Stories from Life and Art
Canadian Art For Ukraine
Allison has dedicated these 2 prints to emergency relief help for Ukraine.
They are available as Special Edition 8”x10” prints on cotton rag paper for $45 each, shipping included in Canada.
Click on the images to go directly to the gallery store!
In her own words:
I will be donating 100% of sales of these prints to emergency relief efforts for Ukraine.
Here are the organizations that I pledge donations to go to directly:
1) Hungryforlife.org
2 ) Doctors without Borders
3 ) IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare
4) Do Good (dogood_romania) Romania
Sunshine Feeds The Soul
“Planting Seeds of Sunflowers”
Guest Blog: Meet Bhuddi and Kupu
Bhuddi
Kupu
Art Magik gallery members Bhuddi and Kupu began to create art under difficult circumstances, here is their story in their own words.
Creative Team
Meet the creative duo Bhuddi and Kupu. Bhuddi is the visionary, the dreamer, and Kupu is quite literally the “eyes” for detail. They are a collaborative pARTnership exploring the intricacies of acrylic, ink, and watercolour mediums on paper and canvas.
The story of how their art venture was born is inspiring. Bhuddi is visually impaired but this is just a small part of how ARTrophy came to be.
Wrongly Imprisoned
Art was a thread in their lives for many years but is now their therapy and escape from a reality they once found themselves in. For years they were living a dynamic fulfilling life overseas, full of adventure and cultural connection. One day it all came to a screeching halt when Bhuddi and seven other innocent people experienced a less common culturally immersive experience than most... ending up imprisoned in a foreign country.
Sometimes living in a developing country brings excitement and uncertainty. On occasion, the tumultuous nature of these circumstances brings challenges unimaginable. Wrong place, wrong time would be an understatement. Bhuddi went to prison for something he didn't do and Kupu, their friends, family, and supporters fought for justice in a land where justice is elusive. The experience significantly changed their view of the world. Once a naive belief that truth always wins turned into a bitter reality that good does not always conquer evil.
The Power of Art
Throughout the extensive legal battle and enduring prison sentence, Bhuddi and Kupu rediscovered their love of art and the healing powers it brings. They realized the process of making art is similar to the space you might find yourself in when meditating. All distractions disappear and the focus becomes solely the creation. While they couldn't control how fast the wheels of justice turned, they could control their mindset and outlook. During this time Bhuddi was inspired by other inmates and started creating ink drawings of scenes from photographs he and Kupu had taken while traveling the world when they were free. He would pass the completed drawings to Kupu and she would add life and vibrancy by adding watercolour. A collaborative creation made in two different places from two different perspectives created one unique piece. This is how the concept for ARTrophy was born. Bhuddi’s eye condition is known as Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy. ARTrophy is a play on words. Flip two letters of the word atrophy and you get it;)
So justice never came or at least hasn't come yet, but Bhuddi did eventually get out and they were able to return back to Canada. Somewhat disillusioned with the world they wanted to move forward with their lives on their own terms. After a year or so of roaming Canada and reconnecting with family and friends, they decided to take ARTrophy to the next level.
Valuable lessons are learned in prison, one being life is uncertain, so you need to do what you want when you can. They want to be known for something they did do, not not do...so here they are.
Healing and Thriving
ARTrophy was created in order to heal and to serve as an example that you can bounce back from adversity. Not just survive but thrive and their full story is yet to be written. It is turning disability into possibility. It is not about what limits us but that which sets us free.
Bhuddi’s eye condition limits visual acuity affecting his ability to see detail and discern colour. Kupu interprets the scenes to make sure details come into focus so the essence of the scene is fully realized. It is a healing process of finding joy through art and an effort to recapture a sense of wonder they once had.
A reporter once asked Bhuddi what his idea of freedom was. The image of sitting on a mountain top surrounded by nature evoked feelings of ultimate freedom. This is why their art amplifies the natural beauty they “see” around them. The big skies and constant call of the mountains inspire their creativity and fuel their curiosity bringing calm, peace, and strength.
Bhuddi and Kupu’s art prints can be purchased on Art Magik here
More about ARTrophy here www.artrophy.com
Yes, You Own It
We recently got a question from an artist wondering if she’s allowed to make reproductions after selling the original work.
We're not lawyers and this is not legal advice but these experts give a very clear answer: https://www.dickinson-wright.com/news-alerts/copyright-protection-in-canada-for-artists
The take-away is that as the artist/author you own the copyright to your work. Even though you sold someone the original, you still own the rights to that image (unless you've also expressly sold the copyright) and the owner of the original cannot reproduce it without your permission. Read through the site and see if you come to the same conclusion.
