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Blobfish Apocalypse at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

Do you ever think about the Apocalypse? I try not to but after meeting Blobfish Apocalypse, I can’t stop! Don’t worry, it’s a good thing! Blobfish is a unique artist and maker who will be at the Art World Expo in Edmonton on April 12, 2019! You’ll never think of the Apocalypse again after you read this interview!

What inspires you to make art?

Everything inspires me whether its music, film, nature, other art & artists. Art is also an outlet for me & a form of therapy. It’s helped me get a lot out whether its joy, anger, sadness, anxiety. Art has gotten me through a lot of hard times & taken me on a path of self-discovery for me & helped me learn a bit more about myself.

When did you know you wanted to pursue your art as a career?

I live for art. My whole family is pretty creative so art has always been a daily activity in the household. Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was “an artist”.

You make a lot of different things! Tell us about the character that you have created which also stems as your brand name, Blobfish Apocalypse.

I’ve always been fond of coming up with fun little characters to draw & there was one in particular that had been

around for a while. His name was “Percy,” based on a guinea pig with a big personality who became one of those funny characters I’d draw everywhere. Percy was a family inside joke but one day online I stumbled upon a picture of the blobfish. I was instantly smitten, the blobfish looked very similar to my character Percy & thus I began drawing blobfish in my style. Finding the blobfish for me was like discovering unicorns were real. I began researching more into what this blobfish was & turns out they’re an endangered deep sea fish off the coast of Australia . What little information I could found on this obscure creature & my love for them grew to the point where I decided with my sister that we should spread awareness to help bring these ugly, but endearing creatures out from the cold, dark bottom of the ocean to the light of the world. We didn’t want to just make a ripple, we wanted to go all out & make a huge splash so why not bring on the apocalypse, the Blobfish Apocalypse. The fun art & products this company focuses on creating is to make people of all ages smile.

This will be your first Art World Expo event. Will you have any never before seen work or show specials for our event on April 12?

Yes! Some new products will only be available at the event. I will also be posting a special “code word” online that anyone can bring to my table for some free art! There will also be a chance to enter a draw to win a blobfish bundle pack which will the winner will be announced a week after the Art World Expo.

Just for fun, if you woke up and suddenly had access to an unlimited bank account, what would you tomorrow?

Spend a few months to travel to visit family/friends then when I get back I’d buy an art studio with unlimited art supplies, along with a 3D printer & a pony.

Be sure to get your ticket to the 2nd annual Art World Expo Edmonton-it’s right around the corner! You can also check out Blobfish on ETSY.

Gayle Kohut takes Inspiration from LIFE

I always love to meet new artists and coordinating art shows in new cities is one way to meet a lot of artists across Canada. Today, I’ve interviewed Gayle Kohut from Didsbury, Alberta. She works in
acrylic, oils, gouache and watercolor. Her works features wildlife art, rural lifestyle and agriculture pieces. She demands attention to detail and the desire to create paintings that tell a story. Her works are sold internationally.

When did you start creating art and pursuing it as a career path?

I always have loved drawing and creating since a early age. Going to an evening art class was a treat when I was raising my family. It has taken 25 me years of art shows and sales to become known in the Art World.

What is it about creating that inspires you?

I love to tell the stories of LIFE. Whether it be wildlife, animals, nature people, or sports. My paintings show you something that you have never thought about. I farm together with my husband in the country east of Didsbury, Alberta Canada. I get most of my inspirations right in my backyard.

What are your favourite things to paint?

I love painting birds. The feathers are different on every bird. I am always changing my subject matter though. When you come to my booth at the Art World Expo in Edmonton, you will see the perfect painting made especially you for sure!

As far as a business owner of an arts company, what are your goals for your brand this year?

I have limited edition giclee prints of 50 of most of the originals. I have a brand new “Bottle Top” series that will be unveiled at the Edmonton show. I would like to have more passive income items also.

Will you have any show specials at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I plan on having a lucky winner getting my door prize that will be in the Edmonton Art Expo. There could be specials at my booth too.

