muttart conservatory

Blobfish Apocalypse at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

Do you ever think about the Apocalypse? I try not to but after meeting Blobfish Apocalypse, I can’t stop! Don’t worry, it’s a good thing! Blobfish is a unique artist and maker who will be at the Art World Expo in Edmonton on April 12, 2019! You’ll never think of the Apocalypse again after you read this interview!

What inspires you to make art?

Everything inspires me whether its music, film, nature, other art & artists. Art is also an outlet for me & a form of therapy. It’s helped me get a lot out whether its joy, anger, sadness, anxiety. Art has gotten me through a lot of hard times & taken me on a path of self-discovery for me & helped me learn a bit more about myself.

When did you know you wanted to pursue your art as a career?

I live for art. My whole family is pretty creative so art has always been a daily activity in the household. Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was “an artist”.

You make a lot of different things! Tell us about the character that you have created which also stems as your brand name, Blobfish Apocalypse.

I’ve always been fond of coming up with fun little characters to draw & there was one in particular that had been

around for a while. His name was “Percy,” based on a guinea pig with a big personality who became one of those funny characters I’d draw everywhere. Percy was a family inside joke but one day online I stumbled upon a picture of the blobfish. I was instantly smitten, the blobfish looked very similar to my character Percy & thus I began drawing blobfish in my style. Finding the blobfish for me was like discovering unicorns were real. I began researching more into what this blobfish was & turns out they’re an endangered deep sea fish off the coast of Australia . What little information I could found on this obscure creature & my love for them grew to the point where I decided with my sister that we should spread awareness to help bring these ugly, but endearing creatures out from the cold, dark bottom of the ocean to the light of the world. We didn’t want to just make a ripple, we wanted to go all out & make a huge splash so why not bring on the apocalypse, the Blobfish Apocalypse. The fun art & products this company focuses on creating is to make people of all ages smile.

This will be your first Art World Expo event. Will you have any never before seen work or show specials for our event on April 12?

Yes! Some new products will only be available at the event. I will also be posting a special “code word” online that anyone can bring to my table for some free art! There will also be a chance to enter a draw to win a blobfish bundle pack which will the winner will be announced a week after the Art World Expo.

Just for fun, if you woke up and suddenly had access to an unlimited bank account, what would you tomorrow?

Spend a few months to travel to visit family/friends then when I get back I’d buy an art studio with unlimited art supplies, along with a 3D printer & a pony.

Be sure to get your ticket to the 2nd annual Art World Expo Edmonton-it’s right around the corner! You can also check out Blobfish on ETSY.

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.

Aryn Effert Returns to Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

One of the best things about Art World Expo is creating relationships with the artists who participate. Each year, we have the great pleasure of working with and helping represent hundreds of vendors via our four (currently!) productions in three different cities. As an organizer, this has been the best part. I feel like each year, returning vendors offer something new to the show, they add a level of experience and expertise and they also up their game each year. It’s an interesting process to watch artists evolve and when I met Aryn last year via the Edmonton show, I was so excited I used her art on our flyer for our first annual event. I caught up with her to see what she’s been up to and what she will be bringing this year!

Aryn’s art work at the top of the flyer for our event in 2018.

You were part of the show in Edmonton and Vancouver in 2018. What have be you been up to creatively since last year?

More photography, playing more with chromatography in my works & discovering the beauty of new inks!

What inspires you as an artist?

Architecture, light and dogs – the solid rigidity of architecture combined with the curves of Art Deco and the loss of line control caused by my techniques are so much fun to explore!

If you could do anything with your art, what would that be?

Share my joy of the combination of science & art.

Will you have any show specials at Art World Expo Edmonton on April 12 at the Muttart this year?

Some photo prints will be available for sale & I’ll be bringing some of my older pieces at a discounted price! Including the fishes from last year!

What would you tell an aspiring artist about showing and selling art in today’s market?

Network, network, network! There isn’t a really great central focal point for us newbies to get to know each other; volunteer and visit shows to try to meet the right people to get your name out there!

About Aryn

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Born in Red Deer, trained at ACAD in Calgary and living in Edmonton; an Alberta girl through-and-through. Currently working as Project Coordinator for a small Construction
Management Company.

