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Gene Studios at ROVE

In the lead up to ROVE the Mount Pleasant art walk coming up on May 26th we are going to introduce to you to some of the artists, galleries and curated spaces that will be taking part! Ever wondered what was above Gene Coffee Bar on Main Street? The

In the lead up to ROVE the Mount Pleasant art walk coming up on May 26th we are going to introduce to you to some of the artists, galleries and curated spaces that will be taking part!

Ever wondered what was above Gene Coffee Bar on Main Street? The answer is art studios! We are excited to share that artists Rebecca Chaperon, Mira Song, Veronika McLeod of Vancouver Atelier, and Sunshine Frere will be opening up their studios to visitors on the night of ROVE. You can view work by all of these talented artists at 2414 Main Street on the night of ROVE.

Let’s get to know the artists!

REBECCA CHAPERON

Describe your work in a few sentences?

My work is very inventive, I love to create mysterious narratives. My work often depicts places that either are unusual themselves or contain some strange phenomena.

What can rovers expect when visiting your location?

Undecided! Something magical!

What is the best thing about being an artist?

I love experimenting and creating interesting worlds and narratives.

What is your dream piece of art to own and why?

I don't think I could ever decide!

MIRA SONG

Describe your work in a few sentences?

My practice deals with exploring specific natural and architectural spaces, and reframing these spaces through the embodiment of a different set of senses, memories, and imagination. Anchored in my own memories and perceptions, my paintings and sculptural installations are manifestations of this transient nature of space and its elements—from which I hope a viewer can extract his or her own experience unrestricted by the barriers between the real and the surreal.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

Keeping creative, being alive.

What is your dream piece of art to own and why?

I don't have a dream piece of art yet, but maybe find one this ROVE:)

VERONIKA MCLEOD

What can rovers expect when visiting your location?

The special for visitors would be to see our classroom setting with still life and lesson samples. My paintings reflect what we do in Atelier. I love painting plein air, so I have lots of landscapes in oil and watercolor. Also I will be showing paintings of lush flowers. Everyone, who is looking for traditional paintings and drawings will enjoy visiting my studio. My concept for making these paintings is to share the positive beauty of real life.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

Being an artist gives me an opportunity to be open to any possibilities which life presents me. This means that I can freely say yes, when someone asks me to paint a commission for them, or I have time to help a friend in a difficult situation. I mostly create pieces out of pure love for the process of it, or for someone's request, because I love doing something meaningful for others.

What is your dream piece of art to own and why?

I would want to own an original of Prodigal Son by Rembrandt. I saw this painting in Hermitage many years ago and fell in love with it. This is not a painting, this is a door. You can really feel that there is a space and depth inside it. Beautiful work done by the master of painting.

SUNSHINE FRERE

Describe your work in a few sentences?

Painting, found objects, video, sound, photography and printmaking; what the project calls for, is what I work with. With significant aesthetic range in my work, each series dovetails into the next, interconnected via the continuous use of devices that expose, obscure and transform. In short, I really like to keep people guessing!

What can rovers expect when visiting your location?

Rovers will see an eclectic array of found ceramic figurines that also house music boxes. These are all objects that will become part of a large sound installation at an exhibition in October. In addition to these colourful little gems, I'll also be showing some photographs and prints that I have made.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

Studio Time.

What is your dream piece of art to own and why?

I'd love to own Anish Kapoor's work Descension. It's a work that has everything I could ask for, dark foreboding sound, water, a void, and a swirling whirlpool. I'd need a much bigger house for it though!


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ROVE with us on Friday, May 26th from 6pm to 10pm and then party with us at the ROVE after party at the The Projection Room starting at 10pm until late! RSVP here.