Artist Interviews
Artist Anne-Marie Zanetti
I am probably what you would describe as obsessively committed to, and passionate about my art; painting for me is an incredibly peaceful and meditative way to spend my time. I really enjoy challenging myself in all areas of my work to gain better skills and appreciation. My hope is always to create paintings that captures the wonder and fascination I experience throughout the world.
Artist Amnon David Ar
4th Edition 3rd Place Winner Amnon David Ar interviews with Boynes Emerging Artist Award Founder Chantal Boynes.
Artist Phillip Gagnon
I’ve always drawn. Since a child in Grande Anse, New Brunswick I’ve had a pencil in hand. When I moved to British Columbia at 7 years my teacher sent with me a box of paper, crayons, pencils and watercolours telling my grandparents to encourage me to keep drawing
Artist Samuel Wilson
“Let your creative drive move you forward. If you aren't excited about what you're working on there is no point in doing it. That's why we are artists, to create things that inspire us. Also decide what you want from your art.”
Artist Barbara Hack
“Perfection does not exist… only progress. Nothing perfect will ever come about. When painting, I strive to complete my best work that I can at that moment in time; all the same, I have to know and remember that my options do not include perfection. “
Artist Nikita Budkov
Nikita Budkov is a Russian born figurative painter who studied at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. Budkov earned a place as a Finalist in the 3rd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.
Artist Roman Orellana
“When I look at the skill level of other artists like Joel Rea, Salvador Dali, Guillermo Lorca Garcia, Robin Eley, and Steve Chmilar it is very inspiring. Also, the excessive amount of work behind a painting inspires me in a big way”
Artist Claire McCall
“I am drawn to everyday scenes that depict everyday life. I have spent many years at the beach with my family and I do love to paint light-filled images of figures playing in the shallows but I believe anything can be a good subject if the light is right.”
Artist Fionna Madigan
“I am interested in the geometry, subtle colour shifts and the sensed experience of being in, and of, the natural world. I like to work on a reasonably large scale so that I have an experience of my body being in relationship to the environment and to the painting.”
Artist Richard Barnett
“I also felt a crying need to say something about what was happening in my country, and my paintings became my voice. As one year became two, and now four, my fascination with crowds and groups continues, but not all crowds are the same and I am exploring that as well - Richard Barnett
Artist Tom Ferson
“I’ve trained myself to find inspiration anywhere. I could be inspired by the colours in a flower, the mood of a song, a frame from a comic, a scene from a 70’s pulp horror film, or even time spent in bed with a lover. A walk down the street will reveal inspiration just as much as sitting with myself in silence might.” - Tom Ferson
Artist Cameron Richards
“I have learnt throughout my practice that it is possible to be satisfied and have pride in your work whilst also being critical and enabling self development. When you arrive at this place it is calming and truly allows you to celebrate your work and the work of others.” - Cameron Richards
Artist Gabrielle Banks
“I think something that I even have to remind myself is that your craft is an extension of yourself. Your surroundings and the people around you are also pouring into your creative process, they’re contributing to your experience.” - Gabrielle Banks
Artist Jason Rafferty
“Keep looking at all sorts of artists and let yourself stew around. Short naps can be good to help reset the mind. Walks. I find the constraint of making works that look ‘cohesive’ from one piece to the next can be very limiting early on in a series, so I let myself bounce around between approaches, even if they seem ridiculously irrelevant. Make lots of little experimental sketches and try to fail on a small scale first. “ - Jason Rafferty
Artist Angela Alés
“Art needs to have a soul. It can’t just be a technical display. Anyone can learn technique. Originality and creativity is what makes it special.” - Angela Alés
Artist Heidi Neumann
“I think the most important thing I learned is to find your own style and explore it. I have met many artists with wonderful talent but have not found their own style. Their subjects and techniques vary from painting to painting and it is difficult to identify their style. Other artists have a style but no subject and their work feels a bit “all over the place”. I feel that concentrating on one subject for some time opens up entire new ideas and allows you to really reflect on your work.” - Heidi Neumann
Artist Ivan Milenkovic
“These paintings represent people portraits absorbed into their devices – laptops, tablets and mobile phones – where the only light source is the light of a PC, Smartphone screen or other kind of display tech. The Contemporary subject, theme with a classic painting technique made my paintings in a way very contemporary and socially engaged.” - Ivan Milenkovic
Artist Skye Rudin
“I want to continue to explore both myself and the world through my art, and I believe that the understanding gained from that exploration will improve myself as an artist and my life exponentially.” - Skye Rudin
Juror - Kamar Thomas
“I am inspired by people and -if you will pardon the comparison - the metaphorical masks they wear depending on the context they are in. I like to see how people adapt their behavior and identity.” - Kamar Thomas
Artist Casey Thornton
“ My work speaks quietly, drawing focus to the nature of objects and moments that surround us in the everyday, and inviting the viewer to pause and consider them with a renewed sense of clarity. I paint a variety of subjects including the female figure, self-portraiture, still life and botanical.” - Casey Thornton