Talking to Artists

Synopsis: We talked about her upcoming shows - including a virtual exhibition. Holly shared her inspiration for painting - capturing and sharing her reverence for the Earth...about how her childhood was interconnected to the trees and the forest. We chatted about some amazing art residencies and how that grew her network and fed her growth as an artist. She shared her business tips of using @artwo...

Synopsis: We talked about how her teaching in watercolors led to the looseness of her current work. Danielle shared her typical day and the time required to manage the business of art- updating websites, photography etc. We talked about influence and how the changing seasons changed the work and her Hairy Ass Goal of dying with a paintbrush in her hands! About the Artist: Danielle has been paintin...

Synopsis: Shelley shared her survival techniques for overcoming pandemic stress....paint fun, small paintings and do 1 every day! We talked about the financial importance of having small works in your inventory to sell online and how to differentiate yourself....Shelley photographs her minis with an egg! She shared her success with grants and artist residencies as well as what she would love to ou...

Synopsis: In Part 2, we talked about finding the authentic and beauty in everyday things...the serendipity. Tash shared her thoughts about how her degrees in Psychology and Philosophy combined with an MBA all feed into her creative work. She shared her insights about how to start creating as a fine art photographer and what her big dreams are! About the Artist: Tash Damjanovic is an award winning...

Synopsis: We talked a lot about workshops. Workshops to help an artist realize a breakthrough and also hosting workshops to share knowledge and mentorship. We chatted about Laurie's constant drive to challenge herself and explore new things - leading her from painting to creating wall sculptures. . Artist Statement: Shapes and forms that dominated in my two dimensional work have taken on a life of...

Synopsis: We talked about the history of rug hooking and how Deanne came to it - woman's work born of necessity and poverty. We chatted about having to integrate all aspects of your life - raising children, volunteering, managing a home with being an artist....we decided a bit of selfishness created resilient and empowered children! Deanne shared with us her inspiration of love! Artist Statement:...

Synopsis:  We talked about the need to show outside of Canada if you want to build your art practice. Renato shared his newest work, marrying icons and antique artifacts with glass, and the challenges of selling and shipping such fragile pieces. We had a quick tour of his studio and talked about how his engineering background helps with the structural elements of his work. Artist Statement: "...

Synopsis:  We talked about the merging of Phil's 3 passions - photography, woodworking and design. He shared his struggles during Covid to get motivated but also the challenge as an introvert to travel to different countries to shoot. About the Artist: In the constant quest for learning, Phil constantly pushes its limits. He is a self-taught photographer and graphic designer who graduated in...

Synopsis:  We had a fabulous conversation about the business side of an art practice. Sheila shared her insights about writing an artist statement, ensuring a professional approach to your practice, inventory management and more. We talked her classes and mentoring programs. About the Artist: Primarily self taught, Sheila has been a professional artist for over 23 years. Her interest lies in...

Synopsis: Today we chatted about how Liza helps mentors artists with the business of art. She also work with collectors to build a personal art collection. We talked about how to set up a podcast and some high level social media tips to build engagement. About: Liza Zhurkovskaya, aka Curator on the Go, is a Toronto-based Art Curator and Art Advisor. She has been working in the industry since...

Synopsis: In a bit of a break with tradition, this week Angela and I talked about how to create a strong submission. If you are paying to submit, give yourself the best chance possible to get accepted. Some criteria: - Be prepared and read the guidelines -before you start, know what the show is about and what the submission criteria is. Judges are looking for consistency across the work, excellenc...

Synopsis: Marissa shared her experience being a part of the Landscape Artist of the Year competition - check it out on Makeful Channel. She shared how she incorporates elements of Feng Shui and green therapy into her work and how, during this time of isolation, she has had more time to play and refine her beautiful landscape paintings. Artist Statement: "In today's world of busy-ness, life could h...

