Black Sheep Art Show & Silent Auction

Upper level of Good Thrift, 149 5 Ave SE, Calgary, Ab, t2g 5t1

A collaboration of local artists & makers based on the theme “Black Sheep.” @bscollectiveyyc for rsvp link

Art Show and Silent Auction

August 13th, 2023

August 13th, 2023

Do feel black

Designed by Tenneille Vertigans for the Black Sheep Collective

Do you ever feel like a black sheep?

of Content

Andre Prefontaine

Becca McGowan

Caige Baker

Cecilia Bulbrook

Chanel Rowley

Eric Makwich

Evan B

Jenevieve Nowakowski

Jennifer Illanes

Kara Mains

Lauren Balderama

Matthew Springer

Nico Meakin

Rochelle Reonal

Sara Mason

Sara Perry-Din

Andre Prefontaine alottacollage

Andre Prefontaine is a mixed media artist specializing in analog collages. Formally a Slam Poet with seven national championships (2010-2019) and a top four placement at the world cup in Paris, France(2018), his quips, sentimentality, and wordplay figure prominent in whichever work he is involved in.

These pieces are an act of turning an inner world outward. Themes of love and romaticism figure prominent; stillness and chaos stand side-by-side as nostalgia holds hands with the present; imagination and subjectivity turn into concrete manifestations that still refuse to give a straightforward answer. It’s passive. It’s active. It’s the ironic duality of an isolated individual reaching out to an audience in hopes of connection. If nothing else, these pieces have been curated to inspire a statement of softness and curiosity where coldness and steely misanthropy once lived.

Becca McGowan is a multidisciplinary artist living, laughing and loving in Mohkinstsis/Calgary. Becca has been imagining and creating for as long as she can remember. After high school, Becca tried her hand at professional training during a brief stint at AUA (then ACAD). Life had other plans, and ultimately Becca can proudly boast the title of Art School Dropout. Luckily, her art practice survived. Becca works a day job as a support counsellor for survivors of sexual violence navigating the criminal legal system, work she finds meaningful but not without its emotionally challenging moments. A vibrant creative life outside of work has proven imperative for her well-being. Becca enjoys other engaging in other creative pursuits such as writing, music, and crafting. However, over time painting has emerged the victor, and Becca finds nothing quite gets that flow state flowing quite like a paintbrush and a glob of acrylic.

Becca’s paintings are playful and humorous with an edge, often expressing a twisted version of femininity that reflects the mindfuck of trying to exist under patriarchy. She favours a pop art sensibility with bright pastel colours and clean lines. For Becca, being a black sheep means choosing to embrace authenticity in a world that tries its best to shove everyone into a one-size-fits-all template. It means choosing to love and embrace the miracle of your originality rather than allowing others to box you up for their comfort. To be a black sheep is to be free, to fly, to shoot for the moon and land among the stars. With this painting she hopes her loving message is clear: let your inner black sheep out and quit acting like you aren’t made of stars already!

Becca McGowan

testtubepuppy

Caige Baker caigebaker / dandyinsect

Caige is a traditional tattoo artist based in calgary, apart from tattooing he dabbles in the displaying of insects behind glass. Fascinated with the nostalgia his favourite subject to tattoo and draw are little characters inspired by Beatrix potter. Just recently has he started to blend the world of tattoo designs with the curiosity insect domes.

This piece fuses the allure of life and the mystique of death, using delicate flowers and preserved insect specimens. The centre image of a rabbit evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of vintage children’s books, it transports us to a realm where past and present meet. challenging us to ponder the passage of time and our own mortality. In this curious space, we’re invited to explore the dialogue between memory and impermanence.

Cecilia is a multitalented artist! Usually they are known for their elaborate and flamboyant jewelry, but what people don’t know is their passion for traditional art, especially watercolour. Before Cecilia got into jewelry making they primarily expressed themselves through paintings. Cecilia still dabbles in traditional art, but never showed the world till today!

In this piece Cecilia explores their life and how it made them feel caged in unwanted emotions. Especially emotions associated to their identity when leaving the Catholic faith. Often days Cecilia felt like a black sheep, or outcasted by the people around them.

