Studio #1 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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Michael Abelman’s poised, patient vision is a welcome antidote to the speed of modern times. Painting with acrylics on canvas, Abelman renders the striking natural spaces of Vancouver, British Columbia with a deft impressionistic touch.

With an eye for tranquil coastal and harbour scenes as well as the untamed beauty of wildflower fields, Abelman demonstrates an easy confidence with colour and atmosphere. Take Barge in the Bay at Golden Hour. Subtle slate and lilac skies meld with the quiet indigo and pale lapis of the languid ocean surface. A dark figure pierces the scene—a barge backlit in the dusk. Its slow motion suits this serene world, but the space is not wholly untroubled. Wildflowers Pink/Mauve works a similar effect, as the floral tones of rouge and iris, pearl and ochre dance above the deep shadows beneath the long grass. Abelman luxuriates in nature’s elegance and charm, but his work is never wide-eyed.

Be it the passing vessel on the sea at sunset or a sudden autumn bloom, Abelman attends to the striking ephemeral moments we ought not to look over too quickly. The paintings are arresting in their attention to subtleties. With an unconventional horizon line, Abelman may call extra attention to the background sky or foreground water. Equally, with a bee’s eye view he may bring us closer to the tapestry of blossoms to better sense their vitality and mournfulness at once, urging us to stay awhile longer.

Michael Abelman lives and works in Vancouver, where he documents and paints in plein air, often under cloud cover but always with a sunny disposition. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Abelman received his undergraduate education at the University of the Witwatersrand and his Honours degree at the University of South Africa. He immigrated to Canada in 1992. Abelman continues to work at improving his painterly technique and growing as an artist. He has and continues to take Continuing Education courses in painting at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, where he finds inspiration as a life-long learner devoted to his craft.

Studio #2 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I have been a full time artist for the last 15 years, and am currently one of nine partners at "Arts Off Main." Prior to that I worked on my art part-time for over 35 years.

I began displaying and selling my work in the 1980's. My originals are painted on unsanded plywood with acrylic paints. My canvas prints are painted over in highlight fashion, and are limited edition. I also sell paper prints, and art cards.

Currently I am mostly painting cityscapes, focusing on Vancouver. I like my paintings to have vibrant colours, and I use multiple layers of paint to achieve this effect.

Studio #67 (Crystalworks Gallery)

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Bees have an intricate relationship with the world around them. There is symmetry between the way bees gather dusty pollen on their bodies, and the way pastels, made of coloured dust pigments, stick to the canvas. My drawings are made with chalk pastel and charcoal on heavy weight, sanded paper. This texture allows adhesion and depth of colour. The charcoal is made from willow sticks. Each stick is unique in its weight and thickness, with nodules where branches were attached. I attended arts high school and then Sheridan College’s Crafts & Design program followed by a year of fine art at the University of Windsor. I love teaching and was fortunate to take the Artist-Educator Training course from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Though I’ve had no formal training in painting or pastels, I love using these mediums and am so grateful to continue my journey learning about the natural world and visual arts.

Studio #34

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When I first saw the swirling, textured wool fibers drawn up against puckering silks, the strings and bobbles, and the endless forms and mysterious shapes that shrinking wool could take, I knew I was in love with felting. For me, it is as magical now as it was 20 years ago, when I first discovered felt making at a community market on Hornby Island.

Immediately inspired, I have taken multiple workshops from amazing fiber artists and have watched countless DIY You Tube videos on the craft. I love to forage, recycle and re-create. Scouring yard sales, Craig’s List, and second-hand stores for old silk scarves, sarees and wool scraps, is for me, like panning for gold. I scrounge through junk sites and abandoned buildings for corroded metal objects like chains, cans, sprockets and nails which can be used on vinegar-soaked silk to create rich, radiant rust prints.

I am attracted to the irregular, imperfect, unusual and unexpected which I love to make into functional pieces and useable art.

Studio #50 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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Since I first picked up my brushes fifteen years ago, I've been painting passionately, allowing my own Canadian west coast painting style and artistic expression to emerge with each new work. My landscape paintings are expressions of pure joy, wonder and awe, full of colour, movement and light.

"I move beyond realism when I paint. I prefer to work from memory and imagination rather than using reference photos. What I observe in nature unfolds on my canvas with real and imagined elements, and finding the balance between realism and abstraction is what brings me joy as a painter. Nature is always a reflection of what's inside us."

Artistic influences include Canadian artists Lawren Harris, A. J. Casson and Emily Carr, and Cubist Expressionism as reflected in the works of Picasso, Cezanne and Braque.

I am a UBC graduate and studied visual arts at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. As a self-representing full-time artist, I welcome visitors to my studio gallery in South Delta (near Ladner Village) by appointment. Commissions welcome.

Preview all my current available work & fine art print collection at www.jodieblaney.com

Studio #32

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I am inspired to paint mountain scenery from sketches done on hikes, and British Columbia plants found in Nature. I have an honours B.SC degree in botany from McGill University, twenty years laboratory work in botany and botanical illustration for periodicals, books, and Davidsonia, the magazine of the U.B.C. Botanical Garden until 1986. I have been a botanical artist and painter of landscapes and mountains since 1986, a member of Artists in Our Midst since 1994, and since 1986, a member of the North Shore Hikers and Alpine Club of Canada.

I have an active interest in back country skiing, bicycling, backpacking, and kayaking. Director of the Federation of Mountain Clubs of B.C. (FMCBC) since about 1992, and representative of the FMCBC on the Outdoor Recreation Council during that period. I have spent 20 years campaigning to save the University Endowment Lands, and more recently sat on the Recreation and Conservation committee of the FMCBC specializing in Cypress Provincial Park and on the Parks Legacy Committee representing the FMCBC. Oversaw one year’s construction of the wheelchair accessible trail at Yew Lakes (Cypress). I had a show at Bau Xi in 1997, but am no longer represented by galleries.

