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Habitat for Humanity Victoria invited 33 local artists to transform, revision or paint a chair (generously donated during the recent Oak Bay High School renovation) to be auctioned off to raise money for our build program. 100% of funds raised will help build homes for local families living in need of a safe and decent place to live. The chairs are on display at Mayfair Shopping Centre from August 13 - 26 where patrons could stop by to vote for their favourite or bid to take one home. Thank you Artists!Please join us in giving all the artists a HUGE thank you for their creative contribution to our charity.
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Sponsored by
Media Sponsors
Linens Provided By:K-Bro Linens
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"Ocean Currency"
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Chair #1 - Chris Alers
Motivated by a long-standing love of art, I paint to express the emotion I feel for the world around me. With nature as my primary source of inspiration, I see the finished painting as a recorded dialogue between random and deliberate processes - ultimately interpreted by the viewer.
I have been painting for many years and maintain a working studio. The drive to create has been with me all my life. In my twenties, I apprenticed in the jewellery trade and became a gold/silversmith. The transition to painting was made for its total freedom of expression. chrisalers.com |
"Love Seat"
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Chair #2 - Sewailu AuzinsSewailu is a mosaic artist inspired by diverse cultures and feminine strength. She believes that being surrounded by beauty lifts one's spirit. Sewailu expresses creativity by using a variety of techniques, vibrant colours and textures in her mosaics.
In 2005 she studied in Italy with Luciana Notturni at the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, where she learned how to work with traditional mosaic materials and techniques. She has exhibited at the Sooke Fine Art show and also in the United States. sewailumosaics.com |
“House Guest"
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Chair #3 - Don BastianFor several years Don and his wife Denise owned and operated the fabled West Coast Wood Designs Gallery in Sidney, where Don became known as "That Wood Guy in Sidney". Don has since returned to his Sidney home studio, where his work is available by appointment. Don also showcases his carvings in art galleries, art shows, special events and local venues. Don's furniture, displays, carvings and sculptures have won him several Awards and Accolades.
www.donbastian.com |
"Otter in the Wotter"
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Chair #4 - Robert BatemanRobert Bateman's realistic painting style, featuring wildlife in its habitat, encourages the viewer to examine the natural world. His work is in many public and private collections, and several art museums; he has had one-man museum shows throughout North America, including an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. He has been the subject of numerous books and films; his honours and awards are numerous including thirteen honorary doctorates, three schools named after him and Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2012, The Robert Bateman Centre opened on the Inner Harbour in Victoria, BC with an art gallery featuring his work spanning seven decades.
Bateman is associated in the public mind with pro-nature education by his work, writings and public speaking, and is widely regarded by the conservation community as a ‘hero’ because of his lifelong support and clearly articulated perspective. He embodies the aims of the Foundation as one of the voices of reason and hope for healthy, rejuvenated and creative engagement with the natural world. batemancentre.org |
"Souvenir"
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Chair #5 - Bill BlairBill has been creating photomontage images since the early 1980s. Much of his imagery fluctuates between themes of Canadiana and Mexicana - both real and imaginary. Both play off ideas of early-20th-century romantic travel ideals and issues of souvenir culture and national identity in North America. His earliest influence was the tall-tale or fantasy postcard - popular at the beginning of the 20th century - with its exaggerated images (such as larger-than-life vegetables and giant wildlife) and surrealist qualities - where mysterious juxtapositions are the norm.
flickr.com/photos/billblair facebook.com/BillBlairArtist |
"A Nice Day"
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Chair #6 - Daciano DaoDaciana Dao was born In Transylvania, surrounded by the legend of Dracula. The myths & native symbolism had a great influence in her work & art theory. She pursued a BFA and a Masters Degree in Semiotics. As a visual artist, she earned numerous prizes in national & international competitions. Her whimsical work can be found in collections all over the world.