Cecilia Bulbrook

Chanel Rowley emulsifieddesigns

As far back as you look, Chanel has been creating art that stems from their vivid & dark mind. The stories they could tell from their dreams alone are enough to fill the pages of a novel. As story telling is not their strong suit, they stick to bringing their imagination to life through traditional art! Their artist name is a direct link to their multifaceted personality and the art they create. Regardless of medium creating gives them the space to exist as a young, queer artist.

The term Black Sheep is typically seen as a negative label for someone viewed as an outcast. To this artist it means the embrace of nonconformance, standing out, and being unapologetically onesself. Where most see Baphomet as a symbol of the occult, Satan, evil incarnate. They see the celebration of differences. The dichotomy of Baphomet falls under the guise of Satanism itself. It’s a blasphemous “religion” that mirrors its opposites through a foundation of love and freedom of expression. In this way the artist is utilizing baphomet to symbolize their own multitudes of dark & light.

Eric Makwich is a multidisciplinary artist residing in moh’kíns’tsis / otôskwunee / wincheesh-pah / kootsisáw / klincho-tinay-indihay. Working primarily in installation, sculpture, two-dimensional, and auditory media, they explore the relationship between the known and unknown. By shifting, subverting, or blending the familiar with the alien, the nostalgic with the mysterious, and the comfortable with the uncomfortable, they hope to re-examine what these signifiers mean to us and where we sit with them.

‘Pain, Violence, and Horror’ is a meditation on the process of finding familiarity in a culture you largely exist outside of. By layering, distorting, and reinterpreting cowboy/western imagery through an outsider’s lens, this work attempts to place the viewer in a space that is simultaneously within and outside of its culture, and attempts to reach towards the complex relationship beyond critique, subversion, and post-irony that many of us find ourselves in.

Eric Makwich ericmakwich

Evan Chown upcycling_vase_magik

Evan is a talented young, multimedia artist whose passion for art work arose from a young age as a form of expression fulled from his emotions. since a young age evan has consistently battled with poly-mental health disorders and ART in all its forms intriguing and complex had been a safety net constantly to where he is at now in the stages of life. Understanding that a passion for an expression through art dose not always have a pretty story he believes that showcasing this not so pretty story through detailed masterful boundary, pushing pieces is the way to go. Evan likes to gives his attention to things that may be considered as old or garbage or used bye up-cycling them into new life and for future enjoyment from these pieces. It’s a win win.

Labels used daily for 1000s of reasons. something we see daily, something everything has a use for. but unfortunately labels on your clothes and then labels we as humans are branded bye life with couldn’t be more different.

Evan finds himself in a world where labels are dangerous and much darker then the ones used to tell what different types of condiments there are in the grocery store where people, places, and groups are plagued with labels that society seemed fit, something evan dose to help erase negativity surrounding these (mild) labels is to fully embrace and wear them with pride.a label evan wanted to shine light on is one that has been with him since birth the (black sheep) “ the black sheep of the family” ext… in the piece/ pieces of art evan is showing you will see an intimate yet abstract look into how a seemingly negative label can be embraced and owned and have a positively beautifully shaped out come where the label is no longer a barrier but the complete opposite.

Jenevieve Nowa is a local artist born and raised in Alberta, she delves into the beauty of transformation through her bone art, deeply embracing the cycle of life. Ethically, sourced Bones service as her canvas, influenced by a sense of reverence and respect for the ethereal cycle, her art gracefully captures the delicate balance between life and death evoking Contemplation on the enduring beauty that resides within. Jenevieve’s creation’s, remind us of the profound connection we hold with all living beings, and that beauty can be found in the most macabre or unusual of places.

A painted deer skullcap with flowers inspired by “Black Sheep”. this piece symbolizes life’s impermanence through the deer skullcap, While the flowers represent the beauty found in death, Jenevieve a non-conformist herself fearlessly expresses her artistic vision, challenging societal norms, like the black sheep. The artwork encourages viewers to look at death not as a thing of sadness or fear but as one of reverence and beauty. The striking contrast and symbolism serve as a reminder that embracing one true self is a powerful act of beauty and defiance, admits life’s transient journey, and to look for beauty where you might not otherwise find it.

