My Three Favorite Artists
I always get asked, “Who are your favourite artists? Who inspires and motivates you?” So I thought this would be an awesome topic to share with you this month. It takes a village to be an artist and a part of the journey is surrounding yourself with fellow artists that will hold you up when you can’t do it on your own, who will be your supporters and promoters and who inspire you from afar.
My Three Favorite Artists
I was doing a blog topic brainstorming session with myself a few months back and I realized I always get asked, “Who are your favourite artists? Who inspires and motivates you?” So I thought this would be an awesome topic to share with you this month. It takes a village to be an artist and a part of the journey is surrounding yourself with fellow artists that will hold you up when you can’t do it on your own, who will be your supporters and promoters and who inspire you from afar.
These three incredible artists and amazing humans probably don’t know it, but they have helped influence, inspire and mould my journey as a creator. So I wanted to formally say “thank you” to them, and share them with you. I could write for hours and pages about all the things I love about each of these artists, but let’s just start with my favourite few reasons. Make sure you check out their websites and be sure to follow them on social media to find out all those other reasons that make them awesome!
ZOE PAWLAK
Zoe Pawlak probably needs no introduction. but in case you are not familiar with her and her work, she is an exceptionally well known Canadian Artist and Designer that has always had a special place in my heart. She is known for her gestural figurative paintings and dreamy abstract landscapes. Over the years, she has created a brand for herself that has taken the world by storm and I have always been in awe of her and how her artist journey has unfolded.
One of the things that I love most about Zoe (aside from her insanely gorgeous art) is her philosophy on customer service and building relationships. I have always prided myself on creating an unforgettable experience when people come to view and buy my work and Zoe lives and breathes this as well. She values her admirers, her collectors and her fans and she never hesitates to make sure they all know how much she appreciates each of them. (I read an article once that shared how Zoe used to invite collectors to her place and prepare them a good home cooked meal so she could really get to know those that supported her. That blew my mind and only put her higher on my pedestal).
I’ve had the honor of meeting Zoe on a few occasions and what always makes me smile and love her even more, is that she always makes it a point to come over and say hello. She doesn’t have to, she’s busy enough that I wouldn’t expect her to, but she does. That kind of simple gesture doesn’t go unnoticed and has the power to create lasting impressions.
Zoe has found a way to emphasize a component of the art world that is often lacking (authentic relationships and connection) and now she is a common household name and definitely one of my favorite artists of all time!
BLU SMITH
I had the privilege of meeting Blu when we exhibited together at the 2017 IDS Vancouver Design Show. Our art shared a wall for four days and in the quieter moments of the show, I got to know how delightful, funny, determined and talented this man truly is.
Victoria, BC based, Blu creates probably my favorite abstract art I have ever seen. I know that’s a bold statement, but there is just something about the bold colors he uses, his nature inspired compositions and then the insanely powerful and unparalleled “light” he creates that just spanks you in the face with wonder and awe in every piece that he makes. I have never been more moved looking at art than I have with Blu’s work and that is why he is definitely in my top 3 favorite creators.
Art is supposed to make you feel something when you look at it and Blu always delivers that. I always find that if I am feeling blue (hahaha) or need a little energy pick me up or just want some extra added pep in my step, I head straight to Blu’s instagram page. Nothing sparks joy more than revelling in the brilliance he creates.
Aside from being a talented painter, he is also extremely hard working and determined. He is represented by numerous galleries all over North America and he could very well just relax and enjoy those successes. But what I continue to see, is that he is always looking for ways to be in the studio and grow as an artist. Most artists would say that this is normal and that we all do this, but there is this delightful intensity that I feel sets him apart from the rest of us.
One day I will get my very own Blu Smith original. In the meantime, I am excited to continue revelling in his talents and admiring his work ethic from afar and will forever be grateful that I get to say that I exhibited beside him.
I have never met a harder working and more prolific painter than Charlie Easton.
Charlie has a studio in Vancouver, but let’s face it, he’s known most for his epic adventures out into the wilderness where he creates his masterpieces. Adorned with a jacket and toque, or sandals and drones, Charlie travels to some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer and through his recreations of the scenery he sees, he allows us to come on that journey with him.
Despite being a full time husband and dad, Charlie never ceases to amaze me with how dedicated he is to his craft. Whenever I am feeling unmotivated to get into the studio to create, I often find myself saying “if Charlie can lug all his painting gear up a dang mountain in the dead of winter, then I can surely take my glass of wine downstairs and get to work.”