daoartgallery.com |
"four20"
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Chair #7 - Bruce DeanFrom a gonzo path less traveled, Bruce draws from his bizarre experiences and his social conscience of convenience when creating his photographs, paintings and writings. A photojournalist and raconteur armed with tales from his travels; from backhands to bars; from beaches to vineyards; from university to social work – caring for societies discarded children while conquering the seas, trees, and slopes of North America; battling poverty and disability while desperately clinging to parenting. Through it all, Bruce has been producing his modestly awarded, frequently galleried, and randomly published - humor, photographs, paintings and writings. Bruce has studied at Victoria College of Art, Vancouver and Santa Barbara City Colleges, and the University of Alberta. Dean holds a diploma in Photojournalism from Western Academy of Photography, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Victoria.
flickr.com/photos/brucedean |
"Fish"
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Chair #8 - Jesika Edison…has a background in studio art as well as period costume design
…is inspired to create new things out of old pieces or found objects …loves up-cycling and creating functional art …has been creative and artistic all her life, including being a talented a seamstress |
“Van Gogh’s Chair”
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Chair #9 - Brenda EstillBrenda lives and works in Victoria, BC. Her work is imaginative and intuitive. Inspired by the incredible beauty of the west coast she creates joyful and colourful paintings. Brenda received her BFA in Painting with Distinction from the Alberta College of Art + Design. Her work is shown at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria as well as galleries in Calgary, Alberta, Los Angeles, and Portland. Brenda’s work is in collections throughout North America. She is a member of the Canadian Federation of Artists and the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria.
brendaestill.com |
"bean & rio"
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Chair #10 - Alexa GibbsAn artist who uses the simple yet stunning beauty of nature as inspiration for her work; Alexa Gibbs spends much of her time by the ocean, in the forest and in her very own garden. Mostly self taught, with a few workshops and courses to strengthen her technique, she constantly strives to broaden her artistic knowledge and technical ability. A mind constantly flowing with new ideas, Alexa enjoys knowing that she in bringing the beauty she experiences in nature into people's homes and says that her greatest dream is to one day be known by her art.
With acrylic as her medium of choice, Alexa also incorporates watercolour, pen and ink, and photography into her pieces and has shown her work around Victoria. www.alexagibbs.ca |
"A Little Piece of Theatre"
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Chair #11 - Bonnie Helm-NorthoverAn accomplished local artist and avid fan of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival,for which she has for many years volunteered for while simultaneously enjoying countless hours of amazing talent in our community. Her works can be found in the private collections of individuals in Brazil, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the U.S.
Previous and often current shows include: Gage Gallery; Sooke Fine Arts Show; red art gallery; Gallery Cafe at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre; Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria; International Collage Exhibition and Exchange in New Zealand; Lessedra International Competition in Bulgaria; The Village Gallery in Eltham, Taranaki, New Zealand; Massey Gallery - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; Sidney Fine Art Show. bonniehelm-northover.com |
"Painting 43"
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Jacob once rode the high seas and fought beside Moby Dick himself to carve a space for his creative blood. Not one to shy from the hero or the journey, he can often be found in the Cowichan Valley crafting mythos through paint, sculpture, food, music and other carnal delights. He sparkles in awkward situations and is a champion of the beautiful wreck."
jlh.ca |
"Niibing"
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Chair #13 - IceBearIceBear’s work reflects his beliefs about the necessity of understanding the natural world around us, and learning to respect both this Earth and all our fellow travellers on it. Other themes are related to these beliefs, reflecting his cultural heritage, and the conundrum of being aboriginal in a technological world. IceBear's huge public art works have been extensively covered by local media, and been front page photos, TV and newspaper headlines several times. He received a 1999 Community Arts Award for the contribution he and his public art has made to the Capital region. IceBear is the creator of three huge murals in Sidney, and the large sculpture at the foot of Swift Street. He has recently sent off a number of paintings to China, where they will appear at the Beijing International Art Fair. In the past, IceBear has exhibited in Italy, Austria, and many parts of the US, and his art is now found in collections on four continents.
