Drawing

Hello, my name is Safra and I'm a university student at the University of Manitoba. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, and my favourite mediums to use are copic markers and oil paint. I mainly do anime art, however I am slowly practicing more and more realism, and I am also trying new art mediums to help my expand as an artist. If I'm not doing art in my spare time, then I'm either reading or ice skating. Don't be afraid to reach out to me for any questions :).

I am  a multidisciplinary visual artist, educator and visual arts advocate. I live at Schist Lake in Northern Manitoba. I work out of a studio there and at the Northern Visual Arts Centre (NorVA) in Flin Flon, MB.

Artist Statement Karen Clark

I am thrilled by the idea that people making and appreciating art works share so much with one another. This sharing is important to inspire conversations that are necessary in Canada today.

I paint the landscape here in the Boreal forest from the vantage point of my kayak or canoe. The terrain here is edgy and sharp. This is my cup of tea.

Most recently I find  myself focused on the local mine processing site nestled next to us here in Flin Flon. It is a remarkable juxtaposition, over 600 hectares devoted to extraction, crushing , smelting, prepping ore and managing waste products from those mining processes.The working title, The Long GoodBye, refers to the boom and bust cycle common to mine based towns throughout the world.

Acknowledgement

My generation has seen the deconstruction of Canada’s colonial past. I follow the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the investigation of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls with a growing sense of horror and shame. Having my roots as a settler in this land, I have a shared sense of confusion and perplexity as to how we - settlers and Indigenous people - carry on together. As a result I find myself questioning my place in this landscape which is so fundamental to my sense of self.

I am a Canadian artist from Northern Manitoba, known for my realistic landscapes, still life compositions, and portraits. I started my artistic practice using acrylics but struggled to get the depth that I was looking for in my work.  Using oils is my preferred medium as I love the vibrancy and the richness of the paint.  With oil paint, I can explore intricate shapes and captivating colours. I'm inspired by the old masters, I enjoy capturing the interplay of light and shadow and sometimes employ a limited palette for subtle tonal variations.

I strive to uncover overlooked beauty, revealing elegance in still life, landscapes and conveying emotion in portraits. Through my work, I invite viewers to find solace in the simple joys and rediscover the magnificence of the world around us.

Amanda Kostas (she/they) is a multi method artist whose work is deeply influenced by the beauty of nature and the intricate details of tattoo art. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of her surroundings, Amanda's pieces reflect a harmonious blend of delicate lines and vibrant washes of colour.

Inspired by her grandmother, who nurtured her artistic spirit from a young age, Amanda channels this encouragement into their work, exploring themes of growth and transformation. Her art invites viewers to appreciate the subtle nuances of the natural world, while also paying homage to the personal connections that shape her creative journey.

Based in Winnipeg, MB Canada on Treaty 1 land, Amanda continues to evolve their practice, striving to inspire others through her unique vision and dedication to her craft.