Winter/Spring 2013
VOL. 2, NO.1
Creative Edge
A Karla Pearce Publication
Realizing the Moment
recognizing, understanding, creating
Creative Edge p2
Creative
A Year at a Glance
Edge
W
ow! It's been one year already. I can
hardly believe how fast time has gone
by. It seemed only yesterday I was
rolling paint onto the walls of my soon to be gallery.
607 Victoria Street
Kamloops BC
V2C 2B3
Publisher / Editor
Karla Pearce
Karla Pearce - Editor
(250) 828-2032
Inside This Issue
Year at a Glance
2
Jessica Ganton Stanley
3
Why Buy Local Art?
4
Broken is Beautiful
5
Painting and Drawing
Classes
6-9
Jewellery Classes
10
Kids Classes
11
Cover, Karla Pearce Plein
air painting in Nakusp 2012
- photo by Jim Pearce
Left to right, local artists, Ron
Chertkow, Karla Pearce, Tim
Francis and Ken Farrar
enjoying a laugh at Karla
Pearce Gallery Opening 2012
My first year in Kamloops has been interesting and educational. I have
met so many wonderful people here in Kamloops. In the short time we’ve
been here, I have found Kamloops to be a beautiful diverse city in terms of it’s geography and
it’s inhabitants. The people here are
kind, generous, intelligent and hardworking, many raising young families. I
have also met some amazing talented
artists, some of which show their work
all over the world.
My family and I have spent much of our
time exploring the area. We have found
great spots in all directions of the city for
some of our favourite activities including
beaching, swimming, camping and plein
air painting. And there’s ski hill close
by for all that winter frolicking as well!
I have been keeping my self busy in the Susan Edgell and Karla Pearce on the set of Midday
gallery creating Kamloops inspired
paintings and teaching art classes to children and adults alike. Due to popular demand I have
expanded the art classes to 6 days a week. We have two new instructors joining the gallery, Jessica Ganton Stanley - Painting and Drawing and Deborah Swain - Jewellery. Their classes are
listed on pages 6-7-10. The City of Kamloops Leisure Guide also contains listings for the gallery’s art classes as well. You can view them at www.kamloops.ca/recreation
Some of you that read Kamloops this Week may have noticed that I write a column once a month
called The Creative Edge. Writing for me is another artistic outlet. I hope to publish another
book this year if I can but in the mean time I have been enjoying writing about local artists. It
gives me an opportunity to share some of the artistic wealth that this area has to offer. If you
would like to read previously published columns go to www.kamloopsthisweek.com and key in
Karla Pearce.
For those of you that get a chance to watch the local news I have been creating live paintings
with Susan Edgell on her Midday Program on CFJC TV. It is exiting and
chalenging all at the same time as it is broadcast live. If you would like to
watch me painting you can go to www.youtube.com and key in Karla Pearce
Midday.
This coming April I am planning an opening! The gallery will be celebrating
it’s second year in business. We will be showing off artwork from local and
international artists as well as some children's paintings. The Gallery’s Art
Students will be invited to include one of their paintings in the show, space
permitting. As usual we will be serving the ohhh.. so decadent chocolate fountain and a selection of caviar and other yummy goodies. Attendance is by invitation so make sure to check back with us in April to get your free invite.
For more info on classes or artwork at the Karla Pearce Gallery go
www.karlapearcegallery.com
Creative Edge p3
New instructor Jessica Ganton-Stanley
J
essica GantonStanley is an intuitive artist and a
certified Art Therapist.
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Jessica
has a deep connection to nature, the
ocean, animals and the healing elements
in our environment.
Jessica trained at the University of Victoria where she
achieved her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, learning
and exploring drawing, painting, sculpture and photography through the conceptual lens. From there she continued
on to training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute receiving her certification as an Art Therapist.
