In April I had the honour of sharing my art at ArtVancouver 2019. What an amazing event. One of the events that occur during the opening night of ArtVancouver, is an Art Walk introducing some of the artists exhibiting at the show. I was thrilled to be one of those selected and was happy to share my heart shaped painting called "Unity Through Heart".
PAM CARR
Monday, August 12, 2019
Friday, March 15, 2019
Mark Making
My research led me to fascinating information about the Les Automatistes, a group from Quebec founded in the 1940's by Paul-Émile Borduas. I explored the concept of automatic drawing which is "(distinguished from drawn expression of mediums) {and}was developed by the surrealists, as a means of expressing the subconscious. In automatic drawing, the hand is allowed to move "randomly" across the paper." This reminded me of Hilma af Klimp and her work, which I had seen in a documentary.
The information that really excited me as a life long educator was something I found in an online lesson on mark making written by Edward Burke. In his lecture notes on Direct Mark Making By Hand he wrote “each of us already has a unique set of marks
and gestures that are innate, in muscle memory and should be embraced and
expanded upon.”
I decided to get a new sketchbook and embrace and expand upon my personal mark making. I also want to explore using different tools for mark making so I picked up some charcoal sticks and oil pastelles as well as some acrylic inks.
I've usually done traditional drawing in my previous sketch books. This one is a multi media paper so I can paint in it too. I plan to document some of my mark making here on my blog, so look out for some in future posts.
One of my first explorations using charcoal sticks. Soft and light pressure and different thicknesses of line. Also some smudging. It is fun to use curved and straight lines as well. |
I also bought myself a beautiful ink brush and just love using it to make spontaneous marks. The trick is to not think and pre-plan what you want to do. It is letting go of control and just going with the flow of the paint, tapping into that personal muscle memory.
I shot I few videos of my first experiments with the brush and some watered down black acrylic paint.
These are the results of the first work one some papers torn from a larger sketch book that was nearly full.
After working on the loose pieces of larger paper I did one in my sketch book to have a record of this first exploration. I want to document my journey into all aspects of mark making. After doing these simple paintings which I love, I decided to try some other mark making with self created tools. I cut some notches into a piece of card and intuitively moved the paint with it.
This type of mark making creates a dynamic and high energy piece. |
I have been working on a very large painting on an unstretched canvas on the wall. It has gone through several layers and I am happy with what is unfolding. I wanted to create a brush like base to the abstract mountain/rock formation. I suddenly had an inspiration to use some of the fallen cedar and pine boughs that came down in the wind storms we have had recently here on the island. I used these as brushes for making marks on the painting by dipping them into the paint and hitting them against the canvas on the wall.
Cedar and pine bough brushes. |
The marks made by the bough brushes. |
Thanks for joining me in this journey. Any comments are really welcome.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
"Building A Dream" Solo Show featuring the art of Pam Carr
I had a lot of help setting up from my friend Jennifer. The show was hung during the afternoon on the Saturday. We also had to prepare all the refreshments for the reception so it was a busy day.
This was my first exhibition showing my large abstract works and it was a great opportunity to see how they would be received. I also included some of my fluid art paintings and my resin paintings, so there was lots of variety in mediums and styles.
Saturday night was the reception which was quiet but perfect. We got to have great conversations and discuss my art with those in attendance.
Sitting with the first comers to the reception. |
There is a great hanging system in place at the hall so it is perfect for art shows.
Looking down to the fluid and resin art on the back wall. |
My large 30"x40" abstract pieces fit perfectly. |
Here is "Where Are You Now" alongside some fluid paintings I did for the Shavasana show in 2017. |
Two new 24"x36" abstracts grouped with a 20" round fluid art piece and a round resin painting below. |
It was a happy day. |
Black and White Abstract in the second room. |
These 12"x16" palette knife paintings were a splash of colour. |
My Building A Dream Series is really growing. These are numbers 6 and 7. |
My 30"x30" "Psychedelic Sea #2" is so alive and vibrant. It is 30"x30". |
"Peeking Through #3" The first of this series is in Los Angeles at Enchanted Studio Props Gallery. |
This was the most popular painting in the show. "Where are you Now?" 36"x36" |
"Red Field on a Fine Day" 30"x 40", |
"Soothe My Soul" 30"x 40" |
"Morning Mourning" 36"x 36" |
"Golden Sky" 30"x 40" |
I also had my fluid art there as well as my resin art.
Shiny bright resin art and some works on paper. |
My small fluid art and art clocks. |
We were so lucky with the weather and the sun came out.
Reflecting back on this day I have to say the biggest gift was the amazing discussions I had with fellow artists and art lovers about my work and art in general. I was able to see my work through new eyes and discover how different people take different things away from the work. For the first time I had an opportunity to find words to describe what I do and why. When you work alone in your studio these things just happen. Having to actually describe the process and realize the intentions that go into the creation of a painting, the skills, techniques and emotions that come together to create something visual, was an enlightening experience for me.
My next show is April 25-28 2019. I will be exhibiting my work at Art Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This will be my first International Art Fair and I am very excited. If you would like free tickets for the opening, please feel free to message me at Pamcarrart@outlook.com
Thanks so much for coming along with me on a tour of my Building A Dream Solo Show. It was a great day. For more information about my art and my 2019 shows, as well as links to my shops please visit my website, Pam Carr Art
Monday, March 4, 2019
High Energy at the RAW Artists Show at Celebrities.
January 13th I loaded up my car and drove into Vancouver with my friend and fellow artist Diane Speirs. I am so grateful for her help in loading my art into Celebrities night club and her assistance as I hung my display. This was the first night of the two day RAW Artists multi disciplinary arts event, the REFLECT Show. Excitement was in the air.
I was all prepared with clamp lights and lots of electrical power bars and extensions. It was a buzzing hive of activity, with so many amazing artists setting up their displays and musician sound checks going on in the background.
As Celebrities is a night club the lighting was not the best for art, but the energy of so many artists, and later, of all the art lovers pouring over your work, made up for the lack of light.
Once the paintings were hung we had time to wander round and check out the other artists there.
Gorgeous illustrations from Mariko Ando |
Great art display from East Van Artist. |
At 5:00 the doors opened and the people poured in.
There was live music, followed by runway fashion shows and make up and hair demonstrations.
Make up model Amy Oak |
Great dance performance by Academy of Middle East Dance. |
This was in the West End of Vancouver and the audience in attendance was an eclectic mix and the love for creativity and art of all disciplines was definitely something everyone had in common.
I had a small table and one of the pedestal stands from the club that were perfect for displaying my art clocks and small works. I also had my business cards available alongside my email list sign up sheet.
I brought my art clocks along and there was so much interest in them. They are all original art on recycled vinyl records. Photo by Mike Wu |
This event was all about making connections with art lovers and collectors. So many people took cards and signed up for my email list. Photo by Drew Fonda. |
It was a great opportunity to share some of my small abstract resin art. These are 4'x4' and 6"x6".Photo by Mike Wu. |
I matted some 5"x7" abstract and fluid art pieces that were on paper and put them into cellephane envelopes so people could browse through and see what small works I had available that were ready to frame. Thanks to Christie Rose who took one home. :-) Sales are always a good thing. :-)
There were fluid art pours and dips as well as textured abstract art already matted and ready for the frame. Photo by Drew Fonda. |
The 36"x12" resin painting "Fire and Ice" was an attention grabber. So many comments on it. Photo by Drew Fonda. |
"Lacing on Red" 12"x12" is another multi layered resin painting that inspired much conversation. Photo by Drew Fonda. |
Talking to one of the many art lovers who had questions about my process. Photo by Mike Wu. |
So happy to have the chance to experience this great event and share my art. Photo by Drew Fonda. |
Resin art was new to many in attendance. Photo by Mike Wu. |
"Psychedelic Sea" and "Sushi for Blade Runner" are two new resin art paintings. 12"x12" Photo by Mike Wu. |
This event was a great way to share my art and spread the word. I made great contacts for getting my work in films and also had inquiries for commissions. And I also had a fabulous time witnessing the dynamic and unique fashion shows and soaking up all the creative energy from fellow artists and art lovers.
This event was so well organized and ran so smoothly. There were two professional photographers there to capture the event. So a big thank you to RAW Artists for this multi disciplinary arts event.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Flashback to Pam Carr's Art Exhibit - Shavasana Art Gallery - May 13 - June 29
I just found this great write up and video on my “Go with the Flow” show from May 13th – June 29th 2017 at the Shavasana Art Gallery and Cafe website. It is great to look back at this show as it was my very first solo show.
The gallery owner did a wonderful write up and it is great to be able to look back and relive this very special moment in my art career.
I was excited to have my family come over for the opening and share this special moment with me.
The gallery owner did a wonderful write up and it is great to be able to look back and relive this very special moment in my art career.
I was excited to have my family come over for the opening and share this special moment with me.
This is from my description of my creative process for this body of work.
…”I explore fluid art and wonder at how it flows. This art form is
unpredictable and well-suited to those who live in the moment. I create
abstract art by pouring, swirling and swiping.”
…”I explore fluid art and wonder at how it flows. This art form is
unpredictable and well-suited to those who live in the moment. I create
abstract art by pouring, swirling and swiping.”
George, the gallery owner describes of this new work as “thought-provoking eye
candy”…He liked it so much he bought 3 pieces before the show opened.
candy”…He liked it so much he bought 3 pieces before the show opened.
I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into my past.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Pam Carr Art. Fluid And Resin Works Video
Today I set up a brand new youtube channel for my art. I am pretty pleased with this little introduction to my fluid and resin art practice.
I hope you enjoy it and share it with any friends you think might like it.
I hope you enjoy it and share it with any friends you think might like it.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Building A Dream #3 now up in my Artfinder Shop
I am having such a wonderful time working on a new series of paintings that feature bright, joyful colours.
These acrylic abstracts use lots of pinks, blues, yellows and turquoises. I use a vast array of abstract techniques and tools to create different layers and textures.
I am also adding them to my online shop on Artfinder.
Here is the latest one. I just finished it last week.
I hope you love the colours and joyful vibe as much as I do.
These acrylic abstracts use lots of pinks, blues, yellows and turquoises. I use a vast array of abstract techniques and tools to create different layers and textures.
I am also adding them to my online shop on Artfinder.
Here is the latest one. I just finished it last week.
I hope you love the colours and joyful vibe as much as I do.
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