Charlie paints beautiful landscapes, but what I love most, is that he has taken painting landscapes to a whole new level. He has been creative with his ability to build a brand around his adventures and I have always thought this was such a unique way of stepping outside the box and being different. It is really hard to be a thriving artist and Charlie brilliantly found a way to shine.
I am so proud to be a Vancouver artist. This city is crawling with incredible talent and I am grateful that I get to be a part of this group that shares their talents through creativity. Whether you are admiring from afar or actually able to collect original art, I think it is so important that you make sure you source out your local artists that you adore and let them know how important they are to you.
Zoe, Blu and Charlie, thank you for your undeniable talents, your never ending inspiration and for never giving up on what you were clearly put on this earth to do!
Donna Giraud
My Top 3 Favorite Paintings (that I have created)
In the beginning, I used to think that I would always remember every piece that I created. But as the years have gone on, and more and more paintings leave the front door each year, it’s actually really tough to remember everything that has been made. Having said that, there are a few pieces that have found their way deep into my heart that I will never ever forget.
My Top 3 Favorite Paintings (that I have created)
I tried to sit down the other day and count how many pieces of artwork that I have created over the last 18 years. (It wasn’t till many years into my career that I started understanding the importance of creating an inventory sheet). But if I had to guess I would have to say about 250 pieces. And the cool thing is, other than the 10 pieces I have in my gallery at the moment, the other 240 have all found their forever homes.
In the beginning, I used to think that I would always remember every piece that I created. But as the years have gone on, and more and more paintings leave the front door each year, it’s actually really tough to remember everything that has been made.
Having said that, there are a few pieces that have found their way deep into my heart that I will never ever forget.
Here are my top 3 favorite pieces I have created.
1. VALE 50x60 inches 2012
If I had a nickel every time someone said they loved VALE and or would buy this piece if it was still available, I would be a millionaire! I still remember looking at the blank canvas as it was laying on my kitchen island in my apartment on Granville Street and putting on the first few brush strokes on this canvas. I never had a clear intention for this piece and I truly let in unfold organically. What did unfold was something that has never left my heart. The balance of composition, the illusion of a vancouver cityscape, and the softness of the colors all came together that day and I can say by far, that this piece has always been my favorite that I have ever created.
People always ask me, how do you let your creations go? Isn’t it hard to give away a part of your soul? The answer is yes. Wholeheartedly yes! But the best thing about letting this piece go was that it found it’s way to my best friend’s house and I know that I get to visit this one any time I want for the rest of my life. So that always made this one a little easier!
2. LIVE 48x72 inches 2017
I have never been more moved from a color palette than from this piece titled “LIVE.” I knew I wanted this one to be bright but what mesmerized me the most was the layers of all the soft blues, pinks, oranges and whites in the top third that bounced off the “in your face” use of turquoise in the middle.
When I was thinking about the inspiration and title of this piece, the world “live” kept coming into my head. I really thought this piece represented the concept of living your best life; Finding those things that spark joy and unapologetically living a life true to you.
I had this one hanging on the wall in the gallery for less than a night and it got snatched up by one of the loviest ladies I’ve met. One of the things that sparks joy in her life is collecting art and I couldn’t have been happier to have this piece go to her.
3. GEETA 48x48 inches 2016
This was a commission piece I did for a lovely couple from Calgary. We originally met at Art Vancouver and they were immediately drawn to my subtle texture and calm, snowy feeling of another piece I had displayed on the wall.
Sometimes you just connect with new people and that is exactly what happened with this couple and this piece for that matter. It was one of the easiest commissions I have ever created. Not easy from a technique standpoint, but easy in how it just flowed out of me. There was something about the couple’s energy, the story behind their recent travels and how they wanted this piece to somehow represent that story. I saw the vision of this piece perfectly and it came out even better than I could have imagined.
I knew that there was a pretty good chance I would never see this piece again in real life, but the couple’s excitement made it that much easier for me to let it go. I know that it is a feature piece in their kitchen and they get to enjoy the energy of it every day and that makes it all worth while.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART THAT I HAVE CREATED????
