ARTIST RESIDENCY – OZU CULTURAL CENTRE, ITALY!

I love Italy!  Great people!  Great food!  And a HUGE STUDIO on a mountaintop!

Paola, the coordinator for the Ozu Cultural Centre http://www.ozu.it is a wonderful host and immediately, I felt comfortable and welcome at Ozu!

On arrival, I was shown throughout the Ozu Cultural Centre and into a huge studio at least 35 feet by 60 feet with 25 foot ceilings which immediately stirred my creativity!  They had the wall already set up for my painting that I had requested and also the huge table with plastic for spreading out my paints on was all set to go!

The Studio at Ozu Cultural Centre, Monteleone, Sabine, Italy!

In that moment, I felt truly joyful and knew that I would have many quiet hours of painting in the studio.  That first day Paolo took me to a wonderful art store and I bought a large roll of primed canvas.  The next day I measured and cut the canvas and then I painted! And painted!  And painted!

Altogether, I completed twelve 18 x 36 inch paintings and eight 24 x 36 inch paintings.  I used acrylics so they would dry quickly.  I managed to keep the texture of the paint minimal so that when I rolled them to bring them back to Canada they would not crack.  And that is a major change for me as in the past I always have enjoyed making the artworks quite thick and textured.

ELEMENTS – Earth Original painting 24 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

I decided to depict the Elements;  painting Earth, Fire and Water but I did not manage to paint Air to my liking.  I did a few attempts at Air but then decided to just continue with the other Elements.

ELEMENTS – Fire Original acrylic painting 18 x 24 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

ELEMENTS – Earth Original acrylic painting 18 x 24 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

In retrospect, I believe that being on the mountain top, feeling the strength of the ancient earth, being surrounded by nature just beginning to bloom into Spring really served to ground me.

ELEMENTS – Earth 2 Original acrylic painting 18 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reser

ELEMENTS – Fire 2 Original acrylic painting 18 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

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The Water paintings that I completed may be a separate series that is more related to my experience of the West Coast.

ELEMENTS – Water Original acrylic painting 18 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

ELEMENTS – Water 2 Original acrylic painting 18 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

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The Earth and Fire are Italy!

ELEMENTS – Fire 16 Original acrylic painting 24 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

ELEMENTS – Earth 10 Original acrylic painting 18 x 36 inches by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

Completing this series of paintings has definitely shifted my art language; the way that I make marks on the canvas and the overall composition.

I was hoping for this and I am so pleased to have  experienced doing this many paintings all at once so that I can view them objectively and strive for further change in the future.   I believe this is the key to my creative process; to continue to seek beyond the last movements and trust the changes flowing in.

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Every day, the most wonderful Italian food was prepared by both Paolo and her husband Enrico.  Artichoke Lasagna with Bechamel sauce!  Pesto and marvelous cheeses on Pasta!  Chicory and bean soup! And so much more.

We shared our meals as a group and this was a wonderful time for visiting and hearing about what the others where doing.   Each meal Enrico would say to me, “some more Laara!” and of course I could not resist having seconds!  Between my painting and eating I napped on the big chesterfield in the living room, slept soundly in my comfy bed and rested in the sunshine!

I very much enjoyed the companionship of the other residents Kanwal and Lucia and the guy from Spain!  As well, my discussions with Giacomo, the resident sculptor, were totally inspiring.

It was a joy to meet my Linked in friend Kanwal Zafar in person and share studio space with her!

Paolo and Enrico have a six year old boy, Ettore who was just delightful and Allesandro, the resident writer, provided us all with much humor and laughter!

On the 20th of April, we had a great party – open studio and I met many wonderful people from Rome and the local area.  I was so pleased with the positive feedback about my paintings from everyone.

I believe that it is rare to find an artist residency that combines the freedom of

no set schedules for studio use – just paint whenever you wish to,

the location in the countryside – fresh air and spring blossoms

absolutely awesome, delicious authentic cuisine!

and most of all the friendship of those who operate Ozu and create a  happy sense of belonging for all who visit!

Thank you so much to my new Italian friends!  I will be definitely be returning to Italy and to the Ozu Cultural Centre next Spring!

Laara WilliamSen – OPEN STUDIO AT OZU, ITALY!

I hope to see you there on the 20th of April!!

OZU Associazionne Officini Zone Umane ONLUS

Largo Moriconal, 02033 Montelieone, Sabina, Riecti 0765885027 or 3480044789

http://www.ozu.it

Thank you to all of my good friends in Italy, around the world and at home!

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Home town: Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Visiting Italy til 21st April, 2013

PS – Please share this on Linked in, Twitter, Facebook or wherever else you wish!

