A Visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta

August 4, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Exhibitions, Mixed Media, Painting, Sculpture, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

I love visiting art galleries. It is one of my favorite things to do. Typically, I either leave inspired or disappointed, sometimes neutral. I use the word ‘inspired’ when I’ve seen some truly interesting work that revs me up to get into my own studio, regardless of whether the artwork I saw was paintings, sculpture, photography or instillation art, – or – ‘disappointed’ because I failed to connect with the curator’s vision or the work simply didn’t speak to me.

Claude Tousignant, “Gong” 1966, acrylic on canvas, The Double Bind: Conversations Between Modernism and Postmodernism

Art is so personal. It’s okay to love it – just like it’s okay to hate it. Different art forms/artists/concepts/etc. speak to different people, each in their own unique way.

My recent visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta was a mix. The Jack Bush exhibit was fascinating and I learned so much. I’m eager to find a biography of Bush’s life. If anyone has read a good one, please let me know! The Modern/Postmodern show was a bit confusing. The description to differentiate the successive artistic periods was excellent, but I was hoping the visuals exhibited would bring the words to life. Unfortunately, the gallery room was a bit sparse.

Jack Bush

May 30 – August 23, 2015

The Double Bind: Conversations Between Modernism and Postmodernism

May 2 – September 13, 2015

If you make it out to any of the Art Gallery of Alberta shows, let me know what you think!

Have you seen any interesting exhibits lately?

Here are some photos from the visit:

Jack Bush exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta

The Double Bind: Conversations Between Modernism and Postmodernism

Sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, The Double Bind: Conversations Between Modernism and Post Modernism, Art Gallery of Alberta

Brian Jungen, “Companion” 2013, steel, deer hide, Audi fenders, freezer

Inspiring Quotes for Artists

July 9, 2015/1 Comment/in Art Inspirations, Art Update, Painting, Quotes, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Here are eleven quotes by great minds on the topic of creativity. These words encourage me and I hope they do the same for you. Below you will find the list, but over the next few months I will take each one of these quotes and write a little reflection on life as an artist inspired by the quote. I’m looking forward to it already! For now, just soak up the words:

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced” – Vincent Van Gogh

“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it” – Salvador Dali

“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people” – Leo Burnett

“You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club” – Jack London

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will” – George Bernard Shaw

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try” – Dr. Seuss

“Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity” – Charles Mingus

“Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas” – Donatella Versace

“Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things” – Ray Bradbury

“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, the just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while” – Steve Jobs

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not’?” – George Bernard Shaw

Mentoring to take your creativity to the next level

July 2, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Art Update, Coaching, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

I love people, business and creativity. When these three fuse together, I overflow with ideas, which I’m happy to share. I have been a professional writer and artist for almost fifteen years and one aspect of my job which I love is mentoring others to become more successful.

I am currently mentoring a musician, a photographer, a writer, an artist… They are great minds and I am honoured to help them get where they want to go.

Here is a quote from one of my mentees:

“Being mentored. A wonderful experience of discovery and focus.

The best part about guidance from Alexis Marie Chute, professional artist, has been the inexhaustible amount of knowledge she can apply to your situation or seemingly unsolvable problem. Alexis Marie honestly and without judgement pointed out that in my case, spreading myself too thin with multiple projects and talents, would only result in a lack of finishing my projects and that I needed to find my focus or passion, and specialize.

After two weeks of intense thought on the homework she gave, I came up with precise lists of capabilities, skill levels and what I enjoyed the most. Alexis Marie used effective constructive criticism to then guide my focus as to how I would approach selling my products and gave suggestions for solving the problem in a positive and productive manner. As someone increasingly interested in the arts I would recommend her to anyone interested in putting in the time to seriously start their own artistic endeavours.

On that note, she is a kind and enthusiastic individual whose talent is beyond paint and portrait. Her life experience lends to her awareness of the sensitivity others may need and contributes to her knowledge that sometimes life doesn’t work out as planned so we all periodically need a little encouragement to seek out our hearts’ desires.”

Heather Groeller, Artisan

It is always rewarding for me to hear the positive feedback of clients – and these individuals are often an inspiration for me as well. Get in touch for more information about my mentoring services: info@alexismariechute.com. I charge $50/one-hour session. It is a worthwhile investment.

