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Artist Feature Galina Lukshina

Статья на Русском

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By Iryna Petrenko

Artists are people who live in their own world of fantasy, dreams, emotions and feelings. Each one of them chooses a way to express their ideas of the universe and show their inner world.

Graphic artists choose sharp lines, creative thinking and unstable space. They are able to reveal the infinity and variety of such laconic graphic work. Traditional painting requires the artist to obey the established canons, but it is the graphics that open up the whole breadth of possibilities, freeing the imagination of the artist, limited only by the white sheet of paper.

Galina Lukshina is a visionary artist. She is an amazing woman who creates truly beautiful, mystical and unique pieces, expressing her own perception of the world, revealing feelings and emotions, flaunting human weaknesses and joy. Because of her talent, skill, desire to create and irrepressible imagination, these incredibly beautiful, bright and at times bizarre drawings make it impossible to remain indifferent.

The secrets of the artist are very simple: the creation of an image, regardless of the subject, must pass through the prism of their own sensations and emotions. By investing part of her own soul in each painting, Galina fills it with positive energy and feelings that she wishes to convey to the viewer. What makes her work entirely different from other artists, is the sincerity with which she animated her subjects. The author chooses unusual angles and creates dynamic images. Sharp hatching makes the picture come to life, the characters soar, taking the viewer into their realm.

The main theme of Galina Lukshina’s works is the inner dialogue of Man with God. These conversations encompass the whole universe in her paintings, where you are greeted with silent sadness, hopes for the future, parental joy, and childish naivety. All this is closely intertwined with surrealism, mysticism, and sometimes esotericism. Somehow, surprisingly, this emotional whirlwind is brought into balance and harmony by the artist.

There is a deep connection with folklore in Galina’s art. Belief in one’s own creation is present in many ancient rituals. Ukrainian folk embroidery is one of them. Our ancestors believed that you can embroider your destiny. In the modern world, we call it visualization. Galina found her way to create the future. She embroiders it in her paintings, and it projects into her life. When she was a child, Galina painted her daughter, and this drawing became a reality. Her daughter Alisa is not only the artist’s favorite creation, but also an endless source of inspiration for her work.

“I drew her when I was a child and was working on finishing this drawing for a long time. And now we often draw together, and together we see much better vision ahead. Alisa now lives in another country, married, but space does not separate us at all. On the contrary, the world in our minds is compressed to convenient values ​​and this does not affect the quality of our communication. Here is Alisa, this is my most Important, the Best and most Significant Creation. I understand the world more clearly and distinctly through her now. I had a quantum leap because of her birth. Transition to a new level of consciousness. “(From an interview with the artist)

Alisa Lukshina is also an artist, and an actress. Actively filming, she also helps with sales of her mother’s paintings and organizing exhibitions.

Galina Lukshina has repeatedly participated in international art competitions in Spain, France, Germany, China, Australia, the USA and Mexico, and in 2004 her personal exhibition in Russia was held. Her works are in private collections in Ukraine, Europe and the USA. Among other things, the artist and her team are now working on preparing for another personal exhibition in Moscow.

There is a wonderful person and a musician, who needs to be mentioned. Alexandr Balunov, the founder of a famous music group Korol & Shoot (The king and the jester). He loves Lukshina’s art and has commissioned a few paintings. He decorated his new house with the art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFtfxzYOJWU.

Today, Galina’s works can be seen and even purchased on the pages of the Internet store https://www.etsy.com/shop/LukshinaArt where the detailed photo gallery of the finished works is presented, and there is an opportunity to make an order for original artwork, as a custom order printed T-Shirt.

Unique presentation, bright and memorable images, kindness and true human warmth are all present in the artwork of Galina, who invites everybody to travel through her magical worlds.

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ART WORLD EXPO 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Can you believe that our 5th anniversary is coming up in just 10 short months?

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We are so excited about the event and we cannot wait until our special edition event on May 1, 2015!

As always, we are looking for amazing artist exhibitors, body painting competitors, fashion designers, and entertainers to join our event! Applications for artists, body painters, and arts related business exhibitors are ready and can be downloaded at the application on our site: Exhibitor Information

Emerging Painter Margaret Kitchen Joins The Show!

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About: Margaret Kitchen, new to Vancouver and the art scene, creates beautiful paintings of landscapes and other scenes. She works in a school teaching special needs children, and practices as an artist in her spare time.

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This is your first time at the Art World Expo. Is there anything particular you’re looking forward to?

I’m very nervous and excited just to experience it and be there to see other artists.

How were you introduced to art?

Growing up, my Mom was always creative. Not in painting, but in things like beautiful knitting and needlepoint. We would come home from dances and she would have entire outfits she’d made ready for us! Also, about 5 years ago I was looking at paintings a lot and thinking, “I want to do that.” I wanted to explore something different. Reading Drawing from the Right Side of Your Brain explained that everybody can draw and not to be afraid to make mistakes and to fail. It just sort of said, “Where are the rules? Anyone can do it.” Art is an outlet. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

How were you influenced as an artist by your heritage or home town?

Okanagan landscape is so inspiring. You go hiking or to lakes and just think, “I wish I could paint this.” It’s just so beautiful. There were great local artists and galleries, so it was really just a part of the community.

Who was your main inspiration growing up and how has it changed from then?

My Mother, because it was always important for her to be creative with her hands and to completely immerse herself.

How would you describe your style?

I love using oil paint. I love art to look like art. I really like artists like Robert Bateman. Lots of paint, thick, color, so I guess I would call my style impressionistic.

What do you consider your “big break”?

I am really glad that I met Monika. I started her art class and she and I really hit it off. Pretty much, she said “who cares! Do it and have fun,” and here I am.

How have you developed as an artist, both professionally and personally?

Personally, it’s opened up a whole new world of creativity to me. The whole journey of it has been fantastic; meeting all of these great people and producing artwork that I like. I love that now I can paint a picture and give it to someone.

What was an artwork that had a lasting effect on you? How so?

I’m so amazed all the time at the level of creativity and artistry just here in North Vancouver, just the local art that I see around. I also went to the Vancouver Art Gallery and saw Metis which blew my mind, and last winter I saw some Emily Carr which I love.

What is your favorite art gallery or event in Vancouver?

I love the art crawls. They have one in North Vancouver and one in East Vancouver.

What type of environment do you prefer to work in (i.e.: a studio, home, etc.)?

I like to be by myself sometimes but I also like to be in a studio where there are people I can bounce things off of and ask, “What do you think? What do you see?” I like to get advice, too.

Where do you get inspiration for your art?

My daughter, the landscape, other art.

What was the first piece of art you sold?

Well, I don’t sell my art! My mother in-law asked me to paint a picture of the Capilano River. It was the first painting that I thought “I like this,” and I kept it, but painted her a couple more and gave them to her. I think that if I didn’t get so attached to my paintings, I could sell them. They’re like my babies!

Is there a main theme or message to your art? If so, what is it?

It is more of pure expressionism for me.

What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about being an artist?

My favorite thing is that it’s a way of being creative and expressing yourself – that feeling of the great escape. It’s like meditation. I haven’t found anything negative about it yet!

Did you always want to be an artist? If not, what did you want to be and  when/why did you change your mind?

I never saw myself as an artist. I wish that I had tapped into this side of myself when I was younger would have loved to be a dancer, but during the time that I was growing up, it was never something I could imagine doing. Over the last 25 or 30 years I’d squelched that side of myself. Before my work as a Teacher, I was a Dental Assistant and would wear a different sweater every day. I’ve always liked to be creative and express myself but never thought it was something I could do. I think that if I had grown up in a different time or family I would have explored it a lot earlier.

Do you currently have a favorite artist?

Yes! He has a studio in West Vancouver. Yates. He does all sorts of West Coast landscapes with nice palette and color.

Describe the Vancouver art scene in three words

I don’t really know it that well, but I would say there are a lot of different kinds of art so versatile, exciting, and welcoming. All of the people that I’ve met have been very positive.

What can’t she do? Meet International Artist and Super-Woman Marie-Anne Vorlet!

Marie-Anne Vorlet was born in the French part of Switzerland and raised as well as schooled in the German part of same country. After high school, no longer able to numb the urge to travel and experience the world, she looked for ‘portable’ work. She spent her first years as a working girl as a nanny in England, Cameroon (West Africa) as well as in Switzerland. During those much enjoyed years she developed a yearning for more knowledge which surprised her as she remembered school as a place of boredom. After earning the ‘Matura’, the Swiss school diploma required to enter any of the countries universities, a short detour to medical school helped Vorlet figure out what she did not want in life. It also allowed her to finance her years studying math, physics and astronomy. Working night shifts at the major teaching hospital in Zurich, teaching math as well as Tao Yoga on the side made ends meet. After these quite long years the travel bug hit again. Lucky enough to find a very flexible employer in one of the two big Swiss banks as well as work as a freelance translator, Vorlet explored parts of Europe, America, Nepal, Hawaii and South Africa. Crafting, especially sewing and knitting has been a hobby since age five, a year working in the shop of a avant-garde dress-maker in the late eighties, gave her the possibility to have a close look behind the scene. Statement: “No matter what I am doing, I am at my very best when dealing with a situation that is completely new to me. And I do love to create some

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Interview With Marie-Anne Vorlet

by Alyssa Laube  

About: Marie-Anne Vorlet, born and raised in Switzerland, is a woman of many titles – from world traveler and volunteer to artist and entrepeneur! For more information on Marie, visit:

http://www.thetinybigbag.net/MAVBio.htm

 Having grown up in the beautiful country of Switzerland, were you influenced by your roots? How so? 

Yes. I think my roots have indeed influenced me, especially the French Suisse part of them, as well as our beautiful landscapes. The Swiss “Frenchies” take life easier and appreciate beauty and the arts a lot!

You’ve spent a lot of time travelling in your life. How did this change you, both as a person and an artist?

Travelling is definitely my bliss in life. I love to see new landscapes and colors, taste new foods, and meet people with different ideas. Travelling and volunteering in Africa made me appreciate the many possibilities we have and tend to take for granted in the rich countries!

How does Vancouver compare to other cities that you have lived in?

I love and appreciate the proximity of big city-life and nature that Vancouver offers. It makes it a part of my “all-time favorite cities” list, which includes Zurich and Cape Town for the same reasons.

Have you always had an adoration for new experiences? 

Yes – I actually had a longing for the “new and exotic” since Primary School, which, as a child, made me devour books with a passion.

As a person who has tried many different occupations, do you feel that they were necessary in order to find your true passion?

Definitely! Nothing compares to personal experience.

What do you consider to be that passion?

Art, making new ideas work, i.e. creating my own NGO: www.educationwithouborders.ch, which was inspired by my Canadian friends. After volunteering regularly at and supporting my friend Heather Reynold’s orphanage, ‘God’s Golden Acre’ in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for years, I strongly believe that education is a door opener!

How many languages do you speak?

Four: Swiss German, German, French and English – I have plans for learning Zulu as soon as I have more free time.

How was it beneficial to be multilingual, professionally? 

It has been very beneficial, especially in Zurich because this city is quite international in its focus.

What is your favorite place that you have been to or lived in?

Namibia – the desert colors are just divine! Paris: fashion, art, food – need I say more?

Many of your paintings focus largely on shape and color. Where did this fascination come from? 

It still surprises me how a different color can “change” a shape, it just never gets boring.

You have quite the variety of hobbies! Which ones do you still practice today?

Traveling and spending as much time outdoors, preferably in nature that has not been altered by humans.

Are there any that you would like to explore?

Yes, learning to fly!

A recent project of yours is The Tiny Big Bag, described as “The ultimate fashionable tote handbag (which) folds into handkerchief size.” Where did you get the inspiration for this idea? 

Moving to Vancouver many years ago (in 2000) from a country with very strict laws concerning the environment I was shocked to see that plastic bags were still free and used in enormous numbers in Canada. My cultural-shock-question was: “Would you like this double bagged?”


For original ideas such as The Tiny Big Bag, do you prefer to manage them individually or cooperatively with others? 

I would love to take a highly motivated partner on board – someone who has strengths I do not have myself!

Looking back on your journey, do you have any favorite/least favorite memories?

My favorite memories include the first time I saw the ocean (all the space!) after so many mountains at home. And, of course, the first trip I took out of Europe at the age of 17, which led me to Cameroon. Since then I am hooked! Africa is still my favorite continent!

Is there any point in your development as an artist that you regret or cherish most? 

I have few regrets in life! I cherish the fact that I am mostly self-taught in regards to my artwork. Curiosity is what keeps me going in life.

What are you looking forward to the most at this year’s Art Expo? 

The chance to meet people, see a lot of other peoples artwork and the possibility to show my work in a great location at Science World!

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Adelle Airey shows for the first time at Art World Expo 2014

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Interview With…

Adelle Airey

by Alyssa Laube

About: Adelle Airey describes herself as a “self-taught artist, typically creating acrylic paintings of single flower blooms or plant life covering the entire canvas.” To learn more about Adelle, go to http://www.facebook.com/AdelleAireyArtworks

 

Is this your first time at the Art World Expo? What are you looking forward to?

Yes.  I am looking forward to having my work on public display for the first time.

 

How did you get started in art?

I have always loved to draw and create things.  My grandmother liked to paint and she encouraged me to paint even if it was just as a hobby.  I was recognized in my senior years of high school, as Seaquam Secondary’s “Outstanding Senior Art Student” and commissioned to design and paint a hallway mural.  My pencil & ink drawings and water colour paintings were proudly hung around my parent’s house.  Many of my early pieces were given as gifts to special friends.

 

How were you influenced as an artist by your heritage or home town?

Our family lived on a small non-working farm in Delta in the70s.  Growing up surrounded by colourful things in nature and interesting personalities of animals, has definitely influenced my art.

 

Who was your main inspiration growing up and how has it changed from then?

Artists like Patrick Nagel and Ty Wilson have probably made the biggest impression on me as an artist.  I admire their simplicity of style and use of contrasts and colour.

 

Many of your paintings are of flowers. Is there any specific reason for this?

I still have the first photo I took with my parent’s camera.  I was 9 years old and it was of a rose in our garden.  I appreciate the wide variety in plants and flowers, and they allow for artistic expression.


What do you consider your “big break”?

Art World Expo 2014 !

 

How have you developed as an artist, both professionally and personally?

I realize I cannot be afraid to experiment.  Researching techniques and ways to improve as a painter may not always lead to a “good” piece, but that is ok.  Personally, I have “developed” in facing my fears and gaining confidence in myself as an artist.

 

How did you receive your training?

I am a self-taught artist with no formal training.

 

You also create sculptures. How did that start?

I started a craft project over the winter of ‘93. My first Paper Mache sculptures were a decorative bowl and a prickly pear cactus.  After showing a co-worker what I had made, she asked if she could commission a piece for her home.  The sale of that piece quickly lead to another 5 commissioned pieces.

 

Have you ever gotten “Artist’s Block” and if so, how did you deal with it?

I didn’t do any art for a long time.  Don’t know if that was a “block” or just letting life get in the way of something I really needed to do.  I find setting a goal or deadline for a piece helps motivate me.  I try to work on my art only when I’m in the mood”.

 

What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about being an artist?

Fav: I get a lot of satisfaction when I am finished a piece and it turns out the way I envisioned.  Least fav: criticism that is not constructive.

 

Did you always want to be an artist? If not, what did you want to be and when/why did you change your mind?

Yes.  I just didn’t really know what kind.  I thought about being a graphic artist; makeup artist; or interior designer.