Paradigm Shift – My 2023 in Art Review

Approaching the canvas of 2024, we stand at the threshold of a year brimming with vibrant hues and compelling narratives. It’s a blank canvas of possibilities, a fresh chapter waiting to unfold—a sentiment shared by many as they approach the new year. Personally, I find myself standing in my studio surrounded by endless opportunities to create something new, filled with eagerness to paint it with the kaleidoscope of colors that life has to offer. As I look back at 2023, I see the paradigm shift that has occurred and continues to drive me into this new year. This is my 2023 in Art Review, month by month.

2023 in Art Review

In my perspective, the allure isn’t confined to the strokes of art alone; it extends to the numbers that intricately weave a subtle story of meaning. Consider this beautiful 2024 – when its digits dance together, they harmonize into the number eight, a symbol of auspiciousness and completeness. Isn’t it remarkable? Numerology, with its enchanting twos, fours, and the timeless circle of zero, occupies a special place in my heart. These figures, to me, are not merely mathematical; they are promises of positivity and gateways to the potential that this year may unfold.

Lucky Number 8 in 2024

As I glance into the rear-view mirror, reflecting on the journey through the business of art during 2023, the mirror reveals nearly thirty new paintings. It tells a tale of exploration, as I travelled to Vancouver, Banff, and Newfoundland, not only to showcase and deliver my art but also to immerse myself in the diverse landscapes that inspire my paintings.

2023 in Art Review

Brandy Saturley working on an oil painting in her studio.

Being a professional artist in Canada is a perpetual adventure, marked by new connections forged and opportunities that materialize on the horizon. However, growth also entails leaving some relationships behind, a necessary step as I continue to surge forward in my career. Let me share with you the highlights of this transformative year, one I’ve come to name ‘Paradigm Shift,’ a testament to the profound changes that unfolded in every stroke, connection, exhibition, and journey undertaken. Welcome to the vivid canvas of my 2023 – a year that exceeded expectations and set the stage for the next chapter in my professional art career.

2023 in Art Review – a year of shifting and rolling with the times

January

The first two paintings created in any year (I like to paint two at a time) are celebratory and set the tone for the year ahead. In 2023 I began with paintings of skaters on outdoor ponds.

2023 in Review

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley with her painting, Glide Away. January 2023

 

February

The month began with a group exhibition in Banff, Canada with my Alberta dealer, Willock & Sax. I rounded out the month with two very large paintings, one portrait depicting our future consciousness in Canada and one depicting a conversation with a polar bear underwater.

2023 in Review

The Conversation, 48×48 inches, acrylic, gouache and gold leaf on canvas, 2023 Brandy Saturley

March

On the verge of Spring weather here on the west coast I found support for the work I created during my Banff Centre residency with a featured article in Vancouver Island Arts Magazine. New paintings were flowing with an annual self-portrait about me and Lawren Harris in the works.

April

I launched a revolutionary 3D virtual exhibition of my work celebrating Northern scenes, Aurora Stories launched online, to a worldwide audience. The show was visited by cities in Canada, the USA, UK and art centres such as Basel, Switzerland, Berlin, the silicon valley. Grand Cayman and Dubai also came to see what was hanging in the virtual gallery. Thank you for visiting. There were new paintings honouring my Ukrainian Canadian heritage and a trip to walk the beautiful tulip fields of Chilliwack near Vancouver BC.

2023 in Art Review

Paintings inspired by Ukraine and Ukrainian Canadian roots. Brandy Saturley studio, Victoria BC.

May

In May Britain was crowning a new King Charles, and the world was churning. My trip to the tulip festival and my UK roots were flowing into my work as I created two still life paintings of tulips encircled by a variety of tartans.

Tulips and Tartans paintings by Brandy Saturley, 2023.

Invited by Canadian Art Today, I sat down for an interview by Zoom from my studio here in North Saanich on Vancouver Island. With over an hour of material the interview is available on YouTube as well as an Apple podcast.

Interview Canadian Art Today

Canadian Art Today interview with Brandy Saturley and host Paul Constable for Artists in Canada.

June

I found out through the grapevine that a school in New Brunswick and a very forward thinking art teacher, chose to recreate my paintings live as performance and installation art.

School Celebrates The Arts

New Brunswick school re-creates paintings by Canadian Artist, Brandy Saturley, 2023

This year I have been approached by arts educators across Canada, and it is wonderful to know that my work is being embraced by the next generation! Sending a big ‘Bravo!’ to these talented young artists. I painted a commissioned work for the Art in Nature Trail in Banff and also created a number of small polar bear paintings for my gallery in Banff.

