#yegmaker

[yegarts]

Meet Your Makers: Riyaz Sharan

Presented by TIX on the Square

Sometimes, the thing you need is right in front of you — only you don’t know it. That’s not the case for Riyaz Sharan, a photographer and illustrator who sees potential everywhere. Whether he’s looking up at a skyline, through a camera lens, or even at a neon sign, finding beauty in the everyday is his passion. So too is sharing it. In this week’s Meet Your Makers, we had the pleasure of chatting with him about all things inspirational — from his love of everyday wonders to his gratitude for community. Meet this week’s maker, Riyaz Sharan.

TIX: There’s a real sense of place attached to your artwork. What story are you telling through your depictions of our city?

R.S.: The story that I am trying to tell is how unique and romantic Edmonton really is. Sometimes, a landmark or setting is overlooked, and what I try to do is to make the viewer smile or give a warm fuzzy feeling. My goal is to get the viewer to feel like they are sharing in the moment with me, whether it be in my photos or illustrations.

TIX: You recently transformed a series of Edmonton landmarks into six very popular puzzles. Why did you choose puzzles as a medium? Are there plans to grow the series?

R.S.: I chose puzzles as my medium because of the pandemic. No one was able to go out and about. A couple followers on Instagram reached out to me in early 2020 and asked if I would ever consider turning my illustrations into puzzles. I kind of shelved the idea, as I didn’t really know if it was a venture I wanted to go with. However, in the fall of 2020, even more people asked, so I did some research and decided to go ahead with the idea. What was meant for my small group of interested followers, turned into a very popular idea. And now having my products in stores is such an amazing feeling. The support by Edmontonians and people from around the world has been humbling… the stories I hear from people about how my puzzles and art brought their families together during the holidays meant a lot. Hearing about stories of peoples’ childhood memories, in particular with the neon lights museum illustration, and how certain signs meant a great deal to them—just a great feeling.

I do plan on getting more puzzles created; however, I need to get the inventory of what I currently have out the door. Ha! If anyone has a suggestion on what they’d like to see, I welcome their feedback. My plan is to have more puzzles in hand for spring/summer of this year.

TIX: How would you describe your artistic style?

R.S.: That is a really good question. I don’t really know how you would describe my style. Perhaps, contemporary? I envision an idea in my mind and draw it out until I like it. I like to use my photos as the stepping off point to help get the creative mind going. Sometimes, I have been inspired by other people’s photos shared on social media—that gets me creative.

TIX: There’s a strong creative community in Edmonton. Are there any local artists, photographers, or graphic designers who you look up to or who inspire your work?

R.S.: I love the Edmonton arts community. There is world-class talent all over this great city! There are so many creative people out there that I look up to or that have been very supportive to me. It’s too hard to name one or two. I feel like all the art that’s out there is so unique that it inspires me to challenge myself and draw inspiration from what is being created.

TIX: What advice would you give to up-and-coming graphic designers in our city?

R.S.: The advice I would give to up-and-coming graphic designers is to challenge yourself to think outside the box, no matter how crazy an idea may or may not be—just have fun. There are so many talented artists in Edmonton, reach out and ask to collaborate so you can learn new techniques or new way of thinking to allow creative ideas to flow.

TIX: Is there an illustration or project in your portfolio that you’re particularly proud of? If so, which one?

R.S.: Oh, gosh. There are so many projects that I have done that I am really proud of, but there are two that I need to brag about.

Giving back to the community—One thing about me is that I like to give back to the community when and where I can. The community has supported me so much with where I am today that I like to give back. With fundraising efforts being a challenge in 2020, I was able to fundraise in total over $1,500 for WWF Canada, Rainbow Refuge, Santa's Anonymous, and the Christmas Bureau. This was by sales in posters, greetings cards, and puzzles.

Neon Lights Museum—This illustration is something I’m most proud of. When you look at the illustration, you cannot tell if it’s real or not. It took me over 80 hours to complete.

TIX: Are there any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

R.S.: I am trying new techniques with my illustrations and showcasing wildlife. Also, I am doing illustrations from around the world that I have taken photos of during my travels. My most recent piece was an illustration of the City of Calgary that was shared by Mayor Nenshi. To see what I am up to, follow me on Instagram @ryzshrn.

Want more? Visit rssdesigns.ca and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Riyaz and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Riyaz Sharan’s unique talent as a photographer, artist, and graphic designer lies in his ability to find beauty in simplicity and remind us that our world is anything but ordinary. As a member of the LGBTQ2+ community, a passionate supporter of all things local, and pet dad extraordinaire, Riyaz uses his creative prowess to celebrate the hidden, everyday wonders that are woven into the exquisite fabric of our experiences.

[the13thcraft]

Those cute little signs Yep I make those #makinsmilesonesignatatime #yeg #yeggers #edmonton #780 #madeinedmonton #edmontommade #neverstopcreating #makersgonnamake #supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #yeglocal #yegbiz #yegbusiness #yegmaker #customsigns #getupgetoutandcreate #failup #fallforward #golf #golfing #wolfcreekgolfresort #sinktheputt #loseafew (at Wolf Creek Golf Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ydICEg6eE/?igshid=8ygt1vnup39i

[caskwoodworking]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shaun | Woodworker | DIY 🇺🇦 (@caskwoodworking)

It’s been awhile since I’ve used the @kregjig K4 jig but it still has a place for things like this outdoor patio furniture I’m building. I’m making another love seat based on @rogue_engineer plans and the previous one of two years untreated has stood up to the elements. This was one of the first Woodworking tools I got when I started almost 5 years ago. If you’re looking to start, this is a good tool to start with. . . . #kregjig #kreg #k4 #pocketholes #woodworking #newwoodworker #juststart #patiofurniture #outdoorfurniture #loveseat #cedar #yeg #shpk #maker #yegmaker #woodworker (at Sherwood Park, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMUOQrHSON/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u139lujtsvgs

[angiesot]

Meet Laslo! He’s a bit nervous to go out in public these days so he cautiously scans the terrain before making a move. Come visit Laslo and his friend’s online starting this weekend @theroyalbison. #smallsculpture #polymerclay #botanicalbuddies #sculpture #yegsculpture #royalbison #shoplocalyeg #shoplocal #yegdesign #yegarts #angiesot #societyofcuriouscreatures #yegmade #yegmaker #shopsmall #madeincanada #yegshoplocal https://www.instagram.com/p/COO9GlZgHn6/?igshid=jqmb00w31kry

[adampatterson]

I need to start collecting materials for some cutting boards! #salvagedwood #salvaged #yeg #yegmaker #yegwoodworking #kitchen #cuttingboard #walnut #ash #beeswax (at Edmonton, Alberta)

[ironsidepens-blog]

Beautiful virage pen finish in gun metal and blue acrylic. $45.00 . . #virage #blue #gunmetal #pens #ironsidepens #handcrafted #edmonton #alberta #canada #woodworking #lathe #yegwood #yegmaker #madeinedmonton #yyc #yegwoodworking #madeinyeg #madeincanada #yegwright #yeg #yegpens #giftideas

[niksknots-blog]

Dyed some more yarn last night, including a few more minis to add to the rainbow set I dyed last month. I have a cone of black wool to go with the rainbow set and too many ideas on what to make. Should I knit, crochet, or weave a blanket? Or a cardigan for my daughter? Maybe a shawl? #toomanyoptions #decisionsdecisions #yarnlove #yarnaddict #yarndyeing #yarnhoarder #rainbowsfordays #yegmaker #knitaholic #crochetislife #weaversofcanada #dyedmyhandstoo

[argesdesign]

Printing a thing for a client. Any guesses as to what it is?... #noimnotgoingtoblowitup #starwars #yegmaker #yeg3dprinting #3dprinting #robo3dprinter (at Edmonton, Alberta)

[designdictum]

Hands on, Heads on. Keep it real. #make #makeart #yegart #yegartist #yegmakers #elephantjournalquotes #joshwhedon https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_t7rxl9gs/?igshid=jjomdxhhnhyi

[yegfoodie]

REPOST • @cafebicyclette Feeling sad that you missed last weeks patio party and market? Don’t worry... the outdoor patio is still there to be enjoyed and the market is on this coming Friday as well as the 20th 😀 . . Vous vous sentez triste d'avoir raté le party de terrasse d’hiver ainsi que le marché de la semaine dernière? Ne vous inquiétez pas ... le patio extérieur est toujours là pour être apprécié et le marché est ce vendredi ainsi que le 20 😀 . . . . #yeg #yegmarkets #yegmakers #yegvendors #supportlocal #christmasmarket #shoplocalyeg #madeinyeg #edmontonmade #yegfood #yegdate #yegcafe #artisan #edmontonliving #exploreedmonton https://www.instagram.com/p/B56sYP5g-GE/?igshid=racglb72xu1j

[yegarts]

Meet Your Makers: Jason Blower

Presented by TIX on the Square

Few things are more powerful than our stories. They’re how we make sense of the world and our place in it. This week, we profile an artist who does just that — connects people to their memories through visual art. His name is Jason Blower, and you’ve likely admired his work or visited his online home, Snow Alligator — a whimsical collection of art and décor that takes its cues from Jason’s own story: a childhood of imaginative play, a spirit of positivity, and the desire to create communities from memories. Meet this week’s maker, Jason Blower.

TIX: Architecture, skylines, and the history behind city landmarks are strong themes in your work. Why do those narratives speak to you?

J.B: My Father has a grand knowledge of the history of the city, and as a kid I was often quizzed on names of places or told tales of what happened or used to be there. As I got older and talked to friends, I realized how many people know the history of places around the world, but barely grasp the history of our city—which is important. How are we to understand ourselves and the culture of the city if we don’t know or understand the choices of our past. I focus on so much of that to highlight that idea and for us to reflect on our own memories and choices of living in this city.

TIX: There’s also a lot of joy and humour in your work. Why are they important to you and your storytelling?

J.B: I suppose it’s because of my rose-coloured-glasses look at life. I tend to look at the positives and see life as an adventure. Frame of mind is so important in the pursuit of life because the “world” is an unforgiving place—it’s hard and there are setbacks, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also beautiful and full of fun, too.

TIX: You’ve described your work as having a warm, mid-century modern aesthetic. What about that style suits your artistic strengths and sensibilities?

J.B: I think that the eras that grew out of the end of the Second World War were such a time of re-vigour—the change in the status quo and the feeling of optimism that came from the abundance that post-war offered. This was reflected in the artwork, design, and cartoons of the time. The simplicity of the style is appealing and easy to understand. Mixing the optimism and simplicity of the aesthetic, I think, brings back nostalgic feelings of youth. And most of us miss the days of our more carefree youth.

TIX: Tell us how your storybooks and comics evolved. Had you always wanted to combine writing with illustrating?

J.B: Oh, yes! Imaginative play was the foundation of my childhood. Action figures, running around in the ravines roleplaying, and reading comics were what nurtured me growing up. That sort of play evolved into games of “what if” and just built upon themselves until you were only making up your own stuff and no longer just copying things that you had already seen. For a long time, my artwork has been just glimpses into the stories that are in my head, or they have

been the explorations of figuring out the right stories. The storybooks and comics have just naturally evolved from single images, to a series of images, to a thread of images that are telling fuller stories.

TIX: In one of your blog posts, you talk about how the art on people’s walls says a lot about them. What does the art in your home say about you?

J.B: Oh, this is clever! I don’t have any of my own work up on the walls. I think that’s because I see them in my head all the time, so to have them on the walls would be redundant. Seventy percent of the art on my walls is that of my fellow art school friends, things we did in the final years of school. It takes me back to those days when we were learning and trying out so many new things. The other 20% is of artists I really admire. Their work is my own north star and reminds me of the path that I am on and the destination that path will take me. I suppose that’s true of all people—they have things up that say who they are or have been and want to be. The last 10% is of travel artifacts, visual journals that tell the adventures of where I have been.

TIX: In addition to buying artwork, how can people support artists and the art community?

J.B: Oh, by far, being an advocate is the most supportive way that people can support the arts community. The arts is what makes us human, without it we would be living in total utility. Living to just live is not much of a life. So to share the things that make you happy, what they mean to you, and demonstrate a life worth living is the best way for other people to see and appreciate the same things in life that you value.

TIX: What are you currently working on?

J.B: Currently I am working on completing a series of 12 Alberta landscape paintings, writing and development of a handful of storybook and graphic novel ideas, and a rotating list of commercial client projects.

Want more? Visit snowalligator.com and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Jason and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Jason Blower, a freelance painter, illustrator, and lover of all things whimsical and 80s, creates work inspired by the minimalism of the mid-century movement and naivety of folk art. His online home and brand, Snow Alligator, showcases whimsical and nostalgic illustrations and products that tell regional stories and spark fond memories of place and childhood through visual art.

[the13thcraft]

Had an order of ten if these a few months back. Banged off the last one tonight. This is one of. The other 9 are the square and compass #yellowheaddistrict #albertafreemason #mastermason #funnyhandshakes #bluelodge #yeg #yeggers #edmonton #780 #madeinedmonton #edmontommade #neverstopcreating #makersgonnamake #supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #yeglocal #yegbiz #yegbusiness #yegmaker #customsigns #getupgetoutandcreate #failup #fallforward (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0cit0xANVP/?igshid=v86rlp3wi609

[caskwoodworking]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shaun | Woodworker | DIY 🇺🇦 (@caskwoodworking)

Ever wonder how I create thicker stock? Here, a quick video on how I do I. I’ve got two 4/4 boards to make 8/4 so I can mill down to roughly 6/4 or a bit thicker depending on the clean up. Really it’s as simple as gluing the two pieces together and ensuring you have enough glue to cover the majority of the face. I do a little wiggle of the boards back and forth to further spread the glue and ensure a good initial bond. Finish that off with essentially all my @besseytools_na clamps in the shop and we’re good to go. . Today I’ll remove from the clamps and clean these vertical legs as well as rip the horizontal components. . . . #kitchen #kitchentable #moderntable #modernfurniture #table #homedecor #home #kitchendecor #craftsman #handmade #woodworking #woodworker #woodwork #yegwoodworker #diy #yeg #yegmaker #maker #yegmade #sherwoodpark #edmonton #bespoke #design #builder #ikea #ikeahack #modern #besseyclamps #glueup #ikeahacks (at Sherwood Park, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/BriEM85AdY8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4bbmuiafq5kf

[angiesot]

Meet Wanda! She likes hiding in the soil. We seem to have caught her in a rare moment sunning herself on the rocks. Wanda and her friends will be looking for new places to have adventures starting this Friday @theroyalbison #smallsculpture #polymerclay #botanicalbuddies #sculpture #yegsculpture #royalbison #shoplocalyeg #shoplocal #yegdesign #yegarts #angiesot #societyofcuriouscreatures #yegmade #yegmaker #shopsmall #madeincanada #yegshoplocal https://www.instagram.com/p/COMjuYMgCuI/?igshid=1o5gn0f88nocz

[latitude53]

Love and support from our community

We've asked the makers in our community to help raise money for Latitude 53 by donating a piece to our silent auction for Homecoming. As people return to school, to work, to new projects and new homes it's an opportunity to add a new creative piece to our home and work space.

Perhaps you know someone who needs this walrus pillow made by Stuff design.

Or a lovely ceramic bowl crafted by Sam Knopp ceramics. 

Or a new glasses case from Copper Cherry. 

All will be up for auction at Homecoming on Sept. 9th. Get your tickets. 

[ironsidepens-blog]

Working on a pen for a good customer I hope she like it. #pink #pinkzebra #pens #ironsidepens #handcrafted #edmonton #alberta #canada #woodworking #lathe #yegwood #yegmaker #madeinedmonton #yyc #yegwoodworking #madeinyeg #yegpens #yegwright #yeg #yegpens #giftideas