<PSP

PAINTING ON A MOUNTAINTOP IN ITALY!

Helloooooo!

YAY! GOOD NEWS!  This April, I am going to fly to Italy and stay at the Ozu Cultural Centre which is an old candy factory that has been refurbished and converted into artist studios and accommodations.

View from Ozu Cultural Centre, Prov. of Sabina, Italy

http://www.ozu.it/pagina_open.asp?id=5&lin=eng

Located about 30 miles east of Rome in the province of Sabina, Ozu Cultural Centre sits high upon a mountain top with amazing views of olive groves, distant valleys and rolling hills.  The nearest village of 1,000 residents, is Monteleone about 3 miles away from Ozu!

Inside Ozu Cultural Center, there are bunk room style accommodations or  single rooms with a shared bathroom, a huge kitchen and dining area.  Meals are all prepared from fresh foods and we will share the cooking, clean up and of course we will all dine together!  I am very pleased that they will accommodate my vegetarian diet!

There are three studios; a photography studio, a clay and ceramic studio and a very large open studio for dancing or painting in!  I may do both!  But definitely PAINTING!!!

Three to five artists live at the Ozu Cultural Centre year round and their companionship, plus the other artists who are visiting, make this a perfect artist community for me to paint in.  I am taking a whole roll of canvas and plan to create large acrylic paintings!  One of the resident artists, Paola, from Ozu has ordered a large board for me that will serve as my wall to tack the canvas onto and I will stretch the paintings when I return home!

The artists from Ozu Cultural Centre are also coming to meet me at the airport and take me to Ozu as well as return me to the hotel near Leonardo da Vinci airport on the 21st of April!  After that I am going to the Center Plaza in Rome to people watch and take pictures.  Then I am going to find a nice restaurant and have some more great Italian food!  I will make my way back to the hotel and get up early to fly home on April 22nd!

On Saturday, APRIL 20th at 1:00 PM in conjuction with the Ozu Cultural Centre, I am having a gathering!  All of my Italian friends are invited and also those of my friends who may be traveling in the area. 

Please request your invitation by contacting me at laara63@gmail.com before April 4th.  Looking forward to meeting you at Ozu!

Also, thanks to all of my friends on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook for our creative exchanges and to those of you who have offered me both personal and creative support…..Lots of Hugs to you!

If you enjoyed this post, please share it on Twitter, Facebook, Dig, or wherever else you wish to!

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen

Sunil Vilas interviews Laara WilliamSen Canadian artist!

I am so thrilled to have participated in this interview with Sunil Vilas of ICAS! 

Thank you so much Sunil!

Sunil Vilas exclusive interview’s Laara Williamsen Canadian abstract expressionist artist

It give me great pleasure to introduce our second interview staying in Canada..,  I welcome Internationally accailmed Canadaian  artist’s Laara Williamsen to our VIP Creative Lounge to continue our series of exclusive interviews

1.    Creativity flows throughout our life but what was the first thing you can remember painting?

I remember my first painting when I was 5 years old attending Grade one.  My teacher, Miss Lellman, held it up for the class to see!  I painted a small picture of a blue sky, white clouds, mountains, trees and a grassy field with perspective!   Raised on a farm, in a rural area, we did not have painting supplies in our home but we always had colorful crayons and my very first memory of creating was drawing a detailed lamb when I was about three years old.

2.    We dont wakeup one day and say I want to be an artists.., when did you first realize you were going to be an artist?

My mother asked me when I was five years old what I wanted to be when I grew up!  I told her very clearly that I was an artist!  I remember this so well because she said I really should be a teacher like she was.  I remember giggling and saying “No,no, Mom, I am an artist!”  My confidence was rather shaky however and even though I continued to create it wasn’t until my 25th year that I really claimed my life role as an artist!  This was due to a dear friend, Christine Workman – Barnett who was already an established artist. Christine saw the worth in my creations.  She mentored me for over two years and finally one day I just woke up and acknowledged deep within that yes, I really am an artist in the eyes of the world. There was a cognitive “leap” in my understanding of my place in our contemporary art world as an artist, and this realization came when I was studying Modern Art History at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C., Canada  But this idea of ” when did I realize I was artist” goes full circle because even when I was a shy child or dreamy teenager, I always knew that I was meant to be an artist. I believe this is because I find such energy, joy and a great feeling of harmony when creating. Everything feels like it’s in exactly the right place within and without when I am creating!

Artist: Laara Williamsen
Title: Springtime

3.    Sunil – We all have individual style of painting.., How would you describe your art to someone that has never seen your work?