Art in Nature Trail

Arctic Monarch – original acrylic and gouache painting on wood cookie, 2023, Brandy Saturley

July

It was a Canada Day road trip to Banff for the opening of the Art in Nature Trail, produced by Bridget Ryan of Carter-Ryan gallery. I also delivered 9 new small polar bear paintings to Willock & Sax gallery.

2023 in Review

The Polar Bear King in Banff, Canada. – Brandy Saturley

August

Two Toronto Magazines, the Toronto University produced Hart House Review and the visual and performing arts publication, smART Magazine published many of my works, painting and self-photography.

2023 in Art Review

Brandy Saturley featured in smART Magazine – Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity

With the rising gas prices and an aging JEEP we traded in our rugged ride for a quiet Tesla, complete with new decals! Now you may see me coming, but you certainly will not hear my approach.

2023 in review

The Art of Brandy Saturley Tesla Y in front of mural by Jeff King, Victoria BC Canada

I also supported my original hometown of Sooke BC with a painting for their annual Sooke Fine Arts show, now celebrating 38 years.

2023 in Review

Swinging into the Weekend at the Sooke Fine Arts show 2023. – Brandy Saturley

September

Heading into the glorious season of Autumn and all those beautiful colors, we were contending with a year of wildfires and hot temperatures and I couldn’t help but want to send good vibes to the people of Lahaina, Hawaii and Yellowknife, NWT. I sent the Polar Bear King to visit these communities and heal them, through two new paintings.

Healing Power of Art

Guardian of the Arctic Realm, 2023, Brandy Saturley

I was also in preparations for my month long residency with the Pouch Cove Foundation in Newfoundland. I made the decision to pull my work from my dealer in Whistler, Adele Campbell Fine Art, after 2.5 years with this dealer it was time for me to move on and continue to push my market across Canada and into the US and European markets. I painted a little ‘Peace, Love, Canada’ before packing and hopping on the plane. Looking forward to a month creating on the easternmost coast of North America.

Peace Love Canada

Peace, Love, Canada – 2023, Brandy Saturley

October

This month was all about an invitational artist residency in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. One month to inhale all Newfoundland has to offer and spill it out onto three large canvasses, and capture it through my artist lens. A remarkable experience offering this west coast artist the opportunity to dip her toes in the Atlantic and Pacific. I produced new original paintings, writing, poetry, photographs and digital videos, which continue to come together in films posted to YouTube. A deeply holistic approach and record of my art making process from inception to presentation.

November

Returning home after a month away at year end means hitting the home-ground running! Production and printing of my annual art magazine, holiday mail out to clients and end of year shipments. I joined Mastrius as a Master Artist mentor and began promoting and preparing for a mentorship group I would be leading.

I stretched and finished my rolled paintings from Newfoundland and I shipped a painting back to James Baird Gallery. As a result of the residency you can now find my work available on ARTSY through James Baird Gallery.

Canadian Visual Artist Brandy Saturley

Follow Brandy Saturley on ARTSY

December

I was invited to join the jury panel for the Canada International Art Competition in Toronto, and as I worked to wrap up my year I finished my final two paintings for 2023.

2023 in review

Brandy Saturley studio, North Saanich, BC CANADA – December 2023

Thank you for being part of my year! It’s 2024, let’s go!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy 

What is a Professional Artist?

In Canada, according to the Canada Council for The Arts, professional artist is defined as an artist who has specialized training in their artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions), is recognized as a professional by his or her peers, is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity, if possible financially, and has a history of public presentation or publication. In legal terms a professional Artist is defined as an individual who has a history of paid work as an Artist. Being a professional artist also means you have the character traits and habits to persist in your aim, even in the face of challenge and lack of earnings.

Professional Artist

Anyone can consider themselves a professional artist, but that doesn’t make it so.

I watched a child trip on a curb and skin her knee. Her mother stopped to put a bandaid on the wound. Does this make her a doctor? or a nurse? My aunt takes painting classes and paints for enjoyment now and then, does that make her an Artist? There are many hobbyists and amateurs in the world of Art. What sets the professionals apart is every detail from our dedicated process for developing new artworks, through to finishing, presentation and delivery of the work. When I was in London at the Royal College of Art painting and expanding my mind and abilities as a contemporary painter, I came to see that in Europe, I did not have to explain why my profession of Artist, is a legitimate profession. When I was in New York City exploring the galleries in Chelsea, I did not have to explain that Artist is a legitimate profession. I also didn’t have to preface it with, “I’m a full-time professional Artist”. It is not the same in Canada, except for perhaps in Montreal and Toronto. Even though I have been making Art since birth, have training, public and commercial gallery shows and representation, and have been earning a full-time living from making Art for over 17 years. I know that I still have to educate people I meet, about what the profession of Artist really means.

