Artist Statement

I am completely inspired by the natural world. Beauty is everywhere. It is the growth of the forest, the depth of the sea, and the curve of the bone. It is skin, scales, bark, and tide pool ripples. It is texture, and it is raw. I am a translator of life, and I am compelled to narrate it.

As an explorer and world traveler, I have lived both at sea and in the forest. My curiosity has led to compassion for all living things, and my degree in Biology has provided concrete evidence for respecting our planet and striving for conservation. Biological and environmental themes are a constant presence in my work. By choosing animate beings as my subject matter I authenticate their existence, beauty, and importance. Everything I paint is rooted in biology: harmonious palettes reflect the vibrant earth, anatomical accuracies define organic shape, and intricate details resonate complex cellular life.

I am also fascinated by the overlay between myth, dream, intuition, and reality, and use the translucency of watercolour to explore these connections. Organic objects, rich with dimension, provide ideal subject matter for this investigation. My use of iridescence, which challenges the division between subject and environment, is currently producing ethereal paintings that are deliciously captivating. I am constantly in motion and exploration; my work shares my movement and curiosity. Drawing from the subconscious, and filtered through the biological, I continue to investigate our beautiful Earth.
www.tamaraphillips.ca
 

Bio

I obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Mount Allison University in 2008 and my Postgraduate Certificate in Web Design from Sheridan College in 2009. I worked as a designer in Toronto until 2010, when I relocated to Vancouver to begin a new artistic practice.




Artist Statement

My work explores the processes of deconstruction and assemblage. The works are created by repurposing various traditional and digital creative techniques. My experience as both a commercial graphic designer and traditional artist allows for technical combinations that are unique, heavily layered, and intriguing. I engage modern imaging techniques to prepare subject matter. Source photos are slightly altered in Photoshop to create subtle effects, distortions and colour combinations. Using a series of expressive and uninhibited paint, collage and texture applications, I create a loose and abstract structure upon which to assemble detailed ink drawings. I selectively interpret and reworks various layers until they are harmoniously integrated. Old halftone printing techniques are recreated with stencilled dots of acrylic paint, emphasizing the use of various techniques.

Ultimately, the most satisfying component of my work is the manipulation of various materials and layers until they reach that special moment of completion that balances expression, representation, abstraction and detail.

www.jonshawpaintings.com

Morgan Ralston was born into an artistic family in Central Ontario. His father was an artist, and his grandfather studied under A.J. Casson, of the Group of Seven. His love of art has been evident since his first drawings at the age of three. He took up painting while attending Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario, and now lives and paints in Vancouver. His work still graces the walls of Cambrian College, and can now be seen in personal collections around the world.

Artist's Philosophy:

I take my time with a piece of art. I never rush, I am dedicated to meticulously painting an image until I feel it is 100% complete. At the same time I can be quite impulsive with my brush work and colours. Needless to say, If I don't love a painting I'm working on, then it's not done! Sometimes my process take years, often it takes months, even the 5" x 7", especially those!

I like to paint things that will bring a smile to my face once completed. That way I'm sure the image will do the same for others and I like my viewers to walk away happy. I've found some have a hard time leaving, they have to stop and stare. A deeply positive impact on the viewer is my goal. I feel I've captured that with each piece I've created.

My inspiration comes from everything outdoors; the sights, smells and sounds. From the forest in the rainy mountains to the night city lights; if I'm outside I'm being silently inspired by something!

Originally from Poland, Beata Kacy is a jewellery artist and the creator and founder of Soigne. She pursues her life’s bliss in the outdoors, finding art, in all its forms, wherever she goes. A bohemian at heart, most of her life was spent studying, experimenting with, and learning the behaviors of different medias.

The jewellery created by Beata is exquisitely unique.
To see more of her work, please visit Arts Off Main Gallery!

Based in the heart of Vancouver art scene, Soigne is the place where just about anyone’s artistic fantasies and crafting desires can be fulfilled. A fully illustrated tutorial will be provided for each class and you can take home a few ready pieces in just 3 hours ! Prior crafting experience is unnecessary. To find out more, please go to www.soigne.ca 

Monika Anna Blichar was born in Italy in 1982. Her family immigrated to Canada in the early 1980’s, initially settling in Red Deer, Alberta and then moving west to B.C. in 1996.

Monika completed a B.A. in 2006 in English and French from the University of Victoria and went on to obtain a teaching credential with the B.C. College of Teachers in 2007.


Primarily self taught, Monika also studied art at Camosun College where she learned various techniques and strategies in creating contemporary and surreal work. She continues to pursue creative projects and is exploring various professional opportunities in the arts which include painting, body painting, sculpting, photography, event coordination and international travel. She has recently formed her own Arts & Entertainment Company; MAB Ventures Inc., as well as a Non-Profit Society; Make and Break Arts Foundation with the goals of helping artists promote their work and mainstream culture recognize the value and beauty of the creative process. Her passions include the Humanities, writing, traveling, nature, and dreaming.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art has played a significant role in Monika’s life and continues to be an expression of her flowing imagination, appreciation for beauty, and reflections of seeing beyond the obvious. Her love of the arts and creating opportunities for all artists and the general public has led to partnerships with artists and various local and corporate businesses including Blushing Boutique, YWCA Hotel Vancouver and Sprott Shaw Community College. Her goals for the future are to open a community based arts center in Western Canada welcoming all mediums including performance, education, and exhibition.

“It is up to the beholder to see the art in everything, art is found everywhere,” says Blichar.

To contact Monika, call 604 999 6177 or email her at info@monikablichar.com