"Like most artists I am drawn to the energy of a location or a subject, and seek to capture my experience through artistic expression.  Landscapes that depict industrial or bleak settings can be just as inspiring to me as those which are vibrant and ever-changing. I enjoy creating pieces that have a strong graphic design element and explore bold use of colour combined with vivid contrasts of lght and dark. The work of Mike Svob, Rod Charlesworth, Nicholas Bott, Alan Wylie, and other West Coast painters have been influential in this regard. 

For my collage and abstract pieces, I follow a process approach to art, allowing colour, design and shape to unfold naturally and reveal the meaning of the work. In this process, I often draw upon dreams or memories as a creative starting point. Inspired by workshops with writer and artist Nick Bantock, I am particularly interested in collage and its potential for personal expression.  Working closely with the late sculptor Alberto Replanski, a wonderful teacher and friend at Living Stone Studio in Steveston, I was inspired to explore abstract themes and mixed media techniques."

   Jodie Blaney is an Active Member of the Federation of Canadian artists and a member of the Richmond Artists' Guild. She paints from her home studio near Steveston Village on the west coast of British Columbia and runs art classes for children. She also hosts "Exploring Creativity" workshops for early childhood educators. She, along with her husband Jeff and son Sam, enjoy all things creative including photography, cooking, writing and painting.  

Education

Emily Carr University of Art and Design (2008-2010)

Exploring Acrylic Painting Techniques, Calgary, AB 2007.  Instructor:  Mike Svob (offered by Leading Edge Workshops in Calgary)

Art Collage Techniques level 1 & 2. Instructor: Nick Bantock (Forgetting Room Studio, Saltspring Island 2008-2009)

Coaching and Leadership Skills: Dorothy Greenaway & Associates (Toronto, ON) 1998 & 2005

Introduction to Abstract Art Techniques: Tamaka Fisher, Steveston Village Gallery (2004)

Introduction to Mixed Media: Tamaka Fisher, Steveston Village Gallery (2004)

Certificate: Teaching English as a Second Language (Vancouver Community College) 1994

University of British Columbia: Bachelor's of Art (English) 1994

Basics of Oil Painting: Toronto Schoolboard (1993)

Drawing Basics: Richmond Schoolboard (1993)

Exhibits

Ongoing exhibit of work at Monkey Tree in historic Steveston Village, Richmond BC

June 2010: "Cork,Canvas & Cuisine" juried group exhibition benefiting Richmond Hospital Foundation 

August 2009: "4th Annual Indian Summer Art Show" juried group exhibition presented by The Community Arts Council of Richmond

July 2007: "H'art of Steveston" juried group exhibition at the Moncton Street Gallery