Professional Artist

While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, several key elements characterize a professional artist. Firstly, they possess a high degree of technical skill and expertise in their chosen medium or discipline. They have typically undergone extensive training, education, or self-directed learning to develop their artistic abilities to a professional level.

Secondly, professional artists demonstrate a consistent and focused commitment to their artistic practice. They invest significant time and effort in creating artwork, often adhering to a disciplined work routine and meeting deadlines. They recognize the importance of continuous growth and improvement, and they actively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expand their artistic horizons.

Financial sustainability is another hallmark of a professional artist. They derive a significant portion, if not all, of their income from the sale of their artwork, commissions, grants, or other artistic endeavors. They approach their art as a business, managing contracts, negotiations, pricing, marketing, and financial aspects associated with their profession.

Professional artists also exhibit a level of professionalism in their interactions and collaborations. They maintain ethical standards, meet their obligations, communicate effectively, and conduct themselves with integrity when dealing with clients, galleries, curators, and other stakeholders in the art world.

Art Studio Brandy Saturley

Ultimately, the definition of a professional artist encompasses a combination of technical skill, dedication, financial sustainability, and professionalism. It is a term that denotes not only artistic talent but also the commitment to pursue art as a serious and viable career path.

Being a Successful Artist in Today’s Age Means Embracing Technology

Professional Artist

It was 20 years ago I taught myself to write HTML in order to create my first website for my Art. Thank goodness it is a lot easier these days to create and maintain a website and my inventory, thanks to technology.

In today’s age, the role of an Artist has evolved beyond being a talented creator. While artistic talent remains a crucial aspect, the importance of being a skilled marketer cannot be overstated. To achieve success and widespread recognition, Artists must possess the ability to effectively promote themselves through various means, particularly the Internet and social media. The Internet and social media have revolutionized the way we consume and discover art. They provide Artists with unprecedented opportunities to reach a global audience, connect with fans and collectors, and build their personal brand. By leveraging these platforms, Artists can showcase their work, share their creative process, and engage directly with their audience.

Being an effective marketer allows Artists to create their own narrative, shape their image, and control how they are perceived by the public. They can strategically curate their online presence to align with their artistic vision and values. Through engaging storytelling and compelling visuals, Artists can captivate and connect with their audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of loyalty and emotional connection.

Moreover, Artists who possess marketing skills can tap into various revenue streams beyond traditional art sales. They can explore collaborations, licensing opportunities, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding platforms to support their creative endeavors. By diversifying their income streams, Artists can maintain financial stability while continuing to pursue their artistic passions.

Furthermore, Artists who are adept at marketing can navigate the competitive art world more effectively. They can identify and target specific niches, build relationships with galleries, art dealers, and influencers, and seize opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, and partnerships.

The ability to market oneself has become an essential component of an Artist’s success in today’s digital era. By mastering the art of self-promotion, Artists can expand their reach, connect with their audience, and achieve recognition and financial sustainability. Embracing the role of an Artist as a marketer allows for greater creative autonomy and the opportunity to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving art landscape.

Professional Artist

Offering 400 Paintings – Buy My Art Collection

Imagine this, you develop a relationship with Van Gogh, and he says to you, ‘buy my art collection’. What if Picasso sold you 300 works, in one fell swoop, in his productive mid-career time of life.  Can you imagine being one person with ownership of an entire collection of works by one artist? There have been a few times I know of where an art collector has come forward to invest in the works of one artist, setting that artist up for a lifetime of painting and allowing for the artist to move on to ‘bigger things’ than what they are currently capable of financing.

Buy My Art Collection

Over the past two decades I have been busy building a significant career and a substantial collection of original fine artworks. The work features in prominent and important collections both public and private. I have gained notoriety as the ‘voice of Canadian Pop Art’ and the ‘Iconic Canuck’. My work is equal parts sincere and quirky, and tells stories deeper than are seen. I am known for my bold and vivid palettes, my paintings are not shy and nor am I when it comes to my Art and where I see myself and my work twenty years from now. Between here and there the goal is always to push the boundaries of the year previous. You may have heard of me or seen my work, and you may not of, but if you are reading this, I am now on your radar.

Buy My Art Collection

As I plan for years ahead I realize that I will not be alive forever, and I will need to begin planning stages for what happens to the collection when I am no longer around. At this point my interest is in selling the current entire originals collection (minus the Goalie’s Mask Painting, currently listed at $91,000.00 CAD).

