CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight on Jazmyn Douillard

Welcome to the 
CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight Series
of Local Artist Interviews.
Today you will meet
Jazmyn Douillard
http://bandeau.deviantart.com/

Tell us a bit about your self!

My name is Jaz but online I’m more commonly known as Bandeau. Both my parents were artists and I was really influenced by my mother’s uncanny ability to hate everything she ever created and throw it all in the garbage. That made me wonder that if I could look at her work and think it was amazing, but she thought it was awful, then what did others think of my work? So I decided to show my work constantly online where people are more prone to an honest opinion because they can hide behind a monitor. Turns out my work isn’t so bad! Haha!

What led you down the path to becoming an artist/artisan?

My world when I was younger was comic books. I was amazed by the artwork and the stories, and spent countless hours sketching out my favourite characters from X-Men and Witchblade, then eventually started to create my own characters and stories. Comics are a heavily male dominated field, so it interested me to see how people would react to a female drawing large breasted women with strength that equalled their male counterparts. I love social experiments.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Usually, reading. Lately? Watching television. I cancelled my cable about six years ago but recently friends have highly recommended a few series to me and sadly I’m hooked. I hope to kick the tv bug again once rerun season starts up.

Describe your creative process.

I could never describe it because it’s never the same. I may have just sat down on the couch and wanted to test out a new pen, or just read a book that sparked something in me so I’ll take up a vigil at my drafting table. Commonly I’ll be checking out some of my most admired artists online and let them inspire me, so I’ll start up Photoshop and sketch away.

What are you currently listening to in your studio/workshop?

I’ve really been into the Repo! Genetic Opera soundtrack lately. I’m a huge fan of soundtracks and instrumentals, so I can often be found belting out show tunes at the top of my lungs while flinging around paint or pencil.

What have you read recently that inspired you?

My first novel. I finished my first manuscript last month and have since been going crazy hashing out the visual look of my newest family (characters.) I think that will be enough to fuel me for awhile.

Name three artists/artisans who’s work you admire or are inspired by.

Michael Turner. I’m not joking when I saw I bawled my eyes out like a little girl when I got the news he succumbed to cancer. He was my hero, and the thought that I’ll never see another sketch from him again just rips my world apart. He wasn’t just an insanely talented artist, he was also an incredible human being. I wrote a two page article about him after he passed that just barely scratched the surface of who he was and what he’d accomplished in his short life. He’s best known for his work on Witchblade and Fathom.

Yoshitaka Amano. I’ll admit it, when I first saw his artwork I hated it. To me and at that young age I thought he destroyed the images of the popular Final Fantasy characters with his loose lines and opaque watercolours. I don’t really know what changed, but I matured and saw the beauty in every image he created. If I’m in a slump I still go to my collection of his art books and can’t help but smile.

As for a third? Too many artists tie for that spot. Wen-M, Yuni, Miss Kika (Liz Lorini) so many people! I’m inspired by everything in life, even patterns I see in cement haha.

Where can we find you and/or your work ‘offline’ and in the flesh?
Until the end of December it can be found in The Little Shop of Artists downtown on Cawston beside the Bean Scene on the corner of Ellis. Other than that? My walls! Otherwise I am mostly only found online at http://bandeau.deviantart.com/ and http://www.firelightgleam.net/

PLEASE NOTE: All images in this interview are copyright the Artist Jazmyn Douillard and are not to be reproduced without permission of the Artist.

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight on Cherie Hanson

Welcome to the

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight Series

of Local Artist Interviews.

Today you will meet

Cherie Hanson

www.cheriehanson.com

Tell us a bit about your self!
I wanted to be an aerialist and practiced for hours swinging from one trapeze to another. After that I knew I belonged on the stage and danced wearing five or six on my mother's crinolines to the record on the turn table I lugged into the back yard. In Junior High school I discovered Shakespeare and Shaw and spent hours laying on my bed reading. I read the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner out loud to myself until I finished. I drew constantly while singing to myself. So basically, dance, literature, poetry, clothing design, music and art were indistinguishably wonderful worlds for me.
In high school I won the Arts Council State Creative Writing contest, was top art student for my class and continued to dance by myself at home only now not in such ridiculous outfits.
I worked on the University Year Book and wrote poetry for the creative writing magazine while beginning my studies in the M.F.A. Programme at Western Washington State College in Bellingham. I moved on to complete an M.A. in Contemporary Poetry at UBC, Vancouver.
The next 23 years were a classroom blurr. Teaching, directing plays, writing and raising two children kept me entertained.

What led you down the path to becoming an artist/artisan?
Teaching, producing plays, making costumes, writing plays, writing poetry, dancing, making christmas ornaments, doodling during staff meetings, singing in the shower... What other path is there?

