The Spark Artists Collective

03/09/2024

Discover 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔, a collaborative artwork by Tara Vahab, local YYC artist.

Title: 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
Medium: acrylic and ink on canvas and plywood

This piece extends an invitation to engage with art in a transformative way. Each 4”x4” tile of the laser-cut canvas and plywood painting serves as an individual canvas, allowing participants to contribute their unique perspectives by adding a personal touch beneath the original layer. The result is a living tapestry of communal expression and individual flair.

Created in 2024, 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 is not only a work of art but a catalyst for connection and shared creativity.

Artist Spotlight:
Tara Vahab is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in the synergy between creative expression and mental wellness. A graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she is the founder of LOUD Art Society and a dedicated advocate for mental health.

In her role as an engagement coordinator at CARFAC Alberta and an art educator at the University of Calgary’s Continuing Education program, Tara continues to influence the community through her innovative public art initiatives, workshops, and her signature woven newspaper designs.

Join us in appreciating the collective creativity that 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 represents. Witness the unfolding narrative of our collective art journey.

Follow ➡️ Tara Vahab LOUD Art Society

03/01/2024

We are happy to introduce an exceptional talent within our vibrant community, James MacDonald. ✨

Featured piece: 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘿𝙖𝙮, April 2021, acrylic on canvas, 60" x 48"

With a passion for ‘en plein air’ oil and acrylic painting, James captures not just the visual but also the essence of his surroundings, translating these experiences onto canvas with vibrant colours, bold compositions, and expressive mark-making. Each piece is a testament to his unique interpretation of nature, offering viewers an exclusive lens through which to experience the wonders of the natural world.

James’s paintings showcase a harmonious blend of observation and creativity. In his studio, he skillfully employs a variety of techniques, from delicate washes to bold, textured strokes of oil paint, to bring his visions to life. His pieces are more than mere representations; they are an invitation to explore the wilderness in a profound and personal way.

Join us in celebrating James MacDonald’s work and his contribution to our collective. His work is not just a display of local talent but also a bridge between the observer and the outdoors, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the innovative ways it can be captured and shared.

03/01/2024

The Spark Artists Collective is honoured to highlight the compelling work of Mike Holden, a Saulteaux Cree visual artist, through his Diamond Resin Series Limited Edition - “War Party”. Mike’s profound connection to his heritage breathes life into his artwork, telling the story of indigenous warrior culture from the 1800s through to the Second World War and into our current era.

“War Party” is a striking showcase of Mike’s use of bold primary colours and sharp, definitive shapes that tell a story of resilience and strength. Each stroke and hue is a testament to the enduring spirit of the First Nations tribes of Turtle Island, embodying their tales of struggle, spirituality, and evolution amidst constant change.

This collection is a powerful homage to the resilience of indigenous peoples during challenging times when they faced severe threats to their existence. Mike’s art is a visual embodiment of Louis Riel’s prophecy, serving as a catalyst for cultural reawakening. Through “War Party”, Mike Holden becomes a storyteller, reigniting the vibrant spirit of his ancestors under the watchful glow of the Grandmother Moon.

Discover the depth and resilience of First Nations history and art by visiting the Spark Artists Collective website, where Mike Holden’s “War Party” stands as a beacon of remembrance and enduring courage.

✨ 🙏🏻

02/27/2024

𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 by Mariam Quershi ✨

We are delighted to showcase an exquisite piece by Mariam Quershi from YEG on our Spark Artist Collective platform. This captivating work, rendered in acrylic on canvas, exemplifies the artist’s profound engagement with the natural world.

Mariam’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her academic pursuits in Comparative Development and Environmental Studies. With a professional commitment spanning over six years, her art not only mirrors the splendor of nature but also underscores its pivotal role in sustainable living.

The painting we present today is a testament to her dedication. It’s a visual symphony that plays with the subtleties of light, the grace of movement, and the profound depth that characterizes our environment. Mariam’s canvas becomes a space where the delicate balance of our ecosystem is both celebrated and preserved.

Her collaboration with The Nature Conservancy of Canada reflects a commitment that extends beyond the brush strokes. It’s an alliance that brings forth the enchantment of the natural world through art while promoting its safeguarding.

Mariam’s adventures in the majestic Rockies of Alberta are not just a source of inspiration but a scientific expedition, gathering data to fuel both her art and our understanding of these landscapes.

This painting invites viewers to explore a variety of artistic influences from abstract to surrealist, each telling a unique story of nature’s perpetual splendor and harmony.

Join us in appreciating this masterful creation and the profound narrative it weaves in advocating for the beauty and conservation of our natural world.

Please like, share, and follow ➡️ Mariam Qureshi Art Shop

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02/26/2024

Painters painting at the studio. Dive into the world behind the canvas, where creativity knows no bounds! 😉👍🏻✨

Thank you to our Videographer Deji from EYK Productions for such authentic capture. 🙏🏻

02/24/2024

Nice time visiting the Royal Alberta Museum as well as the Alberta Art Gallery to celebrate and honour the beautiful artwork by Mike Holden. ✨

For thousands of years, Indigenous people have lived in all parts of Alberta. Visit the Royal Alberta Museum to explore meaningful stories and traditional ancient lifestyles on a journey through time over an immense landscape. Discover how Indigenous people maintain strong connections with significant places and stories of their past in the present. ✨

02/17/2024

What is the impact of the creative skill set on other areas of our lives?

Do you think it could potentially improve adaptability, change management, resilience and innovation?

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? ✨

Share your thoughts and perspectives below.
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02/12/2024

Hi friends! Please check out our new website for The Spark Artists Collective, together with a short video featuring Glen Ronald and Lina Bil as we share some broad strokes of our vision. Let us know what you think and how you would like to be involved!

Sparking essential conversations about art.

02/10/2024

Grateful for the ongoing inspiration from our friends, propelling us towards meaningful life pursuits.

Cultivating a community to support the artistic voice for social transformation.