Tag: anja studios

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Go Jets Go

What an exciting weekend it’s been. I am filled with so much pride. Most of you know that K. works for the Winnipeg Jets. He is the Director of Event Production, so ever since the announcement he has been busy preparing for the season. I have had many moments where I just giggled to myself at the fact that his dream of working for an NHL team has come true and better even for the Jets! I never experienced the old Jets as I was still living in Switzerland at the time, but it was always very obvious to me that Winnipeggers still loved their team and were still heartbroken over their loss after 15 years. It’s wonderful that the team is back and it’s wonderful that K. and I can be part of it.

It’s been a crazy summer. Busy, exciting and productive. I had sold my tickets for the preseason games as I didn’t want to spoil the experience of the home opener. I woke up yesterday and I was so excited that the day had finally arrived. I couldn’t wait to see what K. and his team had created for the home opener. I was especially excited to see the opening video. Check it out, it’s amazing.  Also if you were at the game and got an inaugural game program, check out the article on K. Can you tell, I am very, very proud of him. Go Jets Go!

Ciao

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Maternity photos

After a long break I finally took some pictures this Saturday. It’s been a while and my camera it’s still broken, but luckily I could use Amanda’s camera for the shoot. We had lots of fun taking her maternity photos. We played around with different outfits and set ups and I am really happy with how they turned out. It’s nice to be able to record such a wonderful time in somebody’s life, especially when it’s for somebody this close. Here are a few pictures of our shoot.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and ciao

     

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Encaustic painting

A while back I had gone to the WAG to see a local artist talk about encaustic painting. The presentation was fascinating and I couldn’t wait to try it out. I went ahead and ordered the materials I needed and for the last 8 months or so they have been staring at me in my studio. I have been feeling guilty about not having tried it out. Last Sunday I finally decided to give it a try. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I did enjoy the process. I am not happy with my first piece but I guess I should give myself a break and realize that the first piece isn’t going to turn out perfectly. I will make sure to give it another try sometime soon. Due to the fumes that you deal with while doing encaustic I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and I set myself up in my backyard on the deck. It was really nice to be outside on such a beautiful day and play with paint or I guess wax in this case.

I thought I would share a bit of information about encaustic. Encaustic is also known as hot wax painting. The term Encaustic is derived from the Greek word enkaien and means to burn into. This procedure of applying molten, coloured wax to various surfaces was already used by the old Egyptians more than 3000 years ago – the resulting paintings of the mummy portraits are there for us to admire in the British Museum in London or in the National Museum in Cairo.  The technique was lost for hundreds of years, but rediscovered in the 18th century and has also had a resurgence in popularity since the 1990s.

The liquid wax can be applied to wood panels or also canvas and other materials, and metal tools and brushes be used to shape the paint before it cools, you can also use heated metal tools to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface. You use a heat gun in-between wax layers to ensure that the new layer bonds to the existing ones.

Not as easy as I thought it would be but for sure fun!

Ciao!

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Some serious studio time

I have been spending most of the weekend in my studio. It’s such a good feeling when inspiration creates this burst of creativity that just has to expressed through paint or other mediums. I love when all I think about is art. It even takes over my dreams and ideas are constantly flowing. It’s just such an amazing feeling and it makes me feel so alive.

While I was at the studio today I saw the current exhibition at cre8ery “INAKA’s new works in antler and wood by Reg and Jamie Kucey”. Both Reg and Jamie are incredibly talented and I was really blown away by their art. The show is only on for two more days. Make sure to check it out as you won’t be disappointed!

Ciao!

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Just imagine…

Just imagine sketching on any paper and having the drawings magically appear on your computer screen as vector art even in layers!!! Just imagine the possibilities!

This is not a dream anymore! Wacom is introducing a new product called Inkling mid September. I just had to share this amazing new product. I can’t wait for it to come out.

Here is a quick video with more information on the product:

Wacom Inkling!!!! Wow!

Ciao

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Nostalgia

I have been going through childhood pictures for my solo show and it’s been making me feel nostalgic. So many memories that are flooding into my head and heart. I really did have a wonderful childhood and I wish I didn’t live so far away from my family.

Here are a few of the pictures. What are your favourite childhood pictures and memories?

well fed
we mean business
my best friend
my parents - just as much in love after 40 years of marriage
stylish mama
so stylish, just like my mama
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The countdown is on

The opening of my solo exhibition is exactly 7 months away! I have a good start and I do feel better about it then a month ago. But when I think about it only being 7 months away I do start to feel a bit nauseous. I just got back from a night in my studio. I have 3 paintings finished and I am working on a very large piece right now. I am also planning on incorporating some installations, photography and maybe some Polaroid transfers. I have a first draft of my artist statement and I have started a large to-do list containing everything from a press release, invitations, posters, food to music etc.

It’s going to be 7 months of spending every spare minute in my studio. It feels exciting, scary, overwhelming, invigorating and inspirational. I just have to tell myself that I can do this.

Check back for some updates on my process.

213 days!

Ciao

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Opening night – 99 pieces of art on the wall…

Opening night of the group exhibition “99 pieces of art on the wall…” is coming up this Thursday night. This is a great opportunity to come see local art from 50 something different artist. I have a couple of my vintage travel photographs in the exhibition. All art work exhibited is for sale ($199.99 and under). Pieces are removed from the exhibition as they sell so come early to check it all out. The goal is to sell all 99 pieces of art and if we reach this goal Jordan from cre8ery will be singing the entire song. Let’s try to sell out and make her sing!
The opening reception is this Thursday, August 18, 7:30pm – 11:00pm at cre8ery, 2nd floor – 125 Adelaide Street. Additional hours are Tuesday through Saturday 12-6pm, Monday & Thursday evenings 6-10pm and the exhibition closes Thursday September 1 at 6pm.

See you all Thursday night!

Ciao

Anja

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Vintage beauty

Every time I go into my studio to paint I have to change my clothes but somehow when changing back into my regular clothes I always manage to get paint on myself. I thought about an apron or a big shirt but I decided that that just wouldn’t be good enough. When I was a little girl my mom had made me red coveralls with a race car patch on them. I was absolutely in love with them and I would wear them when helping my dad in his garage. So I started thinking that coveralls might just be the solution.

I found the perfect coveralls on etsy – vintage from France and the measurements were perfect! When I got home on Friday I had a package waiting for me. Yeah I got my coveralls and I can’t wait to paint in them. That is once it’s maybe a bit cooler in my studio. They are almost too nice to paint in.

Vintage, so stylish and eco-friendly!

Ciao!

Now this is stylish protective clothing
ok I won't be wearing my glasses in my studio
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A day’s worth of work

I spent most of the day today finishing up the jewelry I had started last week and taking care of some custom orders.

•My friend M.’s favorite ring had lost a pearl and she had asked me to see if I could fix it. I recreated the shape of the pearl in recycled silver and placed it back into her ring. I hope she likes it!

 

•One of my youngest customers R. had asked me to create a pendant from a piece of tiger’s eye she had.

•I have been wanting to create a bird pendant for a long time.

•I created another pair of simple leaf earrings.

•I finished 9 air pendants so that I can fill some orders. Thanks for supporting lung cancer research by purchasing an air necklace.

A full and rewarding day of creating!

Ciao!