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!
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Love to my friends around the world, Sincerely, Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
ARTIST’S MESSAGE OF LOVE AND HOPE
Ashley Jackson, Canadian Painter
Ashley Jackson, Canadian Painter, Surrey, B.C., Canada
It is rare that we see a mature and successful transformation of the art materials in an emerging artist. However Ashley Jackson has achieved this and more! Her passion, clarity of purpose, vision and flawless technique are definitely that of an authentic artist!
SOUL Original art work 24 x 36 inches by Ashley Jackson 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved
As a young five year old child, Ashley was drawing and finger painting. She remembers that she was always very attracted to colors. So even at this tender age, Ashley was confidently creating her own originals by changing a blue sky to purple or white flowers to pinks. She knew from the beginning that she was entitled to her own creative process and she changed the forms and colors to her liking.
Ashley attended Springvale Primary School in Centurion, South Africa. It felt right to her to stay within the lines as one teacher suggested and this was the early beginnings of her beautiful symbolic art works.
Ashley moved to South Surrey, B.C., Canada in 2001 and attended Semiahmoo Secondary School. She excelled in her art classes and loved learning how to use various media such as pastels, pencils, acrylics and clay. She found her teachers were very helpful. Once again, in her teenage years, she began to incorporate certain symbols into her art works furthering the use of lines. She loved to do tribal work and drew many faces. This education definitely contributed to her strength as an artist.
Her true foundation and education in art was accomplished during six years of private tutorial with Chris Lagalisse, Artist and Art Educator. Chris Lagalisse studied at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts and Education Degree and is a licensed instructor. Her private tutorials were at the Neighbourhood Art Studio in White Rock, B.C. Chris Lagalisse’s creative guidance and critiques immensely assisted Ashley to gain true confidence in herself as an artist and to develop her own unique art language.
TRIBOLITE Original art work 20 x 30 inches by Ashley Jackson 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved
Working in her own studio she began to experiment by adding various materials to the acrylic paint such as sand, wood, or beads. She now creates her works of art using totally archival materials.
When Ashley paints she feels electrified and explosive. Her sense of physical space and time fades away. She believes that she is that divinely guided and inspired. She receives vibrational energies and visions that she recreates in her amazing art works. Her clear use of line and symbols as well as mixed media has formed the basis of Ashley Jackson’s resolved works of art.
INDIGO Original artwork 16 x 20 inches by Ashley Jackson 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved
Ashley is very aware of all the challenges people face in their minds. She experienced a difficult time of shadows and her faith has brought her into a place full of optimism and light. She adds,
“That is why I use rich, intense colors and exhilarating energy. Creation is larger than us. I know it’s not just me! I am being guided to paint these messages of love and hope. I really can see that.”
Her intention once she has completed an artwork is that this may become a message of love and hope. She believes that people need to experience something beautiful. Ashley says, “I am trying to reach the viewer’s soul and leave an imprint of Light, Love, Hope and any positive emotion that will help to shift their energy, even if only for a brief moment.”
LIFE Original artwork 16 x 20 inches by Ashley Jackson 2014 (c) Copyrighted All Rights Reserved
She has completed several portrait commissions and among these paintings is a portrait of a young boy who died at the age of 13 years. She was able to intuit his surroundings and paint these surroundings accurately which made his family and friends very happy. When she paints a new portrait she likes to show the subject’s personal growth and those particular surroundings that have deep meaning to them.
Ashley exhibited at the Fleetwood Festival of the Arts, Fleetwood 84th Ave Cafe, StreetFEST, Surrey,B.C. Canada August 3rd, 2014. There she created a community painting with her words “Hope and Love” in the centre and she invited others to add their own thoughts. The title of the painting is “Community” and it is sized 24 inches x 36 inches. This spontaneous interactive creation helped to strengthen the values of each individual who participated and of the whole community that viewed the art work!
Rick Hart President of Fleetwood Community Association with Ashley Jackson Canadian Painter COMMUNITY PAINTING 24 x 36 inches
She has also exhibited at the Arnold Mikelson Festival of the Arts, White Rock, B.C., Canada in July, 2013. During October 2014, she did a collaborative art exhibition, “A Life in Spirit and Color,” featuring her artworks and the artworks of Kevin Jordan, Canadian Painter at the Mind and Matter Gallery, White Rock, B.C., Canada.
Ashley Jackson is an outstanding Canadian painter and she has artworks held in private collections in Canada, Australia, Japan and Africa.
Ashley Jackson Canadian Painter
For further information
or to purchase an original Ashley Jackson art work
please visit her Website www.ashleyoriginals.com
or email her at ashley-jackson@outlook.com
If you enjoyed this article please share it on Twitter, Facebook, Linked in or wherever you like!
Sincerely
Laara WilliamSen
International professional painter
Vancouver area, B.C., Canada
I am very happy to share the news of Sue Foerster and Lilian Ghazarian’s exhibition LOOKING THROUGH THE MIND’S CONSCIOUSNESS. Please see the details below and visit the Aurora Public Library in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to see their art works before the closing on November 3rd, 2014!
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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Sun Nov 17 2013 at 01:00 pm Add to calendar
Venue : Good Day Sunshine Cafe (No admission fee),
#100-2950 King George Blvd. (enter Save on Lot from 152nd St.,
Cafe is located behind Staples), Surrey, B.C., Canada
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BANFF MOUNTAINS Original, framed, 16 x 20 inches, Pastels by Laara WilliamSen (C) 2010 Copyrighted All Rights Reserved
Price – $125.00 plus shipping or pick up at Good Day Sunshine Cafe after Nov. 2nd, 2013.
Come and join Laara WilliamSen, local Fraser Valley artist with an international reputation
on Sunday, November 17th between 1 and 4pm at the Good Day Sunshine Cafe!
She is offering her unframed portfolio drawings, watercolors and pastels at the
`Meet the Artist Party` for as little as $25.00 and up.
Or drop in throughout the month of November
to select your original artwork at stunningly low prices!
The full exhibition of her framed `Small Art Works`
(sized 9 x14 inches to 20 x 24 inches)
is opening on November 2nd and runs to November 30th
at the Good Day Sunshine Cafe, 100 – 2950 King George Blvd.,Surrey, B.C. CANADA
She is pricing her framed `Small Art Works` from $50.00 to $150.00.
Laara WilliamSen`s art works are held in collections in Canada, the U.S.A., Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, Thailand, China and Australia and in Permanent Collections at the Paul Getty III Foundation, Siena Art Institute, Italy, the Boston Art Library and the Biuro Pronocji Kultury, Gdansk, Poland.
For more information email laara63(a)gmail.com or call 604 560 4269 (leave a message)
or call the Good Day Sunshine Cafe at 604 560 5518.
Hope to see you there!
Sincerely
Laara WilliamSen, International (and local Fraser Valley) professional painter
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, Water and Air!
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!
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
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
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
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.
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!
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Sincerely, Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter
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.
FEATURED ARTIST
Untitled Original Acrylic by Laara WilliamSen (c) Copyrighted 2012 All rights reserved
Laara WilliamSen, International professional painter
Telephone: CANADA 604 535 3138 or 604 560 4269
Profile information: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen
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
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