A dreamer, a geek, a painter, and a drafter; a dabbler in photography. A lover of stairs,
sunsets, and sunrises; not only for their ability to paint the sky, but for the promise of
change – whether it’s moving from one level to the next or transitioning to or from the
magical night. The works are an attempt to capture the feeling of the moment of its
conception, to revisit something often overlooked.

In 2018 had pieces displayed and sold at the Nina Gallery on 118 Avenue, Art World Expo Edmonton and Vancouver, 2017 at RAW Artists showing at the Warehouse and in 2012 self-promoted show at Blue Café. Graduated as an Architectural Technician in 2017, and in 2004/5 spent a year learning to expand in Calgary at the Alberta College of Art and
Design, learning plenty from experienced artists and inexperienced alike.

Follow Aryn: FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM

Be sure to catch her at the show on April 12, 2019!

Gayle Kohut takes Inspiration from LIFE

I always love to meet new artists and coordinating art shows in new cities is one way to meet a lot of artists across Canada. Today, I’ve interviewed Gayle Kohut from Didsbury, Alberta. She works in
acrylic, oils, gouache and watercolor. Her works features wildlife art, rural lifestyle and agriculture pieces. She demands attention to detail and the desire to create paintings that tell a story. Her works are sold internationally.

When did you start creating art and pursuing it as a career path?

I always have loved drawing and creating since a early age. Going to an evening art class was a treat when I was raising my family. It has taken 25 me years of art shows and sales to become known in the Art World.

What is it about creating that inspires you?

I love to tell the stories of LIFE. Whether it be wildlife, animals, nature people, or sports. My paintings show you something that you have never thought about. I farm together with my husband in the country east of Didsbury, Alberta Canada. I get most of my inspirations right in my backyard.

What are your favourite things to paint?

I love painting birds. The feathers are different on every bird. I am always changing my subject matter though. When you come to my booth at the Art World Expo in Edmonton, you will see the perfect painting made especially you for sure!

As far as a business owner of an arts company, what are your goals for your brand this year?

I have limited edition giclee prints of 50 of most of the originals. I have a brand new “Bottle Top” series that will be unveiled at the Edmonton show. I would like to have more passive income items also.

Will you have any show specials at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I plan on having a lucky winner getting my door prize that will be in the Edmonton Art Expo. There could be specials at my booth too.

If you could do anything with your art business, no limits, what would it be?

My business is growing every year. More clients and teaching more classes, some private classes also. I would love to create even more and get more corporate customers.

Follow Gayle’s website for more information and be sure to get your tickets to the Edmonton Art World Expo today! www.gaylekohut

Edmonton-here we come!

Did you know that ART WORLD EXPO 2019-Edmonton Official Page is coming up on March 15, 2019? This will be our second production in Edmonton with Art World and this year is set to be amazing! The talent in Alberta is amazing!

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We have tickets available here: https://theartworldexpo.com/attend-event-3/

Vendor applications here:
https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/

Be an affiliate, sell tickets and make extra money! Sign up here: https://theartworldexpo.com/affiliate-sales-team/

In addition, if you are an Alberta business owner, we would love to get you involved as a sponsor! Auction item donation and sponsorship opportunities in exchange for marketing at the event or on social media are all options. Do you have a store in Edmonton, a business or a service you would like to promote to our guests, vendors and followers? Send us a message if you’re interested or if you have a recommendation of someone we should connect to! Check out: https://theartworldexpo.com/sponsorship/

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.

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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.

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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!

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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’s Soft Touch Photography

by Monika Blichar

Photography has to have an artistic eye behind it to stand out these days. After all, anyone with a smart phone can shoot and edit photos from their phones instantly today! When I saw Soft Touch Photography’s work come through on our submissions for our Edmonton show, I was excited because their photos not only capture the essence of a fleeting moment, but they are colourful, attractive and intriguing. Today, I caught up with Soft Touch Photography to learn more about their process.

1-What is Soft Touch Photography? When did you form your company?

Soft Touch Photography is a photography business runner by my husband and I, we formed our company in 2013, and had started as a dream, and now has developed into a reference only business and hopefully in the future more

2-You work with your husband. What are the best things about working together?

