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I Eat at Vi’s for Pies after Gallery Openings

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This is not a shameless plug – I am not even getting paid (but maybe I should…). I just wanted to share with the world (and specifically Edmonton #yeg) my love and appreciation for Vi’s for Pies.

Vi’s for Pies is a little café style joint I learned about through friends. We went to a Harcourt House gallery opening in October and then chose Vi’s for desert afterwards. I immediately fell in love with their cozy atmosphere and their chocolate caramel cake (triple yum!).

Harcourt House has an opening tomorrow, Thursday December 6. Come here artist’s Marie De Sousa talk about her show “In Material” at 7pm and Corey Hardeman discusses his work “Rooted” at 7:30. Opening reception 8-10pm.  THEN, join me at Vi’s for Pies!

 
Vi’s for Pies

13408 Stony Plain Rd NW (780) 454-4300

Hours:

Tue-Thu 9 am – 10 pm

Fri 9 am – 11 pm

Sat 10 am – 11 pm

Sun 10 am – 4 pm

 

Harcourt House

10215 112 Street Northwest

Edmonton, AB T5K 1M7

(780) 426-4180

Harcourt House AIR Update

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My wood sculptures are growing in width and height – and even colour! I have finished a small but complex piece and am breezing along with another that will end up being as tall as I am!

This week I will be building large stretchers, about 6 x7 feet, and stretching them with unprimed canvas. With these I will be creating my ‘forest’ so to speak. Likely by the New Year the walls of my studio will be transformed with colour and paintings of the evolution of the natural life of a forest through growth, fire and regrowth.

Wood pieces sit drying after being glued. Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

I have met a few other artists in the Harcourt House Annex and have come to feel so at home in my studio already. I want each moment of my residency to stretch out as long as possible – it is a dream come true and I love every second!

Little glued pieces wait to be used in my sculptures. Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

(AIR = Artist in Residence)

Wood Sculptures “A Visual Delight”

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Bleeding Heart Gallery on Alberta Ave exhibited two of my wood sculptures at their inaugural art show at the end of November. It was great to be present at the opening reception and be a part of launching a new alternative space while connecting with local art lovers.

I met one sweet gal named, Rebekah Sherman, at the gallery that night. She is a children’s pastor and I noticed her enjoying my sculptures. I asked her what she thought and Rebekah has kindly emailed me what she had said that night:

“I saw Alexis Marie’s two sculptures, before they were exhibited, sitting at the entrance of the gallery.  I was drawn to them instantly.  I seem to have a magnetic attraction to art that is wrought from raw, natural materials- especially wood.  The teetering structure of naked wood struck me as both whimsical and calculated.”

“The pieces, carefully balanced and angled, reached up with possibility.  Anchored on a dark, rich base of a tree stump, the pale remnants have permission to be frail and grow. The juxtaposition of this weathered stump, weighty with character and history, with the stark, thinly manufactured fragments of wood, is gripping.”

“It’s as if Alexis Marie has managed to keep a castle of cards suspended gracefully in time. A visual delight.”

 

Wood sculpture by Alexis Marie Chute

It was a pleasure connecting with Rebekah and others that night. I feel encouraged with the direction of my current work at Harcourt House and excited to develop my concept further.

Here are some photos from the opening of “Let’s Begin” group exhibition.

 

Aaron Vanimere, the exhibition curator, and me at the busy opening reception.

 

My wonderful hubby, Aaron Chute, and our friend Geoff Abma listen to the welcoming remarks.

Geoff’s lovely wife and my awesome friend and fellow artist, Alicia Abma.

My friends and I by my two sculptures on exhibit at “Let’s Begin.”

My friends Neil & Aimee Diewert came along with their happy one year old, Anthony.

 

 

Moving into Harcourt House, Artist in Residence Studio

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It has been a few weeks since I moved in to my studio at Harcourt House where I will be creating art for the next year.

My hubby carrying in our baby play pen for my very young art collaborator.

Moving day:

My husband’s vehicle was full of log stumps and a love seat given to me by a sweet friend (the couch for sitting, the stumps for art projects). I had bags of random supplies, wood glue, paint brushes, and sketch and inspiration books that I hauled in while wearing my newborn in the baby backpack. My three year old said she was going to help, but only managed to bounce around the room with excited energy.

