painter

The Allure of Creating Something from Nothing- An Interview with Tanya Verquin

by Monika Blichar

The idea of creating something from nothing goes back to as long as humans have been on this earth. When we have needed chairs, we thought and then brought them into existence. Same goes for clothes, cars, phones, and our modern day luxuries that allow us such freedoms to follow our dreams. Tanya Verquin from Brule, Alberta does this in a magical way from her secluded studio in the small town of Brule, Alberta. She brings paintings to life from her ideas as many other artists do today and reminds us that we all have the power many of us . Read today’s interview with Tanya about her insights as an artist, what she will have at our show in Edmonton on April 12 and how you can get a almond milk café latté with coconut whip!

When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?

I’ve always had the privilege of being exposed to art and was encouraged creatively in general. Having an artist mom was helpful in that department! Although there is not a defining moment when I decided that I wanted to be an artist, I feel my whole life up to this point has been a lovely, windy road leading me to the easel. My past is made up of colorful experiences in the arts, from after-school painting lessons, to competitive figure skating, to helping on our family’s farm with baking and cooking, and so on…The act of creating something from nothing has always been, and continues to be, alluring to me, so I really am a true artist and crafter at heart. Now, as a mother of two amazing girls, and having the privilege of living nestled next to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, I am continuously being invited to explore my creative and artistic expression with so much opportunity to be inspired! Painting is the most common method I use to express that!

Tell us about the city you are from.

I live in the small hamlet of Brule in Alberta, Canada, along with my husband and our two daughters. There’s one road in and it’s the same road out! Although Brule is small, there’s no lack of life- there’s beautiful evergreen forests, mountain tops, the sound of the Athabasca River, song birds, and friendly neighbors! Oddly enough, there happens to be a number of artists here in Brule! It must be that fantastic, inspirational scenery! The nearest large city is Edmonton, a 3-hour drive east. Our children go to school in Hinton, just a 20-minute drive away.

What inspires you when you create new work?

Nature is what inspires me to paint. I get excited for the challenge to re-create onto my watercolor paper – with the most realism as possible – the little hummingbird that I see whiz by my kitchen window or the robin that is waiting for the worm, the pink peonies in our garden. If I don’t have a camera with me in the moment to capture my painting subject, I source local photographers’ photos for references.

This is your first time in an Art World Expo show. What do you want our followers and guests to know about you and your work the most?

I’m excited to debut as an Art World Expo first-timer! This show gives me the opportunity for big-city exposure from all your wonderful art followers and guests! I believe that being inspired is an important component to a meaningful life, and I am lucky enough to feel inspired almost everyday, thanks to nature and the everyday experiences it offers me and my lovely family. It’s my desire and intention that through my watercolor paintings, others can also find a spark of inspiration.

Will you have any Art World Expo show specials or never before seen works in your exhibition space at the Muttart Conservatory?

Yes! For the first time, I am offering Limited Edition prints – and only on a select few of my original works! These limited editions are completely ready to frame! The beautiful cold press watercolor print packages each come archivally mounted on single conservation grade 4-ply matting, include acid-free foam core backing, and are safely tucked away into a clear resealable bag.

If suddenly you had an unlimited bank account and you could do anything, what would you do today?

I’d hire a local contractor to renovate our home so that it could accommodate a large group of people comfortably for painting and wellness retreats!! Want to know more?! I’d offer watercolor painting art lessons in the sunroom, calming yoga flows in the garden, grounding meditations among the trees, and unbelievably delicious whole foods to keep my guests feeling amazing! All wrapped up into one never-gonna-forget painting and wellness mountain experience! My renovated home would of course boast a stunning commercial grade kitchen, and include that all-star player, the cappuccino maker! May I offer anyone an almond milk café latté with coconut whip while you paint?