icebearstudios.com recent studio interview |
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Chair #14 - Anouk JonkerBorn in Uithoorn, the Netherlands, Anouk Jonker currently lives and works in Victoria. Anouk moved to Canada at an early age and spent her formative years developing her artwork. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2011 from College of the Arts in San Francisco before moving back to B.C. and pursuing her career as an artist. She continues to develop her painterly style, and has exhibited her paintings across Europe and North America. Her studio practice is divided into two categories: contemporary fine art practice and portraiture. The imagery she uses in her art is influenced by her European upbringing in a rural Canadian landscape. Her current body of work explores the physicality of paint and the purpose of representational art in society.
anoukjonker.com |
“Diamonds are a girl's best friend"
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Chair #15 - Jamie JoslinJamie is an artist, designer and visual facilitator. A student of life, her artwork explores the style of the glamorous and a sense of the adventurous. A lover of all things girlie her images celebrate the wonders of being a woman. Working in acrylics, her paintings are known for being bold, vibrant and colourful.
bohemianchicstudios.com facebook.com/jamiejoslinarts |
"This is not a chair"
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Chair #16 - Miles LowryMiles is a Canadian artist working in diverse media. As a painter he is fascinated by places, figures and faces. His sculptural and photographic works seek to express attitudes about the body in contemporary times. Lowry’s recent collaborations include text based artworks, film, dance and theatre.
More of his works can be seen at mileslowry.ca or his online gallery of prints and rarities loveandliberty.ca For studio visits, commissions or enquiries please email lowry@mileslowry.ca "This is not a chair" is made from mulberry paper and pigment on wood. |
"Race Rocker"
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Chair #17 - Marty MachacekI am leading what I like to call the architectural etherealism movement in art. I rely on my architectural background as well as on my strong drawing skills to bring my paintings to life, as if to give them a sculptural presence in a two dimensional form. The fluid, soft lines of my paintings mimic natural gestures and subtle movement, yet craftsmanship and attention to detail are never sacrificed in order to attain an organic texture. My paintings express our ever-changing views of our surroundings. As well, much like nature, whose magnificence is accessible to everyone, my artwork raises awareness of the beauty of our own surroundings in a way that anyone can appreciate.
martycultural.com |
"Preserved"
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Chair #18 - Dixie MacUisdinDixie loves paint, landscape, and colour. She is a versatile artist working in watercolours, acrylics, and oils. Inspired by the beautiful Ottawa Valley of her youth and with the Group of Seven in her psyche, Dixie pursued her interest in art at on the advice of her high school art teacher. She graduated with a BFA in painting and photography, and has employed her love of art in many diverse employments including scenic art and commercial embroidery. In 2012 Dixie began sharing her love and knowledge of painting by instructing classes in which she offers foundational skills in all painting media as well as encouraging creative techniques for self-expression. Dixie regularly shows her work through the Coast Collective Art Centre where she is an Associate Member.
“After sanding the varnish from the chair I was struck by the beauty of the wood and felt that I must somehow preserve it. My thoughts turned to a project in which I had explored the patterns of decay in wood. This became my starting point… “ dixiemacuisdin.weebly.com |
"West Coast Wonder"
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Chair #19 - Bernadette McCormackBernadette currently resides in Duncan, BC and is a member of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council and an honorary member of the Alberta based NOA Group. She shows her work regularly at the Daffodil Gallery in Edmonton. Her work is recognized by her whimsical style, bold colors, and clean black lines. Her paintings are uplifting and vibrant.
