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OP FIGURATIVE ART + INTERVIEW

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by Alex Garant

Toronto artist Alex Garant was cool enough to talk to us about 2019 shows, careers past and finding her voice. Enjoy!

How would you describe your current work? Have you ever explored other styles/mediums of art?

I was in art school over 15 years ago. I experienced pretty much all mediums, acrylic, gouache, mixed media, even 3D mediums like clay and metal. But oils have always been the medium that made me happy or made me feel satisfied. As per what I call OP figurative art, it is a style I developed over the years. For a long time, I was painting more conventional and traditional portraits but I was still on my quest to find my own voice. Once I was able to visually conceptualize what was my deepest inspirations, I completely devoted myself to it. 

Did you want to be an artist growing up? If not, what did you want to be?

Art was always part of my life, my mother is an artist and writer, and we spent a lot of time painting and drawing when I was a child. But I did get lost for a few years and tried a few different careers, nanny, flight attendant, makeup artist, marketing, sales executive. I did it all! hahaha but there is never been a morning I didn't wake up thinking I wanted to be an artist.

Who/What inspires your work currently?

I try to shield myself from external inspiration, I do not want to be influenced by other artists on social media or wherever. I try to focus on internal elements as inspiration such as mood, colours I like, a texture I appreciate, etc.

What are your favorite things to watch or search for on Youtube/Reddit/TV/Movies…?

OOhh I haven’t had cable in 14 years so I am a huge Netflix fan. I tend to binge on Bob Ross, The Office, Criminal Minds, Black List and cooking shows. 

What do you have going on in 2019?

So much!
UPCOMING  SHOWS

January, University of Texas, Rubin Center for the Visual Arts

Feb 9- March 3, 2019 Solo Show, BeinArt Gallery 

Feb 21-24, The Artist Project, Toronto

April, 8th Annual Supersonic Invitational, Hashimoto Gallery, San Francisco

April, Winderkin, WxW Gallery, www.wowxwow.com

June, Feature show, ArchEnemy Arts Gallery, Philadelphia

June, Painting the Figure Now 2, Wausau Museum Of Contemporary Art

June, Thinkspace presents 12x12 Showcase, Heron Arts, San Francisco

July, Thinkspace presents 12x12 Showcase, Red Truck, New Orleans

Sept, Thinkspace presents 12x12 Showcase, Vertical Gallery, Chicago

October 31st, Duo Exhibit, Talon Gallery, Portland, Oregon

November 9th, Esprit de Corps  Group Show, Haven x Modern Eden 

Dec, Thinkspace presents 12x12 Showcase, SCOPE Miami

Feb 2020, Feature Show, Haven, New York

Painting + Interview

Omar Nors Yakine

Learn more about this talented Italian artist in our interview below and purchase his work here.

How would you describe your work?

My works are often the result of the analysis of small things that happen to me during the day. All that I see, in some way, influences my works.

Which creative medium do you prefer?

I really like to paint using oil color, although, in this period I'm often using watercolors or mixed media.

Who are your favorite artists?

I have too many favorite artists, very different from each other. 

Antonio Ligabue, Giovanni Boldini, Vincent Van Gogh, Jan Vermeer and Caravaggio are those who influence me most in this period.

What motivates you?

When someone tells me that my works touches them, this is what motivates me most. The possibility to be able to create something that will touch someone.

What’s next?

Once I've finished the one sketch a day project (I hope to make 365 of them), I would like to collect all my works in a book that tells the effects that this experience has had on me.

#GOLDBLESS.com

Interview By Elisa Williams