I inherited some furniture.

“Mommy’s studio!” she screamed and I was thankful someone really understood how exciting this opportunity is for me. I so love my jubilant girl.

My family.

I unlocked the wooden door and walked in, took a deep breath and saw beyond the white washed walls to my vision of the art that rumbles deep within me.

“It is beginning,” I thought to myself and I couldn’t help but smile.

 

The history of previous tenants.

Since November 1st:

Harcourt House’s Artist in Residence position has been the longtime fulfillment of a dream I’ve cherished since a child; the passion for my art growing into something larger than myself in an environment of inspiration.

So far I have a handful of works in progress – all wood based and in keeping with my theme of re-growth and rebirth, the starting over that many of us must begin in the face of life’s sometimes unfortunate circumstances. For me, it was the death of my son. For you – I would like to hear what challenges you have battled to overcome.

Encouragement written on the wall above my door.

I found my voice through creating art after my loss and my work, though not specifically about my story, is a picture of the resilience and determination that is required if we are going to make our lives the brilliant creations that they are capable of becoming.

I will be taking some photos of my works in progress and will share where I am at throughout the year here on my blog. Subscribe to receive my posts via email. Keep in touch! I’d love to hear from you!

This is where I’ll be.

White Walls and a Welcome Title, My Artist Residency has Begun

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When I walked into my new studio at Harcourt House for the first time, I was startled to see the previous Artist in Residence had white washed the walls. I really appreciate the thoughtful gesture but the stark white shocked me. It was almost like the terror of a writer faced with a blank page or an artist with a virgin canvas.

 

I had a moment of panic thinking, “Oh God! Can I do this?”

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

Then I noticed that the blinding white walls were not perfect. At the base were a few inches of paint drips remaining untouched. Who knows how many individuals and previous artists in yearlong residencies mixed the colours that flowed from beneath the white down the wall and onto the floor.

 

That little bit of imperfection was (and is) my saviour. As an imperfect person on the cusp of a dream opportunity, I know there will be failures and successes, good days and bad. The imperfect walls and floor give me the breathing space to not worry about mess, to get my hands dirty and be a brilliant experimenter of creative thought.

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

I am overflowing, literally running over with joy and thankfulness for this opportunity, for my (imperfect) white walls and my welcome new title. Artist in Residence. I’m so ready.

 

Check out my Alexis Marie Chute website for more blog posts about my artist residency. Here is a post called: “Moving into Harcourt House, Artist in Residence Studio”

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Giving with Style

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This past Saturday evening I exhibited and sold my art at Giving with Style. The event raises money for the Youth Emergency Shelter and Hand Up Leadership Development Program. It was a great success and I was met with a lot of positive feedback about my art and photography. I sold some of my favorite pieces but I know they will go to good homes.

To learn more about Giving With Style, please visit: www.GivingWithStyle.ca

My handsome husband and business partner, Aaron, drilling the lights into our easels before the doors open.

We finished preparing the art and displays just in time for a photo op!

Our display area all ready for happy shoppers and art lovers.

One of my favorite photographs I took in Santorini, Greece. This image was also exhibited at the Jubilee Auditorium.

By the end of the evening we had made quite a few art and photography sales. These ones are packaged and ready to go.

Happy clients Chantile Shannon & Gary Hauk beside their purchase, an Indian Ink painting called “Bottles.”

Giving With Style took place Saturday, November 17, 2012 at McElheran’s Fine Furniture Showroom (10115-124 Street) in Edmonton, Alberta.  Come give next year; check the website for future events.

Get Out of the Creative Desert

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How do we replenish ourselves as artists? As writers? As creative human beings?

When our reserve of energy and inventiveness are depleted, when our desire for innovation and experimentation runs low and our passion for creative expression is a barren desert and we have nothing left to give: what then?

How do we revive these qualities in our lives so that ideas flow, inspiration rains and our creative selves flourish?

For myself, I have discovered that creativity breeds creativity. Art breeds art. Just as in life, kindness begets kindness and love multiplies itself in an environment of love.

I know all too well the desert of the artistic soul. It is the last place I want to be. Fortunately, by understanding that creativity begets creativity, I have enjoyed staying in the place of creative flow.