Bernadette’s work has been chosen to participate in a variety of projects over the years. She was involved in The BC Lions Club “Eagles in the City” fundraising project, as well as Sarasota, Florida’s “Embracing Our Differences”, The Royal Canadian Mint commissioned her to submit design ideas for collector’s coins in 2012, and her work was chosen by The Calgary Stampede’s “Artist Ranch Project” in 2013 and the “Western Art Auction” in 2014. bernadettemccormack.com |
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Chair #20 - Cheryl PainterCheryl lives in the beautiful Cowichan Valley; and yes - as ironic as it may seem, 'Painter' really is her surname! From an early age and perhaps due to artistic genes, a career as an artist always seemed to be in the cards for Cheryl. Her post secondary schooling included an introduction to Fine Arts at the University of Victoria followed by a year at the Victoria College of Art. Then a move to North Vancouver to attend Capilano College where she earned a diploma in Graphic Design. After a successful career as a graphic designer, Cheryl quit the business to focus on raising a family. At home she would gradually resume what would ultimately be her career calling - painting. With the beautiful Cowichan Valley as her home base, she uses escapades with her family for inspiration. Local parks, various spots in the Lower Mainland, and the BC Interior provide a kaleidoscope of subject matter.
cpainterartist.com |
"My Home is Here"
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Chair #21- Kristofer ParleyKristofer has been creating art for more than 30 years. In 2013, he moved into the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown with his husband, Nathan Davis. It took no time for him to fall in love with his new city. The friendly and welcoming community served as inspiration for his clean, crisp and vibrant watercolours. Kristofer’s pen & ink pieces capture a moment of time in black and grey; layers upon layers of detail encourage your eyes to wander at length within the illustration. His art resides in private collections in Russia, the UK, across Canada and The United States.
People's Choice Award Winner! kristoferparley.ca |
"The Way the Crow Flies"
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Chair #22 - Carol RaeCarol is an artist residing in Victoria. She specialized in a myriad of different mediums, including (but not limited to) printmaking, painting, theatre design, fabric arts, encaustics and collage. She has been an art instructor for many years and her work has been featured in galleries and publications across Canada and the U.S.
facebook.com/carol.rae.942 |
"The Seat of The
Benevolent Trickster" |
Chair #23 - Herb RiceHerb has now been carving for almost 30 years. He contributes to his heritage through his carvings and design work. In general Herb's pieces are wall panels, doors, totems, talking sticks and masks, all reflecting legends, teachings, or personal stories of growth. His totems and animals are carved in yellow cedar, red cedar, alder or pine, and depict traditional Salish and Kwakuitl designs. His work is in private collections all over the world. Herb can be found in his studio located at Whippletree junction and welcomes visitors to see his works in progress by appointment.
coastsalishjourney.com |
"Inspired by Nature"
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Chair #24 - Terri RodstromTerri loves to paint, loves the energy that builds inside and flows out to the tip of the brush. Comfortable with the brush and proud to be an Award winner at the Sooke Fine Art Show and Annual Sidney Paint Out. Participant in many shows including Sidney Fine Art Shows and Sooke Fine Art Shows. Proud to be First place in 2013 OPUS Outdoor Challenge. Best in Show 2015, Special Mention Award 2014, multiple Awards at Saanich Fall Fair 2013. Terri also is a stained glass artist producing large and small pieces and 6 years as a founding director at the Coast Collective Art Center.
terrirodstrom.weebly.com |
"Ai Weiwei Never Sorry"
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Chair #25 - Linda Rogers & Rick van KrugelLinda Rogers: poet, novelist, songwriter, journalist Canadian People's Poet, Former Victoria Poet Laureate, child advocate and grandmother of FOUR!
Rick van Krugel: luthier, songwriter, mandolin player and designer. lrogers.com |
"Snow White Flower"
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Chair #26 - Suzanne RyanSuzanne lives in Victoria with her husband Joshua. She enjoys writing poetry, and one day plans to write a book. Suzanne also loves creative expression in art. She feels that art can connect people when words can’t. Everyone, no matter what language they speak, or even if they use sign language, can be brought together in the discussion of interpretation and the pure enjoyment of the art itself.