Laara- Sure, I like to keep my explanations simple!  I like to paint with oils and  acrylics. However, in the Springtime, when the blossoms are out I often work with watercolor because even the air is lightening up so then I like a media that is looser and lighter.  I paint in a way that could be called abstract but often you can see images of trees or water.  I love people, nature and the city as well so these themes can be found in many of my paintings.  I have also completed several series of paintings depicting content about violence against women, the plight of street kids, cancer recovery, aides and other social issues.  When I do these paintings in a series I hope that the artworks will help to bring about positive changes in our society.  But of course, once I finish the art work, I believe it gains a life of it’s own and people will interpret what they individually see and feel about the painting.

Artist: Laara Williamsen Title: Untitled

4.    Sunil – It is a dream come true for all artists to have famous collectors can you share with us if your work is on any famous person’s wall?

Laara – Well my last sale, January 2013, was to Laurie March who is a television DIY personality in Los Angeles, California, USA. I have work that is held in the permanent collection at the Biuro Pronocji Kultury, Gdansk, Poland and in the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library, New York, NY, USA and Susan Hillman, International professional painter, born in England purchased one of my paintings many years ago.

5.   Sunil – as you see our joint activities as a group Globalization ICAS is doing but personally if you had the opportunity to change something in the art industry what would it be?

Laara- Well, not very much because I see we are already moving into a totally new “art world” and all that encompasses this because of the rapid and open communication.  I am very happy that fellow artists around the world can communicate so freely and that the resulting art reflects this.  So I see a tidal wave of changes already going on and I just want to observe for now and clap my hands!

Artist: Laara Williamsen
Title: Untitled

6.    Sunil – Do you have any other interests or talents that you’d like to share?

Yes, I love music and often play the piano’s black keys with my eyes closed just improvising. I love improvise drama as well and even though I am not as active in public  performing as I was, my family and I really enjoy doing “in the moment little improvisations.”  So it is lot’s of fun!  Poetry and writing are also my favorite activities.  I am working on self publishing a book for people with cancer.  It is almost ready and is called Pathways to Health.  And the second book I want to finish this year is Professional Development for Emerging Artists.  I also love animals; dogs, cats, birds and horses and traveling to new places – exploring!

7.   Sunil – My favourite question to ask by Describing yourself in 3 words; one has to be a colour

Laara – Sunshine   River   Turquoise

Sunil continues.., because this is what I think you believe people who get to know you personally will see in you!!!

Artist: Laara Williamsen
Title: Waterfall

8.    Sunil – Once again can you elaborate more by telling us your perfect scenario for painting?

Laara – Sure, I am in a large studio with high ceilings with minimum 1,000 square feet and good natural north light from large windows, great ventilation, a 4 x 8 work table, a super sized easel, no music or sounds and lots of paintings supplies. No one interrupts my time in the studio!

I sit cross legged on a floor pillow, deep breath and do relaxation techniques until my mind is stilled.  Then I begin to have images floating across my mind.  When I am perfectly calm I stand up, go to the easel and paint, paint, paint!

This describes several of my past studios and also a studio that I currently rent once or twice a month for larger works!

9.    Sunil we nearly coming to the end of of our interview., Do you have any advice for artists just starting out?

Laara – Yes, I sure do!  One of the first steps that is very helpful to opening up your creativity is to work quickly and work all around the painting. Please do several – one right after the other.  No thinking!.  Just consider this preliminary work.  If you can paint ten 20 inch x 30 inch sheets of poster stock with a large brush in less than one hour, you will find yourself developing your own way of painting.  Much like when we were learning handwriting, we needed to practice and then we developed our very own handwriting. This quick practice with paints will help you find your own art language!

Artist: Laara Williamsen
Title: 7 Rites of Nature

Also, please photograph everything you do and try not to give your art away or sell it immediately.  It is good to keep your paintings close to you so that you can refer back to them from time to time.

People may want to give you free advice about your paintings.  If you get an “eureka” moment then the advice is good and you have learned something.  If not then don’t pay attention to the advice.  Just go ahead with what has true meaning for you!  You are creating from your own process at your own pace.  Trust the timing of your growth.  Don’t be hard on yourself by comparing your art work to others.  Remember everyone makes marks in their own unique way.  You are perfect in this moment.  Create everyday and just keep going!  When you have a body of 20 to 25 works of art that are resolved to the same size, same media, definitely the same scale and content, you can begin to think about exhibiting! And please remember to photograph the paintings!

10.   Sunil -  Thank you for your more detailed and practical advice, inspiration as well eye opening ideas for many new talented artists to take notes from your life time experiences..,  And finally our interview would not be complete by you sharing , what new work that you are currently working on?

Laara – I have three projects on the go.  Because I have a little home studio I work there on my small series of environmental mixed media.  These consist of many layers of acrylics and found objects such as nails, wood, shells, locks, roots!  I have many of these mixed media going at the same time and I allow the layers to dry so these take a few months to complete.

