Simple Reflections For Artists

11/11/2024

Mario Circelli, co-founder of the Forest City London Music Awards, is a local music champion who supports London talent.https://fclma.ca/https://www.facebook...

10/06/2024

09/23/2024

Meet the artist: Ilona Burghardt

I grew up in London and attended the UWO and the Ontario College of Art. I have been influenced by the Impressionists and the Group of Seven . I work in oils and soft pastels. A large part of my inspiration comes from the beauty and wildness of nature . I paint landscapes , urban scenes and occasionally portraits. The ability to express a feeling or thought in a visual language is both challenging and rewarding , and I find the patterns of light most inspiring .

09/23/2024

09/23/2024

09/21/2024

Meet the artist: Sylvia Casbourn

I am a Canadian artist, currently based in London, Ontario. I am a self taught artist and enjoy working in acrylic paint, oil paint, ink or graphite. My style has been described as not-quite realism. Much of my artistic inspiration comes from the natural world, anything from; a quality of light, the cast of a shadow, a rippling reflection, or a colour combination. With my artwork I like to preserve a moment of natural wonder, whether a picturesque vista, the infinite complexity of a flower, or the peculiarity of a bird. Feel free to check out my website casbournart.com for lots more in depth information.

09/21/2024

Meet the artist: Selma Popovic

I am an excellent textile artist and passionate secondary school teacher for TVDSB. I was born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon my graduation from the Faculty of Fine Arts, I pursued the employment in Sarajevo Textile industry as a fashion designer. The fashion world is fascinating, challenging, and intriguing. Being one of the youngest fashion designers, I worked hard to prove myself and promote my fashion designs.

The highlight of my career was when I was chosen to design uniforms for all the employees for Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games in 1984. This was the biggest honour and recognition that one designer can accomplish. I believe I did an amazing job and feel extremely honoured to have had the opportunity!

My passion and greatest hobby, one first discovered during my scholarship in Paris, France. Silk is an unsurpassed art medium. Painting on silk has a long history, dating back to the Han dynasty in China, however it is considered a new art medium. Silk has specific characteristics, the most remarkable being the quality of colour which can be achieved. I personally enjoy painting lampshades, scarves, fashion sketches, and capturing the movement and gaze of women in large colourful portraits. My alltime insiration is Austrian artist Klimt. While living in Vienna, I had chance to enjoy his art. For this art show I celebrate Klimt and his love for life and lust.

09/20/2024

Meet the artist: Diego Tamayo

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia.

I live in London Ontario, Canada

From an early age I became interested in the history of art, college I studied advertising drawing, graphic design, photography and video.

After many years of working in advertising I chose to get fully involved in photography. In 2012 I began to combine photography and art, for 5 years until 2017 I experimented with many techniques, to finally find my artistic path. For 2 years until June 2019 I finished my first large format piece.

My Work

My work is a mixture of photography and digital painting, which is painted line by line to finish it in a large format print with vivid colors reflecting the intricate mix of nature and imagination.

In my paintings I represent the unity of the universe with being, – we are all one with the universe – I represent the energy that surrounds us and of which we are part of, an intricate network of connections that if we could see with the naked eye it would show us the complexity ethereal of the world where we walk.

Each work hides images that the viewer begins to discover as the brain and emotionality connect with the picture, each person sees what identifies him deeply with his being. In my work the images of dancers and winged women predominate, a symbol of the power and magic of the creators of life, the vivid colors and the indigenous images of power and wisdom

My art work is full of colors, the colors each have their own range of energetic vibration, these vibratory waves connect with the geometric shapes produced by fractals in the juxtaposed and discontinuous crossed lines of the work, generating vibratory waves that connect with the vibratory waves that humans produce with our emotions and thoughts.

That is why by being in the presence of these images you can move to other vibrations and raise your state of mind then you can connect with other dimensions of being, peace, joy, happiness, ecstasy, harmony, love and meditation. In this way these states will lead you to the connection with your inner being.

