve always been involved in the arts. Music, creative writing, mixed media collage, building, sewing, I am incredibly lucky to have a family that has always supported my artistic pursuits, whatever they might be. I had a conventional job for a long time, but my years in the corporate world left me wanting to do more. One silversmithing course led to another and another and I realized I had found my passion. My favourite line from my artist’s bio reads: I find silversmithing to be the perfect combination of right and left brain thinking: art and science, engineering and physics and just a little bit of alchemy that results in beautiful and accessible pieces of wearable art. That’s why I do what I do.

What inspires you when you create new pieces?

I always have a sketchbook with me, and have been known to rummage in my bag for something to sketch on while at the movie theatre! I find inspiration everywhere, in architecture, nature, books and music. My Stick Flower line was and is inspired by the
artwork of my youngest daughter. Kids draw the most fantastic things, in bold lines and vibrant colours. She’s been drawing amazing stick people lately, with impossibly long limbs and giant cartoon hands. I just love them, and one of them is going to have to become part of a piece soon. My oldest daughter is an artist, and I proudly frame and display her pieces around our house. I get inspiration from just watching her create, and I will support her Arts passion just like my parents did for me.

fullsizeoutput_52bc - Carrie Carbol-Ritcey.jpeg

Do you have a favourite piece you have made?

Usually my newest piece is my favourite! I love to tell my customers that my rings all come in ‘not my size’ or I would have to keep them all!

I think my current favourite is the piece I made in a week long workshop at the Red Deer College Series Summer Arts program last year. ACAD’s Linda Chow was my instructor and I learned so much that week! The piece is a two sided pendant featuring a huge labradorite stone with a hand fabricated water lily and carved lily pads on the front and back of the piece. Linda taught us that ‘sculpture has no front or back’ and to reflect that in our work when creating a sculptural piece of jewelry.

Another favourite would be the copper poppies seen in my logo. Like a lot of my projects, these started out as a simple idea on paper, probably a bit out of my current skill set. I love a challenge, and making the poppies pushed me to learn several new techniques. The first set was a gift for my amazing mom. After that, I made several more sets and still carry them as part of my line.

fullsizeoutput_51a6 - Carrie Carbol-Ritcey.jpeg

You teach a variety of workshops in the area. Can you tell us more about any upcoming workshops you are hosting?

I am lucky to be part of the group of instructors at Bedrock Supply. I learned a lot of my skills in the Bedrock studio, and I am thrilled to be part of the teaching team. I have two classes left in my winter schedule. Both classes give students a chance to work with metals, learn about tools and gain some foundation techniques in metalsmithing. On March 22 I’m teaching a simple silver band ring class, and on April 2 I am teaching a roll printed earring class. I’ll have examples of both at the Art Expo show-come see me to learn more about the classes and the pieces we will be creating!

What are your goals for your business in the coming year?

I have a few things in the works. I just finished up a Valentine’s Day collaboration with the amazing local chocolatier Colleen Heidecker, and would love to do that again. I am working at making as much of the behind the scenes work as streamlined and automated as I can. The business of being a maker and an artist isn’t as fun as the creating!

There is nothing I would like more than to be a silversmith 100% of the time. Right now I’m balancing small scale production work with the creative pieces I love to do. Selling the ‘bread and butter’ pieces frees up time to create the really fun stuff, and also pays
the bills. Professionally I’m always looking to learn more about the craft. I’m headed back to Red Deer College Series Summer Arts in July. Being surrounded by artists and makers in the fantastic studio spaces at RDC is the best way to spend my summer vacation. In 2020 I plan to travel to Washington State to immerse myself in a week long workshop with one of my favourite silversmiths, Nicole Ringgold.
Will you have any show specials for Art World Expo guests at the show this year?

I just might! People will need to come see the Expo to find out!

fullsizeoutput_4f79 - Carrie Carbol-Ritcey.jpeg

To learn more about Carrie and Two Carrots Studio, visit her website twocarrotsstudio.com If you haven’t bought your ticket to the show yet, you can do so HERE.

Follow Two Carrots Studio on Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/twocarrotsstudio

http://www.instagram.com/twocarrotsstudio

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!

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 Shane Baker-Baker Boyz Designs

by Monika Blichar

I love all kinds of art forms and appreciate creativity for what it is in all its relams. In today’s world, we can truly create so many different works of art and it’s amazing to see lots of variety within the art forms represented at our varied shows across Canada. I caught up with Shane Baker today and asked him a few questions about his work and what inspires him.

1-When did you start making art?

I have been drawing since I was able to hold a pencil. But went full time in the airbrush industry in 2003.

2-How has working with metal inspired your work? You have a shop where you also work on cars and motorcycles. Can you tell us about this side of your business and how it compliments your art?

Being in the auto body industry I have always loved the effect of ground metal . The way it moves and shifts with different direction of grinds. . Over the years of working on vehicles (Painting) I have also learned a lot about color and different effects that can be created by manipulating how they are applied.

3-You have hosted air brush nights with other artists in your shop. What inspired you to start this endeavor and how has creating this community with other airbrush artists inspired your art business?

When I first started airbrushing it was a very tight lipped community . Nobody was really open to helping anyone to start airbrushing. I felt that there needed to be a place for everyone to come in and enjoy this form of art as well as pinstriping allowing for everyone to feed off the energy and learn from everyone around them. Keeping the art form alive.

4-What kinds of work will you have at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have show specials or contests

I will have various ground metal panels as well as airbrushed paintings. I will be offering 20% off on all art at the show.

6-Where would you like to see your art in 5 years time?

In 5 years, I would like to be full time creating art and leave the auto body behind .

To learn more about Baker Boyz, visit their Facebook Page and be sure to get your ticket to the Edmonton Art World Expo! The event of the spring season in Edmonton!