Here's what they say:
" Generally, copyright lasts for the life of the author, the remainder of the calendar year in which the author dies, and for 50 years following the end of that calendar year. Therefore, protection will expire on December 31st of the 50th year after the author dies. In the case of a work that has more than one author, the copyright will last for the remainder of the calendar year in which the last author dies, and for 50 years after that."
Guest Post: Barb Fedun
Why starting a painting is like Rumi’s poem “The Guest House”
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”
It’s been said that the true nature of the creative process is the ability to step into the unknown. As I start a new painting I do not know what will happen, it is like the poem says, “every morning a new arrival”. Each new brush stroke and each layer brings a new arrival, such as joy in how it looks or perhaps the inner critic bringing a meanness like “that’s no good!”.
Regardless my job as artist is to respond to whatever or whomever shows up. To welcome and entertain them all! The perfectionist and the inner critic can have important things to say and I find it is best to listen to them.
Sometimes my response is; “Thank you for sharing your point of view and I am going to paint over this part anyway”. Other times their message may be something I need to take action on and it makes for a better painting.
I like Rumi’s poem because it helps remind me to make these inner voices conscious instead of relegating them to the unconscious where they can wreak havoc, such as self-sabotage all too easily. If I think of everything that comes up for me as I work on my painting as a guide from beyond, then I am more open to their guidance.
Nevermore
Soul Searcher by Lancette Burton
Quoth the Raven “Nevermore” is from Edgar Allen Poe’s poem The Raven, which is believed to be how ravens and crows became associated with Halloween. The Haida people believed that a raven created the Earth and placed the sun in the sky; in Norse mythology a pair of ravens Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory) fly all over the world (Midgard) and bring information to the god Odin.
In the Art Magic world you can purchase a print of Lancette Burton’s raven “Soul Searcher” for half price until midnight on Halloween!
What’s a Giclée??
I’ve often been asked if we make Giclée prints at Art Magik, with the follow-up question being “what’s a Giclée anyway?”
Way back in 1991 a printmaker named Jack Duganne decided he needed to call his inkjet prints something more expensive sounding than “inkjet”. At the time the only inkjet printer capable of fine art reproduction cost $40,000, was extremely difficult to operate and required several tries before producing a good print, so we can understand his need. He picked the term Giclée, derived from the French word gicler meaning “to spray”, and as a technical guy he must have thought it was a nice tie-in to the inkjet process.
So there you have it - Giclée is an invented marketing term describing an inkjet print. Today’s inkjet printers are much more capable and reliable using pigment inks that are more archival, but Jack did a good marketing job because the term is in wide use in the art world. What he didn’t realise though is that in the French language, giclée is a slang term for ejaculation.
So to answer the first question, at Art Magik we make gallery-quality inkjet prints!
[being printed above is Alex Hunt’s beautiful and vibrant “Spring Tulips”]
Embellishing A Canvas Print
Artist Tip: If metallics are dulled during the photography and print-making process, embellishing your prints with metallic accents can be one of the BEST ways to make your reproduced work shine.
My favourite metallic paints for embellishing a canvas are Liquitex Professional Acrylic Inks. I love the pack of 3: Iridescent Bright Gold, Iridescent Rich Copper & Iridescent Rich Bronze.
If you want to be economical, purchase just one 30ml dropper bottle (1 US fl oz) in your favourite colour.
If you smudge the paint or want to "redo" the embellishment, have a wet wipe/ damp paper towel handy to wipe away the unwanted paint. This ONLY applies to canvas prints, not cotton rags prints.
To go for "energy" in an abstract reproduced work, consider recreating that energy and choose the same brush that you used for the original work. For this piece I used a Liner brush (watercolour) & held it loosely at the handle. The looser the mark-making, the more free & energetic the work will feel.
The goal of "embellishment" is to recreate beautiful colours, marks & textures with a minimal addition of paints & artist energy. This will make the print look and feel more like the original you intended when you first created it. You may choose to paint over the whole canvas, which I have recently done, but that is for a different post.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming information on this and other art techniques, advance notice of promotions, give-aways and exclusive access to unique pieces not offered in the gallery.
How to boil a canvas print
BOILING IT
It turns out that boiling a canvas print is like boiling anything else - bring water to a boil and dunk it in, simple! However Allison and I must insist that you please do not boil your canvas prints unless absolutely necessary as they might shrink once dry. But if it ever becomes necessary, be assured that the premium Canadian-made Dura canvas and professional fine art/photographic pigment ink we use are udderly reliable.
BUT WHY?
If you’re wondering why you would ever need to boil your fine art canvas print, we’re still doing the research on that and once we know more we’ll release the information via our newsletter “Magical Missives”. Today’s snow reminded us that Christmas is around the corner, so we’re planning some holiday season give-aways that only newsletter subscribers will be eligible for. Subscribers will also get advance notice of any sales, events, limited edition pieces, collections not offered on the website and whatever else we come up with!