Here are other posts about my mentoring:

Get Focused, Be Productive & Tap into your Creativity through Mentorship

http://www.alexismarieart.com/index.php/get-focused-be-productive-tap-into-creativity-through-mentorship/

Mentoring for the Modern Writer

http://www.alexismariewrites.com/index.php/mentoring-for-the-modern-writer/

Coaching, Mentoring & Consulting by Alexis Marie Chute

http://www.alexismariewrites.com/index.php/services/coaching-mentoring-consulting/

Robert Pohl Photography: Special Guest Post

June 30, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Blogging, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: I have loved sharing the stories and inspirations of some truly interesting individuals during the InFocus Alumni photography blog series. Are you excited about InFocus 2016? We will soon release the call for submissions and we would love to see your work. For now, I’m pleased to introduce Robert Pohl, a modern photographer engaging traditional processes.

Welcome Robert!

GUEST POST

“Piano” copyright Robert Pohl

My name is Rob Pohl. I was born in Edmonton over half a century ago and have lived here my entire life. I’ve been photographing the area specifically, but the world in general for about 35 years. I started out shooting film, and have stayed with it. I spend my working days in an office staring at a computer monitor. When I want to escape from that world and immerse myself in my photography, the last thing I want to do is spend yet more hours staring at a stupid monitor. While the masses have embraced digital photography and image manipulation software, I continue to work with film and traditional wet photography. I enjoy the relaxation and escape of the darkroom, the mixing of the chemistry, the experimentation, and the process of creating something with my hands. I shoot black and white film and process and print everything myself. In this age of digital photography that makes me a dinosaur. But I also think that it sets me apart from the masses that blast away with digital cameras. My approach is much more methodical and measured and I try to make every shot count.

“Schoolhouse” copyright Robert Pohl

Most of my work is shot with a large format 4″ x 5″ view camera. A dabble a little with medium format roll film, and with the even larger 8″ x 10″ format. I shoot mostly landscapes, landscape details, and historical images. It disturbs me somewhat that our province is falling victim to massive population growth and extensive development. Mankind seems too wrapped up in economic growth and development and seems to place little value on the natural world, and a responsibility to our planet. We all need to step back and take a deep breath and garner a little appreciation for the world around us, and what our lifestyle is doing to it. Hopefully my imagery helps to illustrate an appreciation for where we have come from, where we are going, and what the consequences are.

“Rock Pool” copyright Robert Pohl

In early 2015 I became involved in the InFocus Photography Exhibition that has expanded from Calgary and Banff, to the provincial level. The YEG show in Edmonton that I was involved in was curated by Alexis Marie Chute. I felt privileged to be included in that show, and hope to take part in future exhibitions. I’ve included a selection of images that are typical of my work. I regularly post work to my Flickr account, and to my blog…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130527519@N08/

www.robertspohl.blogspot.com

Wilfred Kozub Photography: Special Guest Post

June 23, 2015/1 Comment/in Art Inspirations, Blogging, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: Are you enjoying the InFocus Alumni photography blog series? Today I would like to introduce you to Wilfred Kozub, photographer and artist of many mediums.

Welcome Wilfred!

GUEST POST

Wilfred Kozub, Multi media Artist

These are exciting times as I seem to have a lot of art projects on the go. I have gradually branched out from being a painter and pop/electronic musician to becoming a multi media artist.

“Treads” copyright Wilfred Kozub

I feel that colour and motion are the most conspicuous features in my paintings. These are elements that I typically bring to my photographic images, and to my music, too. I am now applying the same sensibility to my recent ventures in making little lyric videos to post on YouTube for my tunes. An extended music-based film titled “The Weather” will come out in the fall of 2015.

“Go North” copyright Wilfred Kozub

My paintings are frequently populated by swallows, magpies . . . and electrical activity. The goal has always been to engage the viewer with interesting ideas in an accessible format – keep it simple and make it striking! My painting, No One Gets Zapped is a good example of the electrical motion and vibrant colour that I’m talking about, and you can hear its audio equivalent in my song, Wilfred In The City.

