On Saturday, I was one of the artists featured at the Beyond Wonderland Art Show. I submitted two pieces (below, right) based off of the theme of Alice in Wonderland and fairytales. My art references Rorschach inkblot psychological tests (after all, Wonderland is known for a lack of sanity, sense of logic) with a playful blast of some fairydust. What do you see?

Although I ended up forgetting to sign my pieces, made my title cards last minute with some business cards I had on hand, and didn’t make it in time for the artist’s reception, it was a fun experience, and made me come to realize how much I miss being creative and doing art. Even through 4 years of fashion school, colour and form intrigue me more than construction. I feel confident that I am heading in the right direction by combining my love of art with the practical application of fashion through textiles and print!

I loved everyone’s unique and often twisted take on Wonderland — here are more photos of some of the great art at the show:

Thank you to all who came out!

EDIT: Here’s a video re-cap of the show, courtesy of MJ, who organized the event.

I believe that storytelling is not only an important means of cultivating history, culture, entertainment and education, but an age-old tradition that is at the core of all art forms, and aside from practical use, one of the objectives of clothing. There is nothing like a good story, in any form, to bring people together.

The Vancouver International Storytelling Festival is being held this weekend, and is one event I hope on making. Details following:

Date: June 11-13 (Friday thru Sunday), 2010
Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall Street)
Tickets: Click for more info

You are invited to peruse 2 rooms full of amazing art by 40+ artists inspired by Alice in Wonderland and/or fairytales. Plus great music.

If the hype around Tim Burton’s take on Alice didn’t spur your love of Wonderland and all things whimiscal (Btw: I thought it could’ve been more Burton, but that’s just me), then this will. Or, on the other hand, if it got you dreaming of Wonderland again, then you will want to be here. I love fairytales! I am so excited for this.

Oh yes, I am one of the featured artists. And it’ll be my first art show.

When: Saturday, June 12, 2010 (Doors open @ 9 pm)
Where: Box Studios and the Franklin Room (1612 & 1622 Franklin Street, Vancouver BC)
Map here
How much: Tickets are $10
More info: Facebook Event Page here.

Hope to see you there!

-A.

This is a little old, but I haven’t gotten around to posting it until now. Here’s Moose and Muse, my grad collection, written up by Carlie Smith of Portobello West, along with 2 of my talented classmates. Thank you so much!

View the original post here.

This Sunday:

I will be checking out this month’s market taking place tomorrow, May 30, at the Rocky Mountaineer Station from 12-6 pm. Admission is $2. Deets here.

Thanks again, Portobello West!

The Museum of Vancouver is premiering “The Colour of Beauty”, a 20 minute documentary exploring issues of racism in the fashion industry, followed by a panel featuring models, industry professionals and advocates speaking about the issue. Jeanne Beker and Lisa Tant offer their insights in the film.

The film follows Renee Thompson, a Canadian trying to make it as a top fashion model in New York. She’s got the looks, the walk and the drive. But she’s a black model in a world where white women represent the standard of beauty. Agencies rarely hire black models and when they do, they want them to look “like white girls dipped in chocolate.” – From Schemamag.ca

It’ll be a shared presentation with SchemaMag.ca and the National Film Board. Schema Mag also has a call for submissions for stories, perspectives, experiences and thoughts about how race plays a role in fashion, beauty, and identity. For more info, click here. Submissions are due May 14.

I can’t make it because I’ll be working, but it definitely looks like it’s worth checking out. I’d like to weigh in with my thoughts regarding this topic, so I might submit something.

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010 @ 7 pm
Where: Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Free

If you end up going, I’d love to hear your thoughts!