James Tatsuki Wood Keast 8lbs 13oz

Scarlett (2 1/2 years) and James (3 months)

James and Great Gramma Endo celebrate her 96th birthday

Smiling in stripes

A local artist talks to us about the inspiration found outdoors in the great pacific northwest, the iconic art scene in NYC and the courage it takes to be a true artist.

Who: Arleigh Wood

Where: Vancouver BC

What: Mom & Mixed media artist

Believes in: Simplicity, DIY, the blending of natural and urban.

Q: Where do you go for inspiration?

A: My top spots for inspiration are big cities with lots of galleries and streets to explore, as well as tiny remote areas with many a rock and leaf to turn over.

Q: I love your new series of large works. How would you say these connect to west coast landscape?

A: All of the new works are inspired by recent West Coast trips. They include places like Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), Tofino, Comox, Quadra Island, Jericho Beach, English Bay. I have a different connection to each of these places and I try to recreate the feeling that I had when I was standing and looking at the sea or a tree or the sky. Sometimes it is just the memory of being in a certain place or frame of mind that inspires me to start painting.

Q: What’s been the hardest part about getting started as an artist?

A: One of the hardest things is to have to confidence to put your work out there to be judged by the public. I suppose it is the fear of failure and rejection. At a certain point you just have to put your armour on and get out there.

Q: You are in the east side culture crawl each year. What do you love about it and what do you hate?

A: The best part and worst part about the crawl is the direct feedback that you get from all of the viewers. While it is amazing to have thousands of people come through your studio over three days, it is sometimes overwhelming to hear everyone’s opinion on something so personal that you have been working so hard to create. That said, after participating in the crawl (I’ve done 12 so far) I always feel very supported and encouraged.

Q: Dream commission?

A: It has been my dream to travel to Japan to live and work on mixed media paintings. I am curious to see how my Japanese Canadian heritage would blend with native Japanese culture. I am also fascinated by the fine craft and design found in Japan and would love to study more traditional techniques like ceramics, printmaking or woodcarving.

Q: Favourite museum/gallery anywhere in the world and why?

A: I have so many favourites but two of my go-tos would be the MOMA and Guggenheim in NYC. Not only do you get to see fabulous artists and amazing architecture but you also get to feed off the energy found in the city. I find this is a place that always makes me feel encouraged to try something different.

Q: Best art documentary you’ve seen to date?

A: Exit through the gift shop – Banksy’s film about street art.

Q: When not painting you are?

A: Taking photos, looking at art, dreaming of new adventures, hanging with my hubby and my daughter Scarlett and rubbing my baby bump.

Q: What keeps you up at night?

A: Mommy stuff and to do lists.

Q: My mom was right about?

A: “Everything in moderation, including moderation”

Posted by caitlin black

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL
Friday Nov 16 5-10pm
Saturday Nov 17 11-6pm
Sunday Nov 18 11-6pm
www.eastsideculturecrawl.com

Arleigh Wood
Studio 326
1000 Parker st
Vancouver BC

connected by a golden thread 1 36x36

The wind will blow our troubles away 20x40

treasures drift ashore 20x40

you me and the sea 36x36

Time to stand alone 30x40

Strength in roots 30x40

falling in to reverie 30x40

Autumn blooms 36x36

Fade away wash away 36x36

Every night is a lullaby 36x36

when the birds are all gone 30x40

Wash away the traces of doubt 30x30

Smaller works: sizes in inches

You are painting pagodas again 10x20

the lure of the city 10x20

SOLD

Panning for gold in the pale moonlight 10x20

SOLD

Fortitude spread thinly over mountains 10x20

Disappear 10x20

Afloat and rooted 10x20

SOLD

Change of tide 10x20

City presssed against sky 10x20

In this light it looks like home 10x20

SOLD

Stepping out to sea 6x12

SOLD

Steady and stable when the wind blows 6x12

a path to self reliance 6x6

SOLD

home for a rest 10x20

Whiffen Spit

Sooke Harbour House

Sooke Potholes

Falling into Reverie 30×40 inches

Every night is a lullaby 36×36 inches

The wind will blow our troubles away 20×40 inches

Treasures drift ashore 20×40 inches

Strength in roots 36x36

connected by a golden thread 1 36x36