Jenevieve Nowa chicken_foot_creations

Jennifer Illanes jennifer.illanes

Jennifer Hartley Illanes is a multimedia artist working in Calgary, AB. Her practice makes use of fibre arts, digital media, sculpture, and performance. She holds a BFA with distinction in Sculpture from The Alberta University of the Arts, and received the Board of Governors Graduating Student Award in 2016. Jennifer’s work explores themes of extravagance, medieval symbolism, feminism, religion, and playful social critique. By making use of literary and historical symbols and stories, she binds the past with the contemporary in an attempt to evaluate our society through the lens of previous centuries.

This illumination is based off of manuscripts made in Europe in the middle ages. Medieval illuminated manuscripts were ornate paintings done on vellum, and were often religious in nature. They depicted scenes from history or the bible and were a way to glorify the message being presented. This illumination praises the uniqueness and beauty of being a black sheep in society. We should dare be stand out and be bold, and we should celebrate those who go against the grain.

Kara Mains is an illustrator and character designer who graduated from AuArts. After nearly a year out of school and undertaking her journey as an independent artist, Kara currently focuses on creating printed art by combining digital mediums with traditional styles and practices. Kara celebrates the strange, wondrous, and the monstrous, and the myriad ways they reside in all humans.

These two pieces were made by Kara Mains in celebration of the Black Sheep Collective and the purpose that embracing its community has brought into her life. Through these pieces - and the image of the black sheep - Kara also aims to honour what she finds sacred. Seeking enlightenment and wisdom and opening oneself to it. Something especially important during such tumultuous times as we live in now. Connecting to said enlightenment through the natural world. Accepting the strange and grotesque and embracing its beauty.These pieces also act as counter arguments to the concept of the garden of Eden and the purity within. One can be surrounded by the imperfect and the mysterious without suffering harm or being seduced by “sin”. It is not any kind of moral failing to seek answers from unconventional places or go against the grain. To see the beauty of the light, one must understand the beauty of the dark.

Kara Mains

Lauren Balderama balderama.studios

Lauren Balderama is a ceramic artist and poet, Born in Memphis Tennessee. The themes of their work center around making monuments and mementos to memories and the love you had, and the love you lost through text and symbolism. Balderama completed their BFA in ceramics at the Maryland Institute College of Art in December 2016. After graduating they moved to Alberta, CA and have since begun to explore other sculptural mediums, continuing to expand on these themes, and accumulate new symbols.

An early memory around making friends started while sitting alone at a table during lunch. A stranger walking up and saying “You look interesting.” At that time, being unapologetically different and understanding how to hold space for each other was ultimately what attracted others. And from there our table grew. Being a black sheep is not always having a place, especially a place to share with others. A lot of the time these spaces have to be created so companionship can be fostered. These chairs are an opportunity for a space to invite you and another to take together, grow your table, and revel in your uniqueness.

Matthew is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in Illustration, Painting / Murals, Design, Photography, and Sound art. Matthew is a 2020 graduate from the Alberta University of the Arts with a bachelors degree of distinction in photography. Currently working at Alberta University of the Arts in the Bookstore, and has filled roles as one of the main graphic designers of the institution to advertise the various student services available to maintain mental health and wellbeing as a student on campus. Throughout his practice Matthew combines both physical mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, and print media with digital processes such as using Photoshop, graphic design, and photography. Exploring different mediums and textures is a big part of his work. Matthew has successfully been working as a freelance illustrator and designer since 2017. Creating various works such as Event posters, Album covers, Murals, Personalized commissioned drawings / paintings, photographs, clothing and more.

Through His illustration he enjoy’s exploring dreamlike worlds and landscapes to escape our minds into the alternate realities of our own imaginations, subconsciously influencing the emotions that we experience in the physical space of our bodies. Matthew is very interested in creating works of art that stimulate positivity and the drive to continuously better our own awareness of mental health, both within ourselves but also to the communities around us. Positivity and inclusivity are key aspects to changing perspectives and in creating a stimulating and caring community. Thinking outside the box and finding the beauty in unconventional concepts and ideas inherently puts yourself in a black sheep position. Matthews work explores to embrace the feelings of feeling weird, or different and empower yourself in your own uniqueness. This is reflected in the boldness of hims characters, colours, and strange worlds.

springatus

Matthew Springer

Nico Meakin nicofarts

Nico (choke cherry) is a Fibre artist from Mohkinstsis/Calgary Alberta. Their practice combines domestic, religious and occult imagery to express narratives about feminism, folklore and gender identity through wearable and decorative objects.

