Tag: Artist (Page 1 of 8)

Artist Spotlight: Nadiya Maznychka

November 1, 2022 / Conal

I had the pleasure of chatting with Ukraine-born, Edmonton-based artist Nadiya Maznychka this past weekend. It was a wonderful conversation about her and her art, which is very clearly part of her DNA. Currently, she is known for her amazing pet portraits.

I suspect she didn’t realize it during our chat, but she shared some profound insights about the art community. I hope, when you read through our chat, you come away with that impression as well.

[Featured Artwork: Assorted pet portraits by Nadiya Maznychka.]

Artist Spotlight: Nikki DeOliviera

October 4, 2022 / Conal

Nikki DeOliviera is an unabashedly devout Christian who moved to the Edmonton region from Louisiana five years ago.

I’m grateful to her for filling in after another artist was unable to make their scheduled interview. Although, truth be told, with three kids and six animals, I’m not sure how she found the time.

Nonetheless, I’m glad I had the chance to chat with her. And I hope you learn a few things about her and check out her fabulously colourful art as a result.

[Featured Artwork: “Bayou Ombre – Teal Waters” by Nikki DeOliviera.]

Artist Spotlight: Maria Iva

September 20, 2022 / Conal

I really enjoyed my conversation with Ontario-based artist Maria Iva. Her art is colorful and truly captures her passion for each Ontario nature-focused landscape she chooses to paint, especially dunes.

Maria was born in Germany, moved to St. Petersburg when she was 2, and eventually emigrated to Canada in her early 30s, settling in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). She has had a unique life — three lives, as she calls them (you’ll find out in our chat) — and is currently in the process of transitioning into a full-time artist.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn a small piece of her story and what makes her so passionate for art. I hope you get a glimpse of that from our interview below.

[Featured Artwork: “Through Dunes” by Maria Iva.]

Artist Spotlight: Darcy Hunter

September 13, 2022 / Conal

Darcy Hunter is a fibre and quilt artist based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She is unique among the artists to have been featured in this space because her paintbrush is actually a sewing machine.

Her original art landscape wall hangings are visually striking but often reflect the subtlety that can be found in nature.

She came across to me as a very genuine, kind person. We also both got distracted easily and went down a few rabbit holes that didn’t make it into the below conversation (like a lengthy chat about the Rocky mountains where I offered her travel tips if she ever travels to them).

But, enough about those rascally rabbit holes, I hope you enjoy the our chat.

[Featured Artwork: “Split Rock Trail” by Darcy Hunter.]

The 12 Gallon Mural

September 10, 2022 / Conal

“Yay, networking,” my artist wife said last September.

She was sitting in the corner of our living room in her navy blue easy chair. She had completed a mural the previous week. In my super casual, completely stealth, I’m-hunting-for-story-inspiration way, I was asking her about how the opportunity had come about in the first place.

Apparently, the opportunity to paint this mural came about quickly. And it came with the added pleasure of collaborating with another artist.

Artist Spotlight: Dale Voelker

July 26, 2022 / Conal

I spoke with L.A.-based artist Dale Voelker recently. He is the first Angeleno to make an appearance in Artist Spotlight.

Our conversation was unique and I enjoyed hearing his perspective on his artistic style, especially considering that he is a graphic designer by day. If you haven’t seen his work, definitely click on one of the below links to give yourself more of a glimpse.

Otherwise, enjoy our chat.

[Featured Artwork: “Best Entertainment Line Up” by Dale Voelker.]