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Edmonton’s Kaborette ya nèré Showcases Unique Fashions at Art World Expo Edmonton

by Monika Blichar

Like most little girls, I dreamed of lovely clothes and used to play dress up with my friends. The hours we would spend trying on clothes, playing dress up and finding unique things from our treasure chests to pair together are a fond memory from my childhood. As I got older, this love of unique designs and accessories moved me to follow local artists and designers like Alethe Kabore for Kaborette ya nèré . I caught up with Alethe today to learn more about what inspires her as a fashion designer based in Edmonton, Alberta.

What inspired you to start designing clothing?

I grew up around beautiful vibrant wax prints and a community of women that loved to dress up. I started giving pointers to tailors on what styles I wanted when getting outfit tailored. After moving to Canada from Burkina Faso, I missed being able to readily access affordable tailors and wear my usual colorful and warm weather outfits. I gradually started learning how to sew and started designing clothes that mixed various fabrics to give me the finish I wanted with the comfort that is adequate to the various Canadian seasons. You can say my inspiration started by trying to wear outfits that were not available in Canada and grew to trying to offer the same access to a wider audience.

Your work is colorful, vibrant and unique. What is your inspiration behind this season’s designs?

I choose most of the colors and designs based on how the fabrics appeal to me. Sometimes you see a fabric and you just have to make something out of it or it inspires the style you need to bring to life. Even though it is cold or winter, I believe we can and ought to wear colorful and vibrant clothes. Seasons can definitely affect our choice of colors but it should not limit us to grey and black.

You create a variety of fashion. What do you like to design the most?

I enjoy seeing more than one fabric mixed together to yield an elegant and slick finish. Being able to design, a piece that is fresh, elegant and unique is what I love designing the most. Dressing women of various body shapes is the most exciting!

This is your first time in an Art World Expo event. What would you like guests to know most about you and your clothing line?

This approach of design, work with unique prints is quite new to most people in Canada. Although inspired by beautiful African prints it also incorporates lots of fabric usually found in current fashion. This is meant for all and everyone that wishes to dress elegantly and with unique pieces. Do not be shy and try one of our piece be it an accessory or a full outfit, you will love it.

Will you have any show specials or never before seen work at this event?

I will have a special gift certificate that the guests can enter to win. They can then have the pleasure to choose what to spend it on, as it would be too restrictive to choose one item for the winner.

Just for fun. If you woke up tomorrow with access to an unlimited bank account with funds just for you to spend, what would you do?

I would definitely expand my business, have a physical store, work space, start a partnership with locally hand woven, die, and tie fabric producers back in Burkina Faso and Africa in general so I can infuse some investment on the continent while exporting the expertise and beautiful prints to the rest of the world.

Join us for the Edmonton Art World Expo and get your tickets here to support this local designer. A portion of all ticket sales will go back to this artist. Be sure to check out the Etsy shop too!

Kaborette ya nèré is a fashion business that is striving to offer modern ready to wear and African infused attire to the Afro-Canadian community across Canada while working to carve a space in the fashion world for African prints. The business specializes in incorporating traditional woven material from West Africa, vibrant African prints commonly known as “Ankara” with European fabric in its stylish designs. Kaborette ya nèré offers clothes, and clothing accessories and is based here in Edmonton.

The founder and in-house designer of Kaborette ya nèré is Alèthe Kaboré. Born and raised in Burkina Faso, she moved to Edmonton to pursue her studies and could not leave behind her love for African prints and fashion. Alèthe has always had an eye for colors and forms and has a keen interest in fashion design. She is a self-taught designer and seamstress with still a lot to learn and as much to contribute to the fashion world. Her dream is to increase the use of African prints and material in modern wear in Canadian fashion and internationally. Alèthe is looking forward to showcasing her creations and dressing you too!

Edmonton-here we come!

Did you know that ART WORLD EXPO 2019-Edmonton Official Page is coming up on March 15, 2019? This will be our second production in Edmonton with Art World and this year is set to be amazing! The talent in Alberta is amazing!

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We have tickets available here: https://theartworldexpo.com/attend-event-3/

Vendor applications here:
https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/

Be an affiliate, sell tickets and make extra money! Sign up here: https://theartworldexpo.com/affiliate-sales-team/

In addition, if you are an Alberta business owner, we would love to get you involved as a sponsor! Auction item donation and sponsorship opportunities in exchange for marketing at the event or on social media are all options. Do you have a store in Edmonton, a business or a service you would like to promote to our guests, vendors and followers? Send us a message if you’re interested or if you have a recommendation of someone we should connect to! Check out: https://theartworldexpo.com/sponsorship/

Interview with Edmonton artist Mel’s Big Art

by Monika Blichar

I always admire people who do different things. Mel’s Big Art is no exception to people who do different things and I was thrilled when her submission came in for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16, 2018. Melanie Schoenberger does custom art and woodburning which we just don’t see a lot of in the Art World. She describes herself as a Canadian self taught Artist focusing on Woodburning Pyrography, Acrylic, Charcoal, Multimedia painting and drawing. I caught up with her to learn more about her work and what she will be bringing to our event this year.

1-When did you start making art?

I started making art at a very young age as my father was a self taught artist. So he was a huge influence.

2-What inspired you to pursue art as a career rather than keep it a personal interest?

I was doing some pieces as gifts for friends and family and then I was occasionally doing commissions for people with always positive feedback. So it became a goal of mine to eventually create it into a business.

3-Your work incorporates a lot of natural wood. Why did you choose this medium?

I work at mill work shop so it started with bringing home scrap pieces of wood and making simple wood boxes with hand draw pyrography designs or painting on them. It slowly progressed into drawing and painting on larger panels. I like the rawness and working with the flaws and flow of the wood grain.

4-What can people expect when they visit your exhibit at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have show specials or contests for guests?

This has been the biggest event I’ve been in to promote myself. I am going to do a draw box for a gift card.

5-If you had to explain the Edmonton Arts Scene to someone who hasn’t ever visited Edmonton, what would you tell them about? Where are the best places to find local art?

I’m new to Edmonton so I’m still discovering myself. Looks very promising though.

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

The next 5 years is going to be exciting. I want to be an established artist and make it a full time career.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite vacation destination?

Paris so far is my ideal vacation destination. I’ve had the opportunity to go there twice. It feeds my artist side with the history and museums. But I do love anywhere with beaches too.

To learn more about Mel’s Big Art visit her website and be sure to stop at her exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain, get yours today before we are sold out!

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.

Denis Bouvier: Edmonton Visual Artist

by Monika Blichar

Art can do so many things. One of those things is undoubtedly striking a cord within the viewer. What is it that does that to us? The messages behind the work? The talent demonstrated in the skill or technique? The magnitude of art is undeniable and in today’s world, it is exciting to see artists who know this and create work to inspire others.

Today, I had the chance to interview Denis Bouvier a talented Edmonton based oil painter who tells us about touching the spirit of another person through his work and what we can expect from his exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 18. 2018.

1-What inspired you to want to start a career as an artist?

By creating from my own hands; I’ve become addicted to invoking emotional responses within observers. It feels great receiving feedback when I do something that touches the spirit of another person.

2-Were you encouraged as a child in the arts? Is anyone in your family artistic?

My mother and I oil paint together fairly regularly, she is a huge inspiration. As a child I saw both my parents as creative types, my Father, “the Fabricator” and my Mother, “the Decorator”. Luckily, I was raised in a home that allowed me to express my artistic self.

3-Your choice medium is oil. What do you like about oil painting?

Oil paints allow for phenomenal results when combined with skillful hands. No other medium creates the depth you can achieve, the colours are captivating.

4-Many of your works are inspired by nature. Is there a reason for this theme in your work? Why are you so inspired by Nature?

Nature is perfect and cannot be improved upon, breathing my life into wonders that will be here long after I’m gone just never goes out of style. Also, I enjoy painting eyes and attempting to capture a glimpse into the windows of a soul.

5-What can guests expect to see at your exhibition at the Muttart on March 16? Will you have contests or show specials?

I will bring a small sample of my different work, blue ocean life and life above sea level. Perhaps a painting of death also…

6-Just for fun: If you could be a superhero, what kind of super power would you have?

A superpower of my choice would be; the ability to fly anywhere in time or space, to be a fifth dimensional being.

To learn more about Denis’ work, visit his website and be sure to attend the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory! There are under 100 tickets left-secure yours today!

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/