muttart conservatory

Interview with HumbleTara

by Monika Blichar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bio:

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

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.

Interview with Edmonton Artist Maureen Donovan

by Monika Blichar

There are many artists in Edmonton but what drew me to Maureen was actually her Instagram account. She is active, robust and very engaging on her IG which is something very nice to see. Her work ranges from all sorts of subject matter but it is her eagerness to express herself creatively that is so conveyed in her work. I haven’t met her yet, but I know that from our interactions in the vortex of the online world, we will become great friends I am sure! I caught up to Maureen and here’s what she had to say about watercolour, life and super-powers.

1-Why did you choose watercolour as a medium?

It found me actually. I was so busy in my life that I needed something to bring me back to calm, peace, my center and found advertised in our community paper of Onoway AB Adult Watercolour courses at the high school by artist Dave Ripley. That was it. I took one course and I was hooked.

2-You say that you had spent most of your life doing anything but art. How has art changed your life since discovering your passion for it?

Art enhanced my life! It takes me out of life’s whirlwind of busyness and captivates me. Art keeps me spellbound while creating in the moment. Mixing colours and transforming them into an art work is rewarding. It’s a positive, spiritual experience. It’s fun! It’s JOY!

3-You mention that you have taken inspiration from your travels for your art. Where is your favourite place you have visited and have you painted it?

I have been to so many countries. I have just begun to paint series of paintings from those travels. I Love Africa, our ocean adventures, Asia…there are too many places to mention and so much to paint. It would take more than a life time to paint all my favourite places and wildlife. And we are still traveling. It’s like I paint from my photographs and memories and people get to know who I am through my art.

4-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years?

Because there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from I hope my style becomes recognizable as my own. If in 5 years one person was to say ‘that looks like Maureen’s work’, I would feel like I have achieved this goal.

5-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Let your self resonate in your creations. Experience the love and joy in expression. Be confident in and trust your uniqueness. Let your passions guide you.

6-For fun. If you had a super power, what would it be?

I would love to be able to give others the ability to see their gifts and talents and the trust to develop them to acheive their dreams.

Words to share: Never be afraid to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity – for you never know – you just might uncover a passion that may change the way you dream, care for yourself and how you discover every moment in life that belongs to you – colour it proudly!

To learn more about Maureen, visit her famous Instagram account and check out her exhibit at the Muttart on March 16, 2018! Get your tickets today, we are running low with only 83 tickets left!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Aryn Effert

by Monika Blichar

I love learning about why artists do what they do. I find it fascinating what drives people to want to pursue their craft and passion and always try to study those who are passionate about what they do. What is it that drives us to follow our dream, act on our ideas or pursue our goals?

Today I caught up with Edmonton based artist Aryn Effert who tells us about how she started in art and what inspires her to continue to pursue her creative side. Aryn’s work is featured on the Edmonton event flyer this year and we choose it as it demonstrated a connectivity between living things which also reflects our mission expanding the Art World Expo into new cities such as Edmonton and Toronto. Intriguing, inspiring and insightful, Aryn’s work is one that cannot be missed at the Muttart on March 16.

1-When did you start painting and what made you want to be a professional artist?

I started when I was a child, my Mom ensured I always had pencils and paints; she registered me in nature drawing classes and my family has always encouraged me. The professional part is relatively new, having met some wonderful local Artists through Kaleido they inspired me to give it a try.

2-What has been your greatest inspiration so far?

Animals and Architecture. Animals for the challenge in capturing their personalities in the painting or sketch, their movement and the depth of colour in their fur or fins. With Architecture it stems from a love of unique structures and well built and designed buildings, growing up my Dad cultivated my interest in construction and design.

3-Your painting is featured on the Art World Expo Edmonton flyer. Could you tell us about this piece and what inspired you to create it?

Intersections started out as a concept of paths crossing. It evolved to depict the two male Betta fish at a point where the viewer is unsure if a battle is about to start or if they will continue on their own way. I began painting it after my own life seemed to have strangely aligned intersections with others’ lives.

4-What can guests expect to see at your booth? Will you have any contests, sales or special promotions just for Art World attendees?

Several new pieces based on Edmonton are in the works, specials on my older paintings that I hope to send off to new homes and prints & postcards of my paintings and photographs taken here in Edmonton.

5-In five years, where would you like to see your art business?

Continuing it as a part time joy, creating it, sharing it with others, enjoying others works and company along the way. In 5 years I hope to be well on my way to becoming an Architect, using art as a means of communicating my visions.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite meal and why?

That’s a hard one! I have to say the Palak Paneer on Saffron Rice by Indian Fusion; it looks terrible but has such a rich and savory taste! I enjoy the initial reactions of people who haven’t had it before, the horror at the color and the way their eyes light up at the first bite; truly delightful!

To learn more about Aryn, visit her Facebook Page and be sure to visit her at the Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory on March 16! Get your ticket today!

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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Interview with Edmonton Artist Danyella Axani

by Monika Blichar

One of my favourite kinds of art is POP ART. It allows us to step into all things popular in our culture but also into new interpretations of them. What I love about POP ART is that it is bold, colorful, and full of life. I’ve been long inpsired by Warhol and Lichtenstein and can still remember the first time I saw a real Lichtenstein in person at the Seattle Art Museum. For me, POP ART says a lot about our current reality and as with any good art, it also moves you and inspires you to think about the message behind the work.

Today, I caught up with Danyella Axani who attracted me to her work because she is using cultural phenomenons in her work to develop her style and platform. Her work as an illustrator and designer have proven to showcase talent and amusement but also depict pop culture and intertwine what is concrete and imaginary within her work. Ultimately, she allows the viewer to distinguish reality and imagination.

1-When did you start making art?

