I often remind people that art is supposed to make you feel, to engage you. Choosing pieces for your home should be based upon how you interact with the art, rather than what style or palette is trending in the design world. Usually there are a few pieces out of a selection that will speak to me, with multiple others that are clearly waiting for someone else. I was taken by surprise when I entered the studio of painter Rebecca Chaperon - her space was filled with surrealist paintings that invited me into their story and I found myself intrigued by each one. From simplistic gem silhouettes to quirky pastel landscapes to darkly mischievous scenes, each canvas offered an unexpected element that kept me curious long after the studio tour was wrapped.
Tell us a little about yourself...
I am an artist, living and working in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. I spend most of my time in the studio creating acrylic paintings that include images of landscapes infused with odd objects and other more abstract forms of crystals, portals and wobbling rainbows. My work is available at Kimoto Gallery in Vancouver and also can be purchased from me directly. I also wrote and illustrated a quirky picture book called Eerie Dearies: 26 Ways to Miss School which is available on my website TheChaperon.ca.
How did you get started as a visual artist and what led you to where you are now?
I'm lucky to have been encouraged at many points in my career as an artist. The opportunities that have come my way have encouraged me and supported the art that I make. Being invited to exhibit at numerous galleries has helped my art gain exposure to the art market and helped me connect to my patrons and collectors. Showing at grunt gallery in 2011 was such a great experience – it really helped me in everything that I have done since: creating my book Eerie Dearies and solo exhibitions of my work.
If you could describe your artistic style in one word, what would it be?
Surreal
What gets your creative juices flowing?
A weekend retreat away from the city and away from all the possibility of working on my projects often helps me get my best ideas and the momentum I need to create. Sometimes it helps to get away from being in the all-consuming process of executing an idea and then you are forced to look at those ideas from a distance, preferably while laying by a pool or on a beach.
Is there one area of your craft you find especially challenging?
I used to try and photograph my work myself but I eventually hired a professional because it was very tricky to capture all of the detail and colour in each painting.
What do you wish more people knew about artists?
I wish that people could see how intensely artists work - and the self-motivation involved, though I know it seems from the outside that we are always in coffee shops – that's just because we get lonely in our studios!
Do you have a favourite creative space?
My studio in Mount Pleasant is like a dream-come-true: I have lots of natural light, great storage and space. It's at 2414 Main Street and it's surrounded by a great community. On May 22 from 6-10pm, we are having our first ROVE event of the year, my studio and a number of other locations, all within walking-distance, will be open to the public. So come by and say hello - and see some art! The information for the event can be found at ROVEYVR.com.
If you could speak to a room of youth who were considering careers in the arts, what would your advice be?
Approach art-making in the way that feels good to you and commit to it as much as you can. Really dedicate yourself. Do your art to meet your own standards and styles, aim to create the artwork that excites you. If you are enthusiastic and happy about the art that you make then you'll probably keep doing it – and getting better and better.
Do you find gloomy weather or sunshine to be more inspiring?
Both are great but I love overcast days the most!
Artistically, what is your favourite part of the city?
I love to walk from Science World to the Maritime Museum by the water, just before Kits beach. It's where False Creek opens up and you really get a sense of the sea and the open view. I always have a great feeling when I'm there, it's very inspiring.
