by Monika Blichar

Social media is awesome. It is a great tool these days to help make communication possible between people and business owners. I met Judy on Instagram and from the moment we connected online, I could sense that she is a serious artist working hard towards her goals as a professional. She was enthusiastic, professional and so eager to put her work out into various shows. When I finally met her at the Art World Expo Speaker Series in January, I was delighted to meet a bubbly, personable and committed individual. I was impressed with her desire to show and sell her work-not all artists are as motivated to be an artist and do the marketing and business side at the same time. It was only until after reading her interview answers below that I understand why she is motivated, driven and passionate about her work. Great work Judy! You are an inspiration!

1-When did you start making art?

For as long as I can remember, I was always creating some form of art but mainly drawing. It wasn’t until high school that I started painting. I painted every now and then for about five years and never did I go to any formal schooling as this was my hobby and didn’t want any form of structure in it. Then, for almost a decade, art took the backseat as I went into college and entered a busy career in nursing. It wasn’t until four years ago, in 2014 that I got re-acquainted with it again and at the end of that year when I lost my grandma to cancer followed by a most difficult breakup, art became my world. It served as my outlet – where I found my voice, my cry. Little did I know that my deepest heartaches would unveil the most soulful part of me. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with painting and want to share this passion with all who cares to view the sight.

2-What inspires you as an artist?

Much of my inspiration comes from living life itself. Capturing life’s beauty from the most intimate thoughts and emotions to the exquisite sites of our Mother Nature is what I want to share with the world through my paintings. Through my sales, I wish not only to bring life to a room but also to help brighten the future of an adolescent in a third world country. 10% of all my proceeds goes towards a scholarship every year for a senior student in the Philippines’ Sarrat National High School who wants to further their education in order to better their lives.

3-Will you have special promotions or exclusive offers for Art World Expo Edmonton event attendees at the Muttuart Conservatory on March 16?

Yes, I will be offering a 15% promotional discount on all my paintings – discount will be applied at checkout.

4-Where would you like to see your art business in 5 year’s time?

In five years, I hope to see my art business flourish – for my art to be in more shows and galleries. I would really love to see it prosper so that I can help more kids reach their dreams. I want to be a part of the reason that betters their world.

5-Just for fun: If you could interview any artist living or deceased, who would it be? What would you ask them?

This is a pretty tough question as I seem to have a difficulty narrowing it to just one artist. But okay, if I had to choose I would want to interview the late Monet. I would ask what it was about lilies that gave him the obsession to paint them over and over again throughout his career. Although it was done repeatedly, each painting was still yet so remarkable and I wonder if there was a deeper reason as to why he choose this subject. Also, given that he struggled with finance and depression, I would ask, if he could relive his life again, is there anything he would change and why.

To learn more about Judy’s art and how to contribute to her fundraising towards a scholarship every year for a senior student in the Philippines’ Sarrat National High School for further education, please visit Judy’s Instagram Account. Our event in Edmonton is SOLD OUT but you can visit Judy at the Art World Expo Vancouver on May 11, 2018 at Telus World of Science. Tickets to this 8th annual installment are available.

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.