I find myself presently in a ramped up artistic season of my life. I am Artist in Residence at Harcourt House, have many exhibitions of my artwork (photography, sculpture, mixed media) upcoming and have recently completed a memoir, novella and am currently in the midst of writing a full length novel.

Arizona Desert Flowers
Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

It is a good time. My mind is ripe with ideas. My writing inspires my artwork, my art incites poetry, my poetry evolves into my photographic practice. The love I feel from my clients (and their joy at receiving their portraits) creates a warm fuzzy feeling that keeps me chipper as I work in the isolation of my art studio or pound the keyboard writing during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

Creativity begetting even more creativity seems to be a magical state that I find myself within and it brings an artful mindset into every area of my life. It is as if I am not only an artist, period. Or a mother, period. Or a wife, period. I am an artist of all these things and they all play an important role.

I have come to believe that if you want to increase your creativity in an area where you are stuck (a.k.a. writer’s block or the equivalent for other artist types), try shifting gears and let the artist in you come out in some other fashion. I bet you will experience a breakthrough in not only the first area but both.

CREATIVITY BREEDS CREATIVITY

This is my goal and I am finding it wonderfully exciting. In every area of my life I am choosing to include my passions and challenging myself to be creative as an artist / writer / photographer / designer / mother / human being without boundaries.

The result: My life is now richer and riper with meaning.

Arizona Desert Flower
Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

I’ve Been Busy! Let me catch you up!

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It has been a busy summer and fall is continuing this trend with lots of artistic goodies! Let me catch you up on the action!

 

My printer winning bicycle image of Bride Christina.

Photography Update: Photolife Magazine

 

Photolife printed one of my photographs in their August/September issue as a part of their Showtime theme: trees. In the same issue I was chosen as an “Emerging Photographer” for 2012. This is a huge honor! I was one in 15 Canadians selected for this distinction (and the only photographer selected from Alberta).

Then, in the October/November issue of Photolife Magazine I was the winner of the Showtime theme: Bicycles. The award: an Epson Artisan 837 printer.

 

This is one of the winning tree images selected by Photolife Magazine. This photograph was taken on a mountain in New Zealand.

Writing Update: Walk to Remember

 

On September 29, 2012 I was the keynote speaker at the Walk to Remember to a crowd of nearly 2,000 people who gathered to celebrate their dearly loved children lost due to miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant loss or SIDS. It was an emotional day as I was remembering my own sweet Zachary who died shortly after birth two years ago. The event organizers asked me to speak after reading my blog Wanted Chosen Planned. You can read my speech in my post: “Walk to Remember Speech by Alexis Marie Chute.”

 

With this fine art photograph I was named an Emerging Canadian Photographer by Photolife Magazine.

Writing Update: 3 Day Novel Contest and NaNoWriMo

 

I spent the September long weekend locked in my office (with my newborn) writing a novel during the 3 Day Novel Contest. While others were outdoors enjoying the end of summer I worked three long days typing a full first draft of my debut novel. It’s a romance in essence but, as all good stories, is full of twists on the standard love story.

I loved the 3 Day Novel Contest so much that I have signed up for NaNoWriMo which stands for the National Novel Writing Month which begins today! November 1st! This time I am trying my hand at fantasy and am raring to go. My characters are coming to life in my mind and I am thrilled to tell their story. Stay up to date with my progress on twitter (@_Alexis_Marie). Stay up to date with my NaNoWriMo progress here on my Alexis Marie blog and on my Artist Reborn blog (where you can find my posts about my 3 Day Novel Experience).

 

This is an example of my wood sculpture that I will be developing while Artist in Residence at Harcourt House.

Art Update: Harcourt house & Kiwanis Gallery

 

As of today, November 1st, I am the 2012/2013 Artist in Residence at Harcourt House artist run center here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This is a wonderful position for an artist as the gallery will support my artistic endeavors for a whole year. What does that mean in practical terms? I will have a private studio at Harcourt House while I develop my body of artwork, give me opportunity to teach and at the end of the year the gallery will host a solo exhibition of my work. My show will be installed next October and I will give an artist talk at the opening reception. Please contact me if you want an invite to the opening.

I recently got word from the Kiwanis Art Gallery in Red Deer, Alberta that they will be mounting a solo exhibition of my fine art photographs in their 2014-2015 line-up. The exhibition will feature images I took leading up to and following the death of my son Zachary. The images document the life of my family as we spend almost two months at the hospital trying to save my son and the devastation that follows his death. It is an emotional collection of photographs but one that speaks to the heart and the resilience of the heart. You can read about my experience at Wanted Chosen Planned and how I found art to be a tool for healing at Artist Reborn.

Can Art be Practical and Helpful?

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I was wondering, why is art therapeutic for some people? What magic does it possess to help us through difficult times, rebuild our lives and re-learn the act of hope? An epiphany came to me in an idle moment of thought:

Art is a tool for healing because it pulls our attention from the past hurt to the present moment.

When we are creating something in the here and now, we experience its tactile nature, the flow of the paint, the coolness of the clay as we begin to kneed it between our fingers, the click of the shutter as we react to at the perfect moment. These physical qualities of art making draw us into the present moment where we can be mindful of our blessings, that we are here, alive and that life is a beautiful gift worth living in the fullest manner possible.

While art grounds us in the moment, it also teaches us to look forward, to anticipate.

What will the photo look like in the end? Will the sculpture endure the kiln? Will my words resonate on the page tomorrow? Or the week after? Or next year? Once the paint ceases to drip, what will remain? In the same way, art helps us heal by bringing our attention to the future, allowing us to hope for better days and cultivating faith in our purpose and identity.

What a revolutionary epiphany!

Many people think of art as overpriced creations by eccentric individuals, displayed at stuffy galleries for the ‘cultured’ but devoid of practical use in our everyday lives. To some, this may be their only experience with art. It is true that some people make art inaccessible to the average viewer.

Despite negative experiences with art, and I’m sure most of us have had such experiences, art does have an amazing redemptive capacity when applied to an open, willing and searching soul.

Alexis Marie named Artist in Residence at Harcourt House Artist Run Center

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I am thrilled to announce that I have been named as the 2012/2013 Artist in Residence at the fabulous Harcourt House in Edmonton, AB, Canada. What an honour! My official start date is November 1st and I can hardly wait. I am already planning which furniture to outfit my studio space and literally dreaming about the body of artwork that I plan to develop over the year.

 

What exactly is an artist in residence? Thanks for asking. That is a great question!

 

The role of the Artist in Residence is twofold:

 

First, Harcourt House is supporting my artistic career for a whole year by providing a studio space where I will create new artwork. At the end of my term they will mount a solo exhibition of my creations in their gallery.

 

The second component of the residency is the opportunity for me to interact with the art community and Edmonton as a whole. I will be doing this through teaching art classes, opening my studio for visits and writing about my artistic journey here on my blog, Artist Reborn.

 

My plan for my residency includes developing a body of artwork that focuses on healing and rebuilding a person’s life through and after struggle. I will be painting, creating mixed media artwork and wooden sculpture (like “Quiet Rebuild”). Poetry and creative writing will also accompany my visual art.

 

About two years ago my son passed away in my arms. This was a pivotal event in my life which has dramatically changed me as an artist, mother and overall human being. Through mourning my son, I have found my voice as an artist and my subject matter of healing and rebirth. I am a new person and I believe art was one of the major factors that illuminated my way and gave me incite for personal evolution. I am sure this work will be an inspiration and touch many viewers as we all face challenges in our lives that require strength to overcome.

 

For those who are interested in learning more about my journey and how you too can use artwork in your healing process, I plan to teach a class on this subject during my residency. I will post again when dates have been set. Attendees will gain artistic tools including poetry writing and collage that will aid in individual restoration. Please get in touch if you are interested in attending this class (or if you have other ideas of subjects you would like to learn about).

 

I am elated to be Harcourt House’s 2012/2013 Artist in Residence and will keep everyone updated on my progress. If you would like to receive email updates on my residency, info on the classes I will be teaching and other fine art and creative writing posts, please enter your email address in the box on the right (“Subscribe to Blog via Email”).

 

Check out the Harcourt House website: HarcourtHouse.ab.ca

They even offer yoga in the gallery! Find out more at Art & Mind: ArtMind.ca