Studio #51 Kits House

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I have an abiding belief in the value of creative expression and our spiritual connection to the natural world. I seek to bring positivity, joy and healing to my work, my life and to the lives of those who enjoy my art.

I create mixed media, abstract paintings and wheel thrown clay art that are expressions of our intimate relationship with nature and the oneness of all living things. My primary inspiration comes from the detailed and varied formations on the bark of trees and diverse plant life of the West Coast. These details are magnified with the use of harmonious colour, rich mark making and sensitivity of line, revealing the “feeling” of our heartfelt connection with nature and the emotion of becoming one with it.

Studio #52 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I am a printmaker and my prints are mostly: woodblock, linocut, and monotype prints. I love exploring processes, techniques, combining print methods and discovering new pathways. Printmaking embraces the element of surprise. Even in an edition of relief prints each is original and unique. Besides editions I enjoy mixed media prints that use collage and mark making along with monotype or relief. As well, I have been printing onto textiles for the last few years and I have some wearable art and accessories to offer this Art Walk.

I have taught young children, youth and adults. I have a BFA from Emily Carr School of Art and a B.Ed and M.Ed from UBC in Early Childhood Education. I divide my time between making art in my home studio and sharing art out the community.

I enjoy sharing my work as it evolves and changes in direction and I hope that you enjoy it too.

Studio #35

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I search for the simplified heart of an image. I prefer strong compositions with patterns and contrasting colours. I work in acrylic, mixed media, paper collage and block printing. I am not trying for photographic realism, but rather a simplified vision. I want my work to bring joy to the viewer.

Biography

I studied at UC Berkeley with an MA in Art Education at UBC. I taught at Arts Umbrella at its inception and finally at Lord Byng Secondary School in the Byng Arts Program for 10 years. I took early retirement in 2004 to spend more time on my own work. I am a member of the Vancouver Art Guild which has an exhibit annually in November.

Studio #19

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I am a visual artist and writer. I work in several mediums: mixed media, painting, clay sculpture, digital photo collage and photography. In addition to having multiple solo and group shows for the past thirty years following my graduation from Emily Carr, I have written two books, " Graffiti Alphabet" and "A Whisper Across Time', my family's story of the Holocaust told through prose, art and poetry. This book has won four awards. I am also in the process of writing a memoir, "Dear Arlo - letters to my grandson," which will be available at West of Main Art Walk in May 2024. I create art because the process allows me to connect with something greater than myself resulting in a feeling of dipping into magic.

Studio #23 (St Philips Church, 8 Artists)

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Rita Chaplinsky is a painter of landscapes and her medium of choice is acrylics. Painting nature, both realistic scenes and stylistic interpretations, her subject mater ranges from scenery to wildlife to trees and flowers to buildings. Portraying the mood of the place, she captures the feeling of the moment. She wants to invite the viewer in, to unfold the mystery of what lies beyond the bend in the path, what lurks in the shadows of the forest, or to feel the cold in the vast deep snow-covered mountains. Whether it is a dazzling sunset or a thundering waterfall, Rita wants the viewer to feel the emotion.

Studio #53 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I love colour, and lots of it.

Born on the west coast I have struggled with all the cool blues and grays that surround me. In the studio I indulge in warm hues and vibrant colour combinations.

Flowers, landscapes and the occasional whimsical house are a few of my subjects.

My art is in collections both private and corporate in North America and Europe.

Studio #66 (5 artists)

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My work is varied and diverse in terms of media, approaches and topics. It initially began with mostly printmaking and winds it way to oils, acrylics, and collage. For a number of years I also enjoyed ceramic art, particularly sculptures. A number of my art have originated from digital explorations. I am drawn to forms, interesting mark makings, and an overall balanced harmonious work. Being an artist is all of three things: a child who expresses freely and joyously, a planner building a solid and connective world, and an acrobat tweaking and refining to find that balancing art. The most rewarding aspect of art is when one is gifted a spontaneous act that could simply be a splash of colour, a perfectly located line or even a dot. Such acts require that one is open to serendipity and synchronicity.

Studio #62 (5 Artists)

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As a dedicated artist with a BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I channel my passion for portraiture into a profound exploration of emotional connections and shared narratives. Through the intricate medium of pencil, I seek to transcend traditional realism, infusing each portrait with abstract elements that invite viewers to engage in nuanced storytelling. My work delves into the universal themes of loyalty, trust, and unconditional love, capturing the essence of human connections with a touch of symbolism. With a commitment to portraiture that extends beyond mere representation, I draw on my background to breathe life into each portrait, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with the viewer's emotions. Join me on a journey where every stroke is an intimate revelation, transcending the boundaries of traditional portraiture.

Sincerely,

Julianne Chladny

Studio #24 (St Philips Church 8 Artists)

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I am a Silversmith & a Metal Clay Artist who loves making jewelry. It thrills me that I can push myself to keep learning more about my craft daily. And, the look in someone’s eyes when they find a piece of jewelry that they just ‘have to have’ fills my very being with joy!

My focus is making one-of-a-kind jewelry, and my inspiration comes from nature’s natural beauty all around us, as well as my heritage. But it can also come from something I hear on the radio, or read in the news. So I never quite know where my inspiration will come from next.

Next, I create a drawing of my idea on paper before transforming that image into a developed concept. The jewelry then comes to life after being fired in the kiln and being polished.

Studio #71 (City Centre Motel 4 Artists)

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I am a photographer and painter who is drawn to the beauty of the world in all of its macro to micro form.

I’m moved to capture open skies, tall cedars, and the tiniest of creatures, as well as what is unique and precious in our city with an eye of appreciation for what is disappearing in our urban and natural environments.

I am self-taught and I like to venture out alone to allow solitude to inspire different ways of seeing.

“Denise is a uniquely talented artist/photographer who finds exquisite beauty in the quotidian presentations of shape, colour, texture, and form, that most of us simply walk by and miss - until we see her photos.”