These experiences helped in furthering her understanding
and awe of the power of the artistic process: for communication with self and others; for the containment and expression of emotions; for sharing one’s beliefs, their story,
their perspective; and to heal individuals, groups and communities.
Jessica currently resides in Kamloops with her husband
and furry brood of Franklin the dog and Gordon the cat.
The meeting of the two rivers in Kamloops, along with the
welcoming community and its joyful and inspiring individuals have made it feel like home.
your Story, Exploring the Artistic Process in an Intuitive Way, SelfCare and Visual Journaling, and other specific topics for specific
populations such as adolescents, children or adult women.
“Through my work as an art therapist I have been witness to the
transformation that occurs in both art and person when the canvas
becomes a medium to express one’s Self and one’s emotions, says
Stanley. “ I use the lens of art therapy to encourage individuals to
approach art-making from a spontaneous place; experimenting with
mediums based on what ‘feels right’ in that moment. It is through
this way of working that a person may connect with their individual
artist and move towards a feeling of mastery.”
Stanley offers her expert guidance to inspire people through her
passion for the act of art-making. She encourages individuals to
connect with their unconscious selves through an intuitive way of
working with the art and through viewing their art in a meaningful
way.
“ I truly believe that everyone is an artist, we just need to open the
path to our imaginations, says Stanley.”
Jessica has worked with non-profit agencies for multiple years, and
is deeply dedicated to stopping the cycle of violence and focusing
on healing and thriving through art, relationship building and
strengthening community.
She has recently started her private practice: Art Tree: Healing Arts
and Art Therapy offering service on a contractual basis.
Jessica Ganton - Stanley is currently teaching art classes through
the Karla Peace Art Gallery. She can be reached at [email protected]
Jessica has offered workshops through the Art Therapy
lens on topics such as Unleashing Your Creativity, Telling
Stunning Fresh Water Pearl Jewellery
found exclusively at
Karla Pearce Art Gallery
Kamloops BC www.karlapearcegallery.com
Creative Edge p6
Why Buy Local Art? - by Karla Pearce
W
e live in a time where
we are saturated with
images promoting the
non stop consumer culture. They stare
back at us from our computers, televisions and magazines, drive by us on buses, come home with us in our
groceries and sometimes we even pay extra to have
them on our clothes and accessories.
It is a time of mass production, when painting has
been declared dead, advertisements and political
agendas can be declared high art and the original,
individual, physically expressed creative thought gets
lost in the noise, becoming a marketing tool or a posthumous commodity affordable only to the few as a
statement of their wealth.
How can a local artist - a creator of beautiful thoughts
and artwork inspired within and by the community
where they live and work - compete with that?
“ Calf ” By Gordon Manson, “Thompson Morning” by Karla Pearce,
The first step is public awareness. A reproduction or a
Pot by Amanda Buder Eccleson
print, unless it is created by the hand of the artist, is
piece of paper, nothing more. Over time it will detement of individuality. It’s a physical statement of creative
riorate and fade. A real painting is vivid, alive, and in all ways,
thought that sets its wearer apart from the herd. Wearing onefar superior. Paintings contain crystallized pigments, often built
off handmade jewellery created by an artist reflects your
up in layers, that actively interact with the light they reflect,
uniqueness, displaying and complementing those traits that you
changing with it. A painting can contain textures created by
cherish and want to share with the rest of the world.
brushstrokes or a pallet knife, giving the work of art a three diIn a time when reproductions and factory produced originals
mensional quality. When displayed, an original painting will
flood the market, buying an original piece of artwork created
transform a room. It is not just a decoration but a piece of history.
within your community preserves what it is that helps define
It marks the artist’s statement of creativity and energy at the time
where you live. The piece, be it painting, sculpture, ceramic,
of its conception and just as importantly, your reaction to it.
jewellery or multi media, mirrors the artist and the patron,
A hand thrown pot, mug or vase is not just functional vessel, but
a time capsule linking us to our humanity. We have been throwing pots and making clay and ceramic sculptures ever since we
came out of the primeval forests. Having your morning cup of
coffee out of a hand made mug supports a direct link to both our
evolution as a culture as well as to another human being.
While the incredible paintings on the walls of the grotto in Lascaux, France date back some 20,000 years, hand made jewellery,
as an art form, claims an even deeper past. Thirteen pierced shells
covered in clay, were found in the Grotte des Pigeons at Taforalt
in eastern Morocco, dating to 82,000 years ago. Strung, one can
easily imagine this piece of adornment as a token of love or a
symbol of passion made by some one not too unlike ourselves.
Regardless, their existence today not only bridges a temporal gap,
but illustrates the intimate role that art has played in the develop-
framing them within the context of their environment. A collector of art is not just a collector of things but a safe keeper of
our culture.
Rather than satisfying that consuming urge at some box store, I
would like to urge consumers to think about what it is they are
spending their hard earned money on and consider investing in
your local artists and artisans. Buying original art work strips
away the anonymity of mass production, making a statement
about the purchaser. Moreover it’s an excellent investment. It
doesn’t matter if the artist becomes famous or not, they create
value by capturing a historical perspective, and over time that
value increases.
Perhaps most importantly, an original piece of art can be inspirational, nourishing and can be passed down to future generations, defining and keeping safe our cultural identity.
Creative Edge p5
Broken is Beautiful - by Karla Pearce
This particular methodology allows the light to shine
through her windows unencumbered by other extraneous
materials.
Scherrer has a strong connection to creating beautiful art
using recycled materials and found objects.
“I have a strong desire and drive to make something beautiful out of leftover, throw away material that would other
wise go unnoticed,” says Scherrer. “I believe in recycling,
giving another life/use to material as we are such a disposable society and I support local second hand supply stores
for a large portion of my material.”
W
hen most people look at a
piece of broken glass they see
just that, broken glass but for
Kamloops artist Vinessa Scherrer, broken
glass is just a starting point to something
beautiful. Shinny reflective surfaces have always been an inspiration for Scherrer. This
Kamloops artist has been creating beautiful
mosaics using broken coloured glass on recycled windows and mirrors for the last eight
years.
Her initial inspiration came from receiving some broken glass
pieces that were a gift from a friend and some old storm windows that her mother in law gave to her. Scherrer put the two
together and discovered how wonderful they looked together.
“ I began by choosing colours of glass that I believed looked
great together and then got to work, cleaning the glass and the
window and then randomly placing the pieces, letting my colour choices lead the way,” says Scherrer. “Once the design
was secured with the use of silicone, I held the window against
the sunlight and was stunned by the beauty of the combination.”
Scherrer’s mosaics have a random fractured quality to them
that you don’t get in a traditional stained glass piece. She
works with the broken glass sorting through different shapes,
sizes and colour combinations. Each tiny space in her mosaics
is filled with glass shards negating the need to grout the piece.
Scherrer has recently branched out from her recycled window designs to creating artistic mirror pieces that not only
reflect the viewer’s image but also shine with different
textures of organically patterned glass.
This artist started her own business, Broken is Beautiful – Coloured Glass Window Designs, a year ago and has been creating
beautiful artwork for homes and businesses ever since. She was
one of the featured businesses at the Kamloops Spring Home
show this year and shows her work in many local venues including The Art We Are, Black Creek Ranch , Karla Pearce Art Gallery, Classic Bookkeeping Services, Royal Lepage Westwin as
well as KPA Printing.
One of her goals for the future is to expand her glass studio and
move into creating artwork with hand blown glass.
If you are interested in contacting Vinessa Scherrer regarding her
original glass designs she can be reached at
[email protected]
Above, Vinessa Scherrer working on a glass piece in her studio, Below , window design by Broken is Beautiful
Monday Art Classes at Karla Pearce Gallery
Creative Edge p6
Art as a Narrative
What does your art have to say? How is art used as a
conversation with the audience? What can it tell about
the artist? In this class participants will be encouraged to
tell a story through their art and use the canvas in a narrative way. Group discussion will help participants to develop their story and gain insight into how the story is
coming across to the viewer.
Date:
Studio Development
This class is for the artist who wishes to create in the
company of other artists to further develop skills, learn
from constructive group and one-on-one critique, and
enjoy the art-making process together. Students will
bring their own ideas and concepts and work in an
open studio environment.
Date:
Jan 7 - 28
Feb 4 - March 4
March 11- April 15
April 22 - May 13
May 27 - June 17
Time: 9:30am – 12:30 pm
Instructor : Jessica Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Self-Portrait
The self-portrait is an art in itself. In this class, participants will create several self-portraits using a variety of
media (paint, pastels, graphite) and utilize different
styles of portraying one-self. Participants will look at
self-portraits created by other artists to inspire their own
creation. Come to explore and honour you!
Date:
Jan 7 - 28
Feb 4 - March 4
March 11- April 15
Time: 1:30- 4:30
Instructor : Jessica Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
April 22 - May 13
May 27 - June 17
Time: 1:30- 4:30
Instructor : Jessica
Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St
Kamloops
Fee: $118
Drawing Class
Would you like to join others to explore drawing from a
live clothed model, and learn observational drawing techniques? In this class, participants will explore the drawing
medium learning basic techniques and playing with the
graphite medium. Techniques to explore include proportions, blending, perspective, drawing negative space,
light and shadow, and enjoying the challenges and inspirations of drawing from still life objects of interest. In this
class participants will gain from practice, observation and
discussion.
Date:
Jan 7 - 28
Feb 4 - March 4
March 11- April 15
April 22 - May 13
May 27 - June 17
Time: 6:30 8:30
Instructor :
Jessica
Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607
Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Tuesday Art Classes at Karla Pearce Gallery
Creative Edge p7
Watercolour Magic
This is a “first steps” watercolour class. No previous
painting experience is necessary. Learn the secret of
watercolour’s brilliance and appeal. Basic building
blocks of painting will be covered; from palette to paper,
dripping in, wet in wet, softening edges, dry brush and
splashing.
Art Journaling
This class is to encourage individuals to see art-making
as an integral piece of their daily routines. In Art as SelfCare, participants will create their own visual journal-a
journal in which to record art and writing. Visual journaling is a process
to remember to
be present, to
debrief, to explore and to be
joyful. This class
will incorporate
breathing techniques and visualization to calm
and focus, as
well as soothing
art-making activities and trainof-thought writing exercises.
This class is a
chance to create
a personal journal to bring creativity into your
life in an accessible, unique
way.
Date:
January 8-29
February 5-26
March 5- April 2
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor : Jessica
Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St
Kamloops
Fee: $118
Date: April 16 - May 7
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor : Jessica Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Watercolour Magic II
Outdoor Inspiration
With the warm weather finally here this class will focus
on examining and interpreting some of the fresh greenery around us. Classic watercolour techniques will be
covered like wet in wet and dry brush application. Compositional elements such as space colour and form will
also be discussed. This class is for the beginner to the
advanced watercolour enthusiast.
Date: May 14- June 4
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor : Jessica Ganton-Stanley
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Wednesday Art Classes at Karla Pearce Gallery
Colour and Form Series
15% discount if signed up for
all three classes

 Introduction To Colour And Light
Level I - Beginner
(Watercolour and Acrylic)
Creative p8
 Drawing with a Paint Brush
Level III - Intermediate /Advanced
(Watercolour and Acrylic)
How do professional artists paint so quickly? One of the short
cuts is they will skip the pencil drawing. In this class students
will learn how to do preliminary sketch work using a paintbrush. Visualization techniques will be taught that will aid students in finding form, shape, light and negative space. This is
class is for the student that has some experience drawing and
painting with either acrylic or watercolour paint.
This is an introductory painting class for the student
interested in exploring acrylic or watercolour paints.
No previous painting experience is necessary. The
first half of the class focuses on exploring basic colour
theory. Students learn how to see colour and gain a
new understanding of optical effects and spatial differences simply with the use of colour. Last class students create a finished painting.
Date: Wed March 6 - April 3
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor : Karla Pearce
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Date: Wed Jan 9 - 30
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor : Karla Pearce
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Follow along step by step with Karla Pearce as she does a
live painting with the class. Pearce will help students set up
colours and explain the entire process and techniques as the
painting evolves. Each student will feel confident every step
of the way and have a beautiful finished painting at the end
of each class. Four small paintings total will be completed
each class, two landscape, two floral.
 How To Make Your Paintings Glow
Level II - Intermediate/ Beginner
(Watercolour and Acrylic)
Learn how to see the bright and dark areas of painting
in a brand new way. West Kootenay artist, Karla
Pearce, will teach understanding of visual drama
through the use of contrast and colour theory and how
to employ it in painting. Some previous painting experience is an asset to this class, but is not necessary. The first half of the class focuses on perceiving
light, shadows and learning to see colour in terms of
value. In the second half of the class, students will
create a finished
painting.
Date: Wed Feb 6Feb 27
Time: 6:00 pm –
9:00 pm
Instructor : Karla
Pearce
Location: 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Painting With Karla - Acrylic
Date:
Wed April 10- May 1
Wed May 8 - 29
Wed June 5 - 26
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery 607
Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Thursday Art Classes at Karla Pearce Gallery
Creative Edge p9
Abstraction Series
15% discount if signed up
for all three classes

*Stress Release Abstract Painting (Acrylic)
Abstract art is a great way to get involved in art without
worrying about the end result. Since abstract art doesn't
always have to "look like" something, the stress level is less
than with other art projects. There's no right or wrong way
to create abstract art, which is very freeing to those who
may not feel confident in their artistic skills. The truth is art
is for everyone. This class introduces students to the basics
of abstract painting. Students will be encouraged to explore
new ideas and enjoy the process of playing with colour and
form. No previous painting experience is necessary
dents will investigate both hard edge approaches, biomorphic approaches to abstraction, and a wide range of
different techniques. This course is suitable for beginners
and those with some experience in art making.
Date: Thurs Jan 10 – 31
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce
Fee: $118
Date: Thurs March 7- April 4
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery
Fee: $118
*Abstract Expressionist Painting (Acrylic)
This is an inspiring, process-oriented course for those who
are willing to delve into the creative journey towards abstract painting. Students will be encouraged to explore language, foster emotional richness, spontaneity and experimentation and to develop conceptual ideas. Helpful visual
information on modern art will be provided with an emphasis on composition, balance, colour, form and symbolism,
the representation of motion and the superimposition of
images in the organization of space. Both one-on-one and
group critiques are aimed at enhancing individual growth.
Collage and various media or materials of the student's
choice can be introduced to experiment with different techniques.
Date: Thurs Feb 7 -28
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery
Painting from
Photograph Series
15% discount if signed up
for all three classes

Painting from Photographs
This class is for the student that has had some previous
painting experience. In this class we take inspiration from
personal images and photographs translating them into
paintings. Any image can be used, ranging from landscape, floral, architectural or portraiture. The students will
learn how to mix and create a full range of colours that
will give them the tools to not only reproduce an image
but to infuse it with their own creativity.
Date:
*Abstract Visual Elements (Acrylic)
This class will focus on developing students abstract painting skills. Visual elements will be taught. Colour, form,
space, composition, movement and communication will all
be addressed within the creative art making process. Stu-
Thurs April 11- May 2
Thurs May 9 - 30
Thurs June 6 - 27
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Friday Art Classes at Karla Pearce Gallery
Creative Edge p10
Jewellery 301– Fun and Funky Spring Fling
Fun and funky, bright colours and jewelry designs.
Time to cast off winter and brighten your accessories
for spring! Learn design basics, materials, pattern and
colour combinations and creative fun ideas for your
own fresh and unique spring jewelry. Tools provided for
use in class. Materials list available upon registration.
Date: Fri, Mar 8 – April 12
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Deborah Swain
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
with Deborah Swain
Saturday Morning
Art Classes at
Karla Pearce Gallery
Jewellery 101 - Wired for Fun
Learn the basics of wirework and how to create your own
jewelry. Basic wire techniques will be covered for making
hooks, eyes, closures, wire wrapping, etc. Try a different project each week building on these basics. Tools supplied for
use in class. Materials list available upon registration.
Date: Fri Jan 11 – Feb 1
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Deborah Swain
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Jewellery 201 – Moving Up
Beginner to intermediate level beading, easy steps to making
your own necklace, bracelet, and earring sets using seed
beads and stones. From start to the fine finish, learn the
techniques to make professional quality pieces. Tools provided for use in class. Materials list available upon registration.
Date: Fri Feb 8 - Mar 1
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Deborah Swain
Location: Karla Pearce Gallery 607 Victoria St Kamloops
Fee: $118
Painting for Pleasure
(Acrylic or Watercolour)
One of the most important and exciting things about
learning to paint and draw is 'learning to see' in a new
way. This class will enrich your ideas about painting
and open up a whole new dimension that is deeply
creative and rewarding! Students will be encouraged to
develop their own style while exploring a more intuitive
approach to painting. This class will investigate ways to
interpret and communicate ideas through lively discussions, demonstrations, and plenty of painting. This is
class is for any level student ranging from beginner to
advanced.
Date: Sat Jan 5 - 26
Date: Sat Feb 2 - 23
Date: Sat Mar 2 - 23
Date: Sat April 6 - 27
Date: Sat May 4 - 25
Date: Sat June 1 - 29
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor : Karla Pearce
Location: 607 Victoria St
Kamloops
Fee: $118
Creative Edge P 11
After School Art Classes
at Karla Pearce Gallery
Karla Pearce Art Camps
Looking for something fun and artistic for the kids? Why
not try an Art Camp for children ages 7 to 13. This is a
high energy creative art class taught by Karla Pearce. Kids
get to try different kinds of creative activities while meeting
new friends. The daily art projects vary with drawing,
painting, sculpture, crafts and tye dye. Students also get to
enjoy the great outdoors weather permitting. While some
supplies will be provided students should bring a snack,
lunch and the following basic art supplies:
Thursday After School
Painting Classes for the Serious Young Artist
Drawing supplies: pencils ,crayons and eraser
Painting supplies: paint brush, watercolor or tempra set
Paper: sketch pad
All tye dye materials will be provided.
This class is for creative young minds 7 to 19 that are
interested in exploring painting. Students will discover
new and interesting ways to draw, paint, develop their
creativity and pursue individual art projects. This is also a
great opportunity for senior students that are looking for
individual instruction and are interested in developing or
improving their portfolios. These after school art classes
have limited enrolment to ensure a high level of student /
teacher interaction and parents are also welcome to attend.
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce Art Gallery, 607 Victoria St.
Fee : $65 per month Jan 2013 - June 2013
Registration: 250-828-2032 ,
www.karlapearcegallery.com
ARTS AND CULTURE
Wednesday
After School Art Classes
for the Serious Young Artist
$65/ month
Ages: 7-19
Karla Pearce Art Gallery
 Register: kamloops.ca/
recreation
 250.828.3500
Date: August 12-16, 26-30
Monday – Friday,
Time: 10:00am – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Karla Pearce
Location: Karla Pearce
Art Gallery, 607 Victoria Street
Kamloops
Fee $ 145.