Artist: Laara Williamsen
Title: Autumn river reflection

In another loft studio near to where I live and near to the beach. I create medium sized 16 x 20 or 20 x 24 oil or acrylic paintings of the natural surroundings combined with some drawing.  It is better to work on the oils away from my home because they take a few months to dry and properly cure.

I rent a studio in the country and go there about once or twice a month.  Here I can create 6 to 7 paintings sized 24 x 30 to 40 x60 in two days.  These paintings are new larger experimental works.  I am working with oils combining textures, colors, scraping down and drawing back into the paint to create abstractions.

Sunil – I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet you, it was a pleasant experience to talk openly with us by sharing  your life story, and your personal journey following the path of Arts..,until the day we physically meet I take this opportunity to wish you a continued sucesses and good luck with your new project on the book - “Pathway to Health” …, Thank you for taking part

Laara – Thank you for your interest in my painting! It has been an interesting activity to share my thoughts in this Interview!

BIOGRAPHY

Laara WilliamSen,

International acclaimed abstract expressionist painter

May 15, 1946, New Westminster, B.C. Canada

From the age of four years old, Laara WilliamSen was inspired to draw her natural surroundings while growing up in the Lower Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada.  At the age of 19 years, she studied with the international artist, Robert E. Wood in both his New Westminster and North Vancouver, B.C. studios where she learned the foundation of composition and the skill oil painting.  In 1984, she began her four year program at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. and she graduated in 1988 with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies. During her time at Emily Carr, she discovered her own abstracted art language that continues to evolve today.  WilliamSen has been influenced by the paintings of W. Kandinsky, the Impressionists and the Fauve artists.

Fascinated by our relationship to the elements and by our human responses to the infinite cycles within nature, WilliamSen’s paintings are exemplary of her continuing and passionate exploration of this subject. She works with oils, acrylics or mixed media using a rich palette of colors, dramatic contrast and thick textures to form her compositions. Although she creates the painting, she believes that the completed painting has a life of its own.

WilliamSen has received four international awards, most notable, the Top Ten Painting Award in 1989 in the Artitudes competition sponsored by Gallery 54 in SoHo, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. and curated by the Fogg Museum, the Chicago MOMA and the Guild Hall Museum.  Local awards include The B.C. Cultural fund and The B.C. Scholarship.

She has had seventy solo exhibitions and has been included in over eighty group exhibitions.  Some exhibitions during the past two years include “The Peace Project – Make Peace 2012,” touring the USA, “Solo exhibition” at Small Rituals Society, White Rock, B.C., Canada, “Trees for Life Exhibition,”  in Scotland, “Symbiose.” at the Summer Art Festival at the De Stads Galerij, Oude Vest 34, Breda, The Netherlands, “The Peace Project 2011 Peace Rises,” touring the USA, “Smiles for Children,” France and Poland, Artists for Freedom,” Ludwigshafen/Rhein, Germany, “The Town Hall,” Artists for Freedom, Bensdorf, Germany, “Galileo Museum,” Artists for Freedom, Lennestad, Germany, “The Armory Exhibition,” Pasadena, California, U.S.A., “International Contemporary Art,” London, United Kingdom, “Brooklyn Art Library,” New York, N.Y., U.S.A., “The Twitter Art & Social Media Group Exhibition,” juried at the Diane Farris Gallery, Vancouver, B.C., Canada and the “Infusion Gallery,” Hilo, Hawaii, USA.  WilliamSen’s paintings are held in collections in Canada, the USA, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, China, Thailand and Australia.

Please Email laara63@gmail.com for further information.

Thank you to all of my friends for your support

and I wish you much happiness and success!

If you enjoyed this article please share it on twitter, facebook, linkedin or wherever you like!

Sincerely, Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter

ART assists Malaria research/treatment in Uganda!

UPCOMING “COLLAGE” ART AUCTION assists Dr. Kevin Kain’s malaria research and treatment in Uganda!

The MULTIFAITH CENTRE at the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

MUTIPURPOSE ROOM on 2nd Floor

569 Spadina Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

is sponsoring this wonderful event on March 7th at 5:30 pm

Tickets are $5.00 in advance email: faithsact.uoft@gmail.com

or $7.00 at the door

I am very happy to contribute to the cause that inspires change through art!

Thank you to all of my friends and supporters!

I wish you all peace, love and happiness!

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen

http://laarawilliamsen.yolasite.com

If you enjoyed this article please share on

twitter, linkedin, facebook or anywhere else you like!

WOW! Thank you Linked in! I’m in top1% viewed profiles!!!!!

