Author: vancouver art space

We don’t always notice it, but an artist or designer has touched just about everything in our lives.  And that means everything from the house we live in to the dish that holds our soap.   We rely on the sensitivity and expertise of artists to keep us comfortable while working in the yard, or to keep us entertained while pursuing or experiencing leisure activities.  Something we don’t always recognize.  Don’t forget the food we eat in style, the music we dance to, and the dances we dance. All these little things we can easily take for granite come to us because someone took the time to understand our needs.

And then there is the more obvious elements we call ART.  The art that we do think about. The art we hang on our walls. The art we go to see at the museums or the galleries.  We pick favorites that inspire us or make us laugh or helps us remember.  There are about as many reasons for loving a particular piece of art as there are people in the world. 

We often use the words “creativity” and “create” when we talk about an artist’s process. But what is that exactly? Creativity is necessary in many disciplines and endeavors, even in science.  Anytime we are called on  for some kind of problem solving, thinking outside the box, and pushing boundaries we are using the creative parts of our brain.  The practical bones of what we do when we create can be thought of as simply problem solving.  

If we are practiced in any artistic process we are learning to exercise our problem solving skills. Painting, drawing, learning a musical instrument, or writing poetry are all important creative endeavors that result in not only a finished product, but also important problem solving skills.  With confidence in our ability to problem solve we can take on the challenges life as they greet us.
So what does art contribute? In 5 words: A Better Quality of Life!

Jennifer Baffoe

Artist Statement:

This piece represents what I love about the Pacific Northwest. The haze and the vibrant greens no matter the season.
It is based on a photo I took while visiting Cape Meares Lighthouse in 2013.

More of Jennifer’s work can be seen on Instagram HERE

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Nancy Carkin

Artist Statement:

As a NW native I have experienced much of the beauty this part of the country has to offer. When not in the out of doors I enjoy many creative activities; painting, gardening and cookie/cake decorating. I primarily paint with acrylic on canvas, but have explored other mediums. It all brings me such joy that I love to share with others.

More of Nancy’s work can be seen on Instagram HERE

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Zaira Dzhaubaeva

Artist Statement:

Zaira Dzhaubaeva developed a lifelong passion for painting, to which she dedicated herself exclusively when she left her post as the Chief Director of the television company in 2005.
Zaira’s paintings are an explosion of life and color with a very rich and varied palette which shows her fascination with nature as her favorite subject. Her works have become very popular worldwide. They are in private collections in United States, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand, Greece, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and other countries.

More of Zaira’s work can be seen on her website HERE

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Barbara Sheehan

Artist Bio:

Barbara has over 40 years experience designing, painting, and working in the creative arts. She has owned and operated an exclusive fine art and art furniture gallery,  a custom home remodeling and design firm, and since graduating from Pacific NW College of Art in 1996, with a BA degree in Painting, has worked as an independent artist.

From 1996 to 2001 Barbara was a founding member of PBNJ Studios, a group of artists committed to the fine arts community in SE Portland. Her work includes oil paintings, pastels, computerized/digital and photography collages – generally experimenting with materials and visuals.

Barbara has been professionally represented by ArtReps Richard Brooks,  as well as Mary McCay at Directional Publishing Inc. Her paintings have been featured in solo and group shows in Portland Oregon, New York City, and Ballyvaughan, Ireland.

See more of Barbara’s work on Fine Art America HERE