As far back as I can remember I have always had a need to create, draw or paint pictures. The need to be creative is such a large part of who I am. I have always loved drawing people. It is one childhood comfort I never out grew, like a ratty old comfort blanket, no one quite understands why this makes me happy. Never the less, it is a part of who I am and I will never let it go.

2-You are obviously inspired by fairy tales and well known characters from stories and movies. Is there a reason you have such an affinity for this subject matter?

What can I say…I’m a bit of a fan girl, I love watching movies and briefly escaping into another world, identifying with the heroine. I also love steampunk fashion. I wanted my princesses to show strength, sassiness and confidence, so I thought Steampunk inspired princesses would be the way to go.

3-What kinds of work will you have at the Art World Expo?

I will be showing my series of Illustrated steampunk inspired fairy tale princess available in prints, stickers, bookmarks and buttons. I will also be showing my acrylic paintings.

4-What is your favourite thing about being a visual artist?

There are two favourite things actually…I love seeing the joy it brings to the people around me. The recognition of someone’s face lighting up because they like something that I have created is amazing. Secondly, I love the inspiration I get from other artists. I can spend all day at Galleries, Art/craft expos and see all the amazing talent that flows out of people and talk to the artists about their technique and what inspires them.

5-Where do you want to see your art business in five years time?

Time will tell. All I know is I will continue to share my art with the world around me.

6-Just for fun: What character would you be if you had to choose one?

Princess Jasmine for sure. Having a pet tiger as your confidant, going on a trip around the world with your true love…not to mention being friends with Genie. That would be pretty fun.

For more information about Danyella, please visit www.danyellaaxani.com

Interview with Edmonton Artist Nitasha Costa

by Monika Blichar

Every so often, I find myself contemplating other realms, parrellel worlds and questionning what happens in the afterlife. What does it all mean really? Do dreams tell us something? Are there aliens or angels? What happens after we die? I’m sure many of us think about many of these mysteries-sometimes being drawn into Netflix series, fantasy novels or even stories our friends or family swear are true.

Today’s interview is with Nitasha Costa, also known as L0velydoodles. Her work forces her audience to analyze those very questions we all ask ourselves and close friends and family about what’s out there. Through her work, she inspires playful thoughts about the universe while being deeply rooted in the questions that lie inside all of us. Here’s what she had to say about her work, imagination, and stepping into other worlds.

1-What is your style? You say that you are a surreal automatist?

My style is quite abstract fantasy in nature. I would say that it is the closest to Surreal Automatism because my drawings have no intention other than allowing my imagination to wander. Surreal Automatism is when the artists suppresses the conscious mind allowing an artist’s unconscious mind to connect to its own imagination and creativity. When I allow my mind to be still and focus on the lines and curves of drawing it displays creatures, alternate realms, and emotions. Through this process, I find myself often looking at my drawings with curiosity.

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2-When did you start creating the female alien that is represented in your work?

The female character in the drawings became visual once I became more intensively invested into creating art. When she is present in the artwork it gives the art a more emotional feeling that individuals can connect to. I was unconsciously immersing myself into the realms, creatures, feelings and connecting in some fashion. I have only recently discovered that I created this female as an extension of myself. She was never pre meditated or planned, but I find myself drawing her in more and more pieces. I believe that she is a symbol of how our minds are able to create monsters, situations and certainties that we subconsciously make to exist in our current reality.

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3-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition? Will you have show specials or contests?

I have multiple prints of my artwork framed and ready to go. The collection I am showcasing will be a mixture of 2017 drawings and some new 2018 drawings. I have approximately 20 pieces I will be showcasing. On top of that, I always have a draw that allows guests to have a chance at winning a free print in frame of my choosing, so stop by the booth and ENTER! I always love receiving feedback and insight it when people give me their interpretations of the art I draw. I believe that all artists enjoy this aspect of showcasing their artwork.

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4-You say you are inspired by mythology and fantasy. Do you have a favourite tale? If so, what is the summary?

I am inspired by fantasy and mythology as it has been a gateway for individuals for years upon years in many cultures. Fantasy is a big hit in the gaming world, children’s books, artists, even in movies for all age groups. It is quite a large genre and can be found absolutely everywhere. In mythology there are often warriors and gods that take on tribulations that cause for the hero’s journey. Engaging in struggles with their environment, grotesque beings, the unknown, the known, temptation, and rebirth and life choices. I find that my artwork portrays this same idea, that all of us as individuals are on a journey that engages us on becoming our true powerful selves. My art is always fun, intriguing, unsettling and sensual to look at.

5-Where would you like to see your art business in the next five years?

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In the next five years I would love to see my artwork on the walls of homes, businesses and high traffic buildings. The intention of my artwork is to make peoples imagination wander and go on adventures. My artwork being displayed in places where the everyday hussle and bussle is present would be ideal for the purpose of my art. I want people to look at my artwork and immerse themselves into imagination, everyone needs imagination and I feel my artwork opens that door. In that moment you become absorbed by the odd but lovely story, pondering and feeling the influences the drawing imprint.

6-Just for fun: You are inspired by other realms and the possibility of other life forms. If you had the choice, would you leave this world to go live in another? What would that world look like?

For Fun, if I had a choice to leave this existence and travel to the next freely, yes, I would. I often find myself with my head in the clouds, imagining these foreign places and startling forms that I create. I truly do wish that I could physically immerse myself into my drawings, I think it would be incredible to experience. I do find myself having to ground myself, taking notice to what is currently and physically in front of me. I am not in that realm, but I can visit it unconsciously every once and awhile when I begin to draw.

To learn more about Nitasha’s work, visit her Facebook Page where you are sure to find inspiration, imagination and an opportunity to step into another world. Be sure to get your ticket to the March 16 Art World Expo Edmonton event at the Muttart Conservatory today!