Buy My Art Collection

Maybe you have billions, you own a beautiful home on Maui, or a brand new Rivian. Perhaps you are building rocket ships or electric cars, or a society altering clothing brand. Perhaps you are an entrepreneur who finds talent and things to invest in, at the most unexpected places (like this blog). Rather than the rush of the auction at Sotheby’s, you find excitement in the direct approach, scooping up the entirety of something just before it peaks (or continues peaking).

Buy My Art Collection

Based on current Canadian art market value, 400 paintings from me, Brandy Saturley, would come to the sum of about  $2.8 million dollars (minus the Goalie’s Mask painting) You bring the cash and I will deliver the paintings to your secure art storage facility, home, or business. You have a home worth $2.8 million just sitting in your portfolio? I could be persuaded on a trade. Just like real estate this art collection will continue to accrue in value in a less volatile marketplace.

Buy My Art Collection

Maybe you read the Financial Time’s, Globe and Mail, Robb Report, or the New York Times. Perhaps you spend your time perusing Larry’s List or Artsy. Have a new Tesla X Plaid? I would consider a trade for 30 paintings from the Iconic series of original artworks. The works in this collection are uniquely Canadian and would love to collaborate with all of the following brands; Lululemon, Canada Goose, Arcteryx, Hudson’s Bay Company, Fairmont Hotels, to name a few.

Buy My Art Collection

All I am interested in is continuing to make Art, continuing to push the boundaries of my work and continue this life as a contemporary fine artist. Continuing to travel to those places that feed the work, such as Churchill to record the polar bears or Fogo Island to capture the east coast of Canada. Have a vacation home on Maui? This is where I would love to spend six months of my year painting.

This collection spans two decades and not only includes the Iconic Canadian paintings I have become known for, it includes early work from travels across North America including; Las Vegas paintings, landscape paintings, wildlife paintings and pour paintings.

art collection for sale

There are some spectacular and unexpected finds, deep in the collection. Make me an offer,  Browse some of the recent work here.

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley (a.k.a The Iconic Canuck)

What is a self representing Artist? one with an entrepreneur attitude.

In the world of art, there are essentially two kinds of Artists; self-representing and gallery or dealer represented. So what is a self-representing artist? Quite simply, self-representing artist means time spent on the art making is equal to time spent “on the business”.  A challenging juggling act for many artists, moving between artist brain and salesperson brain. I’m constantly thinking about where I can take my business and how I will get there. I am also continuously thinking about what I want to paint next, often times with a series of already painted works sitting in my frontal lobe waiting for excavation. Shifting between Artist brain and art sales brain, requires rigorous dedication and a tireless focus. That’s not to say I don’t get tired, or take a pause from my work, it means I am fully consumed by my work.

what is a self representing artist

Inside the studio of Canadian artist Brandy Saturley

In every Art there are purists, those that hold fast to tradition and structure. When I began moving forward with my art, in a professional sense, I sought out the experienced, the Icons and the elders in the field of Canadian Art. Mentorship, connection and validation is what I was seeking, and I found it and learned much from these relationships. I met a lot of Artists and Gallery Owners who had established rules and guidelines for how Artists should be and what they needed to do to be successful. I found so many rigid structures within the Art business and amongst artists here in Canada, I moved from group to group learning about what made their way ‘better’. In the end what I discovered is I did not fit into any group or way of being, I was building my own path based on the knowledge I was gaining along the way. For me, rigid structures go against everything that Art represents, which is the freedom to paint the world the way I see it. There are many misconceptions out there about what makes an artist or art good or even valuable, more so in Canada.

So, lets tackle a few of these misconceptions about self-representing artists;

Self-representing artists aren’t good enough to be in a gallery.

WRONG: being represented by a commercial gallery in Canada does not mean the artist is any more skilled at making Art, it does mean that the artist follows and falls within a structure set by an association of dealers across Canada.

Artists should focus on making Art and not on business, they should focus on their expertise.

BOTH RIGHT AND WRONG: some artists are good at both, it comes down to experience, alternate skill-sets and enjoyment – I enjoy learning about both sides of the business and am driven by both aspects, the convergence of artist/entrepreneur, this is what invigorates my work.

Self-representing artists charge less, because their work is less valuable.

WRONG: as a starting point, artists should look at their market and price their art within the market. As the artist develops and expands their market, their prices are determined by market demand and a variety of others variables including press coverage, artist reach, recognition, cost of living, and fame.

Self-representing artists should concentrate on selling Art in their local market.