Saint Agony, Patron of Headaches and St. Jean of Jackets are diptych banners inspired by female saints and archetypal family members. Saint Agony, Patron of Headaches is inspired by the archetype of the auntie and St. Teresa of Avila who is the patron saint of headache sufferers. She is the keeper of ibuprofen as well as an advisor in her nieces and nephews lives. St. Jean of Jackets is inspired by the black sheep of the family, they are based on St. Joan of Arc who has been adopted as a symbol of gender nonconformity. Fire is an old christian symbol that was used to indicate a figure has a spiritual connection to the holy spirit, when its on the head it can mean getting visions from god, and is also associated with migraines. In these pieces it is a symbol for mental illness. Flames on top of the head is visceral and chaotic imagery that expresses the difficulties of living with mental illnesses. St Agony is better at dealing with it, she has more experience, and her glass of water and medicine indicates her ability to calm the fire. St Jean however is in a more fragile state, the headphones tamp down the flames but they always have kindling ready to bring them back.

Jenevieve Nowa is a local artist born and raised in Alberta, she delves into the beauty of transformation through her bone art, deeply embracing the cycle of life. Ethically, sourced Bones service as her canvas, influenced by a sense of reverence and respect for the ethereal cycle, her art gracefully captures the delicate balance between life and death evoking Contemplation on the enduring beauty that resides within. Jenevieve’s creation’s, remind us of the profound connection we hold with all living beings, and that beauty can be found in the most macabre or unusual of places.

A painted deer skullcap with flowers inspired by “Black Sheep”. this piece symbolizes life’s impermanence through the deer skullcap, While the flowers represent the beauty found in death, Jenevieve a non-conformist herself fearlessly expresses her artistic vision, challenging societal norms, like the black sheep. The artwork encourages viewers to look at death not as a thing of sadness or fear but as one of reverence and beauty. The striking contrast and symbolism serve as a reminder that embracing one true self is a powerful act of beauty and defiance, admits life’s transient journey, and to look for beauty where you might not otherwise find it.

Rochelle Reonal

thursdaysounds

Sara Mason sewgay_

Sara is a 26-year-old queer, neurodivergent artist, living in Mohkinstsis formerly knows as Calgary. In 2018, they graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts, igniting their passion for creative exploration. Sara’s art is a powerful celebration of diverse identities, queerness, and self-expression, showcasing their unique perspective on the world. Their creative journey encompasses various mediums, and they thrive on experimenting with different artistic techniques to convey their visions. Sara finds joy in painting and harnessing multiple mediums to create captivating and emotive pieces that resonate with viewers. In addition to selling their art at markets, Sara is now branching out into mural work, seeking to bring their artistic vision to larger public spaces. Collaborating with their partner, they run their art business under the name “Sewgay,” reflecting their dedication to empowering the queer community through their creative endeavors.

As a queer and neurodivergent artist, Sara embraces their identity as a black sheep in a world that has not always accepted them. Through their art, Sara explores the complexities of queerness and neurodivergence, using painting and various mediums as their canvas for expression. Their work centers on celebrating queer bodies, challenging societal norms, and reclaiming spaces for those who feel different and may not always be welcomed. With each brushstroke and color choice, Sara invites viewers to reflect on the beauty and resilience of diverse identities. As a black sheep, Sara finds strength in their individuality and uses their art to pave the way for inclusivity and acceptance. They believe that by embracing and celebrating our differences, we can build a more compassionate and understanding world. Sara leaves a powerful message that every unique identity, no matter how unconventional, deserves to be cherished and celebrated in the vibrant tapestry of humanity.

Through the lens of object-orientated ontology, I value craft processes to experiment with materials and form. In my work, I retool to reveal new ways of mark-marking and other sensory experiences. Scissors become vehicles for stones to clang together, shells become headphones, mark-making becomes language and tools are alphabets. With these themes in mind, it is my environment that informs materials, processes, and subsequently the work.

The alchemic symbol for infinite purification sits beneath a large quartz. Anything that sits under the stone is amplified. Adjustable ring to a size 13.

Two conch shells hang off a forged silver band. When worn the wearer can hear the ocean. The alchemic symbols for rot, spirit, and water dangle off the sides of the shells.

Goat skin held together by canvas. Adjustable lengthwise.

Sara Perry-Din ponytools