If you could do anything with your art business, no limits, what would it be?

My business is growing every year. More clients and teaching more classes, some private classes also. I would love to create even more and get more corporate customers.

Follow Gayle’s website for more information and be sure to get your tickets to the Edmonton Art World Expo today! www.gaylekohut

Knitter Kritter at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

I’ve always been interested in knitting. There’s something really special about; it brings back memories of childhood and adds a really warm touch whenever you get a pair of knitted gloves or a tuque. Today, I caught up with Kelsey Koon from The Knitter Kritter in Edmonton and chatted about her work, her inspiration and her process.

What is The Knitter Kritter?

The Knitter Kritter is kind of my business persona; I chose the name so the shop’s initials would match my own: KK. I like to think of it as the type of boutique storefront where you could find something really special and unique, knowing for sure that it was made by the person you’re buying it from. Everything I sell is handmade by me, and it is all limited-edition and one-of-a-kind! I try to rotate in a few new designs or products every few months or so, so there will always be something new and interesting on offer. I specialize in high-quality knitted accessories and embroidery art, though I am always experimenting with new techniques, new products, and new designs. I also try to use or reuse as much of my materials as possible: many of my items are made with remnants and remainders, since I just can’t bring myself to waste anything. Coming up with the perfect project for my little bits and pieces is kind of like a fun puzzle for me. I really take my tagline, “fine handmade gifts”, to heart!

What is it about creating that inspires you?

I am really inspired by seeing the item progress. I always have a picture in my head of what it will look like when it is finished, but seeing it take shape is always a magical experience. Sometimes my craft surprises me! It’s always very fulfilling to see the finished object at the end of the process, regardless of how well it matches up to that pre-imagined picture. I think anyone who has made something in their life will relate to the little warm-fuzzy feeling of accomplishment in the finished project, and no matter how many items I make, I still get that little thrill from seeing it come to life and being involved in that process.

What are your favourite things to make?

My favourite items would have to be my one-of-a-kind lacework knitted scarves. I really get a kick out of matching up the colorways of the hand-painted yarns to the intricate lace patterns I use, and seeing the color patterning complement the pattern. Blocking the lace (setting the pattern by dampening the finished product and allowing it to dry flat) is always the best part, because up until that point, it can be a little hard to get a full sense of how the finished piece will look. After blocking, though, you can really see the lacework open up and the yarn bloom and it makes the whole piece really pop!

As far as a business owner of a crafts company, what are your goals for your brand this year?

I’d really like to find some new selling venues (either in-person or online) to market my products in. It always makes me so happy to have one of my items go home with someone who loves it, and I would like to find opportunities for all of my products to connect with people who love them! I’ve also been enjoying making some more connections on social media, so I would like to continue to expand in that arena as well. Being able to spend more time on creating is also an aspiration of mine, so one goal is to set aside time to spend on crafting new, unique handmade products.

Will you have any show specials at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I’m planning on bringing at least one surprise show-stopper for the Expo! This will be a brand new handmade product that I haven’t yet offered for sale on the shop, so the attendees at the Art World Expo will get first crack at it!

What would you tell an aspiring crafts person about starting a handmade business?

I think my biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy your process. When I started out, I was very worried about the end result of my crafting, i.e., whether or not the item would sell. But as things went on, I learned that the process of creating is really the most important thing. It’s nice if you are able to share your work with someone who appreciates it, but ultimately, your art and your process is a reflection of you, and it’s important to love that as well. Enjoy seeing your work take shape as you make it!

Links:

Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theknitterkritter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theknitterkritter

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theknitterkritter

Interview with Edmonton’s Soft Touch Photography

by Monika Blichar

Photography has to have an artistic eye behind it to stand out these days. After all, anyone with a smart phone can shoot and edit photos from their phones instantly today! When I saw Soft Touch Photography’s work come through on our submissions for our Edmonton show, I was excited because their photos not only capture the essence of a fleeting moment, but they are colourful, attractive and intriguing. Today, I caught up with Soft Touch Photography to learn more about their process.

1-What is Soft Touch Photography? When did you form your company?

