Oct
26
By Aurafidelite Arindam
Anne Hansen interviewed me over a year ago for an article in the James Bay Beacon newspaper. It was a great experience as an emerging artist. When we spoke at that time, I mentioned to Anne that it had always been my secret dream to become an artist and this year it really came true! I'm very thankful to the Beacon for its openness and encouragement of new artists by featuring them in articles. It shows that the Beacon truly supports and values our artistic community!
The Stream Orchid
One of British Columbia's native orchids
Since then, many doors have opened to me professionally and I've met more supportive friends, clients and organizations. I have shown and sold my botanical artwork, fine art giclée prints and art cards at Butchart Gardens, Sooke Harbour House, Moss Street Paint-In, Serious Coffee in James Bay, Munro's, The Papery, Russell Books and from my private art studio in central James Bay. I participated in the James Bay Art Walk again this year which is my favourite art event! I was sponsored by Pharmasave James Bay and the Super Chance consignment store. I would like to sincerely thank them for their financial support. The Beacon does a great job of covering and supporting this art event for all the participating artists in our community. To my great surprise, CHEK News interviewed me for the James Bay Art Walk, and it was my very first television interview! This summer I also did a series of radio interviews about the arts and cultural community events in Victoria for a local radio station.
Last spring I received first, second and third prize ribbons for my orchid drawings at the Victoria Orchid Society's 28th Annual Show and Sale. A number of orchid collectors commissioned drawings from me for their favourite orchids. I wrote an article titled "Drawing Irises" which was published in the BC Iris Society Newsletter. And my artwork is now in an interior design store and it was featured in YouTube videos. Needless to say that it has been quite a year in my artistic life and it continues to be so! Who would have thought this possible? I am very grateful for everyone's support of the arts in our community.
What's next? I will be attending the "Master Artists' Seminar" with Robert Bateman at Hollyhock on Cortes Island this autumn. And then I plan to start teaching botanical drawing art classes with coloured pencils from my art studio. People in our community have been asking me to teach these classes and I hope that I can communicate the great sense of joy and peace that creating art brings to my life. We all need to enrich our lives with beauty, happiness, peace and a sense of accomplishment with the increasing stress in our fast-paced lives. From May 29 to June 3rd 2011, my iris drawings, prints and cards will be in the American Iris Society National Convention's boutique at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Aside from all these developments, I have ventured into doing large acrylic paintings, submitting my artwork for competitions and been accepted as a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists. I am already a member of the Botanical Artists of Canada. And I've joined the Gettin' Higher Choir's fall season which is a great pleasure to be a part of. I highly encourage you to try it. I had never sung before until I joined them last season and it has become another wonderful discovery that enriches my life! A concert is presented at the end of each season at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. It is well worth it to attend the concerts to get some idea of this beautiful large choir of over 300 members.
I wish all of our beautiful James Bay community a wonderful year of discovery in the creative arts! You never know what your dreams may bring you, life is an adventure to be enjoyed!
I can be contacted for art classes, purchases, commissions and gift certificates at info@auraart.net and my website is located at www.auraart.net.