toronto art gallery
Perceptions is an exhibit that showcases various ways of looking at the world around us. For some, it is through our culture, and for others, it is capturing the feeling of a moment, or just simply what is in front of them. Regardless of the direction, one perceives the theme, the malleability of your perception is ever evolving and unique to you.
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Our third Colour Me Bold artist Natasha Dichpan is also a live painter and illustrator. She finds joy in colours and mediums that are diverse and distinctive. Painting for her is a meditation which she practices to calm, to heal and to tell stories. Born in Russia, she spent her early years in Israel and is currently based in Toronto. Her art reflects the transformations she underwent while being in entirely different parts of the world. Her art speaks not one, but several languages. In a short interview with us, Natasha talked to us about her inspiration, experience and her most beloved artwork pieces.
What inspires your art?
My artwork is informed through a combination of raw feeling and formal training. I draw inspiration from my present as much as my past and childhood I spent in Russia and Israel. I hope for my work to echo my passion and to become a call to the vulnerable, optimistic and romantic inner-chords that many of us have in common.
Is there a specific piece that stands out to you? Why?
The two pieces that stand out to me at the moment are “Spirit” and “The Nightingale & The Rose”. They are the two most honest and autobiographical works I’ve created so far. They are pretty much self-portraits.
“The Nightingale & The Rose” by Natasha Dichpan
$1500
“Spirit” by Natasha Dichpan
$1500
Do you use bold colours for a specific reason?
I use either intense colours or no colour at all. I know this about myself - I am very much “all or nothing” kind of person, especially when it comes to things that matter most to me. I enjoy using odd colours for natural subjects like portraits or animals, picking colours that are not easily found in nature. It gives my subjects a touch of surrealism, a touch of mystery that I enjoy weaving.
Born and raised in Toronto and an OCAD grad, her main focus as an artist is to make people feel like they want to touch the work.
What inspires your art?
Inspiration can be something hidden in anything for me. It could be a dream, or a moment. Driving behind a slow truck or going for a walk. It doesn’t discriminate when it will show up or go away. Mainly, it’s that moment when the light bulb goes on.
Jet Stream, 48” by 24”, $520
What medium and technique do you use?
The medium I use mostly is acrylic paints. I have mixed paints with oil, water, sand. Experimenting with different techniques is important for me. I don’t want to stay in a box and my style is constantly changing.
Eva’s Kaleidoscope, 48” by 24”, $520
Walk us through a process of creating your art?
Usually it comes with an idea. A colour or colours I want to use. Starting off with a base of what colours to use, the piece usually evolves from there. Commission work used to feel daunting, but I enjoy getting the customers vision. I enjoy working off a commissions energy.
The Creation of Simone, 48” by 24”, $420
Is there a specific piece that stands out to you?
I love ‘The Creation of Simone.’ it’s colours, vibrancy, structure.
Appropriate Thoughts, 36” by 24”, $300
How did you start out as an artist?
Really young I decided I wanted to be really good at drawing. I wasn’t. So I practiced a lot to get better. My only goal for a long time being young was to be an artist. Be good at making people feel something from something I made. I moved through so many mediums before I found abstract art.
Florida Fish, 40” by 30”, $500
Do you use bold colours for a specific reason?
Go big. Use big colours. Colours that will make the viewer feel something. A memory. A taste. It’s important for some work to even make people feel uncomfortable. It may not work in a bedroom or living space, but why not? Sometimes what’s in the background should be bigger than what’s in front of your face. Colour is magical.
What inspires your art?
My inspirations come from nature and the natural beauty around us. I’ve always been able to view the world through a lens of colour, shapes, and dimensions, and have the ability to translate this into artistic expression.
“Wings” acrylic on birch (30” x 40”) $1,500
Can you talk about your process? What tools do you use to create?
I begin my creations by imagining abstract renditions of images in my mind that have been formed through my life experiences. At times I even surprise myself when the process seems to take on a life of its own. I take advantage of a variety sources of mediums and continually experiment with innovative techniques. Some of my work is done with conventional paint and brush, and at other times they can involve my fingers and other non-conventional tools.
Source: www.gloriablatt.com
When did you first discover art? Are you self-taught or did you go to school for it?
For as long as I remember, I have been fascinated by artistic expression. I attended formal study both at York University in the Fine Arts program, and Ontario College of Art and Design. York University provided me with a deep appreciation of art history, while OCAD allowed me the freedom to express myself in an incredibly innovative, fearless manner.
What is your personal goal as an artist?
My goal as an artist is first and foremost to be proud of my creations and share my passion for the craft with as many people as possible. It gives me incredible satisfaction when others are able to derive pleasure from my creations and discover their own life-story in my work.
“Freeze” acrylic, oil, ink, enamel on birch, wood float frame (30”x 30”) $1,300
How do you title your artworks?
The process of naming my art is often a reflexive response to the creation. It is always spontaneous and natural as my art always conveys a strong personal message.
Do you have a particular piece that has a special connection to you?
Of all of my paintings, the one that is closest to my heart is one inspired by my children, my greatest creations.
“Dragon” acrylic, ink, oil on birch, wood float frame, (30”x 30”) $1,300
Who are some of your favourite artists?
Having studied art history and having visited many world-famous galleries, I am awe struck and overwhelmed by the works of Picasso, Monet, Modigliani, Chagall, and Miro (although my list could go on).
What is it like to be an artist in today’s world?
Being an artist is both maddening and transformative, as I serve as my harshest critic. At the same time, the creative process allows me to escape into a state of inner peace and tranquility.
“Dusty Rose” acrylic on stretched canvas, (42.5”x 51”) $2,500
What are you passionate about?
In today’s troubled world, being an artist affords me the ability to remain optimistic and inspired.
What does “Energy” mean to you?
Energy is the life force that I derive from my family and friends, and that ultimately manifests in my artistic expression in the form of colour and movement.
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss this one Toronto! Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, check out the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
What inspires your art?
In a word: colour. I know that sounds simplistic, but I thrive on bright and bold colours. I love colour and look for it everywhere! I take photos of anything that catches my eye, whether it's traveling or simply day-to-day life, and get a lot of ideas for colour palettes from life. My process can also be very collaborative. The majority of the pieces I have created have been special requests. While working with a patron may seem to allow for less freedom, it is so flattering to be asked (and trusted) to paint something so personal for someone. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and produced some of my best work.
“Magnificent Mile” acrylic on canvas (20”x 20”) $300
Can you talk about your process? What tools do you use to create?
I work with acrylics primarily because they allow for the bright, bold colour palettes with which I love to work. While mostly brush work, I like to experiment with different tools and techniques to add variety to my work. Especially when working on abstract pieces, I use palette knives to layer paint in different ways and then add washes of colour to help unify everything on the canvas. Almost no brushes are used in the making of the abstract pieces in the show!
“Jaxx” acrylic on canvas, courtesy off Jessica Robbins.
When did you first discover art? Are you self-taught or did you go to school for it?
I always loved art class in school. I had such a passion I knew I wanted to make it my life. I studied Fine Art (and Law) at the University of Guelph and was able to experiment with so many different mediums. In school I worked mostly in sculpture, wood working, metal works, plaster mold making, I love using my hands. Painting came a bit later, but it is where I found myself. Friends started asking for small pieces (my first few requests were dog portraits) and over the past six years I have been able to work at my own pace and really refine my style. I am also a high school art teacher and am so lucky to be able to share my passion with my students and be surrounded by something I love every day!
Jessica Robbins
What is your personal goal as an artist?
At the beginning of 2019, my goal was to work towards an exhibition in a public space. Getting the show at Twist was a huge accomplishment for me. Moving forward, I would love to continue to work towards more shows in the GTA and creating pieces for a solo exhibition. One of my pieces for "Energy" is a streetscape of Kensington Market and I would like to work towards a series of similar pieces inspired by different neighbourhoods around the city. Toronto has such a rich diversity of architecture which lends itself very generously to artwork.
“Kensington” acrylic on canvas (24”x 48”) $850
Do you have a particular piece that has a special connection to you?
I loved working on Kensington. The colours, the inherent culture, the vibrancy - everything about the neighbourhood shouts "Energy". I really wanted to showcase this in my painting and am happy with the result. My artistic collection of work varies from portraits to abstract pieces, but this was the painting that tied everything together. I used this piece as the focal point for my show as I am most proud of it.
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss out on this exhibition Queen West! Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