The print being boiled is a small proof of Dave Rodgers’ “In the Moood” available (unboiled) from our gallery.
Coffee Shop Roots
Meet gallery member LANCETTE BURTON
Lancette is very active in local shows and exhibitions and will be familiar to many art lovers. Her distinctive style can be seen in her landscapes, abstracts and portrayals of children and animals imbued with a touch of whimsy.
In her own words
“I am inspired by bright colourful sunrises, sunsets, big prairie skies, captivating mountains, interesting animal characters and children adventures.”
THE PROS AND CONS OF COFFEE SHOPS
A few years ago Lancette responded to an ad I left at an art store and we met at a local coffee shop to discuss prints. Based on the questions she asked and our engaging conversation I knew she was the real deal – a professional artist! We worked well together and prints of her original art gained attention from buyers and fellow artists, and thanks to referrals I never posted another ad. The connection to every artist I’m privileged to work with today grew from that coffee meeting.
As we got into the conversation the barista announced in a loud voice a coffee for “Lanny”. Lancette got up to fetch her drink and explained that she didn’t use her actual name in coffee shops because they invariably mess it up, and being loudly addressed in public as “Sunset” makes it sound like she’s a stripper. We’ve had many great coffee meetings since, and just this summer I noticed she still uses “Lanny”.
A RARE OPPORTUNITY
Art Magik and Lancette are collaborating to offer art lovers a limited-time opportunity during the month of October to purchase 14” x 14” 100% cotton rag prints of three of Lancette’s popular pieces for half price $47.50 shipping included (reg. $85). Be sure to enter the FREESHIP code on checkout.
“Nose Hill is one of my favourite places to explore and take photographs. It is an urban prairie adventure. It has the long grass and the best access to Calgary sunsets. This painting was inspired by a photo adventure on an August evening last year. It was an extremely windy evening, but the light was perfect and lit up the pathway leading you into this glorious, interesting sky.”
“Hares represent a spiritual connection to my dad. They are resourceful and resilient. When my dad passed away, there was a Hare that would frequently come by our front yard to hang out, visit and rest. This is ongoing and still happens to this day. The Hare represents my dad’s spirit checking in on me. He comes to say hello and watches over us from our front lawn weekly through all seasons. Swiftly is an exploration of a mixed media background and the character of a wise and swift soul.”
“This was my first experimentation with placing an animal on a mixed media background. Ravens are known to be intelligent and curious and are a connection to the spirit world as a representation of a person’s soul.”
A SECRET CABAL
Lancette and I (Ken) are members of a secret cabal of artists whose fervent goal is to show the world a thing or two. An extended term thematic exhibition is being planned and details will be made available here first.
To stay in the loop subscribe to our Magik Missives dispatch at the bottom of our home page - this is not a typical newsletter that we send out just to get it out, we all have more interesting things to do. Magik Missives will be sent when there’s something significant and interesting to tell, such as advance notice of sales and promos (like this one), unique limited-run or one-off pieces that won’t be offered in the gallery, special events and causes, and whatever else we think you’d like to be the first to know about.
See More of Lancette
Lancette will be in the Beacon Original Art show October 16 & 17, 2021, and the In Between show October 21, 2021:
Rust Never Sleeps
Dumpster Diving with Dr. Barr
It’s always a good day when George and I get out to shoot. Whether a derelict industrial site or downtown alley, there’s one thing that will always get George’s attention - rust! We wandered around downtown one Sunday afternoon and when the rusty dumpster was spotted the day was made.
Though I heard a mumble about “coming back with a tripod” there was no need as the result is vintage George - a meticulously captured and rendered view of natural process.
No Ordinary Moments
Breezer and I were out on Nose Hill one ordinary summer evening. We ran along our usual route and Breezer had his usual stop & sniff at the radio hut. Even though it seemed like an ordinary moment, I gave in to the that little voice, took this quick shot, and we moved on.
When I looked at this image for the first time on the monitor I understood why I was compelled to take it - look at all the parallels! Breezer’s curled tail is mirrored by the bend of conduit at the top of the pole; the 2 pieces of duct tape on the pole mimic the lines along the siding; the painted grasses on the building mimic the real grass in front of it; the pole on the left was once a tree opposite the painted tree on the wall. Can you find more?
Dan Millman was right, there are No Ordinary Moments.
Wash Your Hands
Once we can put this pandemic behind us, I’m betting the “Wash Your Hands” meme will remain in the public space for a couple of generations. This wash station at the Turner Valley Gas Plant must have seen many hands washed, as the plant ran for nearly 70 years before being shuttered in 1985. Apparently over the years they tried many different colours, it looks like pink won out in the end.