Hurray! I have one of the top 1% most viewed @LinkedIn profiles for 2012. http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen

Hi Laara,

Recently, LinkedIn reached a new milestone: 200 million members. But this isn’t just our achievement to celebrate — it’s also yours.

I want to personally thank you for being part of our community. Your journey is part of our journey, and we’re delighted and humbled when we hear stories of how our members are using LinkedIn to connect, learn, and find opportunity.

All of us come to work each day focused on our shared mission of connecting the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. We’re excited to show you what’s next.

With sincere thanks,

Deep Nishar

Senior Vice President, Products & User Experience

 

When I joined Linked in three years ago, I had no idea that I would meet other artists, gallery owners, museum directors and business owners from all over the world.  Today I have reached over 3,000 members in my Linked in profile and I communicate daily with other artists chatting about their work, exhibitions and sharing our experiences.  I am sincerely in awe of the fact that my profile is in the top 1% out of 200 million users.  The artist component is approximately 1 million Linked in users.  Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone for your support!

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Laara WilliamSen – Feature Artist for February!

I am really, really thrilled to be the Featured Artist for the month of February at The Sum of All Moments Studio

http://sumofallmoments.com/laara-williamsen-fine-art.

This is thanks to

Jessica Lynn Carroll
Founding Manager, Director of Operations
Sum Of All Moments Studios
ART FOR LIFE. ART WITH A CAUSE.

Jessica has a vision! 

Sum Of All Moments Studios is donating 10% of all art sales as well as 50% of all donations to the Cumberland Cancer Assistance Fund and the Cumberland Health Care Foundation of Cumberland, County, Nova Scotia Canada.

ARTWORK BY LAARA WILLIAMSEN

FINE ART EXHIBITION

FEATURED ARTIST

Untitled Original Acrylic by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2012 All rights reserved

Laara WilliamSen,
International Professional Painter

Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter

Telephone: CANADA 604 535 3138 or 604 560 4269

Profile information: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen

To inquire about or to purchase a specific work of art, please

E-mail: info@sumofallmoments.com and specify the work for which you are inquiring.

Thank you so much

All of my friends

& I wish you much success in all you do! 

Sincerely Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter Vancouver, B.C. Canada

PS If you like this article please share on Twitter, Facebook, Linked in or anywhere else you wish!

YAY! SUM OF ALL MOMENTS STUDIOS!

Good News!  At the beginning of January, Jessica Lynn Carroll emailed me and asked if I would like to be the Feature Artist on the website The Sum of All Moments Fine Art.  Of course, I was thrilled and today I am including a Newsletter that she sent out to all the members!  I love her critique!!  YAY! THANK YOU JESSICA!!

.

Happy Friday Everyone!  It is my pleasure to introduce exceptionally talented Professional International Painter Laara WilliamSen. I have fallen in love with her artistic energy & whimsical passion for her paintings. And, as I immerse myself in her works I am filled with a childlike vitality, evoking a renewed energy towards my outlook of the World. I welcome each of you to come & experience artistic vision through the eyes of Laara WilliamSen. Laara WilliamSen, Painter BIOGRAPHY May 15, 1946, New Westminster, B.C. Canada Laara WilliamSen has been painting and drawing since the age of 4 years. Growing up in the country, immersed in the seasons and surrounded by a large extended family and a supportive country community she received much encouragement to continue her drawings as a child. At the age of 19 years, she was fortunate to study with the international artist, Robert E. Wood in both his New Westminster and North Vancouver, B.C. studios where he taught her the basics of oil painting. During her twenties, she painted as many as six paintings a day one on top of another on cardboard in her garage studio. Often, she painted nature from memory. At this time, she also began to sell her paintings from her home studio through personal referrals. Laara WilliamSen attended the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and graduated in 1988 with a four year major in Interdisciplinary studies. She has been deeply influenced by the art works of W. Kandinsky, Georgia O’Keefe, Frieda Kahlo, Emily Carr and the works of the Impressionists and Fauve artists. The city and street people inspire her to paint as does the forest, ocean and stars. She is fascinated by our responses to the infinite cycles within both nature and human nature. Colour and texture are important to her. In the end, although she creates the painting, she believes that once it is completed the painting has a life of its own. She has received six international awards; exhibited solo over seventy times and participated in over eighty group exhibitions. During the past three years, she has been honored to be selected to participate in twenty-one international group exhibitions. Throughout the past thirty-five years, she has been fortunate to have her artworks held in collections in Canada, the U.S.A., Mexico, the U.K., Poland, Germany, France, Portugal, Thailand, China and Australia. For further information please contact Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter Telephone: 1 604 560 4269 or Email: laara63@gmail.com Profile information: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen Untitled #3  $500 CAD Original Acrylics 2012 (c) 16 x 20 inches unstretched By Laara WilliamSen RITES OF NATURE $1000 CAD Original Acrylics 2012 (c) 16 x 20 inches on canvas bars By Laara WilliamSen

I was particularly pleased to become involved as the Sum of All Moments is not a business: They are offering fellow artists access to another venue to show off their talents without having to pay membership or submission fees.

