If you know of any emerging artists between the ages of 19-35 years old, pass this on, Deadline is April 01, 2012.

I’m on the 2012 Jury Panel for the Victoria Emerging Art Awards, along with the following:

Andrea Henning
BC Government Executive Director of Arts and Culture

Daniel Laskarin
MFA, Chair of the Fine Arts Department at UVic

Carollyne Yardley
CEO of Star Global, Visual Artist (Carollyne Yardley Omnimedia)

Derek Ford
Commercial and Editorial Photographer/Derek Ford Photography

Ellen Manning
Director of the Victoria Emerging Art Gallery

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: APRIL 01, 2012

http://www.victoriaemergingart.com/submissions.html

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: APRIL 01, 2012

http://www.victoriaemergingart.com/submissions.html

Boudoir - Group Exhibition

A dynamic and sensual display that will warm your winter hearts!

Opening Reception: February 10th  6-8 pm
Exhibition runs until March 01st, 2012

Samuel Jan, Pete Kohut, Luis Enrique Oliver, Logan Ford,
Lisa Rose, Melanie Furtado, Carollyne Yardley

Four paintings are available for viewing and sale at the Victoria Emerging Art Gallery. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the gallery, now is a great time to pop in while having lunch downtown. They are located at 977A Fort Street. See website for hours of operation.

Stacey Moore (L) from Lux Vixens

Romance Squirrel | 10 X 14 | Oil on Board with frame | Carollyne Yardley

Don’t have any more wall space?! You just need a flat surface for this little gem. Great for your coffee table or antique buffet.

Romance Squirrel with fancy, gold, table top frame.

Video of Opening Night by Exhibit-V.ca

For hours of operation, please visit their website, Victoria Emerging Art Gallery

Carollyne Yardley and Dale Roberts

I visited the studio of artist Dale Roberts back in December 2011 (last month), and was blown away at the vast, awesomeness of it all.  His studio is a combination of museum and gallery sculpture /artworks, and a festival of photos and fashion sure to be coveted by the Glitterati.

Carollyne Yardley as Green Bun Squirrel and painting in background.

With multiple interconnected rooms, there are many wonderous themes.  The entranceway to his studio/museum introduces his passion for the mail art project called Dame Mailarta’s CorresponDance of Mail Art Exchanges and even more famously, Dame’s Portrait Palace. I got my portrait onto the wall and was documented the same week as Carol Burnett and Ed Koch!

Trunk Art - Dale Roberts studio

Cruising further into the lair, I came across the most amazing trunks, decorated with found objects, including an entire bible. Each page was meticulously crumpled into little balls and fitted into one whole side of a suitcase. Inside, a sculpture of Himself was positioned along with little drawers of curiosities, albums with prayer music, a fire alarm (to be used in case of emergency- duh), and a glorious sign that reads, “Caution, Prayin Ahead!” There were at least of dozen of these miniature trunk-worlds, each speaking their own poem, and singing their own song.

Caution Prayin Ahead

As we moved forward into the sculpture area, there was a piece that reminded me of work by Louise Bourgeois (American, born France, 1911-2010). She created organic, fleshy sculptures that recall the human body. In Dales’ studio, there were hundreds of  lovely organic sculptures hanging from the ceiling (I was so mesmerized, I forgot to take a photo).

Moving into the area of marble sculpture intermixed with the crocheted netting twine, I was increasingly envious of work on display, and skills in which Dale has learned and developed over the years. Studying with fishermen from his native Newfoundland, he learned how to weave netting. He  uses this skill to create a fishing net out of gold spun thread - just what everyone needs to catch a magical golden sea creature, of course!  Everything is so beautifully handcrafted and each one a priceless museum piece.

Gold Netting

Woven Boat

We then ducked through an arch of glitter and glam, and entered into my favorite room of all - with the Ken Wall.

This is where I finally exclaimed, “It’s Not Fair!”

According to reports, during a visit in which Liz Hurley visited the home of Elton John, she apparently looked around and said, “It’s Not Fair!  I felt the same twinge of envy at being surrounded by such an organized, and delectable  feast for the eyes. I want a studio/museum like Dale Roberts! WAAAAA!

THE KEN WALL!

We continued through a variety of themed rooms, and passed through groupings of collectibles such as Donald Duck toys, Elvis Presley records, pop culture books, games, hats, a photo of Apollo played by Richard Hatch from Battlestar Galactica, (although to be honest I LOVED the womanizing, and cigar-smoking, Starbuck character played by Dirk Benedict).

Richard Hatch as Apollo from Battlestar Galactica

Needless to say, this part of the museum tour took me back in time, and allowed me to indulge in nostalgia overload.

The final room also doubles as Dale’s office and creative juice joint which houses a giant creative table.  In this room hangs the ongoing series of crocheted Distorts sculptures. As a number of these have gone on to private collections in the years since this project began, Dale is now creatng the “cousins” to those that are in other parts of the world. The final installation will display all 222 sculptures.

Distorts - Dale Roberts Sculptor

Dale Roberts studio

{original post at KendallWood, posted by Christine Wood on Wednesday, December 07, 2011}

A conversation with Carollyne Yardley

We are big fans of Carollyne Yardley and her art at KENDALLWOOD. We were part of last month’s Never Dine Alone opening night spectacle.
Our very own Michael Vasilev provided social media support.

This week, we had the opportunity to sit down with Carollyne and ask her aboutwhat makes her tick, her fascination with squirrels and how her business background helps her with her art.

Q: Who are you?

My mom and dad would ask me, “Who do you think you are?” following some perceived infraction of the house rules.

My response would be to silently recite my full name, address and phone number as if I had been captured by the enemy. I’m not sure why I felt so hostile at seven years old.

Describing who I am makes me think of a psychic reading my brother had years ago. The reader told him I was really funny and mean.

I spent my early years pretending to be a soldier fighting crime in my Wonder Woman costume, and I used to love Erik Estrada.

I still have a Wonder Woman costume that fits.

As a successful entrepreneur, my existence is geared to the realization of important acquaintances and friendships.

As an artist, I feel that I can create anything with my hands.

I love smart, eccentric, quick-witted, and creative people.

I have a highly identifiable laugh, which is why I spent a lot of time in the hall for detention.

Q: Why do you do what you do?

I gravitate towards environments where my natural traits can be best expressed.

I also endeavor to learn about myself and what makes me happy, and then I retain the information.

Professionally speaking, I’ve never done anything other than invent, create and build stuff.

Q: Talk to us about your evolution as a visual artist moving from Big-Eyed Ladies to Secret Squirrels and now, your latest project Never Dine Alone?

The evolution started a couple of years ago with a major career change from co-owner and creative director of a web development company to visual artist.

Choosing what to paint was easy. I know what I like in terms of visual appeal.

I started teaching myself to paint by “re-mastering” the Masters . The first one was by Raphael called The Woman with the Veil.  My husband suggested I paint a squirrel on her lap.

The term “Secret Squirrels” is a phrase used to describe matters that are hidden from knowledge or concealed. I felt this best described my transition from business owner to visual artist.

For me, the squirrel “mask” has become a symbol describing misfits, hiding behind animated personas, odd and beautifully unusual.

I’m still unveiling who I want to be as an artist.

Never Dine Alone was inspired by my conversation with Ron Forbes, the owner of Applewood Antiques. Ron commented that many art collectors purchase portraits and sculpture of people at his antique store, and line their dining room walls with these forgotten and discarded personalities. With a cast of characters displayed, collectors feel that they never dine alone.

This theme was perfect to amplify my love of glamour and costuming, where I could throw an art show with other great artists and designers, and have the characters in my paintings coming to life.

I want to continue this and perhaps get more involved in costume design in future.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

Simply, life.

It’s a long list:

• dreams
• pop culture (music, videos, you name it)
• history
• fairy tales (and all the symbolism)
• psychology
• fashion (all the glamour from the golden age of cinema)
• and just sitting in my yard talking to squirrels, birds, deer and raccoons.Sometimes an old owl will come by for a visit.

I love wildlife and am deranged enough to believe the animals can mind read with me and communicate in English. (Ha!)

Q: How do you get the word out about who you are and what you do? Share with us what it takes to build your BRAND?

I am building my brand everyday, with every blog post, painting, tweet andFacebook post.

I said to my husband a few months ago, “I have to mange my brand.”

His response was:

I didn’t know crazy was a brand.

I like to imagine that people smile, chuckle, or maybe even laugh out loud when they see my work.

I also like to think that people feel my characters have a real heart and soul.

If you are feeling a bit sad, you can talk to the painting and it will give you advice to lighten up!

On a serious note, if the painting actually starts talking back at you, stop mixing the booze with yer’ meds!

Q: You spend a great deal of time using social media: Facebook and Twitter. And, your blog has a loyal following – you’re very active in the social sphere – how come?

Ah, cause I never leave the house anymore?  Kidding…

I get so much out of all the other artists in the online social sphere, I can’t imagine sitting there in silence.

I want to contribute to the whole educational experience, and if other people learn from me, or by inspired in any way, then I’ve reciprocated.

One of the artists I’m following right now is Noah Becker.

He is the Editor-in-Chief of White Hot Magazine (among other accolades)

His dispatches on the New York and Miami art scene are great for artists who are interested in keeping up to date with the best contemporary artists and designers around the world.

Q: You approach your art both as a creative endeavour but also as a business. Can you share your thoughts on the business of art?

I am new to the business of art, but not to business itself.

In my previous career, I’ve worked with hundreds of businesses and learned how any business can create awareness and streamline a point of sale.

So far, the art business is just like any another business.

If you are tenacious and surround yourself with positive people who have a lust for life, you’re halfway there!

Q: You recently put together an unusual event: Never Dine Alone – to rave reviews. Talk to us a little bit about the concept and what it took to pull off an art opening with over 300 people in attendance?

As mentioned, the inspiration for Never Dine Alone came Ron of Applewood Antiques. We’re social creatures, us humans. And we’re willing to invest time and money in finding the right portrait so when we eat in our dining room, we’re never alone.

I immediately began thinking about what a perfect, well perfect to me, dining room would look like.  A conversation with David Hunwick from the Sculpture Studio (participating artist + event location) soon followed.

I selected the feature artists based on who could do surrealism or character portraits, or other artists whose work I’ve collected.

And, I’d soon assembled a collective of artists (and artistic souls) that were willing to be part of an Alice in Wonderland meets the Tudors dinner party.

Leading up to the show, I used my experience in graphic design, web development and social media to market the event.

But, it was really the combination of all the feature artists, and support team that created a perfect guest list of the most artistic and coolest crowd I’ve seen for an opening night in Victoria.

We had one lady remark she thought she was transported to Greenwich Village New York -  it was so very, haute couture dahlings!

I won’t bore you with the behind the scene details that saw us:

• borrowing silver trays
• buying crystal bowls from second hand stores
• collecting candelabras, lamps
• scheduling moving vans loaded with Victorian furniture  and Persian carpets
• draping the 2400sqft of studio in black draping
• cleaning the one main public toilet
• picking up dozen upon dozens of cupcakes
• driving blind with a carload of helium balloons
• and, organizing the artists and sponsors.

Oh, and hanging over 50 pieces of artwork – with gentle hands.

In the final stretch, it was pure hard core labour, with 30+ hours over two and a half days to put the venue together.

We had three creative directors working at it – so again, it was a huge team effort.

Q: One of your squirrel paintings has a QR code – tells us a little aboutGeisha Girl and your decision to merge your painting with digital media.  Is there more to come?

I spent so many years in web development, creative design and marketing other people’s businesses,

I wanted to use a QR code as my signature.

I think it’s out of my system now, and I’m onto other things.

Q: What are the top three digital trends that will impact/influence how you approach your art?

I’m interested in 3D Illustration, and also what is being created for use onmobile devices and applications for digital readers.

I think anything created by the movie and music industry / special effects probably gets most of my attention too.

Since I’m currently into character development, creatures from outer space continue to influence how I approach my art - is that a digital trend?

I hope they don’t come back again for a few years though, the last visit was a bit dodgy (Ha!)

Q: What’s next on the horizon?

My Steam Punk Squirrel is being used by Querido, a Dutch publishing house for the cover of a novel by Flemish author Bart Koubaa. It should be out in March 2012.

I have a solo show at the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery May 2012, and a couple of paintings to appear at the upcoming Steam Punk Conference April 2012 at the Empress Hotel.

I had a dream about the creature for my next series that I’m working on now.

I am excited to show you when it’s complete. So, please stay tuned.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE….

What a fabulous Opening Night for Never Dine Alone. The vision was achieved. Thanks to all the artists, sponsors, collectors, and the 300 partygoers who dressed the part. Show runs November 04th -13, 2011 from 11-3 daily except Remembrance Day 2-4 pm. For location details click here.

Neck of the Woods Winery is continuing it’s sales of the Nosey Neighbour with a portion of proceeds going to art charity.

Here are some of my favorite photos so far, with a link to Facebook PhotoGallery for more. Videos and full event coverage to follow!

Great testimonial from one event attendee.

“…also thank you so much for including us in such a fun event - we greatly enjoyed it all and thought that it was ahead of its time in Victoria, could have been in Greenwich Village New York it was all so IN - yes indeed would love to come to parties of this sophistication and allure….”

Red Hat (Tierre Joline) and Mushroom Hat (Danica Wilcox) in front of Never Dine Alone: Squirrel Banquet

Green Bun and Glamourous Lady-Girls

Tropical Girl Squirrel and Gnome (Gnome by Tierre Joline + painting available at Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery)

Our Sponsor - Neck of the Woods Winery

Cupcakes and Sandwiches w/out crusts = fancy schmancy!

Jen Steele Photography aka EARTH and Carollyne Yardley aka Green Bun (necklace by Danica Wilcox of De Mode en Vogue)

Tierre Joline aka Red Hat Squirrel and Ltd Edition Nosey Neighbour Wine by Neck of the Wood Winery + necklace by Danica Wilcox of De Mode en VogueThe "Hare" Man himself, David Hunwick of the Sculpture Studio

Dale Roberts and David Hardwick, and Crazy Eyes!

Green Bun, Red Hat, Mushroom Hat and Tropical Girl Squirrel, eating nuts of course. We are Squirrel Girls after all!

Alexander Kaiser - Silly Hats Only Designs http://www.sillyhatsonlybykaiser.blogspot.com

Tara Juneau, Ms. Peacock. Lovely talented artist. http://www.tarajuneau.com

Sheila and Logan, style file blogger she is too! http://sheilaephemera.blogspot.com/

Jen Steele aka EARTH aka SASSY http://www.jensteele.com

Tara Juneau and Steve Chmilar http://www.stevechmilar.com

Follow this link to see the videos of Never Dine Alone!

Red Hat Squirrel appears on Limited Edition wine labels for the Nosey Neighbour, from Neck of the Woods Winery

Burke Tanner of Neck of the Woods Winery approached me during my participation at a group show at the Red Art Gallery (Marion Evamy), to put Red Hat Squirrel on their wine labels to promote their brand called Nosey Neighbour.

Red Hat Squirrel peering through her opera glasses, with a gloved hand, is definitely a Nosey Neighbour.

Hyacinth Bucket (who insists it's pronounced "Bouquet") in Keeping Up Appearances.

You can imagine her in you neck of the woods as easily as I imagine her in mine (I actually don’t have to imagine). Red Hat Squirrel aka Nosey Neighbour has the 411 on your neighbourhood much like the life of eccentric Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances.

FUNDRAISING COMPONENT

More details to come, but the Neck of the Woods Winery has pledged .50cents from every Neck of the Woods product sold on Vancouver Island go towards the development of an art scholarship fund…school and recipient criteria TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Neck of the Woods wine is available for sale at Spinnakers on Wilson Street and James Bay plus the Cask & Keg in Esquimalt. The list will be expanded soon. I’m sure Red Hat would approve of a liquor store in Sidney and Oak Bay perhaps?

This limited edition bottle will be available for sale approximately November 04th, 2011. Will post more details as they arrive.

Carollyne xoxo

Nosey Neighbour / Red Hat waiting for the trade at the Nanaimo Wine Festival

http://www.nanaimowinefestival.com/

NEVER DINE ALONE: SURREAL FRIENDS

Come join us for the most fun you’ll have at a Friday night art opening - Never Dine Alone: a visual + sensory feast.

If you like Lady Gaga’s new look, then you’ll appreciate our walking gallery of special guests; many of whom eat breakfast with Alice and dine with the Tudors. Our first art show explores the intersection of life, art, food, and social relationships.

Hosts David Hunwick and Carollyne Yardley invite you to their first group interactive art show at The Sculpture Studio.

Come spend the First Friday in November with us and witness the delicate dance of squirrels, hares, love and heartache, through sculpture, portraiture, and costumes.

Featured artists include: Tara Juneau, Jen Steele, Ken Horn, and Steve Chmilar with support from David Hardwick, Pati Tozer, Danica Wilcox and Tierre Joline, and Ellen Manning.

EVENT DETAILS

Opening Night: November 04, 2011, 5 pm to 8 pm

Location: The Sculpture Studio, 211 Harbour Road, Victoria, BC | Google Map
Parking: Free on-site
RSVP: by November 01, 2011 through this online form or telephone The Sculpture Studio, 250-419-3233

What to expect: Opening Night will feature art, wine, music, dessert, a colourful cast of characters and fanciful friends. Read more here.

Show continues: November 04 - 13th, 2011
Opening times: daily with from 11-3 | Special Remembrance Day event 2-4

FEATURE ARTISTS

David Hunwick
http://www.davidhunwick.com

David Hunwick studied sculpture in London UK at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design. He has been exhibiting for 30 years in the UK and in Canada. He has had work displayed at the world renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park and was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, and has work in both private and public spacesin UK, Jersey, Australia and Canada. In 2001 David emigrated to Canada and lives in Victoria,BC.

David won the ‘Best 3D Award’ at the Sidney Fine Art Show inn 2007. In 2008 he opened ‘The Sculpture Studio’ which specializes in mould making and casting and also offers classes and hosts exhibitions.In 2010 David worked on the ‘Blue Whale Project’ which was the reconstruction of an 85 foot Blue whale skeleton now displayed at the Biodiversity Museum at University of British Columbia. David continues to teach, exhibit and work on private and public commissions.

David Hunwick

Carollyne Yardley
http://www.carollyne.com

Raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Carollyne Yardley completed two years in the Faculty of Fine Arts, and is a graduate of the University of Victoria, where she completed a double major in Psychology and History in Art. Most recently, she has taken art classes at the Victoria College of Art and studied with Tony Ryder at The Ryder Studio School in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Since 1997, she has been the founder, business owner, concept developer, and creative director of a software application & web development company which provided her with a strong foundation in the visual communications industry.

In September 2010, Carollyne launched her new business as a visual artist, and began to remove the mask of technology to emerge as her true self, standing with her hands on her hips, yelling and laughing at the squirrels in her yard. Conceptualizing sophisticated squirrels in fashionable outfits now consumes most of her days.

Carollyne Yardley

Tara Juneau

http://www.tarajuneau.com

Tara Juneau is a young painter living and working in Shawnigan Lake B.C. She has studied with world-renowned artist and author Anthony Ryder in Santa Fe New Mexico as well as Jeremy Lipking in California. Tara views her work as an ongoing and evolving relationship with herself, the natural world and with God. She prefers working from life whenever possible, using oil paint as her means of expression.

“Art is my passion in life. Through painting I try to express the power that light and beauty have on my soul. I am always striving to know more - not only how to paint but also learning about what I paint. There is beauty and natural order in everything and I hope that through my work I can reveal that truth to others.”

Tara Juneau

Jen Steele
http://www.jensteele.com

Jen Steele Photography – Full time wedding photographer and co- owner of Luxury Boudoir Portrait Studio, Bella Boudoir, Jen also documents the works of local Interior Stylists, Builders and Designers in Victoria BC. Recently Jen has begun to revisit her fine art background creating her signature moody textural art pieces for local shows.

Jen Steele Photography

Ken Horn
http://www.kenhornart.com

I came to painting late. Started only about a dozen years ago. Always been a big fan of art. Snuck away from the other hooligans in Port Glasgow as a kid to look at stain glass windows in churches. Spent a few years in art colleges in Sweden and England where nought was lost or learned. All the percolating stuff came to the fore a while back and it’s been a fun ride so far.I paint stories for the most part and am not too obsessed about technique. To that end I add verse to many of the pictures. Intuitive images of people is what interests me. Pictures of stories yet untold.

Ken Horn. October.2011

Ken Horn

Steve Chmilar
http://www.stevechmilar.com

Steve Chmilar began his artistic training at the age of two when he would fill any blank surface he could  find with pen or pencil drawings.  His earliest work displayed his interest in the finest details of human variation, facial hair growth patterns, cartography and scale.

In the fall of 2007, Steve began his self education in the art of oil painting.  After successfully  replicating paintings in numerous styles, he looked primarily to the work of Pieter Bruegel (1525-1569) for guidance.  Reproductions of his work have already been in demand and the word of his arrival onto the art scene have already preceded him.

Steve was born on December 25th 1979 in Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada.  He paints out of his home studio in Victoria, BC.

Steve Chmilar

Dale Roberts
http://daleroberts.blogspot.com/

Dale Roberts

Born 1962 in Botwood, Newfoundland

MFA ‘95 State University of New York; Purchase, New York
BFA  ‘92, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College; School of Fine Arts, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Has organized and curated the Mailmania Series of Mail art Shows since 1994 a biennial mail art call open to artists around the world.

- Has participated in the Moss Street Paint In since 2006, where Mailarta - Queen of Poste (where his performance persona “Dame Mailarta” first appeared) Mailarta recently was the emcee at the Art Attire event at the AGGV.

- Taught at the Victoria College of Art 1999 - 2007

- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s New Extreme Program 00-present

- Has taught Art College and Art Classes since ‘93.

- Solo and group exhibitions internationally since ‘89

- Represented in collections throughout Canada and the United States.

_ Dale’s Studio is host to a collection of collections . . with costumes,ephemera of all kinds to be found in the “Room of All Sorts”

- the mail art room, featuring some of the pieces of mail art that has come from around the world.

- The Art Space showcasing the works Dale has done over a periods of years, from stone carving to crocheted sculpture to found object assemblage.

- the Portrait Gallery ( a mail art project from the Dame Mailarta, for portraits from people around the world.)

James Mantle

James Mantle

James Mantle attended the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. He’s been a practicing Graphic Designer for over 20 years. Over that time he developed a series of artworks which take influence from
Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints or woodcuts). Jim spends most of his time out there. On his sailboat. Cleaning boat accessible beaches and freeing them of contamination off the Oak Bay coastline.

SUPPORT FROM

David Hardwick

A fashion and costume designer for over 50 years. Designing in both Canada and the United States. His work has been seen in Las Vegas, Nevada and Dallas, Texas. He was also a featured designer for the Miss America Pageant. In Canada he created a line for Fashion Cares and has designed many shows in Victoria, BC. The winner of 2 Critics Choice Awards. He also volunteers for many fund raising events.The photo is from the Bear wear fund raiser for children’s Hospital.

Danica Wilcox
http://demodeenvogue.com/

After closing the doors of 10 years in her fun, successful boutique in Calgary, Danica and her husband, moved to Victoria for a new way of life. Danica opened De Mode En Vogue which offers a European-inspired, feminine selection of clothing (offered online and by appointment at Fort St. studio-boutique), accessories and jewelry that reflects a flirty, but tasteful, attitude for a variety of life’s moments. Using skills honed from over 10 years in the fashion industry, Danica can help you select something new, or previously-endeared and because it’s something influenced by vintage fashions, it will always be in style.

Tierre Joline
http://tierrejoline.com/

Tierre studied Millinery at George Brown College in Toronto and hats have been her passion ever since. Each unique creation reflects her flair for the flamboyant and appreciation of simplicity. Inspired by the strong elegant styles of days gone by, she applies her love of colour, texture and rich fabrics to produce modern pieces that often whisper of the past.

Tierre’s aim is to create quality head-wear using classic millinery techniques to bring back to our hurried world a feeling of playful elegance.

Tierre Joline Hats are vintage inspired pieces that bring out in the wearer a fun, playful elegance, perfect for modern times! They are one of a kind hats, designed to have their own character and charm.

Tierre Joline

Pati Tozer
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IceMoonStudio

Ice Moon Studio is a showcase for the work of Pati Tozer, an artist living and working in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

From a young age, Pati remembers being driven by the creative imperative to work with her hands. As a child, she would spend endless hours fashioning elaborate rooms out of shoeboxes for her dolls and dress them in clothes that she made herself.

Throughout her life, Pati continued being driven by that creative imperative. She found art to be an essential part of her life, keeping her grounded and able to maintain her perspective.

“When I’m working, I’m fully fixated on the work, the act of creation.” She explains, “The world falls away and there is only me and the medium. It becomes all-encompassing. My ears literally shut down and I am alone in this haven of creation, completely removed from the stresses of regular life.”

Pati Tozer

http://www.victoriaemergingart.com/Ellen_Manning.html

Ellen Manning obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UVIC with a Major in English Literature and a Minor in Art History.  Her interest in contemporary art led her to Shanghai in 2006 where she managed the largest Chinese contemporary art gallery in China, Art Scene China, located in the Suzhou Creek artists’ quarter.

Art Scene China has participated in important international art expositions, including Art Chicago, Art Miami, San Francisco International Art Expo, CIGE and Art Cologne.

Upon returning to Victoria, Ellen worked at the prestigious The Avenue Gallery in Oak Bay Village (2009-2010) with a focus on contemporary Canadian Fine Art.  Drawing inspiration from Art Scene China’s Chinese Art Prize and Vancouver’s The Cheaper Show, Ellen created a new platform for up and coming local artists, Victoria Emerging Art Awards.  It was at The Avenue Gallery that she launched the inaugural show which was met with great success.

Ellen is pleased to open a boutique gallery in the heart of upper Fort Street where she has fused together her international and local experience in the art industry.  She enjoys exposing many unique artists for the first time to the Victoria art scene and many of these artists are sourced from the annual juried Victoria Emerging Art Awards exhibition.

Ellen Manning

SPONSORS

Wine Sponsor

Photography Sponsor

Video sponsor

Social Media Sponsor

Event Lighting

I found a great website called QR Code Artist which is dedicated to art that uses QR codes inserted or used in some manner. I submitted Geisha Girl Squirrel, and the author of the blog Jim Dhaem wrote a a great write up. He knows his use of QR Codes!  Check out the website link. See the movement that is stretching outside of the traditional marketing arenas and the visual communications industry, and into fine art!

QR Code Artist blog post and article about Geisha Girl Squirrel & QR Code

Geisha Girl Squirrel (and code or QR code, or secret code)

by QRCArtist on Sep.10, 2011, under QR Code Art

Geisha Girl Squirrel & QR Code painting, Pop Surrealism

Very intriguing oil painting by Carollyne Yardleyof Victoria, BC. In September 2010, Carollyne launched her new business as a visual artist, and began to remove the mask of technology to emerge as her true self, standing with her hands on her hips, yelling and laughing at the squirrels in her yard.

“I view art and design as a process of thinking, creating, problem-solving, and communicating,” says Carollyne.

She cites a wide, eclectic range of influences that inspire her work—not just Dali, Mark Ryden, Todd Schorr, Pop Surrealism, Raphael, Ingres and Norman Rockwell, but also Lucille Ball, Elaine from Seinfeld, Wonder Woman, Elvis Presley, and helicopter rides.

She seems to have some rather civilized squirrels living in her backyard!

The hand painted QR Code points to www.Carollyne.com. I would have liked to see the QR Code have additional data added to it (?d=1), even if that data is not yet being used. This would allow for tracking and/or redirection to other pages on her site in the future. The URL with the data would be  www.carollyne.com/?d=1. Anything after the ‘?’ in a URL is called the “Querystring”, which allows web programmers to read the data contained in the Querystirng. If the page is not programmed to read the data it is ignored;  in the future;  the page could be programmed to know that a QR Code scan with “d=1″ is from the Geisha Girl Squirrel painting and track the number of hits or redirect the page to her latest work or a page specified by the purchaser of the artwork.

Great news just in!

A lovely woman named Barb St. Germain of First Impressions Home and Staging Design introduced my artwork to Frederique, the owner of Sooke Harbour House, and Sharan, the Art Gallery Co-ordinator. I met with them today, and three of my paintings are now available at the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery.

Paintings include Saint Squirrel, Tropical Girl Squirrel & Gnome, and Fortune Teller Squirrel.

Tropical Girl Squirrel and Gnome

To celebrate, I’ve decided to have a CONTEST!

Contest Rules:

1) Visit Sooke Harbour House
2) Go to the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery
3) Snap a photo of yourself with one of my paintings
4) Email the photo to me

Your name will then be entered to win a signed limited edition 9X12 giclee reproduction on canvas of Tropical Girl Squirrel.

5) Deadline to send photo is 8:00 pm, October 31, 2011  (sent time of email)

6) All entrants and winner will be notified of results via email by November 15th, 2011.

Watch this page for any updates or changes to this information.

GOOD LUCK!

Carollyne xo