RIGHT and WRONG: for me, the focus from day one has always been to sell my art nationally and internationally. Since day one I have always been looking towards my end goal. I also focus on selling my art where it is loved and where people most respond to the work. I have established a fair bit of latitude with my Art, in that I don’t just focus on painting one thing. While I have branded myself as the ‘Voice of Canadian Pop Art’ and the ‘Iconic Canuck’ and am known for paintings influenced by the iconography of Canada, I am not hyper-focused on any one subject. For example, while I have painted ‘hockey goal tender masks’ that is not all I paint. This is my approach. Another approach may only be focusing on local and painting local scenes, which quickly establishes a local market for an artist. I think the biggest key in deciding what you can manage as a self-representing artist, is important. I have big audacious thoughts and dreams, I like to go big, which means if the idea doesn’t work, I fall hard. But I like the challenge. I remember going to an artist talk in Vancouver by Takashi Murakami, prior to the launch of his solo exhibition tour for ‘The Octopus Eats His Own Leg‘. He gave a masterclass of epic proportions of the challenges and pitfalls of self-representation and artist as entrepreneur. It helped me figure out where I wanted to land within the Art market.

One of the greatest challenges for a self-representing artist is finding buyers.

RIGHT: Unlike a gallery, where the buyers come to find art, a self-representing artist typically has to go to the buyers. No two sales are the same, and every sale must be approached differently. I have had collectors come to me from a myriad of ways, on and offline. Roughly 2% of my sales come from social media, the rest come from a combination of finding buyers, working with my suppliers, connecting with artists in other fields and with different skill-sets, and working my network of collectors. This year I am putting more focused time into developing my website and online sales than I have in the past 13 years. Certainly spurred on by COVID, but also because I am not on the road as much and therefore the focus on the business side has become even more concentrated. Thankfully all the travel and in person connecting of years past, is paying dividends in this time of isolation.

a self representing artist at work

Brandy Saturley at opening of ‘Canadianisms’ in 2017 – Okotoks Art Gallery

So, this is what a self-representing artist is, one who works full-time at the career of Artist. While Art comes from a purely creative, abstract and fluid part of the brain, it’s wiring is similar in many ways to that of an entrepreneur, and it is a PROFESSION. I have always enjoyed this quote from a favorite portrait artist from NYC by the name of Chuck Close, “The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself.”

Back to work!

 

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

Behind The Scenes: Packing and Shipping Fine Art

When it comes to packing and shipping fine Art, whether it be across town, across the country or shipping artwork overseas; the packaging of artwork is serious business. About a decade ago I invested time in searching out options for protecting and shipping my paintings. There are many options available, from reinforced cardboard shipping boxes to wooden crates and aluminum crates. I found my ideal solution for art shipping in VEVEX Crates. VEVEX makes crates for demanding cargos, and fine art is a specialty of theirs, which is why I confidently call on them anytime I need to ship my work across Canada, the United States or overseas to galleries in London. Last year they celebrated making their 10,000th crate and they have many more to build.

From antique Raven Totem Pole’s being repatriated to Haida Gwaii, monumental photographs by Jeff Wall to London, England or The Artwork of Brandy Saturley to galleries in Toronto; these crates are one-of-a-kind custom works themselves designed to protect the fine artworks stored within.

We recently popped into VEVEX crates to visit CEO and head engineer, Rod Russell. We were excited to see two monumental crates being built for an upcoming exhibit of Ian Wall’s photography in galleries in London and Australia. Here are a few photos inside the shop where Brandy Saturley’s art crates are made in Vancouver, BC.

Packing and Shipping Art

At VEVEX Vancouver – Jeff Wall crates for Canada House UK exhibition

Maximum protection for artwork from penetration, jarring, vibration, crushing, thermal changes and moisture.

Boxes have thick walls and additional framing, making for a very robust box that will stand up to repeating handling, storage and re-use. Providing the maximum in protection for customers that are highly risk-averse, such as fine artists and art museums.

Boxes have bolted lids and can be top loading, side loading and platform loads are accomplished through separate designs. Lids are provided with compression seals. Boxes are sealed with a satin outdoor wood finish, or painted. After receiving my crates, I paint the exterior with The Art of Brandy Saturley branding and logo, including signature colours of white, red, black and gold.

When you buy a painting from The Art of Brandy Saturley, you can feel comfort knowing your precious original piece of Canadian art, will be protected from weather, handling and transfers between couriers. Boxes are lined with 3/4″ thick expanded polystyrene foam. Lids are secured with Unidrive screws, accepting both Philips and Robertson drivers.

Packing and Shipping Art

CEO and Crate Maker, Rod Russell with client and artist, Brandy Saturley

Next time you find a new painting to collect, rest assured you will receive your artwork safely and securely inside a handsome crate that can be kept to store for future, or can be recycled into many uses. Find a beautiful new artwork to put in that crate, now.