What do you do when you are not creating?
Cleaning, making lists, watching movies, cleaning, gardening, finding things from stumble upon to paste on twitter and facebook. (Still the teacher), teaching for UBC-O continuing studies, the Vernon Arts Council, tutorials in my studio, traveling to international shows, cleaning.

Describe your creative process.
1. take a photograph
2. “have my way” with the photograph using Paint Shop Pro computer filters.
3. Print out the de-constructed abstract image on canvas.
4. Use everything I can get my hands on to bring the image alive.

What are you currently listening to in your studio/workshop?
My heart.... silence, deep, deep silence.

What have you read recently that inspired you?
Wake Up to Your Life: Discovering the Buddhist Path of Attention Ken Mc

Name three artists/artisans who’s work you admire or are inspired by.
Chagall ( knew how to paint/knew how to love)
J.M.W. Turner (knew about light and creating drama particularly when he was varnishing)
Henri Matisse (knew how to open the yellow curtain to color field abstract art)

Where can we find you and/or your work ‘offline’ and in the flesh?
(Studio, galleries, shops. etc.)
Coldwell Banker office on Water street across from Rotary centre fo the Arts, In my Studio #205 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts,at The Bohemian Cafe on Bernard Street
and at the Wilden Subdivision in the Authentec show home.

In the last three years I have exhibited in Florence, Italy; Ferrar, Italy and Vienna, Austria. In the U.S. I have had work in galleries in Chicago, Los Angeles and Sacramento. Prince George, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver exhibitions have taken my art out of the valley. My work has been shown in at juried shows in art galleries in Summerland, Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton

PLEASE NOTE: All images in this interview are Copyright the Artist Cherie Hanson and may not be reproduced without permission of the artist.

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight on Bonnie Anderson

Welcome to the

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight Series

 of Local Artist Interviews.

Today you will meet

Bonnie Anderson

http://www.bonnieandersonartist.com/

 Tell us a bit about your self! 

My name is Bonnie Anderson, I have always loved the creative process and my friends tell me I was drawing stick people and painting before I started school at the ripe old age of six. I continued the creative process throughout my childhood and adult life. I suppose my hairdressing career was where it all started. It was my first professional artistic, creative endeavor and I was actually paid for doing what I loved to do.

I was married at the age of nineteen and became Mrs. Bonnie Roberts. I have three children by my first husband, Moira, Grant and Jarrette Roberts who have all helped me throughout my career as an artist. After my divorce I remarried and became Mrs. Bonnie Rutherford.

I divorced husband number two after five years, all the while learning how to paint large landscapes, ruining a few walls in my new home using oil paint of the day painted directly on drywall.

I became Bonnie Anderson again, but continued with a career in Real Estate and Hosting at an exclusive restaurant in Calgary.
In 1975 I met my next partner and took on the name of Bonnie Shatto. I began a two year course of studies in Business Administration at Mount Royal Collage in Calgary that became the foundation for the business I have now. In 1982 after a seven year relationship as Bonnie Shatto I decided it was time to get more of an art education than a religious one. I became a loving, grateful, exceedingly happy student of the University of Calgary and entered into the four year BFA program as a triple Major in painting, printmaking and ceramics. My main field of study was `Eroticism in the Arts`` so all my courses and papers related to each other in one form or another including Religious studies, Women’s studies, Art History, Literature etc.

From 1986 to 1990 I worked for the City of Calgary teaching all about clay and art classes in their leisure Centre’s. I also won volunteer of the year award and was the first person to be inducted into the Volunteer Hall of Fame for the City of Calgary. At the same time I was employed as a school bus driver for Southland Transportation a bus company owned and operated by my aunt and mentor Dianne Dawson.

I left Calgary and came to the Okanagan Valley in 1990. I started my first studio on the second floor over my Aunt Dianne’s garage, Kelowna Handy Dart on leckie Rd. where they service their busses. I needed a name for my business and thought of calling it Potters Attic but that didn`t make sense if I ever moved my shop to the ground floor, so after some brainstorming I finally decided on the name Potters Addict Ceramic Art Centre. And saw clay as a fantastic, creative and legal addiction.

I became member of KADAC at that time and my business grew. After a few months, there was a need to find a larger studio for myself and my students. My goal was to become the hub for potters and students of clay throughout the Okanagan Valley. After I moved into my studio on Sexsmith Rd. in late 1990 I began an eight month day time Entrepreneurial Women’s course, at the same time I was teaching pottery classes in the evenings, making my own art, potting, sculpting and Rakuing.

At the busiest time of my life I met my next partner Bob McIvor who also loved clay. Though we have been together for nineteen years of getting down and dirty I have kept the name Anderson.

In 2002 we moved into our new location The Rotary Centre for the Arts. I brag about Potters Addict being the Okanagan’s first pottery school, and working studio. We also have a small clay and painting art gallery.

After a twenty year hiatus away from painting I began to have an incredible urge to pick up a paint brush and start painting again, encouraged by Canadian Artist Julia Trops another resident artist at the RCA we started to dabble in watercolour on Yupo paper. The next step was watercolour painting for two seasons with Evelyn MacMillan, after which I was invited into the Kelowna Watercolour Guild. Andres Vermeer was another instructor I had for five weeks then he moved away to Vancouver. Lost and alone not knowing where to go next my new teacher and mentor Dennis Weber walked into my life. Dennis brought the magic of negative painting on black canvas into my painting style and that is where I am today. I am an active member of the Painters Studio, and a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.
 
 

What led you down the path to becoming an artist/artisan?

Having great mentors at an early age in life inspired me to create on the love of art almighty`s path. And encouragement from my peers and friends gave me the desire to keep going. No matter what don`t give up. Getting A’s in art and Religion taught me how to pray, it taught me about sacrifice, discipline, patience and understanding. Every artist must have these qualities plus a stick to ative attitude, never give up and never let anyone tell you to quit or you can`t do that. The life style, working for one’s self and the love and need to create all contribute to the wellbeing of an artist. Skill is a learned experience. Then comes the time to practice, learn, and practice more and practice often, then the discovery of, I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I like to play the guitar and sing the blues. Discover new technologies like the computer and Face Book, and I like reading about clay and glaze techniques and anything on print making or painting techniques.

Describe your creative process.

Many of my ideas come to me as I’m teaching a clay or pottery class. I will show a student how to create a project, give them a few ideas then follow my own advice. I love using porcelain in my utilitarian work, and I use special clay for my Raku work. While I am creating I am always thinking about how I will finish the piece what glaze will look good, should I use under glaze over glaze or lusters. The magic happens in the firing process it is the kiln Goddess who decides if a pot looks great or not.
In painting I have learned that starts are more important than finishes and as with pottery not everything you make will sell.

What are you currently listening to in your studio/workshop?

I like to listen to CBC Radio one and two, and now and then I listen to Silk FM. I love talk radio and really good classical music but not Opera, I like very old Country, Rock and Roll and the Blues.

What have you read recently that inspired you?
I love the FCA newsletters, reading about artists I may or may not know and about new products, tips and shows and workshops.
We always have ceramic magazines to read in our studio plus I have an extensive clay and art Library.

Name three artists/artisans whose work you admire or are inspired by.
University of Calgary, retired professor and mentor Santos Minyosa, teacher of pottery wheel, hand building, sculpture, glazing, decorating and firing techniques and Clay History.
Dennis Weber, Métis artist, Portrait artist, drawing and sketch artist and flute player and my mentor.
And last but not least Picasso.

Where can we find you and/or your work ‘offline’ and in the flesh?
Potters Addict Ceramic Art Centre,
108-421 Cawston Ave. Kelowna 250-763-1875.

The Gallery on Hwy.97 in Peachland,

Gallery Odin, at Silverstar Mountain near Vernon 

Potters and Artisans of the Okanagan Valley

19th Annual Gift Show and Sale
Fri. Nov. 13 from 5: 00 - 9:00
Sat. Nov. 14 from 10:00 - 8:00
Sun. Nov. 15 from 10:00 - 4:30
At the Rotary Centre for the Arts 421 Cawston Ave. Kelowna

SEE YOU THERE!

PLEASE NOTE: All images in this interview are copyright the Artists Bonnie Anderson and are not to be reproduced without permission of the artist.

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight on Rod Charlesworth

Welcome to the

 CELEBRATE LOCAL! Series

 of Local Artist Interviews.

Today you will meet

Rod Charlesworth

http://www.rodcharlesworth.com/

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in 1955 in Terrace B.C. I moved to Kelowna with my family in 1962. I graduated from high school in 1974 and attended Okanagan Collage Fine Arts program after graduation. I did various jobs including construction work and sign painting before becoming a full time professional artist.

What led you down the path to become an artist?
When I was very young I loved to draw people’s faces. It was like creating personalities. Later I discovered painting with its glorious colours and textures. I was transfixed by the process. It led me to do hundreds of small oil sketches on boards, canvas was too expensive for me at that time! In my adolescent years Dali and the surrealists really inspired my work and later the dazzling light of impressionists.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I love spending time with a book, going to the gym, spending time with my family and travelling when time allows it. I am also a music lover.

Describe your creative process.
It’s really important for me to be prepped to paint; I spend time meditating on what I would like to accomplish and then roll up my sleeves and delve into it. Over the years I have developed a few different processes. I use them all and hope to continue to find new approaches to creativity

What are you currently listening to in your studio?
My musical tastes are very diverse. I like Wilco. Leonard Cohen & Bill Bragg. I enjoy some classical ( Chopin is my favorite). I also like Joni Mitchell & Neil Young. I probably shouldn’t admit this but I am a hug Jimmy Buffet fan!

What have you read recently that inspired you?
I love reading books on Cuba such as “The Mambo Kings” by Oscar Hijueles. I also enjoy reading historical fiction. One of my latest reads being “The Other Bolyn Sister” by Phillippa Gregory.
Barbara Kingslear is one of my favorite authors. I find her work very inspiring

Name three artists whose work you admire or are inspired by.

Jean- Paul Riopelle – His paintings look almost edible!

Monat – His paintings transcended space and volume, pure light.

Frida Kahlo – She painted iconic dreamscapes. She painted her life.

Where can we find your work?

Locally I show at Tutt Art Gallery. I also show in Penticton B.C. at the Lloyd Gallery, in Victoria, B.C. and Edmonton, Alta. at Westend Gallery, in Calgary, Alta at Gainsbough Gallery, in Banff, Alta at Canada House Gallery, In Toronto, Ont. at Hollander York Gallery, in Vancouver, B.C. at Rendez-vous Gallery and in Whistler, B.C. at the Adele Campbell Gallery.

I have upcoming one man fall shows in Victoria, B.C. in October/09 at The West end Gallery and In Toronto, Ont. In November/09

PLEASE NOTE: All images within this interview are Copyright the Artist Rod Charlesworth and may not be reproduced without permission of the Artist.

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Spotlight on Natasha Harvey

Welcome to the

CELEBRATE LOCAL! Series

of Local Artist Interviews.

Today you will meet

Natasha Harvey

http://www.natashaharveyart.ca/

Tell us a bit about yourself! (your name, your alias,your background etc.)

My name is Natasha Harvey. I was born and raised in Kelowna. However, I have lived in Vancouver, and Auckland, New Zealand. My husband and I moved back to Kelowna three years ago and have since had a beautiful little girl. It took me leaving the Okanagan to travel to truly appreciate it. Now I am in love with the landscape, the weather and of course my friends and family that live here. I have a degree in fine arts from OUC and my Bachelor of Education from UBC. Upon completing my Bachelor of Education I began teaching secondary school in Vancouver. When i moved back to the Okanagan I began substitute teaching. This was great; I enjoyed the variety and flexibility of being a substitute. Then Zara (my girl) was born. Priorities changed, well, my whole life changed! I started my own business teaching art to children from the age of 4-10 and discovered that I LOVE teaching art to kids! My mother has a music school for children. She is gifted and has a brilliant reputation. It only made sense to start an art teaching business alosng side her already established, successful school. It has been amazing working with her! Also I have decided to paint and create regularly. I feel really passionate about this. It is a goal to make a living from my art as well as my classes.

What led you done the path to becoming an artist/artisan?

I have loved art for as long as i can remember. I was fortunate to have an inspired and creative Grandmother who took me under her wing at a young age. She fed the flames of creativity and had me painting in watercolours and oil at the age of five. What a blessing she was in my life. Of course my home life was a creative one, with my mother into music and my father reciting poetry. It wasn't difficult to follow an artisitc path with such support and encouragement.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Many things. I mountain bike. I love the physical exertion going up and the thrill of the decent. I ride my cruiser bike in the city. I love music. i travel as much as I can. The last destination was Cuba. i would go back in a heartbeat! I try to hike a few times a week. I love being outside. i love being around friends and family. In the winter I snowboard. I enjoy books, film and looking at art.

Describe your creative process. (when, where, how the magic all happens! )

My art style constantly changes through process, experimentation and growth. my art reflects my life and whatever experiences I happen to be enjoying. Also, my environment directly influences the style and content of my work. For example, when living in the city my work depicts images of popular culture. I am influenced by what I see and find interesting. Things such as billboards, music and concert posters, and advertisements are more present in my art. Recently i have discovered a true love for birds. So my feathered friends have been gracing my canvases.

What are you currently listening to in your studio/workshop? I am currently listening to Nico Case, Interpol, The Kings of Leon, Chopin, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, Cut Copy, The Egg, Martha Wainwright, and whatever else is on my iPod.
What have you read lately that has inspired you? I have been looking at Audobon's bird illustrations and various bird books. I recently read the Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham and Pilgrim by Timothy Findley.
Name three Artists/Artisans whose work you admire or are inspired by. (Living or deceased, famous or not so famous.) Robert Rauchenberg, Jesse Reno, Shawn Serfas

Where can we find you and your artwork 'offline' and in the flesh? (studio, galleries, shops.etc) I exhibited my artwork at Lake Country Artwalk this year!
Contact my through my website www.natashaharveyart.ca

PLEASE NOTE: All images in this interview are copyright the artist, Natasha Harvey, and may not be reproduced without permission of the artist.