We are so inspired by all the amazing artists worldwide who participate in Papergirl Vancouver and thought it would be fun to open up our blog to their voices. We've asked them to share their journey and talk about their experiences as an artist, particularly focusing on the ways they engage community with their art.
These artists will also be sharing what moved them to participate in Papergirl Vancouver and any interesting experiences they may have had as a result of being part of the Papergirl movement. We are very proud of our Artist Interview Studio Visit Series and love that this is another opportunity for us to highlight Papergirl Artists.
We will be sharing these posts over the next few months, so be sure to check back regularly or watch for updates on our Facebook and Twitter accounts!
Our first artist we would like you to meet is illustrator Mandy Lau from Vancouver, Canada and you can read her story below. See more of Mandy's work on her website and also follow along with her twitter and instagram if you'd like.
These artists will also be sharing what moved them to participate in Papergirl Vancouver and any interesting experiences they may have had as a result of being part of the Papergirl movement. We are very proud of our Artist Interview Studio Visit Series and love that this is another opportunity for us to highlight Papergirl Artists.
We will be sharing these posts over the next few months, so be sure to check back regularly or watch for updates on our Facebook and Twitter accounts!
Our first artist we would like you to meet is illustrator Mandy Lau from Vancouver, Canada and you can read her story below. See more of Mandy's work on her website and also follow along with her twitter and instagram if you'd like.
The story of how I got into illustration is, I think, quite typical - basically, the moment I figured out how to navigate a pencil, I wanted to make pictures and draw characters. As a child, I wanted to draw like Mr. Dressup could, and I wanted to draw Garfield cartoons.
It wasn't until I took the Fashion Arts program at VCC that I started thinking more about freelance illustration. Doing life drawing classes at VCC led me to further take on other drop-in life drawing classes at local studios like Blim and Basic Inquiry. I've always enjoyed taking workshops and registering for Meetups in order to connect with people who have common interests. What inspires me to connect my art with the community is usually the combination of meeting new, interesting people and feeling the positive energy surrounding them.
I'm also always very fond of individuals who take the time to share with others in the community and provide spaces and events where people can come together. In the past couple years, I have participated in a couple themed group shows at Hot Art Wet City. I try to submit work and participate on my free time. It's great to attend the shows and workshops, meet people, be entertained by humorous subject matter, and get inspired by what artists in the community are doing.
There was also a charitable project I participated in a while back through an organization called Love and Water International based out in New York. The project was called '1000 Prayers for Japan' and the purpose of the project was to provide relief aid after the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster that took place in 2011. I created illustrations for t-shirt designs where 100% of the proceeds collected went to two charities: one that provided gloves and boots to recovery workers in the area, and another that provided care for animals affected by the disaster. I always feel it's a good idea to participate in charity projects – both within the local community, and international community.
As for Papergirl Vancouver, I discovered the project upon browsing the listings on the Alliance for Arts and Culture website. I was immediately interested in participating when I read the description. I thought it was a really fun and very different idea of getting people together. Just picturing happy cyclists handing out scrolls of art to people in the city sold me on the idea. I also had a chance to invite some new creative friends I met just before the project launch to attend the exhibition opening. Everyone I talked to about it thought it was such a neat idea. I had a really great time listening to the speakers and taking a look at everybody else's artwork at the show opening.
I already can't wait for Papergirl Vancouver 2015!
-Mandy Lau
Image credits
1. lovewaterjapan_combo.jpg (Project: 1000 Prayers for Japan t-shirt illustrations; Credit: Love + Water Designs)
2. HAWCbikesinside.jpg (Project: Hot Art Wet City's Bikes Inside group show; Credit: Hot Art Wet City event poster; Mandy Lau's framed illustration print at group show)
3. HAWCFCKeventcollage.jpg (Project: Hot Art Wet City's F*CK group show; Credit: Hot Art Wet City event poster)
4. hawc_lust_650.jpg (Project: Hot Art Wet City's F*CK group show; Credit: Mandy Lau's framed illustration print at group show)
5. PGVeventcollage.jpg (Project: Papergirl Vancouver exhibition opening; Credit: Papergirl Vancouver event poster)
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