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The Beauty of Everyday Life – An Interview with Angela Weichel

By Alyssa Laube

About: Angela Weichel is a local, self-taught artist based out of Langley,B.C..She is inspired by everyday subjects and colours that can come to life on a canvas, and her acrylic paintings include a variety of wild life, landscapes, still life, and portraits.

Can you tell the story of how you started out in art?

I started painting as gifts for friends and family, until I received my first commission in June 2012. A family wanted to do a culture wall of eight paintings in their home to represent their adopted children and their heritage. Shortly afterwards, I entered into my first public art show and began showing my work. In February of 2014, I joined the Fort Langley Artists Group. This group has been an amazing way to meetand connect with other artists in mycommunity. We have a gallery in Fort Langley, BC at the Heritage CN Train Station. The next opening will be in May!

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How did you teach yourself how to paint and are you still teaching yourself today?

My first time painting, my goal was to make my canvas look just like the photo I was referencing. I used to go from one side to the other to fill the space, which caused issues since I wasn’t creating any backgrounds or layering. I taught myself over time how to be patient and create a painting little by little without getting ahead of myself. Hopefully I will always be learning and growing, as long as I have a brush in my hand!

What is it about painting birds that you enjoy?

Birds seem to have so much personality. I love to focus in on them as the main subject, letting the background fall away. I also enjoy the fact that there are so many species to choose from and each has their own stunning feathers and colours.

What do you love about your hometown of Langley? How did it inspire you artistically?

I love that Langley is a “city meets country” kind of place. Wherever I drive, I can picture different spots along the way that would be great to paint. I’m particularly drawn to the sights off Glover Road, the quaint charm of Fort Langley, and pastoral colours set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains.

When you paint a landscape, do the places always exist in reality, or are they often creations of your imagination?

They always exist in reality. My favourite landscape experience was during an early morning in August of 2013. I got out early to meet the sunrise behind a barn that I had noticed a few days earlier. I placed my easel on the field and painted the scene as quickly as I could before the sun crept up. It was a beautiful morning!

Can you explain what you mean by “still life” and why you are interested in it?

Still Life painting is a work of art created from everyday objects. It can be fruit, flowers, a tea pot, or even a bottle of wine. It is totally up to the artist as to how they would like to interpret “still life.” I would love to paint more in this theme. It interests me because there are so many options and it is a great way to challenge myself.

Which artists or works of art inspire you?

My first inspiration as a high school student was Paul Cezanne (1839-1906). I was taken by his still life paintings and the rough brush stokes that he used in his work.

Currently I am inspired by artists like Zaria Forman, and Carol Marine.I love to watch their hard work and the amazing pieces they produce.

How has having such a big family impacted you and your life?

When I think of my family, I think of Sunday lunch after church. It’s a regular occurrence to see twenty people around the table laughing and sharing our weeks with one another. I have amazing parents who have guided me in my faith, and us siblings challenge each other for the better. But we’ve also had our share of trials: in 1996 we moved half-way across Canada with little more than faith that God would provide for us when we arrived in BC, and we’ve recently suffered a terrible loss to cancer. Our Sundays since then have changed, but we find newfound joy in all the nieces and nephews running around. Through everything, I love my family and thank God for every day I get with them.

What do you like about painting portraits, compared to you landscape and other works?

Painting a portrait really challenges me to be patient with my work. Emotion is not something you can rush. Every face has a story – and I enjoy using my paint to re-create that story.

Can you recall any specific portraits that had a lasting effect on you?

My brother (who is a photographer), was on a trip to the Philippines a few years back and he took a photo of a young girl. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to paint her. She was waiting for a bus that took inner-city children to a place where they received a bath and a fresh pair of clothes. I couldn’t get the look on her face out of my head. These are the types of portraits that I would love to paint more of.

Where can we find your work?

Currently you can find my work on my websiteand on Facebook. Starting in May, I will also have work in the FLAGstop Gallery in Fort Langley. To find out more about these shows, you can visit http://www.fortlangleyartistsgroup.com!

You can also learn more about Angela at:

http://www.angelaweichel.com/

Avant-Garde & Colourful A Glimpse Into the Mind of Makeup Artist Anita Chan

By Alyssa Laube

About: Although Anita has a Degree in Communications, she is currently studying her true passion at New Image College of Fine Arts: makeup artistry! Her dream is to work in the entertainment and fashion industry, and to run her own company where she can apply all of her diverse skills. At this year’s Expo, Anita will be demonstrating her body painting skills for the AWE audience.

You’re a student in Makeup Artistry and Film/Fashion Design. What made you interested in these specific studies, especially film and fashion?

My love for the fine arts started with drawing lessons when I was little. My teacher taught me the fundamentals:drawing straight lines without a ruler, shading, working with different mediums, tracing, colouring, and sketching. Later, myGrade 6 art teacher, Ms. Kolaric, inspired me and taught me new techniques; I learned to create a swan wing out of tissue on construction paper, use a sponge to make a background look like papyrus, and work with paper maché!In the curriculum, Ms. Kolaricintroduced us to Mesopotamian, Greek, and Egyptian history– it was like a grand tour of world art history!

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Later, when I worked at the Park (movie) Theatre, I was able to get hands-on experience with creatingsets for the lobby. I replicated scenes from the film that was showing at the time, and even got to recreate some of my favourites: Lord of the Rings and Apocalypse Now! After my cousin graduated from the Visual Arts program at Emily Carr and started working in the film industry, I realized that it’s a great place for me to express my creativity. With film, the sky’s the limit.

My official interest in makeup artistry started in 2008 when I became a volunteer with Anime Evolution. There, I was exposed to many talented cosplayers, photographers, and designers, who led me to pursue my passion as a makeup artist.

How do you think that social media is important for artists?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I manage seven social media channels for work and understandhow time consuming – yet important – it can be. It’s a great way to inspire, promote, and catalogue your work. You can use it to create a portfolio, help with your research, and mentor or connect with other artists. Still, one important thing to note is that one should always be careful of what they post. Always show respect and professionalism, as you are on displayall the time!It’s also important to remember that personalization is key; A catch phrase or a logo is what sets you apart from other artists.

Would you suggest your school, New Image College of Fine Arts, to other artists?

Absolutely! The small class sizes at New Image College are great. I’m in an evening class of 10, which I love because we really get to know, learn from, and inspire each other. I also receive more one-on-one time with teachers who provide constructive feedback, help the students realize their potential and turn their ideas into reality. As a whole, the school is responsive and adaptable in regards to problem resolution.When aconcern is raised, the president and teachers sit down with the class to discuss probable solutions. This opens communication between students and teachers, which fosters an inviting environment for all!

How has your education changed your work?

Key assets I learned in makeup school are to be flexible and open to new ideas. Each artist has their own unique style, some of which may extend beyond your comfort zone. When this happens, I embrace it and ask myself, “Why not?” At school, I also learned how to think analytically and ahead, which is critical in the fast-paced and ever-changing makeup industry. After all, you would not want a bride to become “Bridezilla” because you forgot to include extra eyelash glue in her take-away kit!

Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

I get my everyday inspiration mostly from the world of science fiction, fantasy, and Japanese anime, especially goth and punk. When it comes to techniques and mediums for communication, I draw on an art history course I took in university. In particular, the styles of Picasso, Lisa Steele, Yoko Ono, and Jackson Pollock inspire me.I also travel a lot and have been to different places in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North,Central and South America, which inspires my work both visually and expressively. Lastly, my grandfather taught me skills specific to the art of Chinese finger painting, which influences my work as well.

Do you consider yourself to have a niche in the makeup artistry industry?

To quote my Makeup for High Fashion teacher, Tiana Tran, my style is very “avant-garde and colourful”.

Do you cosplay, or help others cosplay?

Yes, I’ve cosplayed as Minion Dave and turned my friend into Minion Kevin from Despicable Me. Other cosplays I’ve done before include Poison Ivy from Batman, Ryuk from Death Note, and Sailor Galaxia from Sailor Moon. In total, each cosplay took me about 48 hours to complete.

What advice would you give to future makeup artists?

Volunteering for events is a good way to network and meet mentors. Jump at the opportunity to work on a gig, even if you don’t feel like you meet the qualifications. Tag team with a classmate or friend so that you can support each other. Keeping a positive attitude also helps, as negativity can affect more than just you. Most importantly, show respect to everyone you work with.