“Delirious World” copyright Wilfred Kozub

Although photography isn’t at all new to me, I have recently brought my camera into action more and more with my photographic images now sharing nearly equal billing with my paintings on art cards and prints that I regularly show at the Royal Bison Art & Craft fair. My paintings have also been displayed in group and solo art shows with The Works, at the Artery, and other Edmonton gallery venues. It was a proud moment for me to ‘come out’ officially as an artistic photographer at the inaugural InFocus show for the Exposure Photography Festival in Edmonton (February, 2015). What a fine show it was, and such an excellent opportunity to have some of my new photographs displayed alongside the works of terrific Edmonton photographic artists.

My artwork and photography frequently can be seen in the graphic design for albums by my band, Wilfred N & the Grown Men. I have come to recognize the decorative quality of many of my paintings which use repetitive images (see I See By The Colour of Your Eyes That You Are One of Us). A new painting titled Delirious World has become the centerpiece for new cards and prints – and for my freshly designed, Delirious World printed silk scarves. That image is going to be expanded and transformed to be re-purposed as the cover art for my upcoming tenth Wilfred N & the Grown Men album titled Passing Through Time. A debut solo Wilfred Kozub album, “What’s Gonna Become of Us” is also in the works, and my photograph Ancient Flowers, Rome will be the cover image for that one. Lots going on! . . . I had better get to work!

Listen to “Wilfred in the City”

Wilfred Kozub

Contact Info:

Email: wilfredkozub@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilfred.kozub

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wngm

Links:

The Wilfred Kozub Art & Ponder Tumblr Page:

http://wilfredkozub.tumblr.com/

Wilfred Kozub on Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/wilfred-kozub

Wilfred N & the Grown Men on Bandcamp

https://wilfrednthegrownmen.bandcamp.com/

Wilfred N & the Grown Men on AmazingTunes

http://amazingtunes.com/wilfrednandthegrownmen

Videos:

Nobody Has To Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yab2dUwo6J0

Wilfred In the City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WGA9YpxXPo

Thunder on the Tundra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVmQUZgcR_U

Gerry Dotto Photography: Special Guest Post

June 16, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Blogging, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: Continuing on in the InFocus Alumni photography blog series, I am pleased to introduce Gerry Dotto. Taking the everyday and making it interesting is quite a feat. I hope you enjoy Gerry’s images and the way he expounds on them.

Welcome Gerry!

GUEST POST

On a recent trip to Boston, I visited the Museum of Fine Arts to see an exhibition of works by two historically prominent photographers: Herb Ritts and Gordon Parks. It was a great show, and the impact of seeing iconic photos up close and in person really left an impression. This experience truly underscores the importance of getting one’s photographs printed and, if the occasion arises, put on display. It’s one thing to look at a digital image on the screen, but it’s no comparison to a well-printed photograph that allows you to truly appreciate the tone, the light and the detail.

“Stickers or Stamps, Crutches or Stilts” 2014, Digital print on photo paper 22” x 17” (55.9 x 43.2 cm) image size Edition of 30, copyright Gerry Dotto

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the InFocus Edmonton exhibition, where I showed a photo from a series I’ve been developing called “Flow of Traffic Theory.” My work is conceptual in nature and is based on exploring our interaction with everyday forms of visual communication. This series originated from my fascination with the simplicity and universality of the imagery used on road signs. Specifically, signs whose words and symbols have become obscured or distorted in some way.

Peach Inspediment – Composite 1, 2014,
Digital print on photo paper, 22” x 16” (55.9 x 40.6 cm) image size, Edition of 30, Copyright Gerry Dotto

Over the course of the last several years, I’ve kept a keen eye out for road signs that have been damaged, run over, victims of adverse weather or compromised by construction. The interesting thing is that these signs are generally overlooked by drivers—no need to look at a sign that can’t be read. The signs, in effect, become “invisible.” The value of these signs, relative to the message they once carried, has been lost. They now take on an aesthetic value of their own, either in their appearance, the reinterpretation of their message or based on the context of their physical location. The images in this series set out to reveal the relative beauty of these objects that have lost their inherent value.

“Red Cross” 2012, Digital print on photo paper, 22” x 15.5” (55.9 x 39.4 cm) image size, edition of 30, Copyright Gerry Dotto

During the run of the InFocus Edmonton exhibition, I met a few photographers whose work I was familiar with but hadn’t had the occasion to meet yet. Seeing my work in relation to theirs, as well as other photos in the show, fostered some new perspectives on how I approached my own picture making. I realized that many of my photos of road signs were taking on human characteristics, in the sense that I was portraying them like they were portraits of people—people wearing masks. What are they hiding? Is it about insecurity? A secret identity? Is it a game? In the end, these photos offer more questions than answers.