The Sum of All Moments Studios Fine Art was founded in 2009 by Jessica Lynn Carroll of Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada.  This past October the Sum of All Moments Studios became a public online site not only to showcase fellow artists but also to raise funds for the Cumberland Cancer Assistance Program and the Cumberland Health Care Foundation of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Sum of All Moments is donating 10% of all art sales as well as 50% of all donations to these causes.

Another goal of the Sum of All Moments is to bring  a “brick-and-mortar” studio to the community of Springhill, Nova Scotia Canada.  This will be achieved through donations of 20% of all art sales as well as 50% of all outright donations towards this goal.   This studio will provide a creative outlet for the youth and local art enthusiasts of our community as well as hold gallery exhibitions representing Canadian artists.

I am thrilled to be the FEATURED ARTIST for the month of February, 2013.

You are welcome to visit and see my new acrylics 2012 at http://sumofallmoments.com/shop/featured

Thank you to all of my friends for your kind support!

If you like this article PLEASE SHARE IT!

Very Best Wishes to All

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

TWITTER ART EXHIBIT Opening tonight!

YAY!  Tonight is the opening of the Twitter Art Exhibition and I am honored to have one painting in this international group exhibition.  The proceeds go towards purchasing art supplies for street youth in LA, USA.

Twitter Art Exhibit: Los Angeles Curated by Nat George & Virginia Arce Opens this Saturday, January 12, at E.U. Gallery Show runs January 12 to February 10, 2013

Twitter Art Exhibit: Los Angeles is almost here!Please join us for an exhibition of handmade, postcard-sized art donated by hundreds of local and international artists to raise funds for Art Division, a nonprofit which mentors underserved young adults in the Rampart district of Los Angeles in preparation for careers in the visual arts. Art Division provides classes, one-on-one mentoring and support, and a safe space for students to work and call home. The Call for Artists went out through Twitter in October and the response has been absolutely overwhelming! By tracking the #TwitterArtExhibit hashtag, participating artists, organizers, curators, the charity and the gallery have been seeding the event, giving feedback, networking, and showing support for one another.This installment of Twitter Art Exhibit (now taking place in Los Angeles) marks a new phase for the concept, which is due to open once yearly at different locations around the globe.An opening reception will take place this Saturday, January 12, 7-10PM at Exhale Unlimited Gallery on Chung King Road, in Chinatown’s Arts District. Artwork will be available for purchase at $35 a piece (all are worth more) and 100% of proceeds benefit Art Division.Who knows… you may find work by a favorite local artist, fall in love with yet undiscovered talent, or even spot a few celebrity cameos! This event is FREE to attend and open to the public. For more information: Twitter Art Exhibit www.twitterartexhibit.org | @twitrartexhibit Art Division www.artdivision.org | @ArtDivisionLA Exhale Unlimited www.exhaleunlimited.com | @ExhaleUnlimited VENUE INFO Exhale Unlimited / E.U. Gallery 953 Chung King Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012 [ MAP ] t. 213.620.8888 | info@exhaleunlimited.com PARKING Pay parking lots are located at the north end of Chung King Rd. and in Bamboo Plaza. Metered parking is also available. THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS! Sincerely Laara WilliamSen International professional painter, Vancouver, B.C. Canada

PEACE, JOY AND POSITIVE NEW BEGINNINGS!

OLGA SANTOS GALLERY, Porto, Portugal on exhibition January 2013,
RITES OF NATURE 2, Original Acrylics 16 x 20 inches by Laara WilliamSen (C) copyrighted All Rights Reserved – I painted this with my fingers and visualizing a new beginning for 2013!

To all of my friends I wish you much PEACE, JOY and POSITIVE NEW BEGINNINGS IN 2013!

If I may ever be of assistance, please let me know!