I would love to know what piece of mine is your favorite. Send me a screen shot, an email, a text, I’ll even accept a smoke signal. I’m always grateful for feedback and excited to know what piece you love and why? (info@donnagiraud.com or @donnagiraudart)
Donna Giraud
Tricks to Being an Artist
It takes A LOT to be an artist. I mean a lot!! Not only do I have to know how to paint (and well for that matter), I also have to put on the hat of a photographer, an accountant, a PR person, a graphic designer, a writer, an event planner, a salesperson, a retail store front operator, a gallery owner/manager, a social media marketer and oh yeah, a web developer (to name just a few). People always ask me, how have you managed to retire from nursing and be a full time artist? And a thriving one for that matter? What are the tricks to being an artist?
Tricks To Being An Artist
People always ask me, how have you managed to retire from nursing and be a full time artist? And a thriving one for that matter? What are the tricks to being an artist?
As I am in the process of creating online art coaching classes that discuss a variety of topics an artist must know about to be a thriving artist, I suddenly realized (maybe more than just subconsciously) that it takes A LOT to be an artist. I mean a lot!! Not only do I have to know how to paint (and well for that matter), I also have to put on the hat of a photographer, an accountant, a PR person, a graphic designer, a writer, an event planner, a salesperson, a retail store front operator, a gallery owner/manager, a social media marketer and oh yeah, a web developer (to name just a few).
I don’t know about you, but the last time I checked, each of those jobs are their own separate corner of expertise that each require a substantial amount of eduction to be good at either of them, let alone all 12 of them.
No wonder so many artists have a tough time balancing all the aspects it takes to do this creative path well.
So then why do some artists succeed and others don’t?
This question got me thinking and it made me reflect on what I do every day that has seemed to make the difference.
Here’s my top 4 tricks to being an artist that have helped me get to where I am today.
#1
I believe in myself. I’m not the best painter in the world. I have no formal training and I get rejected all the time. But I have built a very tenacious attitude and I always believe in myself no matter what happens. I don’t know if it was something that my parents instilled in me at an early age, or if it has developed over time, but I have found my confidence to be a very helpful habit that has helped me get to where I am today.
As we all know, there are going to be ups and downs in any career path, but sometimes it feels like there are a little more when it comes to being an artist. The process of creating art is already an emotionally charged one; then you add a rejection from a gallery or maybe you don’t make a single sale at a show you just did and you begin to question if this is the right path for you. Sound familiar??? Totally, right? This is the life of an artist.
What we have to always tell ourselves, is that the world needs more creatives. Your art has a place in this world and it has something to say. The right people are out there that will love it and adore it and buy it (see point #3). You just have to have faith and a whole lot of belief in what you do.
#2
I make buying art fun (and often accompanied by a glass of wine). Have you ever been into a gallery or gone to an art show and someone has made you feel inferior because of your art knowledge or no one made an effort to even acknowledge the you are there? Do you then start feeling out of your element and immediately start saying to yourself, “I shouldn’t be in here, I don’t know anything about art?”
Well, I promise you that a) that’s not true, you know lots about art and b) you will never have that experience with me. I believe viewing and buying art should be a positively enjoyable experience. I love to get to know my clients, prospective buyers and anybody else that comes to see my work. I make the conversation light, welcoming and educational without using fancy and pretentious words. All I care about is you feeling something when you look at my art and you believing that you do have a place in the art world despite your level of exposure.
I emphasize this practise most to artists because if and when someone is ready to buy art, and if they had an incredible experience with you, you are going to be the first person they think of when they are finally ready to pull that trigger.
Vancouver has so many incredible artists. Be memorable. Make buying art fun and wow everyone you meet with how awesome you are so you are impossible to forget.
#3
I pay attention to the details. I know I naturally have this talent, but if you don’t, please try and make it a point to learn how to make those special little efforts because the results will be brilliant.
As an example, writing down the couples name you just met accompanied by a little note that you learned about them (ie: they just built a new home in Abbotsford and have a daughter who is in art school) and send them a follow up email later that day saying it was a pleasure to meet them and include those details that you wrote down.
Tell them that you would be happy to come out to Abbotsford with some art so they can see the art in their space and let them know that their daughter can reach out if she ever has any art questions. By paying attention to these details you a) wow them with your ability to remember person details about them b) you give them an opportunity to see your work again by coming to their place and making it way easier on them and c) you wow them again by offering to be a resource to their daughter.
By doing the simplest actions, you have the ability to immediately win people over. Never underestimate the power that a properly place vase of fresh cut flowers on a shelf at your art show has, or how the design of the price tags you use beside your artwork can make the ultimate difference. People know when you pay attention to the details and they will be more willing to invest in you and your work.