What will you be showing at this year’s expo?

In line with the fairytale theme, I will create a look based on nymphs. In Greek and Latin mythology, a nymph is defined as a minor female deity typically associated with a particular location or landform; They are the spirits who make nature come to life.

How does your personality or interests show in your work?

I love colours, and my favourite is purple, so I use a lot of it in my work.As a person, I’m a happy-go-lucky girl and feel that my work proves that; they’re upbeat, funky, and fun! I also love adventures and experimenting with new things, so the process of creating my art is equally as important to me as the art itself.

Your long-term goal is to have your own company. Can you explain what this would look like, and how/when you plan to get there?

During the next 3 years, I hope to build my repertoire as a makeup artist, event planner and communications specialist. Overall, I want to incorporate all of my skills and provide a one-stop, home-based shop for my clients! I think that the toughest task to do is coming up with a business name and going through all of the administrative and legal procedures.My family owned a floral business for over 20 years, so once the setup is complete, coming up with a business plan will be fun and easy. In 10 years, I hope to have a thriving business and have both local and international clients.

For The Love of Art – An Interview with Caragh Geiser of Open Door Gallery

By Alyssa Laube

About: Caragh Geiser works on both sides of the art-selling business; She both creates and exhibits paintings at her Vancouver site, The Open Door Gallery! The gallery features a unique selection of local oil and acrylic paintings, some of which will be exhibited at this year’s Art World Expo.

What made you want to establish your own gallery? How did you go about doing it?

Despite a career in science, art has always been a necessary counterpoint in my life. Then about ten years ago I found out that my hairdresser was an incredible painter. He convinced me to model for him and it all blossomed from there.

At a dark point in my life Maurice showed me how to work in colour again, in every sense. Our shared love of painting led to an amazing two year fling and a return to the brush. My first painting, after a long period without art in my life, was called Open Door – which inspired the name of the gallery.

At the time, I was mostly seeking a way to capture all of Maurice’s undocumented work, and integrate it into some sort of curated platform. Irolled in my own pieces, and then somehow the artists just kept coming.

Open Door Gallery now carries the work of 14 local Vancouver and BC painters, and offers a unique selection of over 250oil and acrylic paintings and limited edition reproductions on stretched canvas.

Why do you feel it’s important to show local art?

Think of us like afarmer’s market for locally producedpaintings. By supporting local producers, you invest in a more stable local economy and higher quality arts future for our community. Our unique format allows the consumer toaccess the remarkable work produced by their next door neighbours.

What do you think makes Canadian artwork unique?

100% of the purchase price of Canadian made art is tax deductible as a business expense. Every painting offered by Open Door Gallery qualifies for this deduction. For detailed information please download our free eBook called the Corporate Guide to Canadian Art Acquisition at www.opendoorgallery.ca.

Do you think the style of art changes depending on what area of B.C. the artist is from?

Some have a very strong connection to their surrounding geography anda deep connection to nature. I invite you to explore the work of Mihaela Stefan, Roy Geronimo, Jojo Geronimoand Marina Wright.

How do you go about finding or attracting new artists?

We’ve established a clear style, and it seems that artists who respond to our aesthetic seek us out.

What sort of message do you try to convey with your work – if there is one?

We simply want to demonstrate that beautiful art is being produced all around you every day.Purchasing this art helps artists to stay in Vancouver and keep creating.There tends to be the perceptionthat it’s everyone for themselves and that we must all grab for a piece of the pie. My philosophy is to instead view it as a collaborative process, working together to make the pie bigger. Vancouver is poised to make a much larger name for itself in the art world. We have the talent and we have the world stage, so lets step into the limelight and show off our world class creative industry.

Who and/or what inspires you?

I know it’s almost a cliche, but Vincent Van Gogh is a painter’s painter and I love his work dearly. As an artist I feel a deep connection with the work of Sergy Mann, who has continued to paint 25 years after going blind, feeling his way around using pieces of stick tack on the canvas as co-ordinate points. But most importantly, I’m inspired by the Open Door Gallery artists who continue to produce inspiring work despite day jobs, families and other commitments.

How is the diversity between your artists at Open Door Gallery important?