Love and Light Laara WilliamSen

LAARA WILLIAMSEN,

International professional painter

Born in New Westminster, B.C., May 15, 1946

 

 

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2011 “Passages” Small Rituals Society, White Rock, B.C. Canada

2006 Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

at the Terminal City Club, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

2005 “Retrospective,” Bringers of the Dawn Healing Art Society, White Rock, B.C., Canada

2001Tumbleweeds Gallery, White Rock, B.C., Canada

1998 Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1993 Wilson Creek Gallery, Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada

1992 “Rites of  Nature” Vancouver East Cultural Centre, curated, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1991 North Vancouver City Hall Concourse Gallery,

juried by the North Vancouver Arts Council, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1990 Sinclair Centre, Upper Galleria, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1990 Red Door Gallery, Britannia, B.C., Canada

1989 Women In Focus Alternative Art Space, collaborative performance & solo exhibit, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1988 “Inner Landscape” Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Concourse Gallery,Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1983 Hunter Art Gallery, curated, Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada

 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

 

2012 Twitter Art Exhibition, in support of Street Youth, Los Angles, California, USA

2012 Peace Project “Make Peace” 2012 International selection as one of 156 touring exhibition artists

at these venues:

Deep Ellum ArtWalk, in Collaboration with 29Pieces.org, Dallas, Texas, USA, September 22

Landmark Arts Building, Chelsea, New York, N.Y., USA, October 6

The Whole 9 Gallery, 3830 Main Street, Culver City, CA, USA, October 13

“Affaire in the Garden,” Beverly Hills, CA, USA in collaboration with All Saints, October 20 & 21

Gallery Expo, in conjunction with Long Beach’ First Fridays, CA, USA, November 2nd

Showcase Gallery, Santa Ana, Orange County, California, USA, December 1

Art 4 All People, Malibu, California, USA, December 9

Swarm Gallery, 560 Second Street, Oakland, CA, USA, December

2012 Twitter Art Exhibition in support of The Women’s Shelter, Moss, Norway
2012 Aids Free by 2015, International Digital Quilt, http://www.2015quilt.com
2012 Project Smiles coordinated by Marek Wysoczynski, Biuro Pronocji Kultury, Gdansk, Poland

2012 “A Casa de Lage,” International Painting Exhibition curated by Francisco Lacerda

at Pestana Place, Lisbon, Portugal

2012 “Passages,” International painting exhibition curated by Francisco Lacerda

at Hotel  Cascais  Miragem, Portugal
2012 “Letters for Feminism International Exhibition”, International Art Works, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

2011 “Drawing Connection International Exhibition,” Siena Art Institute, Paul Getty III Foundation, Siena, Italy
2011 “Tikkun Olam Collaborative  Grid,” at Alta Contemporary Art &  Industria Studios &

the Jewish Community Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
2011 Peace Project “Peace Rises 2011,” International selection as one of 150 touring exhibition artists

at these venues

Gallery 9, Los Angeles, CA, USA, October 22^nd

EXPO Arts Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, November 4^th

Swarm Gallery, Oakland, CA, USA November 9^th

Aperture Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, New York, New York, USA December 1^st

Showcase Gallery, Santa Ana, CA, USA, January 7^th 2012

2011”Trees for Life,” International exhibition, “Out of the Blue Gallery,” 32-36 Dalmeny Street,

Edinburgh, Scotland
2011 “Symbiose  Zomer-Kunstfestival,” Breda De StadsGalerij, Oude Vest 34, Breda,

Netherlands 2011

2011 “Fiber Fusion International collaborative mural,” White Rock Museum and Archives,

White Rock, B.C. Canada
2011 “Project Smiles” coordinated by Marek Wysoczynski, Biuro Pronocji Kultury, Gdansk, Poland and

Assistant, Sylvia Adjabroux, Professional Fine Artist, Region de Bordeaux, France
2010 Celebrity Auction, Semiahmoo Animal League Inc., Surrey, B.C., Canada

2010 Brooklyn Art Library, Permanent Collection, New York, NY, USA

2010 Morgan Crossing Group Exhibition, Surrey, B.C., Canada

2010 The Armory Exhibition, Pasadena, California, USA

2010 Artists for Freedom, Galileo Museum, Lennestadt, Germany

2010 Artists for Freedom, The Bensdorf Town Hall,  Bensdorf, Germany

2010 International  Contemporary Art,  London, United Kingdom

2010 Twitter Art & Social Media Group Exhibition, juried, held at the

Diane Farris Gallery, West 7^th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

2009 Infusion Gallery, juried, Hilo, Hawaii, USA

2007 Vancouver East Cultural Centre,

group exhibition benefit for The Humane Society of B.C., Vancouver, B.C., Canada

2006 Artsolutely Fabulous, juried, White Rock Arts Council, White Rock, B.C., Canada

2001, 2000 Artropolis exhibition, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1997, 1996 West Vancouver Optimists Annual juried exhibition, West Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1988 Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Graduation Exhibition, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1986 “International Annual Spiritual Art Exhibition,” juried, Sheridan Landmark, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1986, 1985 “Arts Alive,” Surrey Art Centre, juried exhibition, Surrey, B.C., Canada