Soft Touch Photography is a photography business runner by my husband and I, we formed our company in 2013, and had started as a dream, and now has developed into a reference only business and hopefully in the future more

2-You work with your husband. What are the best things about working together?

The best thing of working with my husband is that we compliment each other, we have fun, and keep each other focus and working towards something different that will take us outside the box, to create beautiful images and memories for our clients.

3-What kinds of things are your favourite to photograph and why?

This is a fun question because I love to photograph people and my husband loves outdoor photography. This works great for us because he is the one that finds the spots to do those amazing images that we sometimes are fortunate to have.

4-What kinds of products will you be selling and promoting at the Art World Expo Edmonton on Friday night?

We are going to be selling some of our most favourite prints.

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

We see our photography business growing and being able for one of us to be full time in a studio someday soon.

6-Just for fun: Who is your favourite photographer and why?

My favourite is BARON STUDIO https://youtu.be/VQVZhEBdTT4–the reason why is because of their creativity.

Learn more about Soft Touch Photography on their Facebook Page.

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 Artist Shivee Gupta

by Monika Blichar

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1-When did you start making art?

I always liked to draw and paint since age 5. But I seriously got into art in 2013.

2-Do you remember the first time you had an exhibition? What was it like to unveil your work publicly for the first time?

The first art exhibition I went to was in Wainwright at the Wainwright art show back in 2013. I was really nervous I did not think anything of it but the response from the community blew me away. I almost sold out.

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3-What kinds of things inspire you to make art?

Anything and everything. Sometimes it’s colours on furniture, shadows on walls, textures outside or the beautiful lady on the LRT staring out the window with the unique nose. It makes me want to capture that beauty and strength and put it on paper. I am highly influenced by social, racial, sexual injustices and much of my art reflects these themes.

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4-Will you have any special pieces, sale items or exclusive Art World Expo offers at this year’s Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16?

I have two exclusive pieces from a collection that is incomplete and I have not released for sale quite yet. These two pieces are very special to me as these are where I pushed comfort zone as an artist. This eclectic style of art is where I really want to be in the future.

5-Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

I think by putting more time and effort into my business I can promote it to build a brand where quite a few people will know who I am and can easily access my work.

6-Just for fun: If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

I don’t think I want to. I am happy with where I am right now, but I guess I wouldn’t mind getting chased by dinosaurs.

To learn more about Shivee, visit her Facebook Page. Thank you Edmonton for a SOLD OUT event! See you on March 16 at the Muttart Conservatory.

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Interview with Edmonton’s Marley Blair

by Monika Blichar

Make up and Body Painting has fascinated me for years. When Marley Blair sent in her submission, I was beyond excited! Her work is creative, fun loving and beautiful and her experience is extensive in the industry. I caught up with her today to learn more about her work and her entry into this year’s Art World Expo Body Painting Competition!

When did you start body painting?

In junior high, I started face painting for extra cash in the summer at small-town festivals and farmers markets. I was always the person doing makeup for my friends and family members before we went out. Makeup has always been a form of creative expression for me and I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t fascinated by it. I really got into body painting when I was about 14 when I started going to raves and music festivals.The smaller parties we attended always had themes, you did not show up in just jeans and a t-shirt. Getting ready was a production. My friends and I always made costumes and had the makeup to match. My looks were a great ice breaker, I made many friends over the years because people asked me “Who did your makeup?”. The summer of 2001 I met my dear friend Chantal, she was a traveling vendor, she invited me to come work for her the following summer. Her offer was to pay for my festival tickets and would feed me as payment. The summer I spent with her is really where I got my start… I painted out of the booth for tips and trades. I remember the first day I painted Chantal hoping it might generate some interest and by the end of the afternoon I had a line up out the door. I left home that summer with just a back full of paint and a couple bucks. I went home that fall with a backpack full of cash, a whole new wardrobe and a full-fledged passion for body painting.

2-You’ve worked at a lot of festivals and even attended Burning Man. How have these festival experiences influenced your body painting and makeup business?

Going to parties gave me a platform to body paint and it was, at the time, an environment that allowed for self-expression with no judgment. Attending music festivals really opened eyes to how makeup can empower people. It can let their alter egos out. It allows people to push boundaries and embrace what truly makes them individual. Makeup is self-expression and makeup is art, it’s not something that has to be specific or have rules. That time in my life seems like forever ago but I still keep the same ideas close to my heart. I think about these things even when I’m doing makeup for a Bride or a Mom or a Drag Queen… what makes this person in front of me unique, what do they want and need to put forth? Makeup is not “one size fits all”.

3-What is your favorite part of being a makeup artist?

The ability to transform. Makeup is powerful, you can affect how people see themselves. If I can change someone’s mood or outlook on themselves for the positive that is pretty incredible.

4-Can you give us a few hints about your body paint entry for this year’s Art World Expo Edmonton?

I am the world’s biggest procrastinator and my ideas tend to change and morph often. I can promise it will be colorful.

5-Where would you like to see your makeup and body painting business in the next 5 years?

Body painting is something that I truly want to put my energy back into, it has taken a back burner to beauty makeup in my career over the years. I would love to work on more creative projects and collaborate with more people in the industry. I really want to focus more on my freelancing and teaching. Doing that full time would be my dream.

6-Just for fun: What kind of animal would you be if you could be any kind and why?

Is a mermaid an animal? You might say I’m a bit obsessed with mermaids. When I say my power color is teal it’s not an understatement. Breathing underwater, talking to fish and getting to wear a jazzy shell bra every day would be amazing!

To learn more about Marley, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to check out her body painting competition entry at this Friday’s Art World Expo at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain!

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.

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 Pavel Kroupko

by Monika Blichar

I love meeting artists from other areas of the world who have immigrated to Canada. Being an immigrant from Poland myself has taught me a lot about appreciating culture, opportunities and about being patient with myself and others who experience being part of two worlds. When Pavel Krouppko submitted his application for our Art World Expo Edmonton event, I was intrigued not only by his diverse work, but also how his work is affected not only by his cultural background but also his welding profession. His work is a blend of cultural representation near and far while also reveling in hard and concrete materials. I caught up with Pavel to hear what he had to say about his work and art.

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

Moving around a lot when I was young gave me more time to be creative. It takes time to make new friends in new place but Art was always there. I also seen many different places and things and that always bring some kind of inspiration even if long time passed since the time you saw them, you can always dig in your memories.

2-You moved a lot when you were young. How do you think moving around has impacted your creativity?

No I have not been back to Russia since 1997. It’s something I want to do in near future. As far as art scene goes, I have been making art since 1997. I decided that I want to do it as a career about 3 or 4 years ago.

3-Originally, you are from Russia and moved to Canada when you were 15. Do you still visit? Do you think that the art scene in Russia is comparable to the one in Canada?

In Russia, it is very much like here. Russian people have always been influenced by the Western World. So many of the trends that are here are also there. I follow many Russian artists from Art teacher at Universities to Airbrush schools and Tattoo artists to Metal sculpture creators. Much inspiration all around the world.

4-You are a versatile artist but also a welder. How has welding influenced your art?

Welding and art. Been a pressure vessel welder everything must be clean meaning shiny ground metal before you can weld on it. So I seen lots of ground metal and welders love their shiny things. My ground metal work shows that. And fabrication skill can easily be applied to making sculptures.

5-What can guests expect to see at your exhibit? Will you have any Art World Show Specials or contests running at your booth?

There will be lots of ground metal work, airbrush oil paintings and charcoal. I will have some discounted items.

6-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years? Do you have a big goal for your work you would like to share?

In 5 years, lol! I just want to be able to do it full time and make reasonable living on it. I will continue to grow as and artist and we will see where it takes me.

7-Who is your favourite artist?

Bob Ross. I can watch that guy for hours. I learned oil painting from his videos.

To learn more about Pavel and his work, visit his Facebook Page. Be sure to get your ticket to the Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory today! This event will be the best art show of the season in Edmonton-you don’t want to miss it!

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