#4
I am prolific. This doesn’t have to mean that you are doing an art show or fair every other weekend in a variety of towns and countries (but this helps too). I just mean, try to tell anyone and everyone you encounter that you are an artist. Always have your business card in hand, ready to give out.
I have been in ladies bathrooms and managed to hand my business card out because I overheard one lady yelling to her friend across the stall that she had just moved into a new home and her walls seemed really empty. I have also had the balls to give my card to someone that was at the cashier in Home Sense, buying one of those prints/paintings for $199.00 and said to him, “when you are ready to invest in some original artwork, I’d be happy to help you out with that.”
It’s about seizing the moment and making any opportunity work in your behalf.
Meeting my favorite Interior Designer Amanda Aerin
Being interviewed for Art Vancouver
Now this doesn’t mean you get to be a slimy car salesperson and just randomly blurt out you are an artist to everyone who will listen. Have some class. It means that you listen for the right moment to insert the fact that you create art. 9 times out of 10, people get very interested in this fact and then you the door is open to tell them all about what you do.
The more people that know about you, the better chances you have to connect with people that will buy your art. And once you connect, you do the above three practises and “Bob’s your Uncle!!!”
From first hand experience, I know that it is incredibly hard to be a thriving artist. I by no means have it all figured out and I still do the hustle every day.
Hopefully these little tips can help someone out there create a more thriving practise because what I do know, is that the world needs your art.
Donna Giraud
It's ok to take a break!
I often hear other artists complaining about the guilt they have when they take time away from their art. I am not going to lie, I too have had these feelings of guilt when I am sitting on a patio in Argentina drinking a spectacular Malbec rather than sweating away in the studio. But then I have to remind myself about the power of taking a break.
It's ok to take a break sometimes to recharge
I often hear other artists complaining about the guilt they have when they take time away from their art. I am not going to lie, I too have had these feelings of guilt when I am sitting on a patio in Argentina drinking a spectacular Malbec rather than sweating away in the studio. But then I have to remind myself about the power of taking a break.
There are times that you must be in your studio for hours at a time, preparing for your upcoming show but when you are outside those intense times, it is imperative that you remember to take a break because it is only going to benefit you in the long run.
Pay attention to those things that bring you inner peace, that make you smile and that continuously inspire you. And then do them regularly! That way, when you do set aside the time to create in your space, your head and heart are in the right place. Then you can let the magic happen!
If you are constantly exhausted and frustrated, your creative process will not work properly.
So over the years, I have paid attention and made it a priority to create balance between my time in the studio and things that make my heart sing. I have learned to let the guilt go because I have seen the benefit from my actions.
So for those of you who haven’t found those things that heighten your inspiration yet, here is a list of a few things that I do that might help you find your own.
1. I walk. I walk and I walk and I walk. And now that I have mynew puppy, I walk even more! There is something about the solitary time, being by the water, gazing into the many windows of the condos that line the seawall that I tend to find clarity. I get a sense of calm when I walk with no intention of getting to a specific destination. The power of wandering with no time constraints seems to reset my focus and I am always more present and inspired when I am back in the studio.
Favourite spots on the seawall in Yaletown are sitting in the yellow chairs in the park at the end of Richards street, walking with a coffee from the best coffee spot in town (Coo Coo Coffee at 417 Davie Street) and walking under the tree coverage just past David Lam Park.
2. I travel. When I spent a month in the Philippines about 15 years ago, I was bitten by the travel bug and I have developed a ferocious appetite to be inspired by other cultures and experiences. There is something freeing about stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing something you never thought you would. When I come home from traveling, I not only have thousands of photos to pull inspiration from, I also have a huge sense of gratitude and energy. That mindset fills my heart and I always notice better work on the canvas when I return back from an adventure.
Favorite places to travel are New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and Iceland
3. I surround myself with my real friends. As I get older, I have realized the importance of surrounding yourself with people that make you feel better and more energized after leaving them. I make an effort to reach out and have spontaneous drinks on my patio or take the sea bus over to the north shore to have dinner on my parent’s boat because I know that after I leave these people, I am fired up! So make sure you find those favourite people and cultivate incredible relationships.
Taking a break and stepping back is sometimes all you need to do. So remember to be kind to yourself and take a moment to recenter.