1984 Hunter Gallery, Gibsons, Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada

1979, 1977, 1976, 1974 “Annual Women’s Exhibition juried,” Brackendale Gallery,  Brackendale, B.C., Canada

1976, 1975 Langley Arts Council, annual juried group exhibition, Langley, B.C., Canada

1975 Surrey Arts Centre, group exhibition, Surrey, B.C., Canada

 

AWARDS

 

2012 Peace Project “Make Peace”

 

International selection from 500 entries,

as one of 156 touring exhibition artists

at these venues:

Deep Ellum ArtWalk, in Collaboration with 29Pieces.org, Dallas, Texas, USA, September 22

Landmark Arts Building, Chelsea, New York, N.Y., USA, October 6

The Whole 9 Gallery, 3830 Main Street, Culver City, CA, USA, October 13

“Affaire in the Garden,” in Collaboration with All Saints, Beverly Hills, CA, USA, October 20 & 21

 

 

2011 Peace Project “Peace Rises”

International selection as one of 150 from over 500 entries,

as one of 150 touring exhibition artists

at these venues;

Gallery 9, Los Angeles, CA, USA, October 22^nd 2011

EXPO Arts Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, November 4^th 2011

Swarm Gallery, Oakland, CA, USA, November 9^th 2011

Aperture Gallery, New York, New York, USA December 2011

Showcase Gallery, Santa Ana, CA, New York, January 7^th 2012

1989 International Artitudes Competition

curated  by

Gallery 54, SoHo, New York, New York, USA.

Received one of the top ten International Painting Awards

Juried by:

Museum of Contemporary Art, Lynn Warren, Curator, Chicago, USA

The Fogg Art Museum, Judy Neiswander, Curator, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

The Guild Hall Museum, Helen Harrison, Curator, East Hampton, New York

1987 The B.C. Cultural Fund Scholarship, Presented by Jack Shadbolt, International painter born in Canada

at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

1986 The B.C. Post Secondary Scholarship presented by Alan Barclay, President of Emily Carr University of Art        & Design, awarded by the British Columbia government, Victoria, B.C., Canada

EDUCATION

1984 – 1988 EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN, Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Graduated with an Interdisciplinary Major

1973 KWANTLEN COLLEGE, Surrey, B.C., Canada

Part time studies; graphic design, Surrey Campus, B.C.

1972 DOUGLAS COLLEGE, Surrey, B.C., Canada

Part time studies; life drawing and creative writing, Surrey Campus, B.C.

1967 – 1969 ROBERT E. WOOD, British born, International painter, 1967 to 1969

Part time oil painting studio classes, New Westminster, B.C. Canada and North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

ASSOCIATIONS

 

AASNouTec Association for Arts, Science & New Technology               

Place Philadelphe Thomas, 81600 Gaillac, France.

                 Honorary Member since 2010 to present

The Bringer of the Dawn Healing Art Society

Johnston Road, White Rock, B.C., Canada

Founding Member, President 2 years and active member

from 2004 to 2007

The Seven Levels Art Society

East 1^st Street, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Founding Member, President 1 year and active member

1992 to 1993

The Society for Creative Development

264 East 24^th Street, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Founding Member, President 2 years and active member

from  1989 to 2000

Windsor House Alternative School Parents Society

Lonsdale & 14^th Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

President 1990 to 1991, Active member 1988 to 1992

The Easy Does It Club

Scott Road, North Delta, B.C. Canada

Founding Member, Secretary 2 years and active member

From 1975 to 1984

SELECTED GALLERIES

International Contemporary Art, London, UK 2010

Infusion Gallery, Hilo, Hawaii, USA 2009

Tumbleweeds Gallery, White Rock, B.C., Canada 2001

Wilson Creek Gallery, Davis Bay, Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada 1992 – 1994

Vancouver East Cultural Center, East First Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada 1992

Gallery Rochon, 80 Spadina Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1990 – 1991

Gallery 54, SoHo, New York, New York, USA 1989

Hunter Gallery, Gibsons, Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada 1983

Brackendale Gallery, Brackendale, B.C., Canada 1974

Over 70 one person exhibitions and 80 group exhibitions.

Full c.v. available upon request.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my curriculum vitae.

CONTACT Laara WilliamSen , International professional painter at

EMAIL: laara63@gmail.com

MAIL:  #336 – 12882 – 26th Avenue, Surrey, B.C. Canada, V4P 1R9

TELEPHONE: CANADA 604 560 4269

ART WEBSITES: http://laarawilliamsen.yolasite.com

http://laarawilliamseninterdisciplinaryarts.wordpress.com

http://laarawilliamsen.wordpress.com/limited-edition-prints-series-of-295-2/

PROFILE: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen