Encaustic, or molten beeswax mixed with pigment, is Steeves’ medium of choice. The physicality of the encaustic medium is reinforced in the form of large renderings of fingerprints layered over the canvas surface. The prints are often Steeves’ own — he had himself ‘processed’ by the Vancouver Police Department in preparation for this work — and they serve to remind us not only of the existence of the painter, [...]
Why does someone become an artist? It's a big question that can yield seemingly inconsequential answers. Sometimes, it all comes down to a chance encounter — stumbling across a comic strip, accidentally walking into a band's practice session or visiting an artist studio for the first time. I ask our feature artist, Jose Jimenez, to tell us about the pivotal moment that inspired his desire to paint and set him on his [...]
Why does someone become an artist? It's a big question that can yield seemingly inconsequential answers. Sometimes, it all comes down to a childhood chance encounter — stumbling across a comic strip, attending an art exhibition for the first time or an emergency trip to the hospital. I asked Rubeena Ratcliffe to tell me about the early art memories that inspired her desire to create and set her on her career path. [...]
In this interview we delve into the meticulous three dimensional cast resin sculptures by Halifax artist Jessica Korderas. Film is a major inspiration for Korderas and the new work we examine is based on her recent discovery of 1970's genre of Italian movies called "Giallo”. Can you tell me about the process of making your work? I have [...]
Our interview with Toronto-based painter Mara Korkola took place by telephone and email over the course of two months. Mara Korkola's captivating works compress worlds of information into small intimate oil paintings. The sunset paintings featured here are based on photographs taken from hiking trips along the west coast of British Columbia. Late evening is Korkola's signature time of day. This is when she prefers to paint as [...]
Jeroen Witvliet spoke to me about his path to contemporary art making and the curiosity that continues to drive his work. Witvliet's art practice is a response to contemporary times; to be aware and to find a sense of the poetic while questioning current events, historical accuracy and memory. Tell us a bit about yourself. My country of birth [...]
Carrie Walker spoke to me about her path to contemporary art making and the curiosity that continues to drive her work. Walker's art practice explores the fraught relationship between humans and non-human animals by looking at how humans write about, photograph and paint non-human animals. She uses original drawing, photography and video, as well as found and appropriated materials such as text, paintings and photographs. Humour and playfulness [...]
Our “Artist Spotlight” series focuses on the lives Canadian Artists: their aspirations, influences, and creative challenges. Gillian Richards spoke to me about her path to contemporary art making and the curiosity that continues to drive her work. Richard’s body of work including painting and drawing examines the beauty and banality of urban life. Was there a pivotal moment when [...]