09/20/2024

Katharina Bilka is talented artist residing in London Ontario, along with her two teenage daughters. Katharina's artistic journey encompasses a diverse range of creative expressions, showcasing her incredible versatility and passion for the arts.
Specializing in a multitude of artistic mediums, Katharina's expertise spans from crafting large-scale murals that bring walls to life to creating commissioned paintings that capture the essence of her subjects. Her artistic prowess extends to installations featuring Venetian plasters, adding a touch of elegance to various spaces.
Beyond her visual arts endeavors, Katharina's love for photography, particularly in landscapes and portraits, fuels her creativity and often serves as the muse for her canvas creations. Her artwork isn't just a form of expression; it's source of strength that has guided her through life's challenges while infusing her days with boundless joy.

Artist Statement - Forest City Fusion Art Exhibit

My paintings are a celebration of vivid colours, motions, and textures.
I do not limit myself to just one medium, style or concept. Instead, I use a combination of acrylics, Venetian plasters and Posca markers. My art represents emotions inspired by daily life, fragments of nature and the beauty of random people's faces.
If I can make any viewer stop to gaze for a moment, no matter the emotions it may evoke.........I am happy, I have succeeded!

09/19/2024

Brad Spencer is a film aficionado, photographer, and graphic designer. Captivated by movies and TV since childhood, Brad has grown immensely as a creative storyteller in his community. What is now BradBeard Studio, initially started as Brad working as a Graphic Designer. He’s rapidly evolved his skill sets into photography, cinematography, video editing, writing, and directing. Brad is a two-time graduate of Fanshawe College, most recently graduating from the Advanced Filmmaking Program on the President’s Honor Roll. From music videos, and short narratives, to historical films, Brad has sunk his teeth into so many forms of entertainment and genres. Brad’s creative and film passions run deep in his veins. Alongside his attention to detail, he applies to each project that comes across his desk, his storytelling approach ensures an impressive delivery every time.

09/19/2024

Meet the artist: Diego Trujillo

Macramé, crochet, and knitting have been lifelong passions of mine. Taught by my mother and sister, I found in these crafts a way to heal and connect with my soul. I believe that life, much like any knitting project, is woven with relationships, where each knot is unique and different, mirroring human individuality.

Originally from Colombia, I now reside in London, Ontario. A year ago, I embraced the opportunity to experience life in a new country. At 39 years old, I have integrated my background in Psychology and Life Coaching with my passion for knitting, teaching others the therapeutic benefits of this craft. I help individuals use knitting as a tool to manage emotions and control impulsivity, discovering in each stitch a means of expression and self-regulation.

Currently, my artistic focus is on macramé and textile art. My aspiration is to be recognized as a textile artist. Through my teachings and creations, I aim to demonstrate how each stitch and knot can transform and heal, crafting works that reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

09/18/2024

Harley Salamanca is an interdisciplinary artist working in Fine Arts, Music, and Design. Originally from Colombia, he migrated to London, Ontario, in 2005, where his passion for art began. Harley graduated with an Honors Fine Arts degree and a specialization in Studio Stream from the University of Waterloo.
His work often explores themes of digitalization, geometry, light, and surreal landscapes, focusing on the encounter with new realities. Harley has had multiple exhibitions in Canada and has interned with numerous renowned art galleries and visual artists.

In 2015, Harley represented Colombia at the International Championship Art Battle held during the Toronto Pan American Games. He became a Certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach in early 2022 and is currently expanding his creative practices through an interest in sound and design.
You can view his complete Curriculum Vitae at HarleySalamanca.com.

These series of artworks consist of reproductions of still-life artworks from past master painters with a unique transformation into a digital look. Transforming each subject or object manually into a geometrical shape without the use of computer software, and applying a hard-edge style of paintings to accentuate defined lines and create solid geometric shapes, as if it was made by computer software. The resulting composition mirrors the possibility of artworks that could have been made by these previous artists if maybe they would have had access to present-day digital technologies.

