HAPPY HOLIDAY and GOOD WISHES for 2017

Dear Friends Around the World!

I am sending to all of you my VERY BEST WISHES for a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

& I also wish for you that

ALL OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE IN 2017!!!!!

 In 1986 I bought A COMMADOR 64 COMPUTER with a scholarship AND

I HAD A DREAM OF STARTING A WEBSITE THAT WOULD SHOWCASE MY ART AND HELP CHARITY………

 

THIS YEAR 2016…….THIRTY YEARS LATER 

MY DREAM IS REALIZED!!!

 

I AM SO VERY HAPPY!

 

SO WHATEVER YOU ARE DREAMING OF, MY HOPE FOR YOU, IS TO HAVE THAT DREAM FULFILLED IN 2017

 

HAVE A LOOK AT  MY DREAM COME TRUE!  

ART PRINTS FOR CHARITY!

http://www.artprintsforcharity.com

ps My dream did not manifest because I focused on many other things! I was so busy that I set it aside. 

& this year, when I remembered and took some actions it arrived.  

 

 

Dream it, believe it, act on it…… 

(I said some prayers as well!!!)

AND HOPEFULLY YOUR DREAM WILL ARRIVE!  

 

Love and Light to everyone!

Sincerely,

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver area, B.C. CANADA

 

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GLOBAL ART AGENCY SEEKS FUNDING VOTES!

Hey, let’s vote for GLOBAL ART AGENCY!  This can be an important funding for them and they just need a few more votes!  Have a look and please SHARE THIS INFORMATION!

If we win, you win – simple! With the support of Sir Richard Branson YOUR ART could reach an audience beyond your imagination. VOTE FOR YOU  (takes only 2 seconds) Facebook | Twitter  “The Miami Art Expo”  is a 1-week exhibition in the heart of the Art district in Miami nearby the famous Wynwood area, with global promotions attracting thousands of visitors.

Final spaces, submit online to exhibit.www.themiamiartexpo.com

 

 

Love to my friends around the world, Sincerely, Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

IMMO JALASS International contemporary artist & visionary!

Wayset1a Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

 Hello to my Dear Friends around the world! Sending you lots of good wishes for happiness and creativity! 

 

 

IMMOS JALASS International Contemporary Artist

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Immo Jalass, an International Contemporary Artist, who has made astounding creative growth from his youthful drawings to his art work of today; an infinite exploration of creating original digitally created works of art!  Please enjoy the gallery at the end of the article, where you can click on each image and hope you enjoy as well as the enlarged images of his vibrant art works throughout the interview! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH IMMO JALASS,

International Contemporary Artist on March 20th, 2015

Hello Immo

Here are a few questions that we can start with and please just answer in the way you feel most comfortable.

Were you creative as a child and if so how old were you and what do you remember from this experience?

At the age of fourteen, I started drawing with pencil and ink; all the old farm houses in Hamburg-Volksdorf and the landscapes around.

When did you realize that you were an artist?

An Art scene 4 de Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserves

At the age of twenty-six, on Ibiza working with pencils, color pencils, ink, gouache, water color and oil; working out themes oriented on the figuetrees, the rockets, the sandbeaches and the water.  Doing sketching and drawing sessions with a sculptor friend.

What has influenced your artworks. Other artists, Teachers, (I am referring to your artwork before you transitioned) ?

Jens Cords in Hamburg. He was preparing his own oil colors. My sculptor friend on Ibiza and many other artists around as Bechthold, David Walsh.

Did you have any formal training?

No, never. I am completely self taught. As such I have been working for the Famous Artists Schools in Amsterdam as an Art Instructor for more than a year.

When you began to transition to digital art, what led you to do this?

Already in 1972, I did some theoretical study on computer basics in Amsterdam.

In 1994, I started to work with my first own computer inspired by a friend in Hamburg, just for interest and

in 1998 I began my first artistical approaches with Corel Draw. It has been just the curiosity searching for new possibilities to express the feelings and thoughts of my life.

Can you explain the difference in media – one is very tactile and the other is created through technology – how does this affect your process?

I wouldn’t say that the difference in media affects or affected the process of creating. I am loving, for example, all the possibilities of getting a change in color and structure on a whole picture with a few mouse clicks. On the other hand, I am some times too lazy to work out more details.

 

Now I am creating digital art works since years and some of them makes me look at them again, again and again, wondering some times how have I been able to create this whatever. Associating the world around and reflecting my feelings, means giving my interpretation. Sometimes I feel like being some kind of an organism directed by the subconscious, by feelings, moments, situations, technical possibilities, wondering what will come out next.

Asappeared70 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

Asfigured 1a Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted all rights reserved

Can you talk about your art making process a little bit in the transition work?

Bild245 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

In most cases I started with one or two photos. In the meantime though, it has been a long time since I started with a completely new photo. In fact, today there is already a huge stock of existing digitally created art works and more often it happens that I go on working on already existing pictures, from which new pictures are created. Furthermore, I am more often copying an existing picture into another already-existing art work, giving transparency to it, and thus making a completely new picture, where new forms and colors appear as if they were coming out of infinity. These new forms and pictures can end up taking forms and shapes that I myself, have not even thought of. Fortunately, as a digital artist I am able to go on working on an existing picture without losing the original (the first) picture. In this situation a whole new motif-sequence can develop.

Do you choose a theme or series of art works or do you work one at a time.

I am working on all my art works one after the other, some times only just a few things, often until a new variation is created worth to be saved as a completely new art work or just a new piece in an existing series. Seldom having a certain theme, it is mostly a completely unconscious process choosing a theme to work on.

Bild372 Original Art by IMMOS JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

What is your greatest accomplishment that you are happy about in your career as a professional artist

In Progress: “Future Fun Conquest“ a digitally created art show by Immo Jalass at the Carl Benz Cloud University. A new kind of art meets a new kind of Gallery. The opening will be on the 30th of march this year.

Have you had any interviews or reviews and if so can we link this page to them so our readers can learn more about you?

1. Solomon Walker writing about me on the occasion of my solo exhibition “Immos universe” at the MoDFA (autumn 2014):  http://galeriejalass.tripod.com
2. ArticulAction’s interview with me on:  http://galeriejalass.tripod.com/interviewed.htm
3. Several reviews on http://galeriejalass.tripod.com/rezensionen.htm

Do you have any comments or thoughts that may improve the current contemporary art world?

Generally needed is the development of facilities to show digital art works. For example galleries equipped with digital displays (best without a frame), public displays to show more digitally created art, displays for the office and nice private displays for the living rooms.

Ongame Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions for emerging artists just beginning in digital art?

Should emerging artists have been working with pencil and ink before starting in digital art? The technical possibilities are developing. Should they start working on some kinds of drawing pads? Sketching their ideas on paper or digitally? Other possibilities? New possibilities?

Scapecheck1 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

Those are interesting suggestions for emerging artists!  I believe as you have suggested that both sketching first or going right to the digital program that allows for sketching are excellent possiblities.  Thank you Immo.

Do you have a c.v. (artists resume) and can you please send it to me

Please see: http://galeriejalass.tripod.com/cvita.htm

Please list any Awards!

Wildfacing2a Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

 

Your questions are covering all important facts regarding my art work and its developement during all the years. More details can be found on my homepage at http://galeriejalass.tripod.com

Please visit the above link to know more about Immo Jalass!

Thank you very much for your interest and your effort in realizing this show of my work.

 

 

 

9 Whocome5dd Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

Thank you so much Immo. It is a pleasure to feature your amazing creativity as well as your successful international art career!

Thanks to Solomon Walker, I will now include an important quote regarding IMMO JALASS’ artworks:

Solomon Walker commenting on Immo Jalass: “Immo Jalass is an autodidact.; a self-taught extraordinary creative artist, whose vast body of captivating artwork journeys through several fertile decades, touching on nearly all the major art movements of the 20th century. And, given all that, the most surprising thing about Immo’s artistic output is, that the work remains unique and totally Immo Jalass, even in this early dawn of the 21st century. Teamed with an enthusiastic curiosity that fuels his vision, his creative input and output is tremendous. He is a thoughtful and generous being, who is always ready to share his knowledge and to lend assistance to his fellows. I highly recommend Immo Jalass for any artistic endeavours he pursues or that are proposed for him; and of course, I highly support and recommend his artist work to buyers and collectors at all levels.”

 

For further information or to purchase Immo Jalass` art work

IMMO JALASS International Contemporary Artist

please contact him at nemhja@upcmail.nl 

or visit website http://galeriejalass.tripod.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW IN THE GALLERY!

Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

Whocome5dd Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

Wayset1a Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

Scapecheck1 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

6 Ongame Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

Bild372 Original Art by IMMOS JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

Bild245 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All Rights Reserved

Asfigured 1a Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted all rights reserved

Asappeared70 Original Art by IMMO JALASS (c) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserved

Original Art by IMMO JALASS (C) Copyrighted 2015 All rights reserves

 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE IT ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKED IN OR WHEREVER ELSE YOU WISH!

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

http://laarawilliamseninternationalprofessionalpainter.com

BIG THANKS TO LEAH and QUESNEL ARTISTS!

My cousin, Leah Seabrook, who is a very talented watercolor painter, invited me to come “up country” to Quesnel, B.C. and stay for ten days.

My cousin, Leah Seabrook, Canadian watercolor painter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada

Peony in the Rain Original watercolor donated to International Art Cafe Auction for Charity, Flordia, USA by LEAH SEABROOK, Canadian painter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

BRENDA GARDINER Canadian Craft Artist, Quesnel, B.C. and the creator of the INVITATIONS!

As soon as I arrived Leah said to me that we were going to pick up my invitations!  I said, “What invitations?”  And she replied, “To the Raptor Ridge Lawn Party next Sunday so that the Quesnel artists can come and get to know you!”  Brenda Gardiner, with a very big smile, had the invitations ready for pick up and I was so happy to meet her!  She is a joyful, caring person and also a very talented Crafter.

Later in the week, I visited Krista    studio and viewed her new series of large abstract art works that really tell the story of a soul’s journey.  While there, I also met two of her students.

After a day or two, we met her daughter Carla and Carla’s husband, Rick along with grandson Josh and great grandaughter Tina!  I was definitely feeling the joy of Leah’s life and that great Cariboo energy!

Another afternooon, Elizabeth Waldorf, the art coordinator of the Quesnel Art Gallery met with us and opened up the main gallery so that we could view the solo exhibit of Jim Savage.  Later, he invited me to meet him at the gallery and I was happy to critique his very dramatic landscape paintings.

I had a very enjoyable visit at the studio of Sybille Muschik who is an art educator, lithographer and painter.  Thursday I was invited to drop in to the painting group at the Quesnel Art Center where Sybille teachs and I met several of her students. I enjoyed viewing the student’s artwork and chatting with each of them.  Antoinette who arrived as I was about to leave gave me a gift of “Woad.”  These are seeds and when I plant them and they grow, I will be able to harvest a blue color; the same blue that the warriors of Scotland used to paint their faces!  Thank you so much Antoinette!

We went Quading on Leah’s property.  So much fun – up and down ravines, across fields and right over little trees!  I had forgotten how lush and green the landscape is around Quesnel.  As we toured her property on the Quad, I met two horses, saw the beautiful ponds and delighted in the sparkling yellow leaves against their white trunks nestled in between the evergreens.   I felt totally immersed in the beautiful Cariboo countryside!

 

SASA – Leah Seabrook’s beautiful dog!

Sasa, Leah’s Anatolian Shepherd is a gentle, white, fluffy giant and she did a good job of barking to keep the old bear away from the apple tree.  Leah has a tread mill and a hot tub so I exercised and relaxed in the minerals that she puts into her hot tub.  The wild Shaggy Mane and Parasol mushrooms were up, so Leah would go and pick a bucket full and we had lots of stir fries with these absolutely delicious mushrooms!

One evening, a good friend of Leah’s, Shirley Lawlor invited us to her ranch and we had a bonfire.  I met more horses and had the most delicious fresh vegetables for dinner, prepared straight from Shirley’s garden.  It was a great time and I found a new friendship with Shirley!

 

 

 

 

BEAVER POND Original acrylic 30 x 60 inches Laara WilliamSen 2014 (c) Copyrighted All rights reserved Collection of Leah Seabrook, Quesnel, B.C. Canada

 

On Saturday the 19th of September, I painted a special canvas for Leah!  Although we had been planning an abstract, as I painted the work evolved into trees and a stream.  When she first viewed it she exclaimed, “It’s my beaver pond!”  I am so delighted that she is pleased with her painting!

I also met Pat Hartley.from Nazko, B.C. and learned that she lives on the shore of a small private lake, has amazing cats and is another extemely talented watercolorist!  I really enjoyed the time we spent with Pat and look forward to meeting up with her again!  Another new friend!

On Sunday, September 20th the artists and friends came in the afternoon and I really, really enjoyed the welcome and especially I enjoyed viewing all of their unique creations.

The visitors to Leah’s Raptor Ridge Lawn party donated food for the Salvation Army Food Bank and we collected two big baskets full!

Attending the Raptor Ridge Garden Party were

Betty Anne Russell and her grandaughter and Emily (Alston) Scholen,

 

EMILY ALSTON SCHOLEN Canadian painter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada

Original Watercolor EMILY ALSTON SCHOLEN, Canadian Painter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

 

Kasandra Bardell (from Vernon) and her sister Jan

KASANDRA BARDELL Canadian painter with one of her unique creations. http://www.okanaganartistsofcanada.com

Crop of Original painting on Rice Paper KASANDRA BARDELLL, Canadian Painter, Vernon, B.C., Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All rights reserved

Ellen Facey

Maggy Ferguson-Domais

Pat Hartley and her mother Edna

Prints of original watercolors PAT HARTLEY, Canadian painter, Nazko, B.C., Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

Daniela Bodman

MOLOKAI Original acrylic 24 x 48 inches DANIELA BODMAN, Canadian painter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All rights reserved

Elaine Ross

Judy Easy

Jude Pederson

JUDE PEDERSON Canadian Craft Artist, Quesnel, B.C., Canada

Original Decoupage by JUDE PEDERSON, Canadian Craft Artist, Quesnel, B.C. Canada 2014 (c) Copyrighted All rights reserved

Brenda Gardiner

Original Designs from found objects BRENDA GARDINER Canadian Craft Artist for more information – fabulous58i@shaw.ca 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

Honey Affleck

Jim Savage

The wife of Heinz J. Franzke (so sorry forgot to write down your first name!)

Original wooden crafts by HEINZ FRANZKE, Canadian wood crafter, Quesnel, B.C., Canada (c)2014 Copyrighted All rights reserved

India Gordon, beautiful lady and another new friend!

 

india Gordon BEAUTIFUL LADY from Quesnel, B.C., Canada and another new friend!!!

Kevin Cougar and wife

and a wonderful guitar player.  I did not get your name as I was too busy singing with you!

SINGING WITH A WONDERFUL GUITAR PLAYER!!

 

and I apologize for the others who missed signing my book.   I also lost many pics due to camera problems when I was downloading but hope to take more next time!   It was a real pleasure to view the many paintings and crafts that you have done.  Quesnel is certainly abundant with a wealth of talent and creative experience!

RAPTOR RIDGE LAWN PARTY!

Leah Seabrook’s Garden with stream!

 

Leah has asked me to come back next Spring and I am so looking forward to another visit!  Thank you, Leah for making this visit such a special time for me and thank you to all of the fabulous artists and friends that I met for welcoming me!  I hope to see you again next Spring!  Until then….happy creating, ranching, crafting, cooking, eating….. and whatever else helps you to enjoy life!

 

Love and Light to all,

Sincerely

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

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

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GOOD DAY SUNSHINE CAFE – COMMUNITY PAINTING!

 

GOOD DAY SUNSHINE CAFE #100-2950 King George Boulevard, Surrey BC V4P 0E5

I was so delighted to be a part of COMBAT CANVAS on the 23rd of September at the GOOD DAY SUNSHINE CAFE.  Here is the list of the artists who painted for 45 minutes to create a work of art for charity.

The participants of Combat Canvas on August 23 are as followed:

Morning Session 11am to noon

Carolyn Barone #1A

Nicole Carrie #2A

Joanne Chang #3A

Jude Hannah #4A

Annie Tsai #5A

Lynda Wylde #6A

Winner for morning session is Annie Tsai.

 

Afternoon Session 4pm to 5pm

Tammy Bailey #1B

Kathrine Churchill #2B

Marilyn Hurst #3B

Wendy Mould #4B

Vicki Oates #5B

Jess Rice #6B

Laara WilliamSen #7B

Winner for afternoon session is Marilyn Hurst.

Each artist completed his/her painting in 45 minutes.  The paintings were on display for a week in the cafe for silent auction with proceeds benefiting Semiahmoo Arts,

 

 

 

 

 

This was a real neighbour hood event with local musicians and a spirit of festivities was in the air.

 

Here is a photo of the owners of the Good Day Sunshine Cafe, Jessie and Chris.  Chris is the guy wearing the hat!  And Jessie is the beautiful lady with that great smile of hers.

Good Day Sunshine Cafe

– Happiness You Can Taste –

       www.GDSCafe.com    

 

GDSCafe’s Recent Accolades:

Shaw TV – http://ow.ly/v1kX2

Vancouver Sun – http://ow.ly/v1kHk

Tourism Surrey – http://ow.ly/v1lfr

Vancouver Foodster – http://ow.ly/v1ln1

 

Brewing Hours:

Tuesdays – Fridays:  7 am to 5 pm

Saturdays:  9 am to 9 pm

Sundays:  10 am to 4 pm

Mondays:  Closed\\

I REALLY LOVE THE GOOD DAY SUNSHINE CAFE – the coffee, the gluten free cookies and most of all the wonderful owners; Chis and Jessie!

Drop by for a coffee and then cast a vote!  GOOD DAY SUNSHINE CAFE #100-2950 King George Boulevard, Surrey BC V4P 0E5

We Heart Local Awards 2014 Vote daily thru September 16!

GDSCafe is in the running with many other fine establishments in Vancouver and beyond, in the ‘We Heart Local Awards 2014.  Show us some love – we would truly appreciate your votes! https://weheartlocalawards.ca/info/972/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laara WilliamSen exhibits at VENDEL ARTS FESTIVAL!

Hello!

I am very pleased to be exhibiting 9 of my paintings from the series THE ELEMENTS that I completed in Italy at the VENDEL FESTIVAL ART Show.

THE ELEMENTS – Water, Original Acrylic painting by Laara WilliamSen, (c) 2013 Copyrighted All Rights Reserved

THE ELEMENTS Fire #1 Original Acrylic 18 x 36 by Laara WilliamSen 2013 (c) Copyrighted. All Rights Reserved

 

Below is your invitation to attend!  Please share this news!  Hope to see you there and thank you so much,

Sincerely, Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

 

 

 

DORIS ANDERSON, Canadian Abstract Painter exhibits!

GOOD VIBRATIONS

I am so happy to share the news that my student and good friend, Doris Anderson, Canadian Abstract Painter of Surrey, B.C., is participating in the “Good Vibrations: Music and Dance in Visual Arts group exhibition” opening on March 8th. This is just one of the original acrylics that Doris Anderson will have on exhibit!

GOOD VIBRATIONS Original Acrylic 18 x 24 inches by Doris Anderson (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved NFS

Here is the invitation with all the details!

The vibrant art work featured in the invitation is “Quartet” by Catherine Robertson, artist!  Thanks to Semiahmoo Arts Community for hosting this in White Rock, “Our City by the Sea.”

FREEDOM Original Acrylic NFS held in private collection in Canada (c) Copyrighted 2013 All Rights Reserved

DORIS ANDERSON’S “joy de vive” is evident in each new art work. She works quickly and intuitively, choosing harmonious colours and contrasting tones. She makes various marks on the canvas including drawing back into the paint to reveal the undercoat. Each painting contains progressive layers which may impact the viewer with a sense of the splendour of musical rhythms or of a natural energetic vitality. This combination of accomplished artistic technique and mastery of dynamic content is the essence of Doris Anderson’s authentic art language. Her confident paintings are truly an emissary for dynamic visual journeys.

Her education includes private tutorial with Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter from 2012 to present, Concordia University, part time studies from 1969 to 1972 and full time Dedicated Art Classes at Dunton High School in Montreal from 1966 to 1969.  She has also spent time developing her knowledge of contemporary and modern art by visiting several Museums in the past years.

Doris Anderson at the Tate Modern in London, U.K. 2013

 

She has exhibited in three International Group Exhibitions;

“MEMORY” Richmond Art Gallery 2nd Biannual International Mail Art Exhibition from November 17, 2013 to January 6, 2014 at 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, B.C., Canada,

“PEACE PROJECT 2013 Love, Peace and Understanding”, California, U.S.A. and on line at http://www.thewhole9.com/thepeaceproject-full.php?id=2744 and at the

“BIURO PRONCJI KULTURY,” Project Smiles, Gdansk, Poland in 2013.

Her artworks are in the gallery at The Whole 9 http://www.thewhole9.com/dorisanderson/#/0|1/ based in California, U.S.A. and in the gallery at My Art Channel, Burnaby, B.C., Canada http://dorisanderson.myartchannel.com/portfolio/prints/21839-selflessness In 2013 Doris Anderson’s art work was accepted into the PERMANENT COLLECTION of Biuro Proncji Kultury, Gdansk, Poland and she has private collectors of her paintings in Canada and Australia.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to view her art works in her studio please email doristhelovely@hotmail.com

Thank you for supporting Doris Anderson by reading this article and if you enjoyed it please share it on Twitter, Facebook, Linked in or wherever else you like!

Sending all of my friends lots of Love and Hugs,

Laara WilliamSen

International professional painter,

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

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

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

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

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

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