The main mediums that Suzanne uses are acrylic and watercolor paint, chalk and oil pastels, and pen and ink. She has worked on numerous chair projects in the past and was part of a “Chair-a-tea” art event in 2013. Suzanne enjoys putting emotion and color in most of her art pieces, but sometimes feels that black and white art can portray more emotion depending on what it is. www.suzeryan.wordpress.com |
"Frenchie"
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I am an artist and a craftswoman with a special feeling for and love of animals of every kind. I love to capture the uniqueness of them all on paper as well as in form, such as artist teddy bears, needlefelted critters and anything else I decide to create. I love the challenge that each new idea gives me so it has been difficult to just pick one.
carlaspetportraits.com |
"Prairie Sunset"
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Chair #28 - Irma SoltonovichThe act of painting encompasses all of who I am. Using the simplest of line and shape, the subtlest shift of color, my goal is to evoke an emotion, a feeling, a memory… initially, for me in the doing, and then again and again for the viewer. I paint what I need to paint and am delighted when someone connects to it and it changes their landscape. Landscapes and seascapes continue to inspire my art making…the horizon line of both offer me comfort and grounding as well as a sense of belonging. I continue to see the landscape as the root to the emotion. I paint not only what I see before me, but also what i see within me – a landscape of the imagination.
I've painted on canvas & wood; never on a chair. This old oak chair from Oak Bay High seems to bring me full circle. Similar oak chairs were in Alberta high schools in the early 1960s when I taught high school art. soltonovich.com |
"Coming Home"
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Chair #29 - Andrea SoosAs an artist and an art educator, my goal has always been to build a creative community. After graduating from the Fine Arts department at the University of Victoria, I began a career in teaching art classes, facilitating workshops and hosting retreats. After years of experience at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Victoria school district, our public libraries and many other institutions, I opened Poppet Creative, a studio storefront in Oaklands neighbourhood located at 1508 Haultain Street.
poppetcreative.com |
"Summer Harvest"
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Chair #30 - Joanne ThomsonJoanne is a full-time visual artist who lives in Victoria. Working primarily in watercolour, Joanne pushes the limits of the medium to create large works on canvas. Her quiet and contemplative approach to art making is evident in her landscapes, illustrations and in the Bottled series. She describes her works as ‘strong images created gently’. She has also recently completed the The Mural for the Centennial Square Parkade and a mural on the outside of George Jay Elementary School. Thomson holds a Masters degree in Adult Education (MAdEd) and loves to teach, encouraging her students to explore the creative process through research and experimentation with art making.
joannethomson.com |
"What a Stud!"
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Ruth is an accomplished textile artist and graphic designer. She has been working with a wide range of media and fabrics to create one of a kind pieces of wearable and usable art and furniture for close to 30 years. She has mastered the ART of upholstery as well as teaching it. Ruth enjoys the process of re-imagining and re-designing furniture, interior spaces and anything that needs a new life. She also provides art reproduction services directly to other artists on a variety of mediums. With an eye for the details and as a colour specialist, it is no surprise to see the combinations of art and function come together in her work. Ruth is available to assist you in creating your vision, whether old or new, through her design and upholstery shop - Red Tape Vintage in Victoria.
redtapevintage.com |
"Bubble-icious"
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Chair #32 - Amanda WilsonAmanda is a South-African born artist currently residing in Victoria. She paints abstracts on canvas and board. Her passion is colour and texture, and the joyful expression of both. Her paintings celebrate the vivid energy of the world around us. They are bold, playful, bright and intense – an expression of her soul and her heart.
amandawilsonabstracts.com |
"The Seat of Knowledge"
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A visual mixed media artist working with a wide variety of mediums, focusing on using unconventional & recycled materials as a starting point. Producing pieces that range from textile art to re-purposed creations, the mandate is to create beautiful works through innovative expression.
In 2014 Bat-Fish Studio was created to house the many lines that were now being produced using original artwork, partnered with unique, unorthodox materials. Becoming Masters of Creative Alchemy was now the fundamental goal, showcasing inventive design work that produces finished pieces that are unique & creatively compelling. www.thefusedline.com https://www.facebook.com/theleagueofextraordinarydesigners |