About Tanya:

Best known for her avian watercolor subjects, Tanya turns to nature for her painting inspiration. “People are most commonly surprised to discover that my paintings are watercolor” she says. Tanya uses a specific technique of layering transparent watercolor pigments to create a depth of detail not typically seen in watercolors. This method allows her to capture the realism and vibrancy in her artwork that she strives for. Tanya’s interest in painting was cultivated as a child by watching her mother paint scenes of their farm, cattle, and equine subjects. To develop her skills, she received after school art lessons throughout grade school, but it wasn’t until recent years that her interest and love for painting budded once again, when she and her family moved to the mountains. “There’s something beautiful to see everyday, whether it’s a sweet little hummingbird at our feeder or a foggy mountain valley. Illustrating the wonderful things around me is a true privilege.”

Tanya’s artwork hangs in homes and businesses throughout Canada, as her talent is quickly gaining popularity. Locally, her paintings are on display in Hinton’s favorite coffee shop, The Old Grind. Tanya lives in Brule, Alberta with her husband and their two girls, a beautiful hamlet flanked by the Rocky Mountains and the Athabasca River.To view Tanya’s paintings, purchase a painting or for commission please visit Tanya’s website here: http://tanyaverquin.ca

Interview with Edmonton Artist Keltie Smith

by Monika Blichar

“Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.” I heard that quote a long time ago and have always liked it because it reminds me of the one that says “everything happens for a reason”. We all set plans for ourselves, our work, our family, or the way we are supposed to live by the time we are 25 and 75. Sometimes, the universe steps in and changes those plans in ways that are serendipitous-one of my favourite words. (Side note; there is a cafe in New York called Serendipity 3 which was featured in the movie Serendipity-one of my bucket list restaurants. They serve ice cream with edible 23kt gold flakes on it. Andy Warhol used to frequent this cafe a lot too.)

In my next interview with Keltie Smith, exactly this has happened. Had she not been in an accident that left her severely injured, she would not have started painting. She wouldn’t have started to explore art as a passion and career, start to take commissions or be part of our Art World family.

Things do really happen because they are meant to put you where you belong.

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1-When did you know you wanted to become an artist?

Art has always been a passion of mine. I took Interior Design in Vermilion, Alberta and absolutely loved how creative and inspirational it was. I graduated in 2014 and didn’t have much time to get into the trade because six months after graduating college I was involved in a rollover. It was never a thought to sell my art until the car accident put me on disability for a couple years. I found art therapeutic to my recovery. I received a lot of compliments on what I was doing and had started to receive commissions for pieces I had no idea I could even do but I tried and was successful. It felt almost like fate. Everything that had happened in my life was pointing me towards art. Becoming an artist as a career had kind of just fallen into my lap at that point but I’m ready to take on even more. I’ve put a lot of time and research into learning what it takes and I’m still learning but after all these years, it’s something I’m still very passionate about.
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2-Is anyone in your family artistic?

In my immediate family, no. My parents always questioned where my artistic abilities came from. But both sides have artistic talent somewhere down the line.

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3-You live on an acreage. How does that setting inspire your art practice?

I find I’m massively inspired by my acreage. I’m surrounded by nature and animals. The sunrise and sunset out there are probably one of my favorite things to see. It’s amazing to see what colors the sky can paint. Every day is different and different days bring new inspiration.

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4-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition at Art World Expo Edmonton? (Prints, cards, paintings, merchandise?) Will you have any contests or show specials?

There will be canvas of all different sizes of realistic and abstract acrylic paintings, with prints available of select paintings and drawings. I’ll have binders with pictures of my previous paintings/drawings that guests will be able to place orders of prints as well. Also, I have some small wooden slabs that I’ve treated and decorated that will be for sale. I’ll be open to accepting commissions as well. I will have an Instagram contest going on for the show, as well as show specials on select items.

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

I’m hoping to have global reach with my art in five years time. Also hoping to have a work space away from my home, a small studio/gallery that I can practice out of.

6-Just for fun: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

New Zealand because it looks beautiful.

To learn more about Keltie, visit her Instagram! Be sure to get your ticket to the show! It promises to be an evening full of surprises, creativity and best of all, wonderful connections with amazing people. Tickets are available online now, only 101 tickets left! Hurry and get yours today!

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

Interview with Edmonton based artist Frances Pelletier

Frances Pelletier is an artist from Edmonton who is showing and selling her work at Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory. We caught up with her today to learn more about her work, meaning and goals.

What’s your background?

My background probably has the most influence on my art today. I was born in 1965 and raised in Edmonton, AB. Growing up, I was exposed to photography, music, writing, painting, and singing. My family is very artistic/musical. My dad introduced me to oil painting at an early age. I finished 3 paintings I believe. Then I assume my piano lessons took over. I don’t remember painting again until my late teens. This time it was watercolors that I dabbled with on my own. One work is really all that came of it. A lighthouse that is hanging in my parent’s home.

Dad was a photographer and he would take me on road trips in the countryside to take photos of old houses and barns. It was quite an adventure. I would climb around in these old buildings and pose for pictures in doors and up high in windows. Visits to my uncle’s farm every summer were great fun, too. My uncle had granaries full of old treasures (not grain!). At the top of the hill we could visit a huge array of old cars. A car graveyard. Rural scenes, old cars and old buildings are now a favorite subject for me to paint!

Growing up in Edmonton gave me an appreciation for city life. It might sound odd, but I happen to really like the look of oil refineries. They were practically in our backyard! At night the lights look so pretty. I hope to do a painting that flatters the refineries. One day. Bussing it to university every day, I got to see the river valley, cross over a lot of bridges and take in all the high rises of the city. I guess this is why I also like to paint cityscapes.

After completing my BA Special in Criminology at the U of A, I was unable to obtain work in this field. Marriage and children happened instead. What a blessing! My husband, Mark, and I moved to his home town of Legal, AB. Mark returned to farming and we moved out of town and raised 4 children. I really had no time or space for art as the kids were growing up.

Fast forward 30 years to 2017. I am not sure how it really happened, I just decided to buy a cheap acrylic paint set at Walmart and try my hand at painting again. Since I have no formal art training I turned to YouTube and discovered I could learn quite a lot from some of the tutorials! Living on the farm gives me so many photo opportunities which in turn develop into art. My “art heart” is torn between city and country life.

What does your work aim to say?

I aim to show the beauty in whatever I am painting. I like to paint realistically in most cases. I’m a stickler for rules and laws, a “by the book” kind of person. I believe that’s why I like to paint things true to their likeness. Basically, a painting should look like what it represents. That’s how I’ve always felt. Impressionism and abstract art seem difficult for me to comprehend and even harder to create! However, I am trying to grow my style by taking a few art classes and painting subjects that are out of my comfort zone.

My paintings of old buildings, cars and rural scenery are an attempt on my part to capture what is fading away in the countryside. Eventually, all the old houses, homesteads, cars and machinery will disappear, to be replaced by new homes, modern cars and farm equipment. We can never go back. It’s kind of sad, but the past will live on in my artwork.

Who are your biggest influences?

I would say that I am inspired and influenced the most by my Dad and my sister. Dad, because he photographed and painted a variety of subjects from the countryside and from the city. And of course, he introduced me to painting early in life. He’s supportive and encouraging in all my artistic endeavors. And my sister, what can I say…she inspires me because her art is so unique and unstructured. She works with mixed media and where my work is quite detailed and controlled her art can be abstract and freeing! Sometimes we work together in her studio and I learn so much! Techniques, mediums and enthusiasm!

How have you developed your career?

My “career” is pretty short, having just got going in March of 2017. I’m pretty prolific and spend quite a bit of time in my studio. At first, I did a few art walks in St. Albert. It’s there that I was introduced to Instagram. Thanks Karen! I learned about The Art from the Unknown from my sister. That was a great experience. Rachel Notley does a geat job with that show! I sold my first 2 paintings to people other than friends and family! I also joined the VASA (Visual Arts Studio Association) gallery and took part in an exhibition this past December. I started up my website (www.fdp-artworks.com). There are all sorts of opportunities if you spend some time searching the internet. I will be the feature artist at the Dow Centennial Center’s Alberta Lottery Fund Art Gallery in Fort Saskatchewan, AB during the month of July. I’ll have about 25 paintings hanging there. Instagram connected me with The Art World Expo in Edmonton. I just want to grow and expand, connect with other artists and let it happen!

Where do you want to go with your art?

I guess I would like to continue to expand my art to include other mediums besides acrylic. Watercolor is something I would really like to experiment with. I want to get my name out there. It will be a challenge since I live in a somewhat remote area. The idea of Studio visits appeals to me, but again, my location poses a challenge. Being surrounded by open space is appealing, though. I’d like to keep my artwork affordable, but if one day a big gallery takes an interest my work I wouldn’t turn down any opportunity! I want to continue to paint what appeals to me and not get caught up in just trying to please everyone else.

To learn more about Frances, visit her website HERE

Interview with Edmonton based artist Mr. Patrick Ennis

by Monika Blichar

Every once in a while, I come across an artist that is both proficient in marketing and creation. Let me tell you, this is not a common denominator in the Art World! When I do happen to find an artist who is steadfast about his or her career and is taking hold of all angles of business as much as he or she is creating, it gets me excited! One of the many things that we at Art World try to teach artists is that they need to be their own advocate for their art and really be their own brand ambassador. Mr. Patrick Ennis is doing just that and we are thrilled to have him be one of the artists in our Edmonton show on March 16.

Today, I caught up with Mr. Patrick Ennis whom I hear is a staple in the Edmonton art scene. Here’s what he had to say!

1-When did you start making art?

I have been painting 14 years and have made about 3000 paintings, had dozens of art shows across Canada as well as participated in a T.V show called “Painting with Pat”. I have worked with many people over the years, including being an artist in residence at the Lotus Art Galley and Isbe Domain Gallery . I received formal training from the last Poet Laureate of Ottawa the Honorable Patrick White.

2-You are working full time on your art. What kinds of things do you do daily to be able to turn your art into a full time career?

When I start my day doing work, I usually pre-paint the canvas and draw out the sketch. I try and get to work in the mornings, and spend the afternoon networking and advertising.

3-A lot of your work has reference to the universe. What draws you to painting this subject matter so often in your work?

I have always been fascinated with space, it’s kinda the Biggest thing in the universe, and the mother of life and creation. I also look for similarities in life, like patterns that replicate like the way trees grow like veins,or the universe existing on a microscopic level.

4-What kinds of pieces will you have at the Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you be offering any show specials or contests at your exhibition?

I am going to have a variety of paintings at the Edmonton Art Expo, from still life to surrealism, and landscapes. I find people take creativity more seriously if you can also paint realistic art.

5-What has been the most interesting thing about being an artist so far on your journey?

The most interesting thing about being an artist is it’s always different. Everyday the possibilities are endless. To quote Einstein “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited.”

6-If you could achieve anything with your work, what would be your dream within your art business?

I have always enjoyed the responses to my art the most. Having people have their minds blown by creating illusions of perspectives that can’t exist in the physical universe, but can be created using art. I often merge realities like people swimming in nebula. Art is very subjective to the person viewing it and the real mystery is that people can have different emotional responses to the same painting.

To learn more about Patrick, visit his Facebook page HERE. Get your tickets to the event today! Limited number remain!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Marty Johnson

By Monika Blichar

It’s exciting to expand Art World Expo. Our latest project in Edmonton is only adding fuel to the fire for making this event stand out from the crowd. Today, I caught up with Edmonton based artist Marty Johnson for MJ Designs to ask about his work and what we can expect from him at our March 16 event in Edmonton!

1-When did you start making art?

