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

I am now selling me Greeting cards on Etsy, please check out my starter store for purchasing greeting cards, plus pass on to anyone who would love these too!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/carollyneyardley

Carollyne Yardley, Etsy Shop

Package of five greeting cards, 5″ X 7″, my images printed on white card stock, blank inside come with 5 white envelopes.

My current work called, Sophisticated Squirrels came from fashion and glamour of the 1950’s and 60’s. These squirrels are like misfits, hiding behind animated personas, odd and beautifully unusual. I hope you enjoy the images printed on the greeting cards, as much as I did painting the them.

Great cards to send quirky friends for all occasions, especially people who love custom made greeting cards. I painted these paintings in 2011, have had them in numerous art shows. Red Hat Squirrel is on the label of the Nosey Neighbour wine from Neck of the Woods Winery and my Steampunk Squirrel image was recently licensed by a Dutch Publishing company for a novel by a Flemish author.

Snowman Squirrel | 8.5 X 10.5 | Oil on Board | Carollyne Yardley | Available at the Red Art Gallery (Oak Bay Avenue)

2033 oak bay avenue
victoria, b.c.
250-881-0462
www.redartgallery.ca

owner: marion evamy
director: bobb hamilton

emails:
me@redartgallery.ca

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….

Hello Art Lovers - Red Gallery has been described as the “gem” of galleries in Victoria - and now….

It’s time for the eighth annual ART ON THE AVENUE. All eight art galleries on Oak Bay Avenue are participating, and many of the other merchants will be open for business as well!  Enjoy the 70+ wonderful works of art currently available at the red art gallery at:

the 500 Show - All the works are original, and are priced at $500 or less, including hst.

There is a great selection with offerings from 13 different artists…..We also have gift certificates, so that special someone on your holiday list, can select their own perfect work of art!  Please support your local businesses and artists, and join us this
Thursday, December 1st from 6 to 8 p.m.
Thanks
Marion and Bobb

p.s. we are also collecting donations in our red sox box - of hats, gloves, scarves and socks - which will be delivered to Our Place for distribution to the homeless.  Please bring your new or gently used contribution on Thursday night!

red art gallery
2033 oak bay avenue

www.redartgallery.ca

Gnome Squirrel | 4″ X 7″ | Oil on board | Carollyne Yardley (available at Red Art Gallery)

I sold most of my paintings at the last art show, so I have three left from the Sophisticated Squirrels at the Victoria Emerging Art Gallery (downtown Victoria), and a few from the Secret Squirrels show at the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery (Sooke), plus two new small paintings will be available at the end of the month at the Red Art Gallery (Oak Bay Avenue).

Here they are, great little Christmas present ideas if you are trying to find an all around fabo gift for yourself or loved one. These first six paintings all appeared in the centerpiece painting called Never Dine Alone: Squirrel Banquet (which also got renamed as the Last Acorn by Terry Zlot).

Available at the Victoria Emerging Art Gallery, ask for Ellen Manning. Telephone: 1-778-430-5585

Space Hat Squirrel | Oil on Board | 2011

Mushroom Hat Squirrel | Oil on Board | 2011

Carollyne Yardley

Available at the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery, ask for Sharan. Telephone: 1-250-642-3421

Saint Squirrel: Protecting You 'Cause You're Nuts! | 18 X 24 | Oil on Board

Tropical Girl Squirrel and Gnome | 18 X 24 | Oil on Board

Fortune Teller Squirrel: Good Times Ahead | 16 X 20 | Oil on Board

These two smaller paintings will be available for viewing and sale at the Red Art Gallery at the end of November 2011. Ask for Marion or Bobb.

TO BE INSERTED !!!!!