Synopsis: We had an engaging conversation about how art lovers and collectors can confidently buy art online, using video calls and digital mockups and also discussed the relationship between the artist and galleries - from who "owns" the client to submissions and selling expectations. About Petroff Gallery Petroff Gallery proudly represents works of visual art and contemporary craft by over 200 C...

In a turnaround, Jelena from Petroff Gallery interviews me - a very different experience being on the other side of the 'interviewer' mic! I talked a bit about my process and looking to capture Joy in my work. 

Synopsis:  Angela and I chatted about her art and inspirations as well as how to use your corporate background- in her case marketing- to build you art practice. We talked about ideas for emerging artists trying to break into the art world quickly...basically say "yes" and try everything. We talked about the importance of understanding your client and how to help them understand your work in...

Synopsis:  We had a lively chat about Lori's inspiration as a "generalist" photographer. She shared her incredible photo adventures to locations such as Antarctica, the Moab Desert and now, during Covid, her neighborourhood. She also talked about her involvement with Nature First and the responsibility of photographers to preserve and care for the places they shoot. Artist Statement: "I seek...

Synopsis: Was so wonderful to catch up with Jim Turner of 2 Gallery. He talked about his long-term plan and the steps required to see his dream of retiring in Prince Edward County and starting a contemporary gallery. Jim gave us a curated tour of the gallery's current show. About the Gallery: A contemporary fine art gallery, and not-to-be-missed destination in the dynamic arts scene found in Princ...

Synopsis: A heartfelt conversation about using your art platform as a way to bring about social change. A Conversation with Myself is an interactive environment that tackles mental health and the Shelter project opens discussions about homelessness. His goal with the Canadian Gratitude Flag is to support and send appreciation to Frontline workers during Covid.  Artist Statement: "The world is...

Synopsis: We had a great chat about finding our voice as an artist - how to push boundaries that are healthy and when to say no. Eleanor shared her progress from watercolor artist to bright fun acrylics. We reminisced about being graduates from @westernuniversity and the transition to selling online. Artist Statement: “My work is an interpretation of life from a happy point of view. My style plays...

Synopsis : In addition to talking about Morgan's profess and inspirations, we chatted about transitioning from a corporate job to an artist's life, working on large projects, about the inspiration that comes from mistakes and trial and error and, of course, his gnomes! About the Artist: Morgan Jones is a mixed media artist, living and working in Toronto. Self-described as an artist driven by the c...

Synopsis: We had an engaged conversation (sorry about the tech challenges) about how we approach our art practice and the drive to constantly improve our technical skills. Sue has a complete idea in her head before she starts creating - a very different process than how I work and so interesting. We talked about white space and calming art with a quirk of humour. And we chatted about the benefits...

Synopsis: We had fabulous conversation about how your physical location and emotional state during Covid makes an impact on subject matter and colour palette. We talked about taking risks and how discomfort can lead to growth as an artist. And we talked about the need to work hard, every day to continue to improve your art practice. About the Artist: Born into a somewhat nomadic family, Kari grew...

Synopsis :We had an wonderful conversation about Paul's art and his political inspiration around roadkill and oil spills and the impact on the Saskatchewan environment. Also had a critical conversation about the need for artists to save and invest for the future through pension plans and some financial planning. About Artists in Canada: In 2000, I started  artistsincanada.com  to create...

Synopsis: We covered soooo much in a short time...we discussed strategies for artists to use to approach and partner with galleries, how to create prints of your work, creating for art consultants vs individual clients, and how collectors or art lovers can work with the gallery virtually. About PI Fine Arts: "We’re one of the largest vertically integrated art companies in North America, specializi...

Synopsis: We had a sparkly conversation about Artist residencies, collaborations and taking your art business to the next level by offering high quality prints. Artist Statement: "Love, life and shapes found in nature are my immediate inspiration.  The whimsy and delight and colour of the natural world as expressed by The Group of Seven, Ted Harrison, and Norval Morrisseau have remained an in...