Artist Talk - New to Edmonton: The Artist's Journey
Edmonton Public library
International Artist Day, October 25th, is a global celebration of artists and their contributions to society and culture. And what of artists who are international in their life experience – who uproot and travel new routes to re-establish themselves in a new country? This evening’s discussion explores how the creative impulse might be disrupted, stifled, or refreshed while building a new life in a new country.
Edmonton based artists, Leila Zolfalipour and Oksana Zhelisko, with Toyin Oladele, Executive Director of Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation, invite Edmontonians to be inspired by thier experiences as artists and art innovators whose creative journey began at home, and now enriches the visual art landscape of Edmonton.
This conversation will be moderated by Katherine Gibson, Library Manager and lead for Capital City initiatives for Edmonton Public Library.
Leila Zolfalipour:
Leila Zolfalipour is a visual artist born in Iran and currently living and working in Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Art and Design with distinction from the University of Alberta. Leila has been honoured with memberships in the Golden Key International Honour Society and The Alberta Society of Artists. Her art has been exhibited in Iran and Canada, including Edmonton and Calgary. Leila's paintings delve into themes of hope, resilience, and the intertwining paths of roots and routes, reflecting the duality of her experiences by merging elements from her Iranian heritage with her life in Canada. Through vibrant colours and layered textures, she aims to evoke the challenges and growth associated with displacement and adaptation. The paintings incorporate symbols and motifs from Persian culture, representing her roots, while also embracing contemporary elements that signify her journey and new beginnings in Canada. Her work seamlessly combines painting, sculpture, and new digital technologies, creating a captivating bridge between the virtual and physical worlds. Zolfalipour has expanded the horizons of traditional painting and sculpture by incorporating virtual reality and 3D modelling, blurring the lines between traditional artistry and digital innovation. She aims to inspire and provoke thought through her unique artistic vision.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilazolfalipour.art/
Oksana Zhelisko:
Born in Ukraine, award winning artist Oksana Zhelisko, one of Edmonton’s strongest contemporary artists of the feminine portrait, puts women first. The classically trained visual artist creates beautiful feminine portraits in oil that differ in emotions, moods and atmosphere. Passion, love, curiosity, exhaustion, sadness and elegance are all highlighted. Each painting engages on a meaningful level.
In addition, 7 years ago, Oksana adapted and became obsessed with the magic of En Plein Air Painting. It’s the visual trip through colour and shape that gets Oksana excited. A destination with amazing scenery, traveled at the painter’s pace … allowing her to capture the stunning views not just with the camera, but with the paint and canvas.
“I prefer working in Alla-prima style (wet-on-wet) of painting and I use this style as much as possible...I work intuitively, bold and free from the start at the same time staying true to the emotional response of the initial idea. As I continue working on a painting, I slow down and add more calculated decisions and get certain areas tighter and more detailed”.
Oksana brings her training, skill, and passion to her painting, is versatile in expressive styles and adept at many genres. She is a teacher and mentor to aspiring artists across the Edmonton area.
Website: www.zheliskoart.com
Toyin Oladele:
Toyin Oladele is the Founder and Executive Director Immigrant Council of Arts Innovation.
Toyin is an award winning artist, arts manager and leader with nearly two decades of curation and community engagement activity. She leverages art to create inclusive spaces, championing diversity, equity and social change through strategic partnerships. As a dedicated mentor and advocate, Toyin empowers diverse minority communities, immigrants and newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social impact in the arts sector. Toyin is an Executive MBA student at Queen's University's Smith School of Business and has a bachelor's degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria.