What inspires me as a Vancouver artist is the beauty of the area. I love to explore the natural beauty of the area. The beauty of Kitsilano, the mountains of Whistler, the glory of Howe Sound all inspire. I bring that beauty to my work.
The Blog Art Vancouver asked local artists what inspires you as Vancouver artist?
Dominique Bieger: “What inspires me? Well, an art critic in Milan recently stated, after looking at my art collection: “this is a journey into the human soul embedded in a never ending journey around the globe”. Exploring the human mind and soul inspires me constantly. I am good at observing and studying people. I link those inputs to my impressions from my frequent moves; sometimes it is just the looking into a face and there I have a feeling I want to draw and turn into a mosaic; sometimes it is the memory or an area I used to live or work in, maybe a childhood memory, and another drawing takes place and a new mosaic is being created.”
I try to be open to the world around me seeing beauty in everything.
Patricia Banks: “I am influenced and inspired by the magnificence and splendour of the natural environment. I seek to stimulate my viewers’ emotions through the passion I feel when I am immersed in nature. Whether by the beauty of a single flower in a still life or by a panoramic wild coastline scene. I am intrigued by the fleeting balance between strength and fragility in nature. And I seek to create feelings of tranquility and balance in my paintings. By capturing light and movement, I lead my viewers to pause and reflect, and to feel as if they are there, in the moment.”
I agree with Greg Navratil who draws inspiration from the beauty of the area.
Greg Navratil: “Nature inspires my work. Completing a painting inspires me to do another.”
Christine Allan: “I never know how to answer the question what inspires me as an artist; because I am inspired by so many things. When I was young I was inspired by Van Gogh and I am still inspired by artists of the past. I have read quite a bit about artists and their lives and I feel a connection to them. I would have to say that I am inspired by a need to express myself in a way that I am not able to with words.”
David Tycho finds inspiration in the beauty of the world around him:
David Tycho: “My work is inspired by my environment and my response to it. My paintings range from works inspired by pristine wilderness mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, beaches, deserts and forests, to works inspired by urban sprawl. I do a lot of walking, hiking and cycling, and I am very aware of my surroundings. Often taking photos or making mental notes of forms, colours, lines, tones and the general atmosphere of a particular place. I have also been inspired by great art and artists, from the New York abstract expressionists to my university instructor Gordon Smith, to Japanese calligraphers.”
For me inspiration comes from always being open to the world around you and exploring. I find inspiration when I go for hikes, climb mountains or just camp with friends.