ART AND THE CITY: Murakami – Japan’s Warhol at The VAG

ART AND THE CITY: Murakami

Takashi Murakmi: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg – opening February 2, 2018 at Vancouver Art Gallery

The last time I was on the road for the work of Art, was in November last year when I visited Vancouver for the opening of the new Emily Carr University and a variety of art openings around the city. It’s 2018 and I’m back on the road taking in the Art, and the city of Vancouver. ART AND THE CITY: Takashi Murakami style.

DAY 1: Takashi Murakami Lecture at SFU

Takashi Murakami Lecture at Simon Fraser University – January 31, 2018

At the end of January I joined a crowd of enthusiastic artists, collectors, curators, fans and students of the renowned Japanese contemporary art star, Takashi Murakami. Japan’s answer to Andy Warhol, there was significant media in town for a few days leading up to the main event at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

In Vancouver for his first major retrospective presented in Canada, ‘The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg’ at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Murakami works in a multitude of traditional art media (such as painting and sculpture) as well as commercial media (such as fashion, merchandise, and animation) and is known for blurring the line between high and low arts. He coined the term “Superflat“, which describes both the aesthetic characteristics of the Japanese artistic tradition and the nature of post-war Japanese culture and society, and is also used for Murakami’s own artistic style and that of other Japanese artists he represents.

Takashi Murakami Lecture at Simon Fraser University – January 31, 2018

Murakami is the founder and President his own art corporation, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., through which he manages several younger artists. He was the founder and organizer of the biannual art fair Geisai.

I thought his lecture was very honest; for an artist that employs 300 people, owns his own galleries, restaurant, manages other artists careers, is an entrepreneur, and geek at heart. His approach to art is one that I have taken in my own career, and Murakami has found his own niche within in a business that is continually morphing into new forms. While his contemporaries such as the YBA (Young British Artists, Damien Hirst)  and Koons, who also took an entrepreneurial approach to the Art business, have somewhat changed their course in recent years, Murakami continues to push the ‘Artrepreneur’ envelope as his consumption of all things visual and aural continues to drive his world domination forward.

DAY 2:  Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver

Polygon Gallery North Vancouver

It’s another day of grey and rain on the ‘wet’ coast, dark and damp days mean I am searching for new indoor art experiences, and thankfully North Vancouver has a new one I was anxious to visit. After a walk, and a 15 minute ride on the ‘Seabus’ I found myself at the Polygon Gallery. The Polygon exhibits contemporary art with a focus on photography and Canadian artists.

Operating as Presentation House Gallery for forty years, the organization presented more than 300 exhibitions, earning a reputation as one of Canada’s most adventurous public art institutions. Some of the most important local and international artists have been featured—from acclaimed Vancouver photographers Stan Douglas and Fred Herzog to world-renowned artists Ansel Adams and Andy Warhol—as well as the work of North Vancouver students participating in innovative education programs, such as Gallery School and Chester Fields.

 

North Vancouver Exhibit – Polygon Gallery

Polygon is a stunning new space with lots of windows and open beam ceilings, allowing natural light to diffuse the space below. The Patkau Architects-designed gallery offers jaw-dropping views of downtown Vancouver from Lonsdale Quay. I could not think of a more fitting space to host the inagural exhibition, ‘North Vancouver’. In its new home, The Polygon will expand on the organization’s long history of presenting the work of artists who respond to transformations taking place in the world.

Day two down, tomorrow I am headed to the big party at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

DAY 3: Takashi Murakami Birthday Bash & VIP Preview Vancouver Art Gallery

ART AND THE CITY: Murakami

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg at Vancouver Art Gallery – image: Brandy Saturley

The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg in Vancouver, and by Octopus the artist refers to himself, his art, his career, and his consumption of all things that influence his art.

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg is a major retrospective of Takashi Murakami’s paintings, presenting more than fifty works spanning three decades of the artist’s career. The first survey of Murakami’s work to be shown in Canada, this exhibition showcases the artist’s paintings from his earliest mature work to his recent large-scale projects, including a newly created five-metre-tall sculpture and three multi-panel paintings created specially for the Vancouver Art Gallery exhibition.

Anticipation was the feeling and sensory overload was the experience upon entering and moving through the exhibition. Japanese pop art, employing a team of 300 assistants and artists, from silk-screening to anime and painting to graphic modelling, a feast for the eyes and the brain. Attendees were encouraged to dress in a creative, colourful and fun way to compliment the exhibition. The people watching at the event was as entertaining as the art itself, and with a cast of Vancouver Art world characters, ready to meet the cast of characters presented in the art. The after party hosted at the Commodore Ballroom offered the chance to mix and mingle and dance the night away in Murakami-land. With items up for auction going for upwards of $160K. A fascinating experience from all angles, and a grand opportunity for Murakami’s launch into the Canadian art market.