Ultimately, photography is a medium about “showing” what’s in our world and, in theory, it captures “truth.” The photographic print remains the best medium for revealing the photographer’s vision. Personally, I benefitted from this exhibition experience when deeper aspects of my own work were revealed to me. While I set out to show the world my vision, I’m hiding from it, too. You can see more of my work on my website, gerrydotto.com, or contact me at gerry@gerrydotto.com

Why Analogue Photography: Guest Post by Candace Makowichuk

June 9, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: The third in our line-up for the InFocus Alumni photography blog series is Candace Makowichuk. Candace uses alternative process in her photography and the way she talks about it is inspiring. I hope you enjoy her work!

Welcome Candace!

GUEST POST

Why Analogue Photography

by Candace Makowichuk

Why? This is a word I continually hear from photographers and others when they find out that I shoot film and specialize in historical photographic processes. Why go through all that work when you can do similar techniques digitally? For me there are many reasons why I have chosen to continue working with the photographic processes I love.

I have always been interested in the “alternative” photographic processes since the beginning of my art studies. Today I work with Gum Bichromate, Cyanotype, Van Dykes, Bromoil and Silver Gelatin. I will be pursuing Tin Types and Lith prints over the next several months. The processes I have mentioned are just a few of the many invented in the 19^th and 20^th Century and it would be amazing to have the time to learn more!

“Modern Touch” copyright Candace Makowichuk

These historical photographic processes render one-of-a-kind images, impossible to predictably reproduce by hand. It is this unpredictability, which fascinates me. You have only so much control over the final print; the rest is due to chemistry, the hand coating, and your support/backing (paper, fabric, ect). The many steps involved all react to your individual style of work – and sometimes mistakes or accidents produce wonderful results!

The time required to learn one of these many processes is challenging. It requires patience and determination as it can take considerable trial and error to become proficient. This challenge is also appealing to me as the satisfaction of producing your first successful print using a new process is very rewarding.

“Twisted” copyright Candace Makowichuk

I do shoot digital. I have to as large sheet film – 16×20 and larger – is no longer available. Many of the historical processes use a contact printing technique and the most economical way to make a large negative is to output digitally. This also interests me – combining modern technology with historical.

The hand coated emulsions and Bromoil techniques are unique in their appearance as the hand of the artist is very evident in every part of the image, from the brush strokes to the applying of ink. This is the main appeal as to why I pursue these processes, the evidence of a human touch. I become a part of it, it is physical. From the movements of processing film, to the movements of coating your supports, to the movement of processing your print, you are immersed in the physical component of producing an image. Also being in the dark with the sound of water where time disappears. All very different from sitting in front of your computer to produce a photograph.

“Way Up” copyright Candace Makowichuk

The InFocus exhibition in Edmonton Alberta showcased a variety of photographers work and I was pleased to have been a part of it. There were two of us in this exhibition that use analogue based photography for our work allowing the public to have the opportunity to view processes that are rarely used today. Both of us analogue photographers in the InFocus exhibition are members of the Monochrome Guild, a group of photographers dedicated to working with film-based processes.

Contact Candace:

Twitter: Sunprintstudio

Web Site: www.candacemakowichuk.com

Martin Snider Photography: Special Guest Post

June 2, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Blogging, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: We continue the InFocus Alumni photography blog series with photographer Martin Snider. Martin has a unique perspective on the world and I’m glad he is sharing it with us.

Welcome Martin!

GUEST POST

Thinking back, I can remember those frigid mornings spent on the barren prairies of the greater CFB Wainwright training area. I watched the brilliant pinks and oranges set fire to the sky as the sun would crest the horizon, spilling rays of light onto the frost covered blades of grass below. At the time such scenes were not often the object of my focus, however, I can recall them vividly now. On occasion though, the opportunity might arise long enough for me to snap a quick picture to send back home, serving as a postcard to a world beyond my immediate one. Without even realizing it at the time, that’s where my romance with the lens and world began.

Copyright Martin Snider

Its been a little while now, since that chapter of snapping covert sunrise cell phone pics began. In the mean time a lot has changed. The learning curve was pretty steep for someone who’s photographic experience had been limited to taking maybe 5 rolls of film in their life (with an old film point and shoot none the less). Through much trial and error, as well as guidance from colleagues and friends, an image of my place in the photo scene is now starting to develop.

