Milner Library Art Gallery - January 2004

Artist Statement

I've been experimenting for a number of years with painting techniques on various types of Japanese rice paper for special effects and a unique look. The rice paper is thin enough to see through and therefore gives a unique look! It's taken much "blood, sweat and tears" to finally develop an acceptable artform. Each set of paintings becomes more refined and delicate and my end result is as close as can be to the special "stained-glass window" look that I love so much.

I've been painting in the batik style for several years and have been able to produce paintings that are light and airy with vibrant colours and strongly delineated edges. My landscapes of the foothills and Rocky Mountain region, right here in my beloved West Central Alberta close to Jasper, are also taking on the look I'm striving for. I use a tjanting tool with molten beeswax to "draw"my design, apply the watercolour in many layers and applications, and then iron the completed work to remove the beeswax. The view from my back yard affords unlimited inspiration.

My art life seems to reflect my experiments in various media; in fact, my life at the moment is one big experiment. Every day I learn new ways of handling colour in its many manifestations. I wouldn't be happy if I weren't constantly on the brink of something new and wasn't evolving with a look that's simply my own.

Artist Bio

Art has become a way of life for me and the Hinton Art Club has been a major focus in the past few years (I am now president) and the organization has been instrumental in my progress in technique, marketing and all aspects of my art world. Early University art classes and more recent local and provincial workshops, plus a desire to give back, led me to become president of the Alberta Community Art Clubs Association and Secretary of the Town of Hinton Arts Council. Earlier this year I was juried into the Alberta Society of Artists. Writing on art is an important facet of my life online and locally) as well as getting the word out by hosting an Arts Focus television show on ShawTV. And, yes, I certainly do still find time to paint... this past spring all three of my paintings were juried into the Alberta-Wide ACACA show at the Red Deer Museum I was awarded the Town of Hinton Arts and Culture Volunteer of the Year award for 2003.

I was born in Germany and came to Canada as a child where I lived first in Prince Rupert, B.C., then in Hinton, Alberta and a stint of 14 years in Edmonton. My first career was travel agency owner for 25 years after which I was able to retire with an archive of thousands of photos from travelling around the world.

My work can be found in art galleries in Alberta: in Jasper, Hinton, Edson, Edmonton (Centre d'Arts Visuels in Bonnie Doon) Calgary (Art Gallery and Framing on 17th Avenue S.W.) I had my first solo show two years ago with over 100 paintings on display.

My work is constantly evolving and I'm enjoying working with another technique, experimental inks. My inks will be shown in an exhibition at the Hinton Public Library from January 9 to 31 of 2004. I love drawing, painting and innovative art methods. I've worked with watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels (chalk and oil) as well as inks and other watermedia. Each day there's a new experiment and my life, in middle age, is becoming an experiment as well. Be sure to check out my Once in a Blue Moon website and the various websites below where my artwork is also hosted.

Once In A Blue Moon
#1 465 Makenny Street
Hinton, AB Canada T7V 1H3
780 865 7429 fax 780 865 7496

Web Sites

http://www.onceinabluemoon.ca
http://artistsownregistry.com/monikadery.htm