Talking to Artists
Synopsis: We talked about the history of rug hooking and how Deanne came to it - woman's work born of necessity and poverty. We chatted about having to integrate all aspects of your life - raising children, volunteering, managing a home with being an artist....we decided a bit of selfishness created resilient and empowered children! Deanne shared with us her inspiration of love! Artist Statement: Rug hooking is full of possibilities. It has changed my life, and been a powerful force in changing the lives of the people I have met through it over these twenty five years. It has [...]
Synopsis: We talked about the need to show outside of Canada if you want to build your art practice. Renato shared his newest work, marrying icons and antique artifacts with glass, and the challenges of selling and shipping such fragile pieces. We had a quick tour of his studio and talked about how his engineering background helps with the structural elements of his work. Artist Statement: "My current work focuses on fused & slumped glass wall sculptures that can be hung in a variety of venues as well as sculptural pieces both functional & not . These large scale wall creations [...]
Synopsis: We talked about the merging of Phil's 3 passions - photography, woodworking and design. He shared his struggles during Covid to get motivated but also the challenge as an introvert to travel to different countries to shoot. About the Artist: In the constant quest for learning, Phil constantly pushes its limits. He is a self-taught photographer and graphic designer who graduated in cabinet making. He worked for over 18 years in the field of printing and woodworking. His passion for design and arts brought him to photography. It's curiosity and devotion to different printing technologies and the wide variety [...]
Synopsis: We had a fabulous conversation about the business side of an art practice. Sheila shared her insights about writing an artist statement, ensuring a professional approach to your practice, inventory management and more. We talked her classes and mentoring programs. About the Artist: Primarily self taught, Sheila has been a professional artist for over 23 years. Her interest lies in obscure areas of the environment as seen on the periphery of daily vision. Sheila works in oil, painting both Plein Air and in the studio, preferring large panels. Using dynamic brushstrokes and saturated colour, she captures the friction and [...]
Synopsis: Today we chatted about how Liza helps mentors artists with the business of art. She also work with collectors to build a personal art collection. We talked about how to set up a podcast and some high level social media tips to build engagement. About: Liza Zhurkovskaya, aka Curator on the Go, is a Toronto-based Art Curator and Art Advisor. She has been working in the industry since 2015 with a goal to welcome everyone to the art world and help people collect, buy, and commission art stress-free. She is currently an Art Curator at Kefi Art Gallery (www.kefiartgallery.com). [...]
Synopsis:In a bit of a break with tradition, this week Angela and I talked about how to create a strong submission. If you are paying to submit, give yourself the best chance possible to get accepted. Some criteria: - Be prepared and read the guidelines -before you start, know what the show is about and what the submission criteria is. Judges are looking for consistency across the work, excellence in execution, and originality - Images- this makes or breaks your submission. Makes sure your image quality is good with no peripheral junk to clutter up your image. If you need to, hire a [...]
Synopsis: Marissa shared her experience being a part of the Landscape Artist of the Year competition - check it out on Makeful Channel. She shared how she incorporates elements of Feng Shui and green therapy into her work and how, during this time of isolation, she has had more time to play and refine her beautiful landscape paintings. Artist Statement: "In today's world of busy-ness, life could have many distractions. With time seemingly running fast and with many to-do lists on our calendar, we seem to lose track of our inner spirit and could feel rather depleted. [...]
In a turnaround, Jelena from Petroff Gallery interviews me - a very different experience being on the other side of the 'interviewer' mic! I talked a bit about my process and looking to capture Joy in my work. [...]
Synopsis: We had an engaging conversation about how art lovers and collectors can confidently buy art online, using video calls and digital mockups and also discussed the relationship between the artist and galleries - from who "owns" the client to submissions and selling expectations. About Petroff Gallery: Petroff Gallery proudly represents works of visual art and contemporary craft by over 200 Canadian artists and makers. Petroff is located in Toronto and works with clients around the world to help them find that perfect piece! To see more of Petroff's work, please visit: · Instagram · Facebook · Website [...]
Synopsis: Angela and I chatted about her art and inspirations as well as how to use your corporate background- in her case marketing- to build you art practice. We talked about ideas for emerging artists trying to break into the art world quickly...basically say "yes" and try everything. We talked about the importance of understanding your client and how to help them understand your work in their terms. About the Artist: Angela Lane is an impressionistic and abstract painter, as well as a fine crafter creating rich, colourful art in mixed media encaustic (beeswax) and reclaimed barn wood that reflect [...]
