Tag: Alberta

Making Press

by Amanda, posted in Abstract, acrylic, Art, art discussions, Artist, canada, events, exhibit, female artist, Life, Paintings, Social Commentary, Uncategorized

Just had to share with everyone that I made it into today’s copy of “The Record“, Fort Saskatchewan’s local paper.

Here’s the article:

Abstract artist takes over DCC art gallery this month

Posted By Jordie Dwyer / Record Staff

February 19, 2010

Opening minds to new and different aspects of artistic expression is what art galleries are supposed to be about. And this month, the Alberta Lottery Fund Art Gallery at the Dow Centennial Centre is expanding its boundaries and, for the first time, featuring work that pushes the line on abstract art. Amanda Milke, originally from Moncton, N.B., but now living in Fort Saskatchewan, approached the gallery about how to get an exhibit and was excited when she learned they would show her work this month. “I’m not really big on realism,” Milke said, who came to the city with husband Jonathan — who grew up in the Fort — about two years ago. “Some of the work I’ve done is simply my life experiences put on canvas. Other work is religiously inspired and some is just a means of venting.” Milke began painting around 15 years ago and quickly found doing still life rather boring. “That’s when I moved into abstract work,” she stated. “Some of my work are a definite departure, while others are done on the spur of the moment.” The exhibit, which runs each Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Feb. 26 as well as prior to all Shell Theatre shows, is Milke’s way of getting out into the community.”This show is fairly groundbreaking, as it is the first time the gallery has shown abstract work,” Milke said.”My hope is that it breaks the perception of what is considered art and that helps people be more open.”As for reactions to her work, Milke explained she’s had a very mixed review so far.”Everything from people saying they really don’t like it — sometimes in a little more colourful language — to one little elderly lady saying, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s wonderful,'” she said. While the exhibit ends next week, Milke’s work can still be viewed on her website.

Neat! 🙂

I’m hoping to grab a hard copy of the paper sometime today.

Cheers,

Amanda

Supplies

by Amanda, posted in Art, art supplies, Artist, canada, creative, female artist, ink, photos, Series, Uncategorized, watercolor

As you can tell, I haven’t had the chance to create any more pieces for the “Curvy” series because (a) I’ve been working and (b) I was in need of more supplies.

Yesterday, I was able to rectify (b) by doing a bit of shopping after work.

I’d like to remove (a) as an obstacle as well  but that would require having more people contacting my Art Dealer Sharon at Gallery 45 to purchase some artwork.

Just in case you’re interested, you can reach her at gallery-45@mcsnet.ca or contact me directly at themilkeway@gmail.com.

In the mean time, I’ll show you what I got.

I’ll rant as I go along on how pricey Art supplies are getting.

I picked up an 8 pack of Winsor & Newton ink.inkGranted I only needed Black, but I like to have options and this set came with:

  • Black (Indian Ink)
  • Blue
  • Carmine
  • Canary Yellow
  • Emerald
  • Nut Brown
  • Orange
  • Violet

Nice set but it costs $50 regularly.

Quite the chunk of change.

At least they last awhile.

Luckily though, I had a coupon for 40% off a single item which helped cut the cost on that one.

Next, I found some Reeves Watercolours that they had on clearance.

I love clearance and reduced Art supplies lol it makes me giddy.

They were $5 so I picked up 2 regularly $15.

They’re about middle grade quality and for that price I figured I couldn’t go wrong.

Plus they keep forever.reeves

It has 12 tubes with your basic assortment of colours.

Finally, I grabbed some clear Rubber Contact Cement for my collages.

The small container costs something like $6 and comes with a brush attached to the lid.

white_rubber_paper_cement

I figured I’d give it a whirl, I’ve heard that it works really well.

Plus it, like the ink, is Acid Free and Archival worthy.

So I’ll see how that works out for me, plus extra bonus, hubby can use it for his miniatures when he’s making scenery.

Well that concludes my little shopping spree.

I’m hoping to finish the collage I’m working on and do up a few more Curvy’s in the next few days.

Cheers and have a great weekend.

Amanda

Oh one more thing, for those of you who wonder what I’m like outside of my artwork we (hubby and I) have started up another blog.

Everyday Adventures with The Milkes

It’s couple/normal life oriented and will have lots of miscellany posts so feel free to check it out. 🙂

Happened, Going to Happen, Happening

by Amanda, posted in Abstract, acrylic, Art, Artist, canada, commission, creative, Drawings, events, female artist, For Sale, God/Religion, Paintings, photos, Series, Uncategorized

Lots seems to be happening around here even though I sometimes fail to realize it.

Here’s a look at what’s happened, going to happen and happening.

Happened-My art showcase at Edmonton Jam Space finished Oct 4th so I picked up my paintings from Jonny on the weekend. Things have picked up for him too so he hasn’t had a chance to set up the next artist for display. Those walls are going to look some bare. He offered to have me back sometime so I may set something up for the future. I did however leave him with a “Commission Flier” to stick up in case anyone wants their old guitar made over into art.

Going to Happen– Nov 15th, 2008: Shop in the Fort Trade show (I’ve already mentioned this one)

*New*-I have a gallery showing booked at the Dow Centennial Center’s Gallery for the whole month of February 2010. Sure it’s a ways off but hey it gives me LOTS of time to create new pieces and have old ones framed. Either way exciting.

Happening-I currently have 2 abstract paintings, 2 new watercolor series, commissions, and some abstract recycled jewelry on the go. Fun Stuff:

One of the abstract paintings you’ve already had a glimpse at and the other one I’m keeping until it’s finished.

I will give you a peek at one of the new watercolor series I’m working on.

It’s a three piece series titled: “Three Fold Prayer” and will be done in the same style as all my other watercolor pieces such as “Life Simplified”.

Here are the outline drawings and I’ll be adding the watercolor today with the hopes of starting the text on at least one of the pieces. Each piece is 9” x 12” on 195gms weight cotton acid free watercolor paper.

Back to work.

Cheers,

A

To commission the artist email her at themilkeway(at)gmail.com

View my art in person…

by Amanda, posted in Art, Artist, canada, commission, events, female artist, For Sale, Paintings, Uncategorized

I’ll be appearing at an upcoming trade show that’s taking place right here in Fort Saskatchewan.

It’s happening on November 15th at The Dow Centre.

So for the next little while I’ll be super busy making up pieces and prints to sell.

I’m also designing my own business cards here’s a couple of samples,

and I’ll post the rest once they’re finished.

(I decided to drop my ph# on these ones for obvious reasons)

They’re a double whammy you get my contact info and a sample of my work.

And of course I’ll be accepting commissions so if your based locally come check it out.

Oh and as things stand, I think I’ll be the only artist displaying her stuff.  😛

Cheers,

A