With my recent feelings of being a bit blocked, this was an amazing speech to listen to at the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. No, I’m not blocked, I’ve just been caught up in paying bills, and completing chores, and trying to do things that everyone else says I should do. Life isn’t always easy, but at the end of the day, or perhaps the beginning, we should do at least one thing – make good art! Thank you Neil Gaiman for your good words.
Now you can buy original and printed art by me on my Etsy store Tiana Kaczor Fine Arts. There’s still time before Christmas to pick up a hand printed photograph or a miniature watercolour. Or if you live near Vancouver, B.C. (so we don’t have to rely on mailing times) there’s even time to commission a watercolour or drawing based on a photo of your choice.
Visit my store here: 
I’m still learning about the wonderful word of Etsy, researching how other artists and craftspeople list their wares, so it’s been a little slow for getting some of my art up for sale, but you will find a few items there now.
I’m listing a variety of mediums and styles in hopes of getting some feedback from window shoppers and buyers about what they’re interested in getting. Prices range from around $10 to $400.
I will be uploading more artworks for sale in the next few weeks, so keep checking back for new stock. Original watercolour postcards and vintage computer art prints are next on my list for stocking my shelves.
Come take a look at my Etsy store
My painted warrior has been donated to the Richmond Public Library by the Williams and Lomness Families in memory of their parents Yvette and Walter Beswick. An unveiling and tea was held early November at the Brighouse (Main) Branch and the rain did not deter us from going outside and seeing “Wu Chang” back in the same spot he was 2 summers ago.
The Williams and Lomness Families at Warrior unveiling at the Brighouse branch of the Richmond Public Library
My warrior was bought by the BC Lions Society at their auction in September 2012 in hopes that they would find a donor who would place it in a public space in Richmond. Stephen Miller connected with the Williams and Lomness Families who wanted to do something to remember their parents. During the tea, daughters Julie Williams and Susan Lomness spoke about how their parents, Yvette and Walter, loved coming to the library, and the family all contributed to make this donation happen.
Donation was made in memeory of Yvette and Walter Beswick
I’d like to thank the families for their generous donation. I am happy that my artwork is in a public place where it will be enjoyed by many people for many years. It is a library that I use often, so I will get to see my warrior regularly. (Many times artists make art and it is sold and you never see it again.) The staff of the Richmond Public Library are all excited about this unique addition to their institution, and I know they will take care of my “Mr. Wu”.
Stephen Miller and I were interviewed for “go! Vancouver” the morning of the BC Lions Society’s Terracotta Warrior Banquet and Auction. You can find the segment at the 3:55 mark in the video, after the yoga studio segment. I’m always surprised how long it takes to shoot a TV show or film. In this case I was there for over an hour, getting wired up, walking through different shots, and answering the questions. Thank you to Mana Mansour and her videographer for making this a fun experience.
Here are some facts about my process for painting my Terracotta Warrior “Wu Chang”.
I spent at least 135 hours painting the sculpture. There were days I’m sure when I was so tired I forgot to record the hours in my sketchbook. So, it might have even been 150+ hours of painting.
I spent approximately 10 hours of prep which included accepting the delivery, moving the sculpture upstairs and down, sanding and washing, and painting the 2 coats of gesso.
I spent about 6 hours at the Vancouver Art Gallery and Richmond Brighouse libraries doing research.
I spent an unknown number of hours reading, discussing, searching the internet, sketching and planning, and being interviewed for promotion in the local media (Thank you, Richmond News).
Grand total is a minimum of 175 hours.
I got paid $1000, and I bought my own supplies. This means I made about $5.71 an hour before expenses. Of course my labour is a donation to the BC Lions Society, but I think it’s important for those bidding on the sculpture this Fall to know what would be a good starting bid. If I base my pay scale on what I make as a teacher then the warrior should be sold for no less than $5075.00 ($29 per hour x 175). And this doesn’t even take into consideration the cost the sponsor (City of Richmond) put out to make the fibreglass sculpture and all the time and effort the BC Lions Society put into organizing this fundraising event.
Sketchbook Map of Back Textile Patterns. click on image for bigger view.
Finished back of Wu Chang in Tiana’s studio.
Edinburgh book sculpture Tea
An artist friend sent me a link today to some mystery art that has been popping up in Edinburgh’s literary environments. Fabulously detailed sculptures made from books and placed in libraries by the anonymous creator have everyone wondering “Who is this artist, and why do they leave such gifts?”
To look at an article about the book sculptures go here: http://thisiscentralstation.com/featured/mysterious-paper-sculptures/ It’s long, but read all the way to the bottom to learn about the whole mystery.
In a world that has become more about making money than creating experiences and joys for each other, this is a wonderful present the artist has given the people of Edinburgh and those of us who can view the sculptures from afar. I too have left little treasures, mostly along forest paths, wondering who will find them. This artist is lucky in that she, (for they think it’s a she from one clue in a note), has the opportunity to see all the press her creations have initiated. As much as I enjoy making art, I also love seeing the reactions of people as they look at it. This week I have sat or walked by my painted terracotta warrior outside the Richmond Art Centre. It’s been fun seeing people look at him and take pictures. Sometimes I talk to them, telling them I’m the artist, sometimes I don’t.
Rankin admirer paper sculpture Filmhouse
The detail in the book sculptures is amazing. The collage aspect, with all the words from the book pages reminds me of some work I did while at Emily Carr College of Art & Design. Stories, made from words cut out of magazines and glued onto scales from pine cones and then placed in wooden cigar boxes. Ah, to create! I think I need to go to my studio!
Terracotta Warriors Unveiling. Tiana in front of "Wu Chang".
The rain stayed away and I had a lovely morning in downtown Vancouver with family and friends at the official unveiling of 29 painted Terracotta Warriors. They looked a little scary at first, all covered in black drapes, but as the artists and our sponsors pulled off the covers the army emerged in full colour. It was great to see the statues in formation, and have the chance to view the artists hard work in one location, before they are distributed around the city. Maps are available from the BC Lions Society for Children With Disabilites to help you find the warriors around town over the next few months.
I love having the opportunity to talk with people as they are looking at my art, to explain my process and ideas, and receive their comments and praise. There was a lot of press there yesterday as well. I was photographed several times and had an interview with The Epoch Times. Here are some links I’ve found so far:
The Vancouver Sun – article, video, and photos: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Terracotta+army+Vancouver+streets/6512586/story.html?tab=PHOT
24 Hours Vancouver – article, map, and photos. Go to the gallery for all the photos. I’m in the first one with the little girl. I’m in the back wearing a black coat. Several photos show my warrior “Wu Chang”. Not full on but he’s there! Dad got in a photo too! : http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/local/2012/04/24/19674136.html
Terracotta Warriors Unveiling. Tiana and the back side of "Wu Chang".
Tiana Paints "Wu Chang's" Head
I’m in the home stretch, but probably have a good week more of painting until my warrior, Wu Chang, is finished. Like the eagle I did with James Whiteside Elementary a couple years ago this sculpture is also going to be very colourful and detailed. Why do I do this to myself? Such a lot of work. But so far those that have taken a sneak peak in my studio have raved about my collage of patterns on Wu. It’s like he has travelled through time to show us a collection of designs from over 2000 years of Chinese history.
Last Friday the Richmond News published an article on me and the warrior I am painting. They hope to follow my progress with other photos and updates in the next couple of months. Here’s a link: http://www.richmond-news.com/news/Warrior+prepares+army+crowds/6165547/story.html
Since the photos were taken I have finished painting the animal faces on “Wu’s” shoulders and I’ve started working on his back armor. Painting the purple dragons was a lot of fun, and figuring out how to do an Escher like pattern was a good challenge today. Wish you could see it? You’ll have to wait!
Tiana sands the Terracotta Warrior
I have a 7 foot replica of a Chinese terracotta warrior in my studio! And I have 2 months to paint it!
The warrior is one of many that will be on display and then auctioned to raise money for the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. Similar to the eagle I painted for the society a couple years ago, this sculpture though will be painted only by myself, and not have the input of hundreds of elementary students. This time I am researching 5000 years of Chinese textile history and will paint chosen patterns onto the warrior.
For more information on the project go to: http://www.terracottawarriors.ca/
Tiana Kaczor Fine Arts 