It is happening now – The Artist Project. It is one of my favourite art fairs for independent artists in the city. I participated two years in a row. This year I have been focusing on developing a new body of work as well as this new website so I missed being part of the hype and excitmenet of the fair.
Today I went as a visitor and had the luxury of time to take in the show in its true essence. I was pleasantly surprised how little I knew about the diversity and breath of works that the show presents. I guess once you are exhibiting yourself, there is not much chance to go and see everything. I was inspired and pumped up by all ways of seeing and views. I also experimented with a new way of observing. Instead of looking through an artist eye, I decided to play a wannabe art collector. What would I buy for my private collection from local artists? Turns out quite a lot! I could literally have most of the Untapped Emerging Artists works, Joani Tremblay and Alea Drain were my most favourite. Since I can’t afford to be a real collector (yet), I made this virtual collection on Pinterest for the time being. And below are my top three picks.
1. Comox Series One #19 by Kelly Rogers
I fell madly in love with this piece! The image is great but you really have to see it close-up! The raw canvas is absolutely captivating and the dynamic lines draw you in. More than anything I loved those subtle drips. I usually like detailed work that I can get back to it over and over and this is minimalistic for me but I could look at it for hours.
2. from In a Quiet Light series by Lulu Ladrón de Guevara
No wonder Lulu’s work is the chosen image of the Fair this year. I want to touch this work and have it above my desk on gloomy winter days to lift my spirit up. It is mysterious yet innocent. She has also applied a very smart and innovative technique.
3. The Whale As A Bubble by Alea Drain
Whales, bubbles, ocean, blue, whimsical, detailed, patterns …what’s not to like about this piece!