The exhibit is an antidote to the west coast greys and rain. A rainbow party with a deeper message. Technical excellence and idealized characters blurring the lines between high brow and lowbrow. This exhibition is accessible to all and offers something for all ages and walks of life.

That’s all from Vancouver folks!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

The Work Behind The Artist – Celebrating 2017 in Canadian Art

Every year I look back at the work behind the artist, meaning I celebrate the work behind the final product that is art. It is a behind the scenes view for my readers and a reminder that much goes into an art career, beyond the art itself. 2017 was Canada150 here in Canada, but also a celebratory year for my art career, and an opportunity to present my work of the past half-decade to art lovers across the country. Here is my month-by-month highlight reel from the year of ‘Canadianisms’, which continues to bring opportunities and feed my work in 2018.

JANUARY Edmonton/Victoria

2017 began with the grand opening of ‘Canadianisms: A Half Decade Inspired by Canada’ at Strathcona County Gallery @501 in Sherwood Park, just outside Alberta’s capital, Edmonton. Thank you to Brenda Barry Byrne and her team at Gallery @501 for a successful event which included me delivering an artist talk about the work created over the past five years, inspired by my travels across Canada.

Canadianisms kicks off 2017 at Gallery @501

FEBRUARY Edmonton/Vancouver

‘Canadianisms’ continues at Gallery @501 an interview with Sherwood Park News and a special event final week of the show as the gallery hosted Salvi Group (Homes). The end of the month offered an art trip to Vancouver to see the truly remarkable and inspiring, ‘Spindle Whorl’ exhibit featuring a retrospective of the career of Susan Point.

Interview with Sherwood Park News about Canadianisms exhibit

MARCH – Edmonton/Vancouver

On the heels of the closing of the first ‘Canadianisms’ exhibition in 2017, I head to Edmonton in March to present a Professional Development Talk at Visual Arts Alberta/CARFAC about building my career as a Canadian artist. My ‘Poppies For Lousie’ painting inspired by Lake Louise, and my ‘Canoe View’ painting, graces the cover and interior of the 2017-2018 brochure for Music In The Morning Concert Series in Vancouver, BC.

2017 in Canadian Art

Presentation at Visual Arts Alberta/CARFAC in Edmonton

Music in the Morning is a distinctive morning concert series that inspires its audiences with masterpieces of the past, while challenging them with music of our time performed by the finest local, national and international talent – all at affordable ticket prices. In its 30th season, Music in the Morning is known for uncompromised quality, intimate setting and friendly rapport between artist and audience. With sell-out crowds, Music in the Morning fills a unique niche in the city of Vancouver appealing to people who prefer their cultural events with coffee in the morning.

2017 in Canadian Art

Art Licensing – Music In The Morning Vancouver, BC

APRIL – across Canada
My exhibitions in 2017 offered a chance to talk about the People of Canada portrait project. A crowdsourcing, collaborative portrait project between myself and Canadians. Many more photos received, and more portraits painted. This project began in 2014 and I will be painting more portraits in 2018 with a planned 2018/19 exhibition. Accepting photos until year-end! www.peopleofcanada.ca 

Portrait painting from People of Canada Portrait Project 2017

MAY – Victoria/Calgary

Preparing for the second solo exhibition of ‘Canadianisms’ in 2017 – creating and printing a second exhibition catalogue, selecting artwork to ship, preparing the crates for shipping.

2017 in Canadian Art

Canadianisms exhibition catalogues 2017

 

JUNE – Victoria/Edmonton

As I was preparing for my second solo exhibit in 2017, a few opportunities came my way to talk about art, the current climate of the Arts in Canada, collaboration, and the future of Art in Canada. SHAW TV came to the studio and interviewed me about The People of Canada Portrait Project – The Canadian Art Junkie featured my work as part of their 150 artists for Canada150 – I joined the CARFAC AGM hosted by Visual Arts Alberta/CARFAC at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.

2017 in Canadian Art

Brandy Saturley – talking People of Canada with SHAW TV

JUNE/JULY – Calgary/Okotoks

Art on tour, second showing in 2017 for ‘Canadianisms: A Half Decade Inspired by Canada’ @ the OAG in Okotoks, Alberta, just outside the metropolis of Calgary. Thank you to Okotoks Culture & Heritage, and to all who came out to the opening, and to see the show over it’s three month run at the gallery which offered visitors worldwide the opportunity to experience a Canadian artists’ perspective on her own country.