The best thing of working with my husband is that we compliment each other, we have fun, and keep each other focus and working towards something different that will take us outside the box, to create beautiful images and memories for our clients.

3-What kinds of things are your favourite to photograph and why?

This is a fun question because I love to photograph people and my husband loves outdoor photography. This works great for us because he is the one that finds the spots to do those amazing images that we sometimes are fortunate to have.

4-What kinds of products will you be selling and promoting at the Art World Expo Edmonton on Friday night?

We are going to be selling some of our most favourite prints.

5-Where would you like to see your photography business in five years time?

We see our photography business growing and being able for one of us to be full time in a studio someday soon.

6-Just for fun: Who is your favourite photographer and why?

My favourite is BARON STUDIO https://youtu.be/VQVZhEBdTT4–the reason why is because of their creativity.

Learn more about Soft Touch Photography on their Facebook Page.

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 Artist Shivee Gupta

by Monika Blichar

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1-When did you start making art?

I always liked to draw and paint since age 5. But I seriously got into art in 2013.

2-Do you remember the first time you had an exhibition? What was it like to unveil your work publicly for the first time?

The first art exhibition I went to was in Wainwright at the Wainwright art show back in 2013. I was really nervous I did not think anything of it but the response from the community blew me away. I almost sold out.

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3-What kinds of things inspire you to make art?

Anything and everything. Sometimes it’s colours on furniture, shadows on walls, textures outside or the beautiful lady on the LRT staring out the window with the unique nose. It makes me want to capture that beauty and strength and put it on paper. I am highly influenced by social, racial, sexual injustices and much of my art reflects these themes.

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4-Will you have any special pieces, sale items or exclusive Art World Expo offers at this year’s Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16?

I have two exclusive pieces from a collection that is incomplete and I have not released for sale quite yet. These two pieces are very special to me as these are where I pushed comfort zone as an artist. This eclectic style of art is where I really want to be in the future.

5-Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

I think by putting more time and effort into my business I can promote it to build a brand where quite a few people will know who I am and can easily access my work.

6-Just for fun: If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

I don’t think I want to. I am happy with where I am right now, but I guess I wouldn’t mind getting chased by dinosaurs.

To learn more about Shivee, visit her Facebook Page. Thank you Edmonton for a SOLD OUT event! See you on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory.

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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 Mel’s Big Art

by Monika Blichar

I always admire people who do different things. Mel’s Big Art is no exception to people who do different things and I was thrilled when her submission came in for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16, 2018. Melanie Schoenberger does custom art and woodburning which we just don’t see a lot of in the Art World. She describes herself as a Canadian self taught Artist focusing on Woodburning Pyrography, Acrylic, Charcoal, Multimedia painting and drawing. I caught up with her to learn more about her work and what she will be bringing to our event this year.

1-When did you start making art?

I started making art at a very young age as my father was a self taught artist. So he was a huge influence.

2-What inspired you to pursue art as a career rather than keep it a personal interest?

I was doing some pieces as gifts for friends and family and then I was occasionally doing commissions for people with always positive feedback. So it became a goal of mine to eventually create it into a business.

3-Your work incorporates a lot of natural wood. Why did you choose this medium?

I work at mill work shop so it started with bringing home scrap pieces of wood and making simple wood boxes with hand draw pyrography designs or painting on them. It slowly progressed into drawing and painting on larger panels. I like the rawness and working with the flaws and flow of the wood grain.

4-What can people expect when they visit your exhibit at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have show specials or contests for guests?

This has been the biggest event I’ve been in to promote myself. I am going to do a draw box for a gift card.

5-If you had to explain the Edmonton Arts Scene to someone who hasn’t ever visited Edmonton, what would you tell them about? Where are the best places to find local art?

I’m new to Edmonton so I’m still discovering myself. Looks very promising though.

6-Where do you see your art business in the next five years?

The next 5 years is going to be exciting. I want to be an established artist and make it a full time career.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite vacation destination?

Paris so far is my ideal vacation destination. I’ve had the opportunity to go there twice. It feeds my artist side with the history and museums. But I do love anywhere with beaches too.

To learn more about Mel’s Big Art visit her website and be sure to stop at her exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain, get yours today before we are sold out!

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