09/18/2024

Meet the artist: Iana Litus

I'm a visual artist, born in Ukraine, moved to Canada in 2016 and currently based in London, Ontario, who travels across Canada and the USA for interior wall murals/accent walls and custom artworks. I love to create custom art pieces based on a life story of a person or family, etc. using various techniques and wide collection of materials such as acrylic, watercolor, oil paints, decorative plaster, gypsum and concrete materials. While I use a variety of materials and processes in each project my methodology is consistent. I always create something new and unique in different techniques. Im also a muralist who loves big canvases, enjoying creating unique walls or custom art pieces so that people who live there have a special space. I have created custom art in cafes, restaurants, showrooms, beauty salons, hotels, clinics, office spaces, gyms, living rooms, fireplaces, children’s rooms, master bedrooms, bathrooms, custom art pieces et cetera. I am interested in the physical and emotional feeling of my clients as well as the power that a space can have after my art is complete. My artistic journey began when I was five years old. After graduating from art school, I finished Ukrainian National Technical University (Architectural department). I had experience in many different industries such as: interior design, graphic design, painting, interior murals and as a main specialist in the architectural city department in Poltava city (Ukraine). Expos and events : Toronto City champion ArtBattle 2023 Finalist of National Championship ArtBattle 2023 Winner of ArtBattle ArtComp London ON 2024 Expo in Ukrainian Centre London ON 2022 Murals in showrooms New York, Los Angeles Restaurant in Montreal “ 10assietes “ : design and decor/murals and artworks ; 2022 Restaurant in Montreal “Memento! - Brasserie Artisanale”: murals and wall decor 2021 Hotel Hilton London ON : mural in foyer Artworks are also in private collection in Canada, Ukraine, USA, Austria

09/17/2024

Edgar is a mexican self-taught artist. He used to paint as a hobby since he was a child. He moved to Montréal, Canada in 1999 and studied as an interior designer. Later he started sculpting and participated in art exhibitions in Montreal. In 2004 he moved to London where he has participated in some art exhibitions such as Colores de Latinoamerica, Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery and the museum of London.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Edgar is an abstract and figuratif artist fusing traditional and alternative techniques to express his own perception of the aesthetic and sensual. The silhouettes that Edgar sculpts and paint do not aim to produce an explicit reaction. They are bodies in dynamic states, that are alive and living, that reveal their voluptuousness without vulgarity or modesty, and simultaneously tempting yet also innocent.

09/17/2024

Meet Karoline Feagan, a versatile artist who calls London, Ontario her home. With a background in visual art and psychology from the University of Western Ontario, Karoline's creative journey has been one marked by passion and artistic prowess.

From an early age, Karoline's heart has been dedicated to art and painting. Her deep-rooted love for the craft has driven her to complete numerous commissioned works on canvas, each reflecting her unique perspective and talent.

Karoline's artistic journey extends beyond canvas, as she has also played a pivotal role in enhancing the local theatrical scene. Her contributions to acclaimed productions like the Lion King, Mary Poppins, Shrek, and Anne of Green Gables have left an indelible mark.

Her recent project involved adorning a daycare center with a series of captivating murals, adding a touch of artistry to everyday spaces.

09/16/2024

Meet the artist: Adora Valizadeh

Based in London, Ontario, I am a visual artist and designer who revels in the exploration of both abstract and realistic styles across various mediums. I continue to push the boundaries of my creativity with each new piece.
Currently, I am delving into the world of pyrography, a unique technique that allows for intricate designs and textures to be burned into wood or other materials. I have been honing my artistic skills in woodburning and woodcarving for years.
I believe in the power of art to take us further and intend to convey to my audiences that, regardless of our gender, race, or origin, we, as human beings, share the same types of personalities and natural expressions that make us all equal in nature.

09/16/2024

Meet the artist: Kris Popiolek

I’m Kris Popiolek. I love photography because it gives me a way to capture, and share with others, the beauty of the world. My favorite thing to photograph is nature. I like to travel, to experience different countries, cultures, foods, and architecture – another source of inspiration in my photography.
When I take pictures (or tweak them on the computer, or in the past – develop them in the darkroom) the time seems to disappear.