2017 in Canadian Art

JULY – Calgary/Okotoks/Yellowknife

Interview with the Okotoks Western Wheel about the show and my journey of the past half decade.

2017 in Canadian Art

Brandy Saturley talks with the Okotoks Western Wheel

A painting featured in the exhibition, ‘The Getaway’ also appears on the cover of Reader’s Digest More Our Canada magazine for the July 2017/Canada150 issue – with an article I penned about my time exploring the landscapes and art of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
This experience inspired many a painting when I returned home to my studio on Vancouver Island. These people have heart and grit and talent beyond whatever expectations I had going in. I love you, Yellowknife—see you for the freeze!

2017 in Canadian Art

On the cover of More Our Canada – The Getaway, Brandy Saturley

AUGUSTSeattle Art Fair/ Seattle, Washington USA

August found me on another art trip, destinations; Seattle Art Fair, Mt. Baker, Seattle Art Museum & Paul G. Allen Institute for Brain Sciences, which presented Allen’s private art collection at Pivot Art & Culture. It was a remarkable and eye-opening art trip. I love Seattle. The Art, Tech, Food, Kitsch…it all feels like home to me.

Seattle Art Museum – Andy Warhol Inkblot painting – Brandy Saturley

SEPTEMBER – Victoria/Calgary/Montreal

In September, I finished two commissioned paintings and penned an article for ArtInCanada.com, the first of a four-part series with Alberta Artists for Canada150, beginning with Chris Cran. I take on very few commissions, however I was delighted to take on these two commissions after hearing the clients ideas – one being 4 ft high by 7.5 feet and the other, a very special piece using a reference photo from an iceberg loving photographer, Doreen Dalley, who has been shooting these lovely moving landscapes for over 30 years. It was a delight and a privilege to interview celebrated

OCTOBER – Victoria/Winnipeg

October was all about in studio as I began working a new body of work, began upgrading my studio to include two new wall easels and got ready to launch a new website. After hosting with another provider for years I moved my website to a Canadian company in Winnipeg, Art Moi and am thrilled with the new and improved website, my online portfolio for a worldwide art collecting audience.

In the artists’ studio – Brandy Saturley 2017

NOVEMBER – Victoria/Vancouver/California

In November, I was back in Vancouver checking out the members opening at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Portraits of Artists, a show from the collection of the Royal Gallery in London, Queen Elizabeth II private portrait collection. From the 1700’s onward an immense show of some of the most detailed and highly skilled classical mezzotints, etchings and paintings, an ode to the old fashioned ‘selfie’. I also had the opportunity to see the beautiful, custom, Fazioli Piano at The Fairmont Pacific Rim at the #fightforbeauty exhibit.

Fight For Beauty – custom Fazioli piano Fairmont Pacific Rim

Art Licensing: From time to time I license my work to great organizations, who make exceptional products. I was approached by a US company called ThinOptics – a company who makes a great product that fits in a case on the back of your mobile phone, offering portable reading glasses. You can now find three of my most popular paintings from ‘Canadianisms’, including the hockey themed painting sold to the Colart Collection in Montreal, on the cases of these great specs-to-go. Now I can see myself taking a selfie and see the details of my paintings much clearer!

Art Licensing – ThinOptics Canada collection – On Guard by Brandy Saturley

DECEMBER – Hawaii/Alberta/Victoria

In December, I took off to Maui, Hawaii for a couple weeks. I was eager to read a book about American painter Georgia O’ Keeffe and her time in Maui and subsequent 20+ paintings that came from her trip, which were later exhibited at American Place Gallery, owned by Alfred Stieglitz.

Current Inspiration – Georgia O’ Keeffe’s Hawaii

The trip offered the chance to explore by foot, helicopter and car. I had some time to write, sketch, take photos and capture digital video. Returning home, I was in the thick of Christmas mail-outs and on the receiving end of many new things for my studio. Gratitude!
Art Licensing: From time to time I license my work to great organizations, who make exceptional products. I was approached by an Alberta art publisher, Island Art Publishers, with interest in re-producing my ‘Rocky Mountains’ series of paintings created back in 2011. You will find these beautiful reproductions through Island Art in early 2018.

Island Art Publishers – I See Mountains series by Brandy Saturley

 

That’s it! Some of the highlights from my year. It was incendiary! Thank you to everyone for the incredible support during 2017. Wishing you all a remarkable 2018, filled with great adventures, and beautiful moments. Cheers to 2018, and all the new work to come!

2017 in Canadian Art

Canadian Painter, Brandy Saturley on her hand painted art crates, 2017.