Art has always been a part of my life as a creative outlet and a way of procrastinating from things I should have been doing as a child. I chose a profession in massage therapy as I ventured into the ‘real world’ out of school. It wasn’t until a decade later that I felt I had learned what I needed in terms of self motivation to be able to create on a schedule. It was about that time when I started focusing on my art more. I had met some like minded people that wanted to create as well. This and with my training in massage therapy I started to put my creative abilities and comfortableness with bodies together. This was a challenge in the beginning. These open minded friends helped me venture into body painting. I now have such a wide variety of artistic mediums that I like to work with. Challenging myself to step out of my box has become a way of life with my art. And I love each new challenge as I succeed and fail because that is what growth is.

2-Your project for Canada’s 150th Birthday was amazing! What inspired you to use body paint in this project?

This project was a team effort between myself, a wonderful Photographer Christine Young and a creative Hair stylist Hollie George. Hollie first proposed the idea of a group body paint project. Us 3 met for a creative meeting about ideas and quickly developed into this amazing Canadian Body Paint artwork. As a team we narrowed down what aspects to show for each province. We know there are many beautiful and wonderful things each province has to show but we chose specific aspects that impacted us.

This was a 2 year long project and I specifically wanted to challenge myself more than I had in the past. I wanted artistic poses instead of painting just backs of people. I also decided to include a sunset, daylight and night scenes highlighting different aspects of Canada, like the beautiful aurora borealis in the northern provinces and territories. As you look at this piece keep in mind that we did not paint each province in sequence. For example BC was painted almost a year apart from AB.

We couldn’t have been happier to complete it on our Nation’s 150th birthday year.

3-What is your favourite medium to work with?

At present I have enjoyed acrylic paint the most but I have not ventured into oils or water colours. Sculpting I have enjoyed sand, snow, ice and foam.

I am a person that loves to try new mediums based on the creative job presented to me. If you ask me the same question next year it may be completely different and that’s what I love about art, we are our only limitation.

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

I will be bringing three different series with me. The Canada Body Paint images of course. A must see! The other two, you’ll have to come check out for yourself. I’ll have originals, prints as well as some products with my art on them so there will be something for anyone.

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

Hmmmm…business and art, what an odd mix. At present I am guest curating a project with the art gallery in my home town. I continue to have doors open up to me that I never even knew existed. It will be a wonderful time these next five years. I love competing. I love creating custom artworks for people. And I love working on my own projects. I believe I am at a cusp of discovery within myself and the direction I am headed. My direction has been more custom work for individuals but I will be creating works of art based more on what moves me. I believe the next five years will have two paths; moving emotional artwork and products as well as competing in more renowned competitions.

6-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Simply I suggest to try and fail, but try again. Creativity is always a learning process so don’t be afraid to fail. Some of my best lessons I have learned from not succeeding. Do not ever think you can’t learn more and from many professionals in different fields. Be open to any lesson that is being presented because they are everywhere.

Learn more about Marty on his website and make sure to get your tickets to the event! http://www.mjdesignsart.com/

Boxing Week Specials!

Boxing Week is here!

Enjoy 10% off everything in our online store as well as extended offers on our 12 Days of Christmas Special offers! Use promo code “12DAYS” at check out! Visit our online store: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php

MAB Ventures Inc.-An Arts & Entertainment Agency, 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver BC

Art World Expo Christmas Fair!

Tomorrow we invite you all to our Christmas Fair at 4015 Fraser Street in Vancouver, BC.

Over 50 participating Artisans, vendors, and designers who are selling a variety of goods and services! Art, fashion, jewellery, home decor, knitting, make up, skin care, health and wellness, desserts, and so much more! Finish all your shopping, support local and even enjoy lunch with us! Best part is that we invite all ages and it’s free to attend! We have 100 swag bags for the first 100 people too-great items inside include essential oil from SPOIL YOURSELF, Art by Elizabeth Hill, a copy of Fresh Magazine, one free art class at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery and an It Works drink sample to keep you healthy!