As a rookie to this, I have been infinitely fortunate in working along side some incredibly talented individuals. They have greatly aided in inspiring me, as well as guiding my course in the right direction. Being one of the featured artists in this past years InFocus YEG exhibition, has to date been one of the largest contributing factors in encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Receiving such recognition has only given validity to my experiment in challenging perspective, while at the same time practicing my technique and creativity.

Copyright Martin Snider

Modern technology and social media have also been highly instrumental in aiding my attempts at visual story telling. Through Instagram I’ve collected a catalogue of photos, documenting my travels, as well as moments from my day to day life. Included in this album are various highlights from a summer spent adventuring through British Columbia’s interior as well as Vancouver Island and the American Pacific North West. At this time I’m looking forward to utilizing social media further by incorporating Tumblr and Snapchat to share more of the story behind the photos.

To be able to wake up every day and live out your passion, all the while being the person who you were made to be, is the ultimate goal for me. In my eyes, that’s what true freedom is. To communicate the beauty and mystery in life through an image is what continues to give these attempts meaning and provides the drive which always draws my best foot forward. Hopefully that shows through my work and breathes authenticity in each photo.

Copyright Martin Snider

Life is a story, how will you tell yours?

Best Regards,

Martin Snider

Facebook: M. Snider Photography

Instagram: @after.mars

Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/aftermarsphoto

Snapchat: mjrsnider

Art on the Block Photos, Art Gallery of Alberta

May 29, 2015/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Exhibitions, Fundraising, Gallery Openings, Painting, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

The Art Gallery of Alberta knows how to put on a fun party. Their fundraiser this year was no exception. Here are a few pictures from Art on the Block at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Alexis Marie & Aaron Chute, image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

“Blue Flow” acrylic painting copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Mayor Don Iveson & Alexis Marie Chute, image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Aaron Chute at the silent auction, copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Art on the Block, Art Gallery of Alberta, copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Hedy Bach Photography: Special Guest Post

May 26, 2015/1 Comment/in Art Inspirations, Blogging, Curating, Exhibitions, InFocus Photo Exhibit, Photography Inspirations, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie: I am excited to kick off the InFocus Alumni photography blog series with Hedy Bach. She is a perceptive and thoughtful woman, not to mention a blossoming photographer. I hope you enjoy her words and images.

Welcome Hedy!

GUEST POST

Some days opening up an email can be both joyous and a grateful surprise.

Dec 14, 2014 at 8:58 PM, InfocusYEG <infocus@alexismariechute.com> wrote:

Dear Hedy Bach,

Congratulations! I am happy to inform you that your work has been selected for the inaugural InFocus Edmonton exhibition!

Sincerely,

Alexis Marie Chute, Curator

InFocusYEG.com

@infocusYEG

We have chosen your following image for InFocus:

Copyright Hedy Bach

Through the encouragement of my dear friend Eva I had entered my photography work to the InFocus Edmonton exhibition…so having my photograph selected by Alexis Marie along side of other local photographer’s works for this exhibition was both exciting and humbling…now I hope these sorts of experiences will be followed by many other photography exhibitions.

As an image-maker I study how the world around me looks and sounds through ordinary harmony and fittingness. I work daily with my camera and with words to compose beautiful “thought things” (Arendt, 1978) as a way to form ideas and to inspire reflection and rumination; perhaps start a conversation. I am intentional in choosing to photograph my life with beauty… beauty as consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. And it may affect us in unlimited ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference.

Copyright Hedy Bach

Exploring Scruton’s (2009) concept of beauty, means I ask what makes an object – either in art, in nature, or the human form – beautiful? I examine how I compare differing judgements/positions of beauty when it is evident all around us knowing that aesthetic tastes vary widely. I often ask myself is there a right judgement to be made about beauty? In my image based work I try to create a sense of meaning in the beautiful objects and experiences that fill my life.

My photographs are allegories for my understandings of human desire for settlement of spaces and places in which people and things fit together. I appreciate beauty along side of my sense of “disinterested interest.” as I try to negotiate my subjectivities of looking and composing my “thought things” with ideas of why beauty matters, to see the remedy of beauty as an instrument of peace.