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Bodhi Inscape Strives to be Enlightened Within at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

Do creative people come from creative families? If our parents are creative, do we naturally become more creative? Bodhi Inscape is the brainchild of Tamara Konopelky whose family is full of artists and creators. I caught up with her today and I think coming from a family of creators, she might just be uber creative because of this. She is not only an artist but a meditation coach, and owns a construction and landscape company too. What can’t she do?

What inspired you to start making art?

Creativity runs in my family. My grandma was often creating various art projects with random materials. She once made a beautiful centerpiece with an old boot that my uncle left behind, some dried wild flowers, cattails & some pussywillows.

My mom does 3D wall art, repurposes old furniture and she dabbles in quilting.

My Dad makes furniture from antlers and tree branches, he welded a bouquet of flowers for my daughter using bolts and rebar and he gets pretty crafty with his antler Christmas trees with wrench and tool ornaments.

I suppose I’d have to say that I have always been exposed to people creating something extraordinary from something otherwise ordinary. Design and new ideas are in a way, ingrained deep into my mind.

Is there a special meaning behind your business name?

The name ‘Bodhi Inscape’ came from:

Bodhi: The name of tree that Buddha found enlightenment under.

Inscape: We all try to ‘escape’ from our lives, when what we really need is to Inscape.

I am also a meditation coach and I thought that name would be fitting for both art & meditation.

You produce a variety of works. What do you like to create the most?

I do tend to jump from art type to art type. It really depends on what inspires me at the time. I would have to say favorite is making the Grounding Lamps. My kids and I travel all over Canada gathering materials, driftwood & crystals. The amount of time, thought and the story behind each piece really make them very personal.

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

That’s a tricky question. I’d have to say that when someone buys one of our pieces they can be sure that what they are buying is a story. Each one of our electricity burned peices and lamps are very unique. Our products cannot be reproduced or duplicated so the peice that you buy will literally be one of a kind.

About me? Well I’m a mom with 2 (usually) wonderful children, I own a landscape construction company; Green Thumb Landscaping Inc. I’m a meditation coach and an artist. I’m always looking for some kind of adventure and if you can’t find me…I’m usually in the trees somewhere exploring.

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

Yes I will have a draw for a lightning burned peice of sorts. I haven’t quite decided on which peice just yet… let’s call it a show surprise. 😉

Just for fun. What is your favourite travel destination you have visited so far?

There are so many great places here in Canada that I would call my favorite because of the crystals we can find there. But my favorite ‘destination’ place would probably be Cuba. The people are so kind, the beaches are beautiful and there are tiny geckos running around everywhere. It was heaven!

View more of her work at the Art World Expo on April 12-get your tickets here! Be sure to check out the Etsy Store too!

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.

Mel’s Big Art: Big Ideas, Big Vision and Big Ingenuity

by Monika Blichar

Mel’s Big Art is just that. It’s filled with big ideas, big vision and big ingenuity. Her work shows a dedication to a unique craft while also experimenting with pop culture and ideals. From skateboards to traditional wall art pieces, Melanie Schoenberger is definitely one artist to follow over the next few years. Her work is intriguing, interesting and definitely makes a great addition to any art collector’s home or office. I caught up with Mel today and here’s what she had to say about her work, the upcoming Art World Expo in Edmonton and what she would do with an unlimited bank account.

You participated in the Art World Expo Edmonton last year in our very first year in Alberta. What have you been up to since then artistically?

In the past year I have focused on participating in more Artisan Markets, Gallery showings, expanding my creativity thru different pieces. Branding myself more thru social media.

You work in a very unique and rare medium. What inspired you to start working in wood burning?

My background is painting and drawing, I made myself a bedframe and I wanted to decorate it, I wanted to do something completely different that I’ve never seen before so I decided to burn designs into it. I love working with all the flaws and flow of the grain. I have recently started to add colour into my pieces which has been really fun. Thu the year I have found that my love of art comes thru when working with this medium.

You are a very versatile artist when it comes to creating. What is your favourite subject matter?

I enjoy challenging myself with taking on a variety of subjects. I’ve been getting more comfortable with stretching my boundaries and experimenting with the use of colours. I’d have to say that my favourite subject is nature/sea life. I find that every project I work it becomes something more that I didn’t expect.

As an artist and business owner, what are some of your greatest goals for your career this year?

My biggest goal this year is to continue to get more exposure for my Art and business.

Will you have show specials or never before seen work at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I’ll be selling limited edition prints and my newest works as I’m constantly working on new pieces. I will be possibly auctioning off one of my skateboards?

