Meet the Artists - Part 5

Neal Nevado

A very talented artist who resides in Victoria B.C. Neal enjoys capturing views from his local travels and bringing it to life! He has mastered the artistry of watercolours, able to blend his creations on small canvas (5 1/2" x 8 1/2") to which many other artists awe at in amazement! One of Canada's up and coming artists! Whether you are a resident who sights your house or favorite place to relax in his works; to a tourist who's memories are caught on canvas to share over the years; you will want to view his works and purchase that memorable moment lasting lifetimes to come!

http://www.nealnevado.com/

Meet the Artists - Part 4

Susan Hopkins

A very talented artist who resides in Victoria. Well versed in numerous mediums and is always up to that next challenge! Enjoys working mostly with pastels.  Art flows out of every crevice of her living space.  She is a true artist who is swallowed up by her works and cannot help but continue creating amazing pieces.  Her imagination is her only limit to her ability.
 
Aspiring to have her works placed in homes around the world, she has captivated many in British Columbia.  Branching out to continue her dream of giving the joy of art to all those who seek it; she has stepped out from the shadows and is a bright shinning light.  Enjoy her works on Griffin Gallery, and perhaps find one for your living space.

Meet the Artists - Part 3

Rachael Windsong Lawson-Gurevitch

Nature vs nurture? Rachael Windsong Lawson-Gurevitch is three times a desert child. Born in Cochise County Arizona, to a father musician and a mother writer, raised in the only desert in Canada, the Similkameen Valley, and of Jewish background, finding her soul's true home in Israel. Currently living on Vancouver Island, where her paintings have taken on the west coast ocean and rainforest influences.

Rachael has always been one to train herself in the arts, avoiding the distractions of studying other artists styles. Often compared to Morriseau, and the string art of Native America, solidifying the belief that when we look to our soul, the messages are clear - for all of us.

She as found a way of incorporating her west coast and rainforest influences to the next level providing surfers and skateboarders a way of owning an amazing piece while enjoying what they do best!  Whether it is an old board that was favored in childhood that is revived with her imagination; or a canvas that was slaved over during "night hawk" hours!  She has grasped her spirit and style with her flare for the extrordinary and has been able to create distint layers of imaginative proportions!

Enjoy her works and if you are seeking your board to become the most admired; contact us directly and we can assist you in your endevours!

You can view more of her works on her site wix.com/nightgirlinc/gallery

Meet the Artists - Part 2

Vikki Flawith

Vikki Flawith is a singer, a voice teacher, a songwriter/composer, a published writer, and a visual artist. Her artwork has been shown at the “Two Sister’s Studio/Gallery” on Savary Island (2004-2008), as well as the “Esquimalt Painters Spring Art Show” and at the “Saanich Municipal Art Gallery”.

Vikki explains about herself , “When I paint, I seldom begin with a plan or an image. I see colours. I mix the paints and my brush begins to move across the canvas, inviting me to follow. I’m never quite sure where I will end up. I think my work reflects my love of nature, light, colour, stories. Painting seems to take me to a special place. It calms me, helps me to focus my scattered mind, and expresses something within me, all at the same time.”

Vikki's ability to utilize her spirit within, allows for the child in all to connect with her works.  Once you have the pleasure of meeting this woman, you cannot help but sense her energy as a calm and peaceful, content world.  Where you can sit back and enjoy the tranquility and sense of adventure her works bring to the surface.

Vikki studied art with visual artist Robert McInnis during high school. He taught her line drawing, taught her to appreciate poetry, and introduced her to "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings". Later, she studied graphic arts with Stan Newman (New Man Design) in Burnaby. Her photographs have been published in several Vancouver newspapers and magazines.

She is a welcomed addition to our gallery.  Always willing to explain her works and inspirations with all who ask.  You can follow up with Vikki by contacting her at any of her websites below.  A welcomed review of her works can be posted on our website by viewing any of her pieces and clicking on the review area in the description dialogue.  If you are seeking a specific image - she might just be willing to give it a try - by letting her brushes flow!

http://www.vikkiflawith.com/

http://theshysinger-songwriter.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/vikkiflawith

Get to know the artists series!

As with all galleries, we could not be without the talent of the artists we represent!  So, over the next few weeks we will be letting everyone "get-to-know" the individual artists!

We are starting our series with a great stone sculptor,

Joseph (Joe) Charette!

Sun, wind, bird, bear, whale are part of the oneiric memory of Joseph Charette. A Metis originally from Ontario, he grew up with the spirit of the land in his heart. The power of his carvings comes from his free spirit and strong-willed nature.

Joseph lived with the Haida in northern BC for 15 years, sharing their culture and learning aboriginal artwork techniques. His early work was in wood and included paddles and reliefs. During his stay in northern BC, Joseph came in touch with the essence of nature. As a fisherman, he had intimate encounters with whales, walruses, seals and many other sea creatures. He learned to respect and love the sea.

He was also a hunter and a lumberjack and had intimate encounters with deer, black bears, eagles and many other different animals that populate northern BC. During his stay in the northern latitudes, he looked beyond each creature to capture the essence of its soul. Many years later, he was able to imbue his carvings with this deep knowledge.

Joseph has carved many different animals in soapstone: ravens (he was given a Haida name that means "Precious Raven"), bears, hummingbirds. When he does his soapstone carvings, the spirit of the model is mixed with his own and magically migrate to stone.

His first desire to carve came when he visited Europe and the Middle East, where he was overwhelmed by the works of Egyptian and Renaissance masters, and especially by Michelangelo’s sculptures.

During his visit, Joseph captured and assimilated the incredible power that Michelangelo was able to transmit and even though he did not yet carve at that time, it all remained in his heart and mind, emerging many years later. Whale, bear, bird, wind, sun, may be merely a concept for many, but for Joseph they are a dynamic part of his dream and of his life.

View his own website @ http://www.joestonecarvings.ca/  He is a man of virtue and talent.  An upstanding citizen in his community, he is an artist of respect. 

The works included on our site (Griffin Gallery) can be found under the headings of Sculpture - stone.  The following is a list of his pieces you can view and purchase on our site:

Baby Beluga
Headless Cougar - the story behind this piece will place a smile upon your face!
Inukchuk