The broad selection of styles, size and price represented in our gallery increases the likelihood that a particular painting will connect with a viewer. You can see the various collections, such as landscapes, nudes, abstracts, celebrities, and local landmarks at our website www.opendoorgallery.ca.

There are few things more exhilarating than buying a piece of art. At least once in your life you should allow yourself to purchase a painting you fall in love with.

You do more than just create art- you also buy, sell, and exhibit it. What is it like to be involved in all of these different areas, and which is your favourite?

I like to see the buying and selling of art as a natural extension of exhibitions. For us, the thrill comes from displaying these unique works.

Since the opening of the gallery, have you changed as a person or an artist? If so, how?

I don’t know if I’ve changed much as a person but I’ve certainly worked hard at building the gallery into something I’m proud to represent, and now it is time to give something back to the community.

We have partnered with AIDS Vancouver to create the #iheartlocalart fundraising campaign for May and June, with our launch at the Art World Expo. We have packs of gorgeous greeting cards and postcards for sale online and at our booth, featuring a selection of paintings by Open Door Gallery artists.

50% of art card salesand 10% of all original artwork sales in May and June will go directly to AIDS Vancouver to support them in continuing to provide community support services including Case Management, a Financial Assistance Fund, a Grocery and Nutrition Program, and a Confidential Helpline.

During the campaign, we will be exploring the research to date on the interconnection between art and health at the local level. Science tells us that viewing art and creating art is good for your brain.I truly believe that when you find a piece of art you deeply connect with, acquiringit is an extremely healthy act.

Check out iheartlocalart.cato find out more about our exciting campaign!

Why do you work specifically with contemporary oil and acrylic painters?

Many people think that contemporary art is a style of art, but it simply means art produced in the current era. All of our artists are therefore contemporary artists. We specialize in oil and acrylic works, most of which are oil or acrylic on stretched canvas. Nothing beats the richness of oil paint,however acrylics are a very close second. The latter are cheaper, easier to work with, and less toxic. When water soluble acrylic paints became available in the 1950’s, it was a revolution for budding artists everywhere.

What is it about fruit that you find interesting to paint?

I’m attracted to colour, and some of the most dazzling colours I’ve ever seen just happen to have been on produce.

How many different art forms have you explored?

Personally, I’ve worked with pencil, watercolour, charcoal, india ink, acrylic and most recently oil. Now that I have painted with oils this will always be my preference, although with two young children at home acrylics may have to do for a few years.

What sets Open Door Gallery apart from other galleries?

We operate without a dedicated retail storefront, so we can offer our services without high commissions.

You’ve been to a lot of exhibits – the Art World Expo is one of many. What makes this event special to you?

Through the affiliate ticket sales, presale items and silent auction, the format of the Art World Expo doing it right and putting money back into the pockets of the participants. As a member of Arts and Cultural Alliance of BC, Open Door Gallery is an advocate for this type of properly integrated business model.

What do you think is the most important thing while pursuing a career in the art industry?

The most important thing is to do the work behind the art.Nobody is going to discover you, you have to show yourself to the world.

To learn more about Open Door Gallery, visit:

http://www.opendoorgallery.ca/

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor:

Unlimited Potential-An Interview with Steven Lemire

By Alyssa Laube

About: Steven Lemire recently discovered his passion for painting and expressing himself, along with his wife, Sanda. He creates abstract paintings and will be showcasing them at this year’s expo.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe each piece of art as one of a kind. They’re uniquely painted,modern, contemporary oil paintings with an emphasis on depth, varied colours and deep textures. Each painting draws out various emotions and perceptions, especially when spot or focusedmood lighting is added, which can give the piece more character.

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What do you like about creating abstract art?

Creating abstract art affords me the opportunity of not being limited, which allows my emotions and environment to affect how the paint is applied.It’s like the old saying, “If it feels good, do it!”

Which artists inspire you?

Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí are on the edge of inspired chaos, which makes their art fun and exciting!

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How do you choose which colours to use in a painting?

I run a range of colourpalettes in my thoughts, and the very first one that captures my attention gets the paint flowing onto a new canvas.

How do you use turpentine/linseed oil?

I use paint thinners and linseed oil to stretch and thin the paints. Since they are like oil and water when mixed, itcauses a natural separation, which causes some of the paints to take on a life of their own. Experimentation has led to some amazing reactions – and sometimes failed outcomes – but the surprises are what makes it more interesting.

How long does it usually take you to create a piece?

The time taken to complete a painting is mainly based on how long it takes the layers to dry. If I had a large enough studio, I think I would do multiple paintings at once, but 4 – 5 days is average if you don’t count waiting for drying times.

I worked on my first commissioned piece for 1 month before I realized I didn’t like where it was going, as it felt forced. Later, I smeared the entire canvas, began to work over the original, and let my feelings go. Within 2 days, it resulted in one of my favourite pieces (found here: http://www.anartistsblog.com/seafire/).

Do you usually go into a painting with an image or idea you want to bring to life, or do you create as you go?

I’ve tried to start with an idea in mind, but it doesn’t seem to help me reachmy goal, so I usually paint as I go. Most of the pieces I start with an idea in mind become paintings covering paintings until the result is more than what was intended.

You work with your wife, Sanda. What is it like to work with your spouse, and how do you encourage each other as artists?

Honestly, I don’t know if I would enjoy painting without her. Each time we paint, we share candlelit nights, amazing music, bottles of wine and a lot of laughter. On hot nights in Mexico, we take a late-night dip in the pool on painting breaks. It refreshes the mind and helps to create excitement and longer nights of painting!

How did living in Mexico influence you?

Living in Mexico influenced everything.Warm nights, bright starlit skies, happy people, a much slower pace of living and the lack of any stress helps to open the mind andlet it flow. As a result, we hope to return this year and not look back.

See more of Steven’s work at anartistsblog.com!

Different Types of Beauty-an Interview with Katerina Taylor

By Alyssa Laube

About: In 2014, Katerina Taylor moved from Alberta to British Columbia to study Makeup Artistry and Professional Hair Styling at Blanche Macdonald. When she is not at school, Katerina is doing freelance work that includes weddings, proms, other specials events and one-on-one lessons. Although Katerina enjoys all specialties that makeup has to offer, she mainly specializes in beauty/glamour makeup.

To reach Katerina, you can email her at katerinataylormakeup@hotmail.com

What are you planning on showcasing at this year’s expo?

I have entered into the body painting competition this year and am really look forward to pushing my artistic capabilities for it’s theme: Fairy Tale. I’m still working on a foundation for the piece that I will be competing with this year.

How did you discover that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

I have always been interested in art and the ability to express oneself through different mediums! I was in my second year of university when I began my retail job at MAC Cosmetics. It was then that I really discovered what I wanted to do with myself. I was encouraged by my colleagues to apply to Blanche Macdonald for their Global Makeup Diploma program. They were previous graduates and told me that I would do well at Blanche. Sure enough, a little over a year later, I am exactly where I want to be! Going to school for Makeup Artistry only pushed me closer to becoming who I want to be. I am now a returning student to Blanche Macdonald for their Professional Hairstyling program and I’m set to graduate this program in March 2016!

How is your education at Blanche Macdonald improving you as an artist?

Going to Blanche, I had a really good support system from the career directors. They were continuously encouraging me to push myself as an artist by volunteering and recommending me to potential employers. This would include working on film sets and fashion shows, various retail opportunities, and a handful of freelance work for me to do on the side. They also featured my work on the main Blanche Macdonald websites! I would keep up with them regularly about what I was up to, and in return, they continued to support me. For that, I am truly grateful.

When you say that you specialize in “special events makeup”, what sort of special events do you mean?

A majority of the freelance work that I do is beauty/glamour makeup. I do a lot of weddings and proms, especially during the warmer seasons.

What was your job with MAC Cosmetics like, and how did it change you?

I was hired with MAC Cosmetics when I had very little makeup artistry experience, so it was very intimidating at first. It was hard for me to feel confident about what I was expected to do, but over time, it became easier for me to really enjoy all aspects of my work. I had a great MAC family; We all got along well and always had fun on counter. Also, because a good portion of our job was to be in trend with the newest makeup fads, we were always asked to be creative. It was a really good start for me – pushing myself artistically like that and thinking outside of my comfort bubble. Eventually, my colleagues saw my passion and encouraged me to pursue school, which led me to attend Blanche! So, in hindsight, I owe my success to MAC Cosmetics for welcoming me into their family and showing me a side of myself that wanted to be noticed.

What do you feel is most important to succeed in the makeup industry?

I believe that the key to succeeding in the makeup industry is networking. Whether you specialize in beauty, fashion, television/film, special effects, or even prosthetics, you need to know how to market yourself. This is absolutely the most important way to succeed, but it requires a lot of work on your part. You must commit to spending hours updating and keeping your information and portfolio up-to-date.

Why do you love being a makeup artist?

If we’re talking about my freelance-beauty work, what I enjoy most is the ability to make people feel beautiful. People of all types come to me for help and advice or just to feel fabulous, and I give them what they are looking for! Despite what a lot of people assume about makeup artists, I am 100% comfortable in my own skin and love when others are too! I am not here to say that makeup is absolutely the way to go or recommend that for you; I’m here to make you feel beautiful. Doing that is very difficult because I’m working against a person’s insecurities, but I wouldn’t trade it for any other profession. Their joy and happiness when I am finished with my work makes it completely worth it.

What are your goals for the future?

My plans include being an educator for what I do and continuing to strive for excellence. I don’t want to limit myself to one specialty, but rather to be as versatile as I can be. I want to be paid to travel the world and showcase my art and eventually, I would like to have my own makeup/hair studio.

THE ART WORLD EXPO IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

www.twinpeaksconstruction.com

A Canvas in Motion-An Interview with Kinsey Deakin

By Alyssa Laube

About: Kinsey Deakin is a Vancouver-based artist working primarily in paint and mixed media. Her vibrantly coloured works use surrealist imagery to create dreamlike worlds where the animal and human form intertwine. Kinsey will be body painting and exhibiting work at this year’s expo.

You have many artistic interests other than body painting, which you will be doing at the expo. Can you name a few of these and how you got started in them?

Yes, I definitely have many interests, and at times it can be overwhelming! I’m a painter, mixed media artist, jewellery maker, hula hoop performer, and most recently, body painter! Hoop dance came only a few years ago, along with jewellery making, which were both mainly inspired by festivals and travelling. As for body painting, I see the human body as a canvas in motion, which makes things even more challenging and exciting! I can also make my own head pieces and accessories for my models costumes.

Why is creating art important to you?

Creating art is important to me because it allows me to express myself. I can be a story teller and share the gift of my imagination, hoping that others are inspired to share theirs.

Your work is very colourful and geometric. How do you like to use colour and shapes in your work?

I use colours and shapes to break apart the canvas. I like the idea of using them to quickly change the direction or mood a painting is going in. I need to feel that my work is balanced before I can see it as complete. Shapes, lines and colours are my tools.

Which cultures or trends inspire you?

I recently taught English in Korea and was inspired by the architecture of their temples. They were very colourful, childlike and detailed. I then traveled most of South East Asia and spent quite a lot of time in Indonesia. I guess you could say that I’ve been deeply influenced by the patterns, people, and nature of Asian culture. The current tropical themes in my work are coming from the nostalgia I feel towards my past travels.

The naked body, particularly women’s bodies, is a reoccurring image in many of your pieces. What about the female form is fascinating to you as an artist?

For me, the female body is just so obviously beautiful and elegant. A lot of my work revolves around nature, and the female form seems to organically occur without me having to think twice about it.

How would you like to explore or develop your art in the future?

That’s a good question. I would like to set up more of my own photo shoots or installation works. I would paint and style the model, build a surreal backdrop (I am greatly inspired by surrealism), then take a photograph of the finished work. The photograph would be the complete art piece. I am greatly inspired by the work of Jee Young Lee, a Korea-based artist.

What will you be showcasing at this year’s expo?

I will be showcasing my body art in the body painting competition as well as putting a couple of mixed media pieces into the art auction. I’m very excited to be a part of this competition!

You can find more of Kinsey’s work at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artistic-Bones/186013598258254

Little Works of Art: Quality over Quantity

An Interview with Pam Jackson of Street Cat Designs

By Alyssa Laube

About: Street Cat Designs jewellery is a symphony of elegant gemstones, freshwater pearls and precious metals wrapped, coiled, crocheted and knitted into exquisite works of wearable art.They are hand-made by Vancouver designer Pam Jackson, who will be exhibiting at this year’s Art World Expo.

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What makes Street Cat Designs jewellery unique?

The uniqueness of my work comes from the techniques I use. I make everything except for chains and clasps myself. I don’t use moulds or pre-made components, so even if I were to try to duplicate a piece, no two would be exactly the same.

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What sort of materials do you use in your jewellery?

I use sterling silver and 14K gold fill wire in varying gauges, along with natural gemstones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski Crystals and Pearls. I don’t use any plated or base metals.

Where do you find your materials?

I have a number of sources for my materials, but the most important is my metals. I get them from the U.S.. They are certified and follow the European Union directive for jewellery metals. This directive regulates the metals in an alloy, so we are guaranteed that none of my jewellery will contain any amount of nickel or lead. My chains and clasps come from the same distributor and follow the same directives.

Why is the quality of your materials so important to you?

The fine quality of the materials contributes to the longevity of my jewellery. Each piece takes a huge number of hours to complete, so I want to use the best materials possible while still keeping it affordable. It makes sure that your piece will last and last.

What is your favourite material to use?

The gemstones I incorporate into my jewellery are determined by many factors. A lot of the time, it’s my mood that decides what I use. Every gemstone has it’s own properties; Some will calm the mind or soothe the soul, some will aid in clarity and inner strength, etc.. As I combine the gemstones, they’ll form an elixir of sorts that will continue to aid the person who ends up owning the piece. Other times, it’s simply the colours of the gemstones that pop out from my messy workspace!

Why is it important to you to create your jewellery entirely by hand?

Oh gosh, there are many reasons. I guess that the number one reason is because I can! It also allows me to know the quality of the materials. Once you start to buy your components, you lose the purity of the work. I love to take the wire and loop, coil, wrap, crochet and knit it into little works of art.

Can you list some ways that you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from so many places and things! From the messy desk, to current and past fashion, nature, and the gemstone properties, each piece is dictated by the mood I’m in or what i’m being influenced by. It could be something like the music or t.v. show I’m listening to, or even sunlight being filtered through the huge laurel tree outside of my studio window.

How would you describe your designing style?

I once had someone describe a pair of earrings as “little fairy gardens for your ears”. I like that.

Why do you love making jewellery?

It calms my mind and gives me a sense of peace, serenity and accomplishment. Also, it just thrills me that people want to wear it!

Where can customers find your products?

My work is available at Fine Finds, Blushing Boutique, Jeweliette, Two of Hearts (all downtown Vancouver), Favourite Gifts (Lonsdale Quay), Noir Lash Lounge (Lower Lonsdale), Tiny Finery (East Hastings), Juvelisto (Steveston), Muddy River Landing (Ladner), and Just Jewellery (South Surrey).

It is also available at Portobello West Fashion and Art Markets, and a number of other markets around town. You can check my website for updates on markets at www.streetcatdesigns.net

Pushing Past the Limit-An Interview with Autumn Blake

By Alyssa Laube

About: Autumn Blake is a freelance makeup artist and married mother of two from the TriCity area. Her passion is creating unique and interesting characters with her skills, but she is currently dabbling in a little bit of everything, from fashion and beauty to film and body painting. She will be showcasing her work in this year’s body painting competition at the Art World Expo.

How would you describe your work as a makeup artist?

My enthusiasm in the industry works strongly with the creative side of makeup artistry. I strive to create something that captivates the eye. I apply that drive to my makeup; be it fashion on the runway, special effects (my favourite), or a full character makeup.

How were you trained in makeup?

I was professionally trained at Blanche Macdonald Centre in the Global Makeup Program (and graduated on January 16th of this year), so I learned everything from everyday makeup and bridal to special effects and character makeups.

Many of your pieces seem to have an alien-like look to them. Is this the look you aim for, and why do you like to create it?

Though I really do enjoy science fiction characters, I feel as if I just truly enjoy freedom in creativity. Creating without restriction can result in some amazing pieces. That freedom makes the art push past the limit of natural world ideas, which is why the characters sometimes come off as alien.

Where do you get inspiration for your pieces?

I get inspiration everywhere! One week it could be comic books and video games and the next it could be organics and nature.

How does your makeup style for yourself compare to the one you use on your work?

My makeup style for myself is the complete opposite! It’s usually very subtle and natural, whereas my work is generally more bold and colourful.

What’s your favourite makeup design trend, or even time period?

I am a huge fan of the art style in folklore and fantasy, though I am still a huge sucker for winged liner and red lips!

What are you hoping to accomplish at this year’s expo?

I’m hoping to push my abilities, create something new and different, and share my and other artist’s work.

To view more of Autumn’s work, visit: https://www.facebook.com/autumnsmakeupandhair?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

Meet Angela Weichel for Art World Expo!

http://www.angelaweichel.com

https://www.facebook.com/AngelaWeichelPaintings

Life and Loss

An Interview with Uma Sharda

by Alyssa Laube

About: Uma Sharda is a “design specialist in product packaging and labeling”, painter, and overall creator! Raised by Hindu parents, there are spiritual themes to her recent work as well as those focusing on femininity.

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Your “Unborn Series” features images of “babies, hearts, wombs, blood and bone.” Could you explain the meaning behind it?

When I think about the unborn, I think of a fetus and womb. The colours, textures and various visuals of bone and blood is fascinating. I think of miscarriages, abortions, life not yet breathing and the heartache and anxiety that can occur in the time of pregnancy. I wanted to distort the simple shape of the heart and use the womb, rib cage and pelvis to depict the twisted feelings of love and loss. I wanted to explore the concept of life incased in bone, muscle and tissue – not knowing the outer world of air and earth. I explore infertility, femininity and whether motherhood is an essential role in a woman’s life.

How did your studies in art history impact you?

It is great knowing how art developed with human evolution. Not only do I appreciate the complex and various ways we can visually express ourselves, but also the ability to add and extend that knowledge. Personally, art history allows me to explore movements and recognize the visual documentation of how we live, think and understand our reality at any given time. Reading about artists who were exploring similar challenges as I am is fantastic. Seeing their successes and strategies for overcoming them is even more incredible!

How was training at Emily Carr in graphic design different?

The culture and way of teaching at Emily Carr is unique; I haven’t met any art or design students from other institutions that have described the same experiences. I learned to be resourceful and ruthless with refining the best idea out of many. My fellow students had diverse backgrounds and we were able to provide many perspectives that challenged and opened each others minds. I learned to define how I get creative ideas, what creativity is, and how others access it.

Does your culture and/or heritage impact your life? How so, particularly in British Columbia?

Of course. Your identity is the lens with which you view life, and I want to be true to myself. I acknowledge the privilege of having Hindu parents and look into what I have learned from the valuable culture they raised me in. I continue to find ways to express being Hindu and born/raised in northern B.C.. A small town like Kitimat was uniquely multicultural with over 20 different languages spoken in a population of 12000.

To expand on the previous question, could you briefly describe your “Lotus Series” and how Hinduism is integrated into your work?

The lotus is a symbol for calm and peace. This was seen in paintings with goddesses holding a lotus in their hand and gods meditating on the flowers in the lake, representing peaceful, not chaotic, minds. Since the lotus rests on the surface of the lake, but has roots below and flowers above, I think of it as an umbilical cord from earth to sky. In my paintings, I take it further: from water to stars. But there are other ways I use Hinduism in my work. The “holy trinity” describes how life is experienced with Shiva the destroyer, Vishnu the preserver and Brahma the creator. The Shiva dancer manipulated time and space and was part of the natural motion of the world. I didn’t want to paint the specific gods and goddesses, but I love the dancer as the force that moves us all through time and space, so I took the positions from Classical Indian dance (Bharatham). Also, I incorporate the “om” sign to provoke a feeling of peace. I currently have my Lotus Moon Dancer series artwork on display at the Naam Restaurant from Jan 20-Mar 3.

What’s your favourite quote and why?

“Do or do not there is no try.” Not every action will show success but every action snowballs into another. This momentum ensures success. When I think I’m trying, I know I’m worrying, and I have to stop myself and say, “Keep it simple – Do or do not.” Failure doesn’t matter.

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Uma Sharda

cell: 778.893.6144 email: message_uma@yahoo.ca

www.umasharda.com

Uma’s work is currently on display at The Naam Restaurant in Kits. (January 2015-March 2015) Visit The Naam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAMRestaurant