Meet Jess the Mess!

Educational background?
BAH Studio Art/Art History (Honours)

How did you first hear about 4Cats?
My cat.

Why 4Cats?
It’s AWESOME – I get to hang out with extremely creative kids and throw paint around! How much more awesome can it get? My whole life revolves around being creative, and helping inspire others to outlet their own creativity. This is what makes me happy.

So far, what lesson has been your favourite?
Georgia O’Keeffe because each student’s flowers are so different from the next.  Also, this summer the Stop Motion Animation camp was amazing! Everyone did such a phenomenal job to create the best Stop Motion Animation film EVER!

What is your favourite colour?
Lime green. It’s fun, it’s bright, it’s bold, and it goes with everything (maybe not, maybe that’s why I like it). I especially like using it next to hot pink in my paintings!

Favourite art quote?
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. – Pablo Picasso

Who is your favourite artist and why?
Norval Morriseau certainly sparked my initial interest in painting when I learned about him in grade 4. I remember seeing his bright and wonderful paintings for the first time and wanting to paint just like him! I especially enjoy his bold use of lines and the contour of each shape or animal he produces. I feel a connectedness between each of his paintings that make them whole.

Any other “art” facts we should know about you?
I’m an excellent paint thrower and I believe that children are the best artists because they’re uninhibited, they see the fun in being creative and they LOVE getting messy!

Meet 4Cats Curator Amanda McGinnis!

Educational background?
Currently studying at Capilano University

How did you first hear about 4Cats?
I would always see Jess and Red covered in paint, with the biggest grins on their faces and it made me realize that I wanted to be part of a place that was that positive and exciting!

Why 4Cats?
I’ve been interested in art my entire life. I have dozens of sketchbooks full of drawings that I’ve been working on for as long as I remember. At 4Cats I get to see that same love of art in every child that comes in! I love it!

What is your favourite colour?
Green! Leaf green, moss green, lime green…any green!

Favourite art quote?
“I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish” Michelangelo

Who is your favourite artist and why?
I love Georgia O’Keeffe. There is so much emotion in every one of her paintings, the colours and shadows are simply beautiful. Also, I find something truly amazing about the way she captured the smallest details in flowers; it reminds me to appreciate the small things in life.

What is your favourite medium?
Drawing, because it comes more naturally to me then other mediums.

Meet 4Cats Curator Marisa Pahl!

Educational background?
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of British Columbia, 2006-2010 *completed all foundation coursework for a BA in visual arts

How did you first hear about 4Cats?
When I lived on Main Street in Vancouver I used to walk by a 4Cats Arts Studio every day.

Why 4Cats?
It was hard to miss the bright, cheerful storefront and all the excited kids going in and out. I was immediately drawn to the energy of the place. The more I learned about this Canadian company, the more I wanted to be a part of it. Since then I have applied to work at the Kitsilano, Main Street and Commercial Drive Studios.

What is your favourite colour?
My favorite colour is tangerine orange because it is warm and inviting. When it is on my walls it gives me a burst of energy in the morning. When it is on my raincoat it makes me smile on cloudy days. It also looks great with my favorite shade of purple!

Who is your favourite artist and why?
My favorite artist is Leonardo da Vinci because he used his creative mind to solve all sorts of exciting problems. He designed things that were beautiful, functional and purposeful. I am inspired by his incredible imagination, because it was natural for him to believe impossible things were possible, like human flight.

What is your favourite art medium, and why?
My favorite art medium is clay because I love the process, the way it feels and how it changes as you create something with it.

So…any other interesting facts we should know about you?
I love art!

Meet 4Cats Curator Joyelle Komierowski!

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alberta College of Art and Design – specialization is intaglio and silkscreen printmaking.

How did you first hear about 4Cats?:
I walked past a 4Cats Studio and the beautiful colours and paintings made me smile. I knew instantly that I wanted to work in that kind of environment.

Why 4Cats?:
I love art and I love working with kids – so 4Cats was a no-brainer.

What is your favourite colour and why?:
Rainbow – how can you possibly pick just one!?

Who is your favourite artist and why?:
It changes everyday, depending on my mood – today I really like AJ Fosik because he makes crazy 3D animals out of wood in bright colours.

What is your favourite art medium, and why?:
I like acrylic painting – because the messier I get, the better the painting turns out (usually)!

So…any other interesting facts we should know about you?:
My favourite food is chocolate chip cookies!