When I speak with clients about the importance of art in the home – how it creates the emotion within a space – I urge them to consider a collection that includes mixed media. An eclectic blend of art styles within your personal gallery allows the mind to explore creativity within your own home. We engage differently with the visual movement of an illustration or painting, for example, than with the strong tactile elements of a carving or sculpture. It's fun to bring these different opportunities together under one roof and wander into the realm of artistic possibilities.
I recently chatted with local artist, Tara Galuska, about her craft and was introduced to an art form that, for me, combines the interactive elements of illustration and sculpture. Technically speaking, Tara is a paper artist; that initially conjured imagery of origami in my mind, but when I viewed Tara's works, I was immediately invited into a place of delicate and whimsical imagination. With patience beyond my wildest dreams, Tara creates art by "writing poetry with paper".
Born in Zimbabwe and raised (and trained) in Sydney, Australia, Tara has been a Vancouverite for four years now, engaging in and strengthening the local arts scene. She has become a growing figure on the art radar not just with her own work, but also through active involvement in the advancement of the arts with movements like Papergirl Vancouver.
When I asked what brought her to our community, it's all about love. Tara’s husband is from here and she went on to share that "my art is my love letter to the world." I love Tara's perspective that collecting art isn't about just filling up the walls, but rather an appreciation for the beautiful, for the handmade and for the unique.
What is your favourite accessory (for home or personal)? I simply adore sparkly shoes and consider them a must have for all seasons and occasions!
How would you describe Vancouver’s artistic/creative community? I believe that community in all areas of life is essential and specifically connecting with and fostering a sense of community with artists and other creatives is a very high priority for me. The main ways I connect to and build my community of like-minded folks has been through Papergirl and THRIVE Studio. I’ve also met some of the best people ever at art openings and other fun creative events. It is amazing who you might meet when you leave the house!
Some people collect old cameras & typewriters. Do you collect anything? I collect houseplants to kill! I guess that is a bit of an exaggeration as I have had some luck in the last year, but I’ve murdered countless houseplants in my quest to become queen of the plants and live in a home that is like a beautiful jungle.
Finish this sentence: My day is not complete without… Our cat Bijou tucking my husband and I into bed! When she sees Bill brushing his teeth she will rush down the hallway and wait on the bed for our arrival. Once she has finished kneading the covers between us she runs out to the door to join her cat sister Daisy for the rest of her evening. A great way to end the day!
If you could describe your artistic style in one word, what would it be? Whimsical
Do you have a favourite creative space? I feel so lucky to have a dedicated room in my home to do my work in! Some of the best things about it are the sloping wall, the peace and quiet and the cozy chair in the corner for my cats to take naps in. Not only do I love being able to pop my head out and say “Hi!” to my husband Bill, it’s also very conveniently located for someone goes to bed at around 2am or sometimes works through the night.
If you could speak to a room of youth who were considering careers in the arts, what would your advice be? If you are an artist or need to work in the arts you know it already. This knowledge might only be a whisper in your life right now but I urge you to listen to it. By ignoring it, I strongly suspect that you are potentially doing a disservice to the world by not following the urge to embark on a career in the arts. Don’t leave this life by being stingy with what you were put here to do. Feeling scared? Realistically consider what the worst thing that can happen to you if you embark on a career in the arts? I myself take comfort in the fact that there have been no death certificates issued reading “Cause of death: Art!”