Learn more on our Facebook event page Here.

Our event auction, Christmas earrings and coffee sales are supporting two causes. The first is to help fund our new creative arts and wellness centre opening in North Vancouver in the Spring. The second is to support a member of our Art World community with cancer. Please be sure to buy a coffee, bid on items in the auction and purchase a pair of these earrings by Monika Colmorgen for $7! if you can’t make it and you’d like a pair of these earrings, please email us at artists@theartworldexpo.com or call 6049996177.

Final Call for our Art World Expo Christmas Fair Vendors!

Are you an artisan or independent rep looking for a holiday event to participate in this year? Look no further and join our exciting Christmas Fair this year!

We have a limited number of tables left for vendors at our Christmas Fair on December 16! Submit your registration today here: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ Questions? Call Monika Blichar 6049996177

We love to small businesses and Artisans and our Christmas Fair will be no exception to sharing the love for all things unique and local this December!

Thank you to Two of Hearts boutique in Kits for donating $5-$25 gift cards to spend in store! Lots of raffle prizes every 30 minutes!

Preview products, join the convo and connect with participants on our Official Facebook Event Page!

When you attend this COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY EVENT, you’ll find:
-Over 50 vendor tables including art, jewellery, fashion, hand knit goods, make up, skin care, chocolate, baked goods, kids accessories, essential oils, dog accessories, home decor, and health and wellness products and services and much more! Everything you need in one venue to complete your holiday shopping and networking! Ask our vendors about collaborations, participating in your events or if you’re a gallery or boutique owner, come browse to see if you could work with one of our Artisans in 2018!

-Fashion Shows by John Pfaff, Carolyn Bruce Steampunk Jewellery, and West Coast Hatters on models provided by award winning female body builder fitness models from Team Fitness! Yes! Exciting!

-Cheeses Crust Food Truck-Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Drinks! Really good sandwiches!

-Raffles every 30 minutes-Prizes from local vendors and of course, many of our sponsors from Art World Expo! Tickets sold on site!

-First 100 people through the doors receive a complimentary goody bag! No purchase necessary! Just be one of the first 100 people at 11:00am sharp!

-Face Painting for kids and adults by award winning body painter and visual artist Francoise Boise ($10/person) She’s amazing! Don’t worry, she will do Holiday themed paints too!

-Silent Auction Benefiting Make and Break Arts Foundation-all proceeds support independent Artisans and Arts Programs and Exhibitions in BC. It’s a win win! (Huge line up of awesome stuff to bid on-great for holiday gift ideas and of course-gifts for ourselves!)

-Arts & Crafts Station for Kids-leave them at the craft station and go shop and mingle! We have you covered!

-Finally, when you’re all done, take a photo at our photo booth with visitors from the North Pole! Capture a memory and celebrate Christmas 2017 with us!

Current vendors:

Monika Blichar

Art by Edy

Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry**FASHION SHOW**

West Coast Hatters**FASHION SHOW**

John Pfaff Art & Fashion**FASHION SHOW**

Fashion Show models sponsored by Team Fitness-Award Winning Female Body Builders from BC!

LumberJax Custom Wooden Jewelry

Karolyn’s Tupperware

Inner Harmonious Peace

Kathline Essential Oils Accessories

Jennifer Haase, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

SPOIL YOURSELF, Cristina De Vellis

Jessica’s Homemade Alfajores-Baked Goods

Fifth Avenue Collection by Pardeep

Younique, Amanda Cherewick

The Sweet Doodle

Whisk Premium Matcha

Copper Paw Designs

Coastal Storm Gallery

Dagmar Doubkova Herbal Life

Bodacious Butterflies

Scentsy Kristi Weaver

SweetLegs Vancouver with Julia

Love Eco Jewels

Spain Gourmet Canada

Radiant Life Hoops & Styles

Petite Hippo

Earth Meets Spirit

Boise Art Works-Face Painting for Kids On Site $10/each

Deanna ArtFORMS

Diamond Movement

Andrea Renée Blackett MONAT

Diva’s Niche

All Day Shine by Julie SeneGence Independent Distributor # 384814

Crafts By Julia

Bryce Musil Azrael’s Forge Gems and Fine Jewelry

Taylore Mcmanne Jewellery

Ryan McGee-Weird Art & Lowbrow Charm

by Monika Blichar

I have long admired artists who push boundaries and when selecting artists to participate in our events, I always strive to reach artists who are different, fresh and new in their work. When I came across Ryan McGee’s work, I noticed something ‘je ne sais’ quoi about it. It’s dark but delightful. It’s strange and sublime. He examines life through a distorted lens. I loved it the moment I saw it and knew that we had to feature him in our Toronto event on November 17. I caught up with Ryan to ask him about his art. Enjoy!

1-When did you start making art?

I can’t pin point exactly when I started making art, for me it was something that just had to happen, I always had a need to express myself visually. When I was younger this took the form of drawing on walls and filling up sketchbooks with crude doodles. It wasn’t until my time in College that I started to really to think critically about what my art was, and what I wanted to put out into the world.

2-What inspires you to create?

I have always had a very strong interest in the weird, and this fuels me in everything I create. I pull from everything that strikes a cord with me on a personal level, and things that capture the underground culture I love. I often find myself collecting outdated horror and sci-fi comics, saving images of early surfer, and hot rod culture, and tuning in to a new band that connect with me. All of these elements get archived in somewhat of a nexus of inspiration for me to draw from.

3-How do you think art can change society?

I believe that art is extensive, and reaches just about everyone through various outlets. In my case I always wanted to create art but I never truly felt comfortable in the fine art culture, so I sought out sub art groups to get into. I think that’s the truly amazing thing about art is that there really is something out there for everyone to connect with. There will always be a steady flow of talented people who want to create, and express themselves. As long as art continues to have various outlets for these people to grow creatively then there will always be potential to change society by pushing new ideas, and concepts through their works.

4-Do you try to convey messages through your illustrations?

There is a certain charm I believe in lowbrow art, and this is something a try and capture in my pieces. I like to play with the imagination of the viewer through my strange, and sometimes-goofy pieces, I think this connects with the onlooker reminding them that art can fun. If my work has any type of message I would say it’s for people to take a step back, and not take themselves so seriously.

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

I would love to have really established myself at least within the Toronto art community in the coming years. My dream would be to sustain myself entirely on my art, and that is something that I am really working on accomplishing. I think it is important especially for artists to set goals set for themselves and their art, and to always be striving to grow creatively, and professionally.

6-What kinds of works will you have for sale at Art World Toronto? Will you be offering attendees any show specials?

I will have a variety of pieces available for sale at Art World Toronto from patches to stickers to prints. In terms of special offers I really value meeting, and networking with new people at these events. Chances are if you come and say hi you’ll end up with a discount on some pieces, or maybe some stickers for free.

To order tickets to the Toronto Art World Expo, please visit This Link

Surrealism with Angela Latchkey

by Monika Blichar

Entering into a new world for me is what art is all about-especially when you enter the world of Angela Latchkey. She captures exactly what art for me truly means: possibility, imagination and magic. Her work inspires the grandeur of life and the realization that anything is possible when we allow our mind to play within our imagination. It is truly magical.

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“I’ve dedicated my life to exploring different ways of existing through travel, study, and in depth contemplation about the world around me. I’m a kind of philosopher and my philosophy is laid down in layers of paint, to be seen, not read or heard.

I bring forward images that allow for contemplation, inspiration and happiness, since these are the things I value. My work allows you to look deeper and to FEEL deeper beyond the everyday.

It is my sincere wish that you enjoy yourself while browsing my life work.”

Angela Latchkey, Surreal Artist

For more information about Angela, please visit: https://www.angelalatchkey.com/