~ Open studio visitor

Studio #65 (5 Artists)

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Using a palette knife for my oil paintings has always been what gets my creativity flowing. I love the richness of colors with this method and the spontaneity of the process. As for content, I lean towards both abstract paintings and impressionistic landscapes and seascapes.

My background includes a Fine Arts degree from UBC, solo art shows throughout Vancouver, and membership with the Federation of Canadian Artists.

Read more about her process in the Vancouver Guardian article, “‘A Day in the Life’, with Vancouver Visual Artist TJ Daniel”.

Studio #13

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After my career as a professor and research chemist, I turned my attention to the ceramic arts. Inspired by the richness of the beauty, traditions and history of ceramic pottery, along with modern aesthetics and innovation, I use my deep understanding of the principles of chemistry, and digital technologies, to push the boundaries of ceramic form, production, and surface materials and design.

Studio #69 (City Centre Artist Lodge, 4 Artists)

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I am a multidisciplinary artist residing in Vancouver on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh First Nations. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of the Fraser Valley, and a Master of Fine Arts from University of Manitoba. My art explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery, through processes rooted in traditional craft passed down from generations of women in my family. By using the distinct grid format of cross-stitching I create connections between threads and pixels.

I was a 2021 recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts, Research and Creation Grant for my project Invisible Labour: Cross-Stitching, Feminism, & the Collective Strength of Women, and a 2022 grant recipient for my cross-stitch portrait series Becoming a Pixel.

Over the past year, I’ve exhibited three back-to-back solo shows in Sechelt, BC, Mount Pleasant, MI, and Fort Wayne, IN. I work from my art studio at City Centre Artist Lodge (a former motel), the central hub for Vancouver Mural Festival.

Studio #37

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The glorious range of colours and textures in the natural world are the inspiration for both my textiles and paintings.

My travels in Japan and India awakened my love of slow fashion ~ rooted in centuries of traditional craftsmanship ~ using natural fabrics and dyes which have a minimal impact on the environment. My scarves are one of a kind pieces, created using 100% natural fabrics ~ Silk, Merino Wool, Linen, Cotton. The natural dyes I use are a sustainable way of creating colours on cloth. Indigo, Madder, Logwood, Weld, Lac, Persimmon, Cochineal, Myrobalan. Watching colours change and emerge from a dye bath is a magical experience. Natural dyes, in combination with various Japanese Shibori printing techniques, seem particularly well suited to capture fleeting impressions of light and movement in nature. I approach each of my fabric pieces as I would an abstract painting. To create the patterns on my scarves I use various Shibori resist techniques that I learned while studying in Japan. I love the surprise and wonder each time I unfold a piece of Shibori, whether it has been folded, stitched or clamped.

I’m a passionate gardener, entranced by watching the light in my garden shift and change during the various seasons of the year and times of day. My paintings are a record of the many colours, patterns and textures of my garden as it evolves throughout the year.

I have an Advanced Certificate in Textile Arts from Capilano University, a Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies from Emily Carr College of Art and I spent six years teaching drawing and colour in several industrial design schools in Paris, France including L’Ecole Superieure de Design Industriel.

Studio #15

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From a young age, I have had a fascination for all things mechanical: how they worked and how they moved. They always caught my eye and held my attention.

Soon after retiring from my woodworking business, I noticed Doug Taylor’s kinetic sculpture “The Wind Swimmer”, displayed at Kitsilano Swimming Pool in Vancouver.

In my early research into this new interest, I came across automata. These intricate animated figures captivated me and I decided to pursue creating my own.

Using gears, cams, levers and pulleys that I design myself, I try to capture the grace and fluidity of human movement. The concepts and execution of the pieces are my own, with the help of my wife Maryke who gives the pieces their personalities by painting and deciding upon the fabrics and colours. I also repurpose second-hand doll parts and doll clothing, giving them new life in unexpected ways.

Recently, I have branched out into metalwork, resulting in rolling ball sculptures and kinetic water fountains.

Studio #54 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I’m an artist who dabbles in acrylics, metallic pigments, alcohol inks, and various textures to create paintings on canvas, papers, and wood panels. I enjoy taking photos of the places I’ve been and turning the colours and patterns found in nature into abstract forms of shape and light. I explore various subject matters and styles but love painting abstract with palette knifes and other textural tools.

I began my passion for art in Winnipeg, MB in junior high school playing with drawing, sculpture, and painting. I went on to complete a Graphic Arts, Print Art degree with a Fine Art minor in San Antonio, TX and have been working as a creative for over 20 years. I enjoy continuing to learn new techniques and styles through workshops and art classes.

Studio # 14

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Making abstract art using mixed media re-connects me to my inner self. Pushing paint around a canvas through experimentation and play allows me to draw on my memories, thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental way. These internal experiences are expressed through shapes, colours and exploratory mark making, and they allow me to feel free from any perceived constraints.

At some point in the making of each piece, a different part of my brain kicks in and I make decisions using a critical eye, taking into consideration how the elements on the canvas relate to one another. My process is very much one of call and response. Creating and destroying, adding materials and scraping them away, pushing the differences between elements, and using my own life experiences to enhance the piece and bring a sense of history in the layers. Big gestural marks next to tiny controlled lines create tension. In the end I have work that expresses who I was and how I felt in those moments of time.

Inspiration comes from the environment around me: the forest, the ocean, the gritty alleyways of my city and my travels around the world.

Studio #3 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I am an artist who has been using acrylic and watercolour paint since a young age and has mastered their properties. I have fallen in love with British Columbia landscapes through back-country skiing and hiking. Images taken from my trips to the mountains and on the coast have inspired all of my paintings. To make the viewer of my art feel completely immersed in the painting I build texture onto the canvas to enhance its realism.

I am currently a student at the University of Western Ontario and will be finishing my Honours Specialization in Biology next year. I have been incorporating my art into some of my school work such as drawing for publications and sketching laboratory specimens. I hope to continue painting as it is my way of relaxing and escaping everyday stresses.

Studio # 64

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Creating and destroying are integral to my art making process. In my earlier work this played out more literally. Often cutting up paintings and drawings and rearranging them into a collage. These collages then inspired 2-D paintings and 3-D relief paintings constructed out of found wood. In my recent work this process plays a more subtle role, with multiple layers of paint, both hiding and revealing the history of previous layers. In my fibre work it’s layers of textile, raw wool and stichery. I was a fibre artist for many years, before switching my focus to painting while attending Emily Carr in the 90’s.

Now I find my love of drawing, painting and fibre art colliding. This shift addresses my desire to challenge the bridge between what’s referred to as, craft and fine art, as well as women’s place in the art world today and historically

Studio #4 (St Helens Church 12 Artists)

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My artistic journey began with the learning of Chinese brush painting, as I looked for a new aspect of life related to my roots. I was inspired by this art form, which uses unique brush strokes to express nature. From there, I explored other media such as acrylic and encaustic. By joining several artist groups, I have had the opportunity and encouragement to create and participate in numerous venues, both locally and overseas, such as Spain and China. In my work, I strive to blend eastern and western painting techniques while capturing the light and colors of nature with a sense of peace and spontaneity.

Studio #31, 2902 Alma Street

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For the last 10 years, I have made Vancouver my home. I say home, easily now, but finding a place to which I felt comfortable attaching such a term, has been a long journey, a journey that has seen me leave my country of upbringing, change provinces, change careers, and travel to various countries around the world. It is a journey that has not only explored place, but has taken me in search of a deeper understanding of self. My art has been visually documenting this journey, and my landscape drawings, an integral element of my search. Of late, I have begun drawing large-scale roses. These roses, chosen by friends or family members, for people who have, or who have had dementia, gently open the door to conversations about the disease, the impact it has on all involved, the telling of their stories. I attained my BFA from the Alberta College of Art and Design, my MFA from the University of Calgary, and most recently, my PhD from Aberystwyth University, Wales.

Studio #5 (St Helens Church 12 Artists)

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Graham Good is a mixed media artist and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and the Vancouver Art Guild. He has exhibited pictures in group shows at Basic Inquiry, Artists in Our Midst, VanDusen Gardens and the FCA Gallery on Granville Island. His artwork explores a variety of media (watercolour, pastel, ink, charcoal, graphite and conté) and subject matter (landscape, figure, portrait, abstract, and still life). Working on an intimate scale, his explorations of human and natural forms develop realistic subjects towards dramatic, emotive images.

Studio #46

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I was attracted to drawing and art projects at an early age. This eventually led me to becoming an Architect. I have used art as a creative way to express and understand myself throughout my life. I am deeply curious about the creative process, exploring it in my work as a therapist, in singing with a choir and in painting. I work on the edge of not knowing where the next line or colour or brush stroke will lead. I am most drawn to the work of the impressionists for their boldness in colour, line and composition. Mixed media intrigues me with its endless possibilities, but it is the painting and drawing that are my ground.

Studio #38

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I am a local artist who brings a unique set of creative insights into my colourful paintings. Since my early days, I’ve enjoyed drawing, creating, and design. My mixed media work is abstract and brings colours and vibrancy to the canvas. I apply a range of design techniques that provide diversity in the output of various works. My inspiration comes from everyday life around me. I work primarily in acrylic paint, oil pastels, and gold foil in my home studio. The most common feedback I get from others is “such happy art”, “You have such a gift, thank you for sharing your art with us, it lifts my heart”. I get tremendous satisfaction seeing my work add liveliness to a room or office.

Studio #33

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I am an artist with a focus on watercolour. I live in Vancouver. As a child my parents always encouraged me in my art. I still recall as a child in grade one, depicting my impression of the pipe organ from a class trip to a cathedral. When my family lived in France in the 50's, I took lessons in oils from a French woman artist. I have lived in Ottawa, France, Camp Borden, Kingston, Toronto, Austin, Texas and Vancouver.

Since my retirement as a professor from the School of Nursing at UBC, I have had more time to pursue my art interests. I am enjoying the challenge immensely. My subject matter focuses on nature and representing the subject in expressive ways. Watercolour is an excellent medium for reflecting the wonders and mysteries of our world. It allows for the freedom of colours to mix and mingle to create wonderful scenarios that can be both exhilarating and relaxing.

I am a member of Artists in Our Midst, the Federation of Canadian Artists, The South Delta Artists Guild and the Vancouver Art Guild.

Studio #55 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I’ve been working in 3 series over the last few years – figures doing the best they can in difficult situations, figures reaching out with a minor message about their day, figures asking of the viewer to pause and consider some of life’s deeper questions. Now, a new series has begun: a collaboration between myself and artist friend with limited mobility issues. All are relatively small acrylic or mixed media paintings, combining the quirky and the thoughtful into a contemporary narrative.

Studio #25 (St Philips Church, 8 Artists)

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Robin Jenkins is a studio potter whose experience with clay began with night classes at Aberthau Community Centre, West Point Grey in Vancouver. Her continued fascination with this tactile medium has seen her work evolve into pots that are beautiful in their simplicity. Robin's signature creations are clean-lined, with just a hint of detail inviting the observer to pick up to take a closer look. Her reward is in the final part of the process, when her creation moves on to its forever home to become a part of the family through everyday use, and on special occasions shared with others.

Robin's inspiration comes from the ocean, beaches, and mountains surrounding this beautiful city. She strives to take her work to the next level through experimentation with form and surface, and by continuing to take classes and attend workshops. Also teaching private, semi-private and group classes allows Robin to share her passion for clay with others, often learning as much from her students as they learn from her.

Robin is one of the founders of the Herman Venema Arts Society, a Member at Large with Fraser Valley Potters Guild, a member of Delta Potters, BC Potters Guild, CARFAC, ICAN, a Friend of MISSA, and most recently Craft Council of BC.

Studio #39

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I had an extensive career in art. I held exhibitions at the British Museum in London , the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington , the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, the National Art Centre in Cairo, and in galleries in Germany, Mexico, Egypt and the US. My work is very diverse. It ranges from installations to paintings on canvas, from paper making to photography. My recent series of drawings on paper entitled Anamnesis is inspired by my renewed interest in Greek mythology .

Studio #43

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mkmomentsbymatena represents my personal perspective and our common connection. These photographic moments started during the uncertainty and fear of the global COVID pandemic. I was born and raised in Vancouver. Kitsilano and Jericho beach have been a huge part of life from a young age. They are my favourite places to escape. This latest “Walk With Me” Collection was created to embark the unique sanctuary of peace and love found naturally. I hope it allows you to embrace new perspectives, show vulnerability, and love every moment.

Studio #6 St Helens Church

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Having a parent who had a long love for Fibre art, my growing up days were filled with exposure to all sorts of natural fibre and their beauty in an island setting.

Fibre art allows me to venture into my childhood dreams of whimsical underwater scenes, beaches, atolls and the freedom of what the outdoors brings when walking for hours on a beach lost in my own thoughts of foreign creatures that may lie beneath unturned rocks and stones when the tide goes out.

The art form itself allows the gentle manipulation of the fibers sometimes combined with other natural fibers, to mould into forms that takes its own shape and ultimately to take a life of its own

Studio #20

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An Irish born Vancouver based artist David's works are multi-coloured and intricate abstract paintings. Working in acrylics he interlaces whimsical creatures & semi realistic objects (fish, pigs, butterflies, penguins & trains) creating a playful canvas.

An avid colourist, his paintings start as small felt pen images and become drafts for full size works. The artist feels that his work should not be taken seriously but rather have it amuse & delight the eye. Enjoy!

Studio #7 St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I grew up entwined with nature within a connected community. My father was an artist and our family shared a passion for the arts and nature and community. Throughout my life I participated in the arts through movement, music and visual arts.

My work is influenced by attraction to shapes, lines, colour reflections, shadows and movement of nature, architecture, and people. I am interested in abstraction and improvisation in all art forms which reveals itself through an intuitive process of building media up, tearing it away, covering and painting until the composition feels complete.

My approach to art making allows me to express my passion for nature, architecture and humanity. I am an Accredited member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and have recently participated in the Online Federation showcase, the Small Exhibition and the Abstracted exhibit. I have show my work in various art crawls on the Sunshine Coast where I lived for 30 years.

Studio #63 (5 Artists)

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I recently emerged as an artist after making a living as a commercial visual creative. I prefer very large environmental installations and enjoy finding my style and voice with watercolour.

Studio #17 (Multiple Artists, Saturday Only)

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A community of young artists and their mentors

The Byng Arts Mini School at Lord Byng Secondary has been a vibrant part of Artists in Our Midst since 2008 and this sample of work is a brief glimpse of the talent and unique vision of our Senior Art Students. Although there are many ways to respond to the world around us, art with its variety of forms, such as drawing and painting, photography and collage, seems especially well suited to amplify or extend our visual experience.

When these students draw what they see or imagine in their minds-eye, they give life to something new. It is connected to the original source of inspiration, whether a still life, a model, a setting in nature, a thought or a flight of fancy, but is also something of value in its own right. A successful piece of art can lead us to see the world in a new way, question preconceptions or simply pause for a brief moment in our busy day to day life.

The artwork created by these young artists offers a range of responses to the world of the typical (perhaps) high school student. We can see worlds full of colour and movement, imagination and feeling. Several hold tightly to the observable world and make careful studies of what they see, others take these observations and begin to add, simplify, distort and transform. Through materials as diverse as charcoal, pencil, watercolour, acrylic, oil, ink and pastel, these young artists reinterpret what they have experienced.

The chance to present their art alongside the other artists of AIOM is a great privilege for our students. The strength of their talent is clearly in evidence and this show will be the first of many moments where they will be able to celebrate their courage to see the world differently and put their vision out into the public realm.

Contact Information:

Lord Byng Secondary School
3939 West 16th Avenue
Vancouver BC, V6R 3C9

Studio #8 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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As an abstract artist, I am inspired by my life experiences and the complex world around me. Self-taught, my years of working for social justice and environment-focused non-profit organizations have also informed my craft as a painter. Each of my works are layers of several paintings built onto the canvas like an excavation site, encouraging the viewer to look more closely and see what lies beneath. My process includes using unusual tools to create markings and mimic the beauty of aging elements, foliage and objects from nature. I am also focused on the impact of climate change and strive to use my art to bring awareness to this urgent topic.

Studio #40 (Bigsby the Bakehouse)

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I am an artist who loves colour and simplicity. I find simple shapes in landscapes incredibly interesting and am always looking for more ways to show them.

Studio #56 (Kits House 12 Artists)

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I am a self-taught felt artist that started tinkering with wool in 2016 and discovered how to force wool to intertwine and lock together using just hot water and soap. Growing up in Kitimat, BC and later moving to Vancouver, the West Coast forests, mountains and ocean continue to inspire my artwork.

I use pre-dyed wool roving to wet felt into a landscape image, much like a painting using wool. The image is laid out using various colours and types of wool which is then wet, rubbed, and rolled to shrink together like a wool sweater in the dryer. After the piece dries, barbed needles are used to manipulate the wool further and beads are added to catch the light. Felting is a time consuming process with many stages but my favourite part is the surprise of the final piece when the wool settles where it wants to be.

Studio #41

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Jane McDougall, an ECUAD graduate, is a potter-turned-painter back to potter! Inspired by nature and fueled by curiosity, she creates textured and colorful artworks in her backyard studio. Jane's intuitive approach to her materials is evident in her layered, painted, and sanded compositions. Viewers of her art witness her creative journey. Recently awarded SFCA status by the Federation of Canadian Artists, Jane also serves as a juror for the Federation Gallery, embracing her role in the art community.

Studio #9 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I am a watercolour artist with a background in the field of architecture.

My wife and I have traveled extensively in Croatia and Bosnia where she was born. The colours and beautiful historic buildings of the Adriatic provide a lot of the inspiration for my work.

Studio #10 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I am a self taught artist who is inspired by colors, textures and nature. I enjoy painting on various substrates like rocks, glass, tiles, and canvas. I don’t care for painting perfectionism, but rather whimsical, metaphysical and abstract.

I enjoy experimenting with various mediums such as, but not limited to; acrylic, enamel, gouache, Liquitex inks, tempera paint, acid based dyes, and water color. I have life long physical challenges, but a fun zest for life and discovery. I like to challenge myself and my artwork to new and thought provoking levels that speak to people.

Studio #11 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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ARTIST STATEMENT
As a floral artist I am captivated by the vibrant beauty and intricate details found within the realm of flowers. My artistic journey is fuelled by a deep passion for colors and its ability to evoke emotions and create visual harmony.

Through my paintings, I aim to capture the essence of these captivating natural wonders and invite viewers into a world of botanical enchantment. The medium of acrylics allows me to explore and experiment with a wide range of colors, bringing my floral compositions to life with vividness and vitality. I believe that color is a language of its own, capable of transcending barriers and stirring deep emotions within the viewer.

In my work, I hope to remind viewers of the profound beauty and delicate balance that exists in the natural world. By immersing themselves in the richness of color and the intricacy of floral forms, I hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and to encourage a deeper connection with nature.

Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create an emotional and sensory experience forever captured on the canvas.

My work can be viewed at: www.lmdesignsstudio.com

BIO
Lauren Morris is an accomplished and passionate Fine Artist born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing 4 years of Graphic Design she worked and travelled to America. It was there she had the opportunity to attend classes at the Corcoran School of Art in Arlington, Virginia and was introduced to the world of Fine Art. She developed a signature style characterized by her brushstrokes and bold color palette.

Her compositions often feature a harmonious balance between realism and abstraction, inviting viewers to explore the delicate nuances and emotions hidden within each piece. Drawing inspiration from the beauty and intricacies of the floral world Lauren creates pieces that evoke a sense of wonder and introspection. Painting predominantly with Acrylic on Canvas she creates a symphony of light, shadow and depth. She hopes to inspire thought and to evoke the viewers’ emotions through visual imagery”. Throughout her artistic journey, Lauren has exhibited her works in galleries and art exhibitions.

Studio #26 St Philips Church

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Angela was introduced to oil painting and European artists by her grandfather at a young age. Her great grandfather painted and studied in Paris during the early 20th century. She has spent decades studying abstract and realist painting and has attended three schools full time. Her passion is to put into practise the education she received. Figure, portraiture, and landscape are her focus. The work begins with several studies exploring formal design elements, introducing color arrangements, and finally expression, She enjoys using the best archival materials available and often paints on linen panel.

Studio #49

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I love to study the transformative quality of nature, how light changes and impacts plants and flowers. Through my paintings I communicate my own impressions and observations of nature. As I travelled many countries in the world, I have always been drawn to exotic sceneries; however, recently the beauty of the things that surround my everyday life comforts me.

I began my interest in painting as a child in Tokyo, Japan and studied painting privately with one artist for most of my youth. After graduating university, I moved overseas and resided in Honolulu, New York and Toronto. Vancouver is now my home. I have been fortunate to participate in many workshops and college courses in painting in various cities.

Studio #27 (St Philips Church, 8 Artists)

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I am a watercolor artist, inspired primarily by nature. I paint wildlife, flowers and landscapes, trying to imbibe them with the feelings and emotions that they conjure within me. My work is an homage to nature as well as a barometer of my mood.

When it comes to watercolors, I am self-taught. I love watercolors for their fluidity, transparency and freshness. My background is in fashion and while I studied design in UK and India, I have worked largely in commercial roles.

Studio #57 (Kits House 12 Artists)

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Gary Nay is a self-taught artist living and working in Tsawwassen, BC. Using an iPad as his canvas and a stylus as his brush, he creates digital images that become acrylic paintings, limited edition prints, and cards. He is an active and award winning member of the Canadian Federation of Artists and his "whimsical, but thought-provoking" landscapes are collected worldwide.

Studio #47

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I am a ceramic artist working in low fire slipware and high fire sculptural pieces.

Studio #45

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Wendy is and artist in a variety of mediums. She is inspired by nature, colour tones and textures.

Studio #72 (City Centre Motel 4 Artists)

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I am a local artist who brings a unique set of creative insights into my colourful paintings. Since my early days, I’ve enjoyed drawing, creating and design. My mixed media work is abstract and brings colours and vibrancy to the canvas. I apply a range of design techniques that provide diversity in the output of various works. My inspiration comes from everyday life around me. I work primarily in acrylic paint, oil pastels and gold foil in my home studio. The most common feedback I get from others is “Such happy art”, “You have such a gift, thank you for sharing your art with us, it lifts my heart”. I get tremendous satisfaction seeing my work add liveliness to a room or office.

Studio #22

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I am a fabric artist working primarily in felt and, more recently, eco-printing on silk. I create wearable abstract landscapes in the form of shirts, blouses, coats, hats, throws, scarves, and other garments, as well as hangings, sculpture, and functional art. Fabrics provide infinite possibilities for expression. There is incredible potential for an endless range of effects and patterns.

Gardening is a great love of mine, and I am inspired by the garden and more broadly by nature in my designs and colour palettes. I also love playing with design, including shapes and textures, and repetitive motifs. And maybe most of all, I love playing with colour. I think that all these factors are strongly evident in my work.

My work has been displayed in both solo and group exhibitions internationally and locally. I live in Vancouver where I work from my home studio.

Studio #21

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At university I began in fine arts and through many years have continued in creative studies through Emily Carr. Eyes wide open and travel in the world, a full family life, and life-long relationships in my community have enriched my artistic expression. As an artist I use a variety of materials including paint, threads, cloth, yarn, and my garden. In my colour patterns and freely imagined creative experiences I delight in the practice, experiments and surprises.

Studio #48

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Fredi Rahn is a potter and educator who has maintained an active studio practice in Vancouver since graduating from NSCAD in 1989. Along the way she participated in artists’ residencies at Watershed (Maine), The Archie Bray Foundation, The Banff Centre, Uriarte Talavera (Puebla, Mexico) and Medalta (Alberta). The opportunity to connect with artists from across the country and around the world, as well as the inspiration derived from making work in a new space and different landscape has been a significant benefit to the evolution of her work. She has exhibited at local galleries and events, as well as in Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, and the United States. She has taught in community arts programs for over 30 years. Rahn was a sessional faculty at Emily Carr University from 1991-2013 and has given visiting artist workshops for diverse groups across North America.

Her personal practice always revolves around utilitarian tableware, as a platform from which to explore form, pattern, surface, and process. “A love of cooking and the social gatherings surrounding food are at the heart of why I make tableware - to connect intimately, through touch and use, to my audience. I am drawn to the materiality of ceramics - the plasticity of the soft clay, the unctuous juiciness of thick slip, the melting glassiness of glaze, and how each respond to the process - touch, tool, heat. The little details; line quality, how interior and exterior meet at a carefully considered rim, how glaze reacts over a textured surface; these are how I hope my pots work their way into becoming the significant everyday objects in your lives.”

Studio #58 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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Much of Jan’s work comes from a connection with nature, a desire to protect and celebrate both flora and fauna - from the Great Delta Bog (Burns Bog), to the Orcas of the West Coast. Jan pushes her art practice forward by continuously experimenting with new and different approaches with acrylics and mixed media. Jan is a leader in her local art community. She is the founder and organizer of For the Love of Art South Delta - an annual art show and sale event to give artists and artisans in the Greater Vancouver Area more opportunities to connect with local art lovers and collectors, with a South Delta focus.

Studio #18

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I make jewellery that is inspired by the varied and often unexpected beauty found in nature. I record visual fragments, photographing interactions of geometry and organic form, light and shadow, organization and transformation. Employing metal, enamel and other materials I use an interplay of texture, colour, shape and form to explore the relationships of these elements and their infinite possibilities. My work is continually evolving as I pursue new directions and variations on a theme.

A background in ceramic sculpture and print making continues to influence my approach to metalwork, the three dimensional forms that I created from clay and the surfaces that developed through the print making process remain integral aspects of my jewellery. A goldsmith apprenticeship gave me a solid technical foundation from which to explore metal smithing techniques with an experimental approach to materials and processes. Years of teaching provided me the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, sharing ideas and techniques in a creative environment.

Studio #68

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Leanne is a Vancouver-based artist that creates using acrylic paint or found materials. Her source of inspiration is both the travel she has done and the local urban environment in which she lives.

It was not until about 5 years ago that she seriously considered painting as a career. Though a History degree and more than a decade in finance might not be the traditional path to artistry, it has led her to the creative space she now finds herself in – creating paintings for exhibitions and producing commissions.

Through her mixed media pieces, she explores her personal relationship with memory through energetic and bold mark making and forms. Each piece shows tension to be felt with a foremost feeling of resolution felt in the end. Strong, bold lines and shapes and supersaturated colour are techniques used. Leanne’s aim is to capture fleeting moments in time that to someone, somewhere sparks something magical.

Studio #44

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As a poet and writer, my original palette has been language and story telling. Now, as an abstract, mixed media artist working with acrylic paint, collage, pastels and charcoal, I delight in the exploration of colour and shape, texture and light. I’m drawn to the scarred surfaces that glimpse what lies beneath––subtle, excavated layers hinting of hidden stories, the elusiveness of memory, longing and hope. The past bleeding into the present. I begin a painting with a loose intention—a palette I want to explore, a feeling I want to capture–and paint without a destination in mind. My style is like an open-ended conversation between me and the materials—if I do this, the paint moves that way, the palette knife smears a random texture, charcoal will smudge unpredictably, and suddenly I’m on new ground. Painting this way keeps me in the moment, alert, in response, in wonderment.

Studio #30 (St Philips Church, 8 artists)

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My name is Melinda Rundle and I am a Mouth Artist. I have a physical and Communication Challenges. Painting by mouth has been very therapeutic.

Painting for me began with my wonderful Dad creating a hat that held the paint brush, however this was unsuccessful. We watched a video together of my hero Joni Eareckson Tada, whom is also physically challenged, painting with her mouth. This is where it began for me!

With the encouragement from my Dad, my goal to paint and perhaps share my paintings with others, was made. I want to keep this goal as it was one of my Dad’s final wishes for me.

With my Recreation Therapy Assistant’s help, I painted and painted. My art is my joy and my therapy and I am so thankful for it. I am excited to share my paintings in the Art Walk and to meet wonderful people.

God Bless You

Studio #12 (St Helens Church, 12 Artists)

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I am a sculptor and mixed media artist. I studied at Capilano University - both Textile Arts and Studio Arts. After studying, I spent 10 years creating Sculpture and working in the bronze foundry at Cap U. I have worked with bronze, steel, and concrete. I work more with reclaimed glass and wood.

Lately I have begun working with recycled materials and give them new life. I've been participating in "Revision" the recycled art group and shows.

Studio #59 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I am a collector of images and a builder of things. My art is informed by sacred geometry, myth, the esoteric arts, and the arcane. I seek to pull the viewer back into a time when colour, image, and sacred geometry held deep symbolic meaning and resonance and when these elements were used as a form of communication and teaching at a soul level. I am a time traveler, seeking to experience or re-experience that original moment in time when an image was seen as a powerful message. I briefly studied Fine Arts at what is now Emily Carr University. I went on to study theatre arts at Langara College’s Studio 58 where my main focus was on set design. My art is strongly influenced by my training as a set designer, I’m more of an architect of art, using various depths and levels in each of my pieces.

Studio #70 (City Centre Motel 4 Artists)

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Elana Sigal was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She attended The University of British Columbia, Ryerson University, and The University of Toronto where she received her BFA. Elana is currently a partner at Arts Off Main Gallery in Vancouver.

Elana has been designing and producing hand-felted artworks since 1992. Her work displays a level of sophistication and an original, unique interpretation of fibre art. Her work is very organic in nature and embodies her love of colour, figure, line, texture and abstract form. She expresses herself through her art in a casual and whimsical manner bringing the viewer a sense of ease, contentment and joy. Her inspiration comes from the historic and tribal process of felt making as well as from African art, Matisse, Klee and Twombly. Marrying her modern sensibility with the ancient form of felt making she creates art pieces which connect us with the natural world.

Felt is an ideal medium for softening, adding warmth and texture while acting as a sound buffer in residential , commercial, spiritual and corporate settings. Pieces can be designed in any size and thickness depending on the site requirements.

In recent years, Elana has discovered her love of photography and the digital image. She has been playing with collage and multi-layer transparencies.

Studio #60 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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My work expresses my fascination with abstraction, combining colour and form, evoking emotion. My inspiration comes from experiencing and paying attention to my surroundings.

After intensely focusing on encaustics, mixed media and printmaking, I discovered that my preferred medium remains acrylics, for it allows me to work quickly and intuitively. How the work will unfold is not always immediately apparent to me. Applying many layers, scraping back, revealing previous layers, and occasionally employing other materials such as inks, pens, and pastels provides me with opportunities to create pieces that contain both static and dynamic elements.

I would like the viewer to approach my artwork with curiosity and be open to a dialogue with it and, since I consider myself an optimist, I hope to evoke positive emotions.

Studio #42

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Cheryl Stapleton graduated in 1999 from ECUAD and has her Studio in the famed Mergatroid Building for over 20 years. She makes functional, one of a kind work that she fires in gas reduction, Wood and Soda kilns. Cheryl is a ceramic instructor, technician and studio manager in Vancouver and Burnaby. When she's not in her studio or working, she's volunteering with the NorthWest Ceramics Foundation, the Fraser Valley Potters Guild, the Canadian Clay Symposium Collective and her Community Garden.

Studio #61 (Kits House, 12 Artists)

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I enjoy using bold colour and composition to express the emotion in my subjects. Many of my works are joyful, exuberant still life paintings, with a recent exploration of abstracted portraits and landscapes.

My formal training was at the Ruth Prowse School of Art in Cape Town, South Africa, but I have learned a lot from mentors, workshops and experimentation.

Studio #28 (St Philips Church 8 Artists)

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In an era of phone selfies, and boxes of photos collecting dust or buried in hard drives, I believe in creating artwork that captures those moments and tells those stories. Whether it's a portrait, a place, or a spray of flowers, every moment is precious and has a story to tell. I am a storyteller fueled by graphite and paint, and a passion for creating. I'm a self-educated artist who spends my days weaving memories and wonder into works of art that take you on a ride of emotions and imagination. Whether I'm creating art from my own memories, painting original portraits and commissions for my clients, or teaching “Wine & Watercolours” workshops, I believe everyone has stories to tell. I’m passionate about telling these stories in a client-focused way. As a multi-disciplined artist in North Delta, I’ll turn your memories into treasured art through graphite, charcoal, watercolours or acrylics.

Studio #16

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Olga discovered clay in 1975 and soon after she realized that clay would be her artistic passion. She finds working with clay meditative and fulfilling. She gets inspired on her excursions into the outdoors where she connects with nature.

Olga is a self-taught potter and also a water colourist, but clay is her main medium. High fired functional pottery and sculptures in soda kiln is her main focus. One of the techniques she enjoys is hand building and throwing pots for burnishing and sawdust firing.

There is a deep quality and meaning of her pots. Working with clay makes Olga feel grounded and connected to the Earth. Every vessel undergoes a long process of creation, which includes the four elements in nature: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Through the process of transforming raw organic material into a fine art object, every piece gains its own story, meaning and purpose. It is the magic of this transformation that she wishes to share with others.

Studio #17

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Nora Vaillant is a potter, teacher and curator who’s worked in the field of ceramics for over 25 years. She makes salt glazed and wood fired functional pottery. A member of the Canadian Clay Symposium and past board member of the Potters Guild of BC, Nora was a resident artist in Oaxaca, Mexico and at Banff Centre for the Arts.

She curated "John Reeve: Some Hidden Magic", "Warren MacKenzie+John Reeve: Kindred Spirits" and "High Fire Culture". Her writing is published in Studio Potter magazine and Thrown: British Columbia’s Apprentices of Bernard Leach and Their Contemporaries.

Nora teaches pottery at The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, The Richmond Centre for Art and The Roundhouse Community Centre.

Studio #29 (St Philips Church, 8 Artists)

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I have been taking watercolour classes at Shadbolt in Burnaby since 2021, and through my studies, I have found a way to marry my love of fashion into a new artistic expression I call "Crowsfeet" Birds, especially crows, fascinate me. I turn them into fashion icons by painting them wearing shoes and accessories. I am always surprised and delighted by the expressions they reveal. This is my lighthearted approach to the world I see around me.

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Maureen West is a self-taught artist. Each day begins with a coffee at her easel doing a few quick sketches. Over the years she scoured libraries for books on watercolour painting techniques. It was quite an experience. She says that the most valuable lesson she has learned was to buy the best quality supplies possible to get the best results. Maureen has learned many techniques since then, but the most important thing she has learned is to “actually see what she is looking at.” That's an art in itself.

Studio #36

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I moved from Germany to Vancouver in 1998 and haven’t looked back since, mastering skills like silkscreen printing, desktop publishing, graphic design, and photography. When painting, I find that I’m completely absorbed by the activity. It serves as an escape and allows me to explore creative possibilities. My artwork has the potential to ignite new ideas and evoke profound emotional reactions in spectators. The conversations that follow these realizations are incredibly gratifying for both myself and those who view my work—revealing new layers of understanding and possibility. Through the power of my art, I can create a journey of discovery that provides immense joy to audiences.