Just for fun! If you woke up tomorrow with access to an unlimited amount of money, what would you do?

So much…. Take care of my family, I would travel the world, put money towards environmental/animal causes. Live somewhere with an ocean view, have a big Art Studio and continue creating.

To support Mel’s Big Art, you can purchase tickets for Art World Expo Edmonton happening April 12 through her link here. You can also follow her work and journey by joining her on https://www.instagram.com/melsbigart/ or https://www.facebook.com/mschoenberger3

What’s in a camel’s hump?

https://youtu.be/-8woOKnLkgo

Now that you know, go check out Travis Cataldo, the artist who created this animation.

Here’s a link to his website – www.traviscataldo.com

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfTravisCataldo/

Have an awesome day!

Call for Vendors!

It’s that time of year again-call for vendors for multiple shows we produce is now open. Are you a painter, jewellery maker, designer or a local business who would like to be part of the Art World Expo family? We cordially invite you to apply to our 2018/2019 shows in Vancouver and Edmonton! Join our group of talented vendors while also joining a community of creatives who support one another throughout the year!

Upcoming shows:

Art World Expo Christmas Fair

$60+gst / spot

December 15, 2018

Polish Friendship Society

4015 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

Art World Expo Edmonton

$100+gst / spot

March 15, 2019

Muttart Conservatory

9626 – 96A Street, Edmonton, AB

Art World Expo Vancouver-MAIN EVENT

$500+gst / spot for vendors: artisan and business vendors

$100 +gst / body painting competitors

May 10, 2019

Science World

1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC

Our Vancouver Event which is happening on May 10, 2019 is our 9th Annual Event and our largest event of the year.

The $500+gst vendor fee includes a 14-30 day gallery show at Monika’s Art Boutique store front location at 3063 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC.

ONGOING CALL FOR VENDORS ONE MONTH GALLERY SHOW AT MONIKA’S ART BOUTIQUE AT 3063 LONSDALE AVENUE, NORTH VANCOUVER

Includes one month store front rental and one evening gallery opening.

Cost for non-members: $750+gst

Cost for members who sign up for the Main Event in Vancouver: FREE

We invite you to have a look at the vendor registration form HERE. Should you have any questions, please call us at 604 999 6177 during business hours Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.

Gilda Garza-Mexican Artist Shakes Up Art World

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www.gildagarza.com

Gilda Garza is a Mexican artist born in Sinaloa, Mexico. She started to paint as young as she can remember, a generational talent passed down to her from her grandmother.

Living in one of the most dangerous places in Mexico, Sinaloa, she was surrounded by war and kidnappings in her family. Her paintings show all of the raw emotions from these impactful events in her life.

She believes the best works of art happen when pain and suffering turn into inspiration and creativity.

Having gone through these experiences has only formed her into an even stronger woman who captivated what she was going through into beautiful pieces of art.

Every piece reflects a moment in the artist’s life.

Gilda’s Playboy painting was featured on the cover of Playboy Mexico’s February 2018 issue. She is the second painter to have art featured on the cover, behind Andy Warhol in January 1986. She is also the first artist to exhibit at the Omnia Nightclub in Las Vegas.

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Franck Marco Drum Painting

http://www.franckmarco.fr/drum-painting/

Have You ever heard of the term ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ the dream of Ludwig van Beethoven? Bringing art together into one experience and thus improving the different forms. Franck Marco takes this to a whole new level. He combines two of his passions, painting and playing the drums. The results are amazing and his art that is always evolving, makes Your heart skip a beat.

Franck Marco has found a way to combine these two forms of art in an inspirational subtle and improvised dialogue. A unique idea always evolving. He uses brush-sticks and other tools found or invented. So who is Franck Marco, and where does he get his inspiration? Franck Marco has been active on the music scene from the age of 6 onwards. He knows what it takes and has been playing on all major scenes and festivals. His paintings are breathtaking as You can see here.

Bringing a unique performance. He combines the two forms of expession in a singular performance for a colorful silence, a percussive chaos and a reflected accidental destiny.

Tam Tam Magazine – 18-03-31

Interview with Celina Miller of MoonLight Studios

by Monika Blichar

I love seeing artists emerge in our community because it shows me that one more person is being courageous. Being an artist takes a lot of self confidence and risk not only because they don’t know when they will sell something or be commissioned, but also because they put work out there for the world to react to. Some people will fall in love with what they do, many won’t. Some people will support the arts, but many won’t know how to respond to creative works.

What I have noticed over the years is that many people don’t realize the hours and hours of work it takes to be an artist. From working on pieces in between jobs to spending each weekend at markets and shows promoting your own work. Being an artist not only takes courage, it also takes persistence, determination and motivation to continue despite fear, failure, or hard work. For these reasons, I am always so proud of emerging artists and creators. Today, I catch up with Celina Miller of MoonLight Studios whose work is often created in the moon light hours while her family is sleeping, but who also prides herself sharing her passion with her family and now, with the art world.

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1-When did you start making art?

I started as soon as I was old enough to hold felts or crayons or a paint brush. I remember being a kid and painting my bedside table (I got in serious trouble) but I just needed to create, no matter what it was.

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2-What is your preferred medium to use?

Paint and canvas is my all time favourite and I gravitate towards that more then others but I have worked with many different mediums.

3-What inspires you to create?
Honestly, everything inspires me. The colour of the leaves, the waves of the ocean, the swimming of an orca, the wings of a bird flying, the blades of grass, the different colours of sand on a beach, my husband, my daughter, my dogs, I honestly find inspiration everywhere I look!

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4-Will you have any special promotions or new releases for AWE guests?

This is my first real art show so all the pieces I will be painting will be new releases for me.

5-Where would you like to see your art business in the next five years?
I would love to be doing this full time, having my own studio, my art in a gallery, my name out there in the art world. I’m excited for all the things to come for me!

6-Just for fun: Where would you go on vacation if you could go anywhere in the world?
My dream vacation would be Europe. Greece, Italy, France, the art, the culture, the food, I would love it all!

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For more information about Celina, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to purchase your ticket to the 8th annual event and support Celina by using her affiliate link here.

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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’s Aurora Artistry

by Monika Blichar

I have loved make up like most girls since being introduced to it in my teenage years. When we were in high school, we experimented with lots of different kinds of make up and I remember that when Halloween rolled around, it was the time of year where everyone got into make up! Since my teenage years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing some of the most talented make up artists in the country via Art World’s body painting competition. Today, I caught up with Aurora Artistry to learn more about her company! Looking so forward to seeing her entry into the first annual Art World Expo Edmonton Body Painting Competition!

1-What is Aurora Make Up Artistry?

Aurora Artistry is a Hair, Makeup and Body Art business ran by myself, Deonna Fetzko. The name stems from the Aurora Borealis, I grew up in a very small Northern Alberta town underneath the inspiring glow and that’s how I want to make people feel. Aurora aims to let your true colors dance. I provide mobile services as well as services out of my home. My goal is to make anyone who receives our services feel like a complex piece of art. No matter if it’s a glamorous editorial, a wild costume or a natural day look I hope to make every person really “feel” their look. Everyone has unique qualities and I love to accent and play those up!

2-When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the make up industry?

I always have wanted to be a mother. When asked as a kid what I wanted to be it was always “A mom and -” So when I finally found myself ready to search for a career I knew I wanted something I could do from home, on my schedule. I was always involved in theatre and performing, would paint large dragons and vines on my face and shoulder in high school just for fun and wear it to school. One day my mom sent me a link to a makeup school and it just flew from there. I moved to Calgary 9 hours from home and got an International Certification in Makeup Artistry and my love for the beauty industry and the art scene has just developed from there.

3-What kinds of jobs or projects are your favourite?

Avante Garde, Body Paint and Runway work has to be my favourite. Though I’m very new to Body Paint. Being able to really stretch my creative muscles and put together a large project gives me a wonderful sense of satisfaction. I love to test if i can bring my hands to do what my brain is creating and playing with textiles and texture.

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4-What could you tell make up artists who are emerging in the field about business and art?

Get the schooling. Youtube and instagram are great but there are so many things as far as the science behind makeup goes that you are missing that could potentially put your clients at risk if you don’t get proper training. Also don’t sell yourself short! In my experience undercharging and giving away your work does nothing for your career besides empty your wallet. Trade for portfolio work is good, while you need to build your portfolio, don’t overdue it.

5-Can you give us any hints about your “Lady Luck” body painting entry for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16?

You wont be able to keep your “eye” off of her.

6-If you could paint any historical or current person, who would it be and why?

Bob Ross. It would just be so much fun and I would love to pick his brain for paint techniques!

To learn more about Aurora Artistry visit their Facebook Page and be sure to cheer her on in the body painting competition happening on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, Alberta! We are running low on tickets, so be sure to grab yours today before we are sold out!

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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