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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.