MEET THE ARTISTS
Our artists/instructors and art assistants are special contributors to our program for children and adults. Every Studio team member has a gift, whether drawing, painting, or design and all are talented art educators. Each has a passion for the arts, but-more importantly-for making an everlasting difference in the lives of individuals through creativity and self-expression. Our team invests its time and talent to help others feel joy from connecting to their creative side!
Angela
Angela Duhart Favorite Artists:
Over the years, a few artists that have stood out to me are Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Emily Carr who is closely associated with the Group of Seven. Frida was a powerful influence for female artists around the world, she was very daring in her works and did not shy away from controversy. Basquiat is best known as the pioneer of the neo-expressionism movement. He used the book Grey’s Anatomy to give himself a deeper understanding of the human form, as seen in much of his work. Emily Carr is known as a Canadian icon; her work produced in the early 20th century is still greatly celebrated today.
Favorite Mediums:
Some of my favorite mediums to practice are graphite and acrylic. The grayscale of graphite allows a great deal of control over the level of detail that can be reached in monochromatic art. My favorite thing to draw with this medium is realistic portraits. When I want to incorporate color into my work, typically I use acrylic paint on canvas. Acrylic paint dries quickly so this can be a more reliable medium for impatient painters. It also means it is good for layering your work which creates depth.
Yiran
Favorite Artist:
I find deep inspiration in Salvador Dalí and Gustav Klimt. Dalí's surrealist works fascinate me with their imaginative, detailed compositions that blend dreamlike elements with Renaissance influences. Klimt's innovative use of decorative patterns and sensual themes, especially in his "Golden Phase," showcases his mastery of complex forms and vibrant colors. Both artists' ability to combine ornate beauty with profound themes deeply influences my own art and design.
Favorite Medium/Subject:
As a versatile artist and designer, I enjoy exploring various mediums. My background in traditional techniques like graphite, charcoal, oil paint, watercolors, acrylics, and pastels has been crucial in honing my skills. I also experiment with innovative materials such as resin to expand the boundaries of visual expression. Currently, I focus on integrating different materials and techniques to find the most fitting medium for each project. My goal is to create designs that blend diverse styles and materials, achieving both aesthetic appeal and a meaningful connection with the audience.
IVY
Favorite Artist:
Among the artists who have influenced me most are Claude Monet, Alphonse Mucha, and J.C. Leyendecker. Monet’s exceptional use of color continues to inspire my work, while Mucha is celebrated for his distinctively stylized and ornamental theatrical posters. J.C. Leyendecker’s illustrations captivate with their narrative depth and lifelike quality. I resonate deeply with their artistic approaches, and they have profoundly shaped my creative journey.
Favorite Medium/Subject:
With my educational background, I’ve had the opportunity to explore various mediums, including watercolor, colored pencil, acrylics, and oil paint. As a lover of animation, I also have a strong passion for digital painting. I enjoy experimenting with unconventional surfaces like fabric, leaves, and rocks, incorporating elements from my life into my work. I believe art is simply a means of self-expression, so I approach all materials and subjects with an open mind.
Ryan
Favorite Artist:
I was attracted to Marcel Duchamp's radical and critical creative style. He constantly challenged traditional notions of art, advocating that art shouldn't be confined to established forms and techniques but should emphasize the importance of ideas and concepts. In my own work, I often ask: Who creates art? Who interprets it? What are the boundaries of art? Duchamp also played a key role in democratizing art, making it accessible to the masses and embracing everyday life. His ideas reinforces my belief that everyone is an artist, we have the power of permission to create, explore, and share in an artistic way.
Favorite Medium/Subject:
For painting, my go-to materials are acrylics, markers, and watercolor pencils. However, looking back on my artistic journey, I've worked with a wide range of materials, including but not limited to charcoal, watercolor, oil paints, digital photography, and collages. As a visual designer, I have worked in both the film industry and a museum before moving to Halifax. My diverse background has allowed me to work with not only traditional materials but also digital mediums.
While I believe the heart of art is about emotional expression and meaning-making, mastering techniques and materials is the path one must follow. So, rather than focusing on a specific medium, I prefer to keep exploring and experimenting with new methods and materials in my work.
