Philip Stephen's blog

VCON Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention!

Philip Stephen — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:12:32 +0000

My latest excitement (besides getting a new job working as a Student and Support Worker as well as going back to school to become a teacher) is that I will be showing art at VCON!

This seems perfect for me, as I love both genres, yet have never been to a convention! The icing on the cake was that the art curator found me through Google and invited me to show! I was very honoured and rose to the occasion by making some brand new prints to share!

Please join me for VCON 36 – from Friday September 30 to Sunday October 2 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport!

For more information, look to their website: www.vcon.ca

Pauline Johnson Banners

Philip Stephen — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:40:06 +0000

This spring, we were able to install the banners that I had helped create with the students of Pauline Johnson last year. It was very gratifying to see them hanging in the stairwell and to know that they would be there for many years to come. Although it was a lot of work to coordinate the efforts of so many students in a short time I am very happy with the results. The stained glass effect turned out quite well (in my opinion).

Although I am starting as an on-call Student Support Worker with Vancouver School Board as well as working towards becoming an Elementary School Teacher, I hope I am able to do similar projects again. It was fun to work with David and Stephane and Nathalie and all the staff and students!

Community Arts Workshops Page Updated

Philip Stephen — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:50:11 +0000

I have updated my Workshops page to include a lot of the programs I have developed and delivered over the last many years.

This sort of work is one of my favourite things in the world! It is an honour and a joy to play an encouraging role to any person's creative process.

My degree and experience in Child and Youth Care has honed my faciliation skills, as has further training during my employment with Learning Through the Arts and Arts Umbrella. Not to toot my own horn, but I believe I am a gentle and encouraging instructor that works well with all ages, from wee ones to teens to adults to seniors.

My three main modes of instruction are: CREATIVE WRITING & ZINES, CARTOONING & COMICS, and MURALS & PAINTING. I am happy to create opportunities for participants to make art-for-art's-sake but can easly bring an educational, social justice, environmental, or personal exploration theme to the workshops I develop.

If you would like me visit your organization to deliver a workshop, do not hesitate to contact me.

I have a bit more work before I get my web-store up and running, as well as some testimonials for the Workshop page, so stay tuned for more updates!

RPG Design Concept.

Philip Stephen — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 23:06:09 +0000

Recently, I have started taking small graphic design gigs with a few table-top roleplaying companies. I am still learning the ropes, but it has been a lot of fun to connect with people that are creative and passionate about bringing their dreams to life, and share those dreams with others.

A great part of this is it gives me an excuse to doodle away in Photoshop and learn more tricks with brushes, layers, and effects as I do so. Learning by playing is one of the best ways to figure something out.

Below you can see some of my concept work on Sacrifice, which is part of an RPG Resource book made by DVOID Systems that details many worlds and dimensions that characters can explore.

To find out more about Sacrifice and similar projects, visit www.dvoidsystems.com!

Winter Art Auction

Philip Stephen — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:53:11 +0000

I am holding an art auction to clear away some old stock and make room for the new. This means big savings on some very sweet original paintings for the bargain hunting art lovers out there!

How does it work? Visit the Auction Gallery and find the paintings you are interested in bidding on. E-mail your bids to phil@philipstephen.com and I will notify you if you are outbid. Remember to tell me the name of the painting you are bidding on and please bid in at least $5 increments. I will post the current bid for each painting in its description.

Find the Auction Gallery at: www.philipstephen.com/image/tid/44

The Auction will end at midnight on the evening of Friday December 17th. Check back often for updates with new paintings!

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or Paypal upon completion. Arrangements for delivery can be made at that time.

For folks who are in the Lower Mainland or Williams Lake I can likely get the paintings to you before Christmas. Other folks may have to arrange shipping and recieve their successful bids after Christmas.

Start your bidding and good luck!

This painting and many others could be yours! Visit the Auction Gallery by clicking the image.

RPG Design

Philip Stephen — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:05:46 +0000

I have started to take a few gigs doing design work for some Role Playing Games. This is a great way for me to stretch my style and develop new skills while staying in touch with things that have inspired my imagination since I was a child: Role Playing Games!

Besides making art and maps for the setting and game system I am developing with the help of a few friends, I have recently created a few pieces for Debbie Hunton and the folks at www.gamers-rule.com as well as some logo work and in-progress cover-design for Da'Vane at www.dvoidsystems.com

Da'Vane has created a great multi-genre series of encounters and settings that are perfect for fantasy, pulp sci-fi space opera, steam punk, trans-dimensional games. If that made sense to you, drop by the DVOID website to check it out, as well as take a look at the logo and web-banner I put together.

I don't mind confessing that this is a geek-boy's dream come true. Fantasy role-playing was a huge part of my creative development starting in elementary school and continuing off and on to this day.

I encourage you to check out the various projects that Gamers Rule and DVOID Systems have to offer.

The Drift on Main Street:

Philip Stephen — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:00:58 +0000

BE SURE TO CATCH THE DRIFT 2010::Main Street Art Walk & Studio Tour October 2+3

The 6th Annual Drift - Art on Main Street Art Walk & Open Studio Tour, October 2 & 3. 2010. Now more than 100 artists & 80 locations including Main Street shops, cafes, galleries and open artists' studios. Be sure to catch this free 2-day art party!

Check out the Drift web site for a preview of the artists who will be showing their work this year: lots of new creative young talent plus many of your favorite Drift artists from past years. No two Drift events are the same. Download the Drift 2010 map and start planning your Drift weekend. (Art will be shown in the Drift's Main Street Retail partners October 1-15)

Tonight! Group Art Show and Opening reception 7 PM – 10PM

Whrere: Creekside Community Centre, Olympic Athletes' Village, 1 Athlete’s Way @ Ontario. This is an opportunity to meet many of the Drift artists who will be showing during the Drift weekend and see their art work displayed in this stunning new building.

Admission by donation- suggested donation is $5.00. Appetizers & cash bar: wine & beer only. Auction of donated gifts and services from Main Street retail partners and more! The space at this venue is limited so please arrive early.

Download the Drift 2010 map

New additions since press time: new studios & events not on the map.

A few event highlights:

• Saturday Only - Eleanor Hannan: spontaneous face sketching on the sewing machine, on paper as well as cloth; face collage with unusual materials - 245 East Broadway. Eleanor's work can also be seen at G & F Financial Main & 13th.

• Artist Elisa Chee of studio Crude Ink invites you to drop by her studio for “anijam” : learn how to animate and collaborate to make an abstract animated film. #25- 2414 Main Street

• Saturday Only - 2pm - 4pm The Keepin’ it Real duo: Shannon Scott & Dana Oikawa, mix it up with some jazz standards and folksy pop! Artist Tondela Miles. Kranky Cafe 216 East 4th Ave.

•Saturday Only - 7-10 pm Lamb’s Performing Objects presents:Strange Songs of Trust and Treachery chap book signing, and What Other Beasts? cabaret. Alexander Lamb Antiques 3271 Main Street.

• Urban Source : create a masterpiece with recycled materials. 3126 Main Street.

•Various times: Carmen Craig-Martin: spinning & weaving demonstrations @ Birkeland Brothers Wool - 3573 Main Street

Keep checking the Drift web site for event news & updates: www.thedrift.ca Drift maps available at participating Main Street retail locations soon . . .

Drift 2010 poster and map image - thanks to Alan Rhyason & Dominique Basi

The Drift would like to thank Drift artist Alan Rhyason for the image of Main Street seen on all Drift publicity this year. Poster Design by Domonique Basi. Thanks also to Clay, Paul, and Gabriel at sharkbite art & design for all their help with the graphic design work for the map, brochures, posters, and signage for the Drift this year.

The Drift 2010 Sponsored by:

We would like to thank all our Event Sponsors this year: The City of Vancouver, G&F Financia l, the Mount Pleasant BIA, Industry Images, Sharkbite Art & Design, and the Vancouver Courier.

The Spring of the Artist In Residences

Philip Stephen — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:16:53 +0000

This Spring was chock full of amazing opportunities to work creatively with young people. I did artist visits and Artist in Residencies with Eagle Ridge Secondary in Coquitlam, York House Junior School in Vancouver, and Pauline Johnson Elementary in West Vancouver.

It was loads of fun, if a bit daunting at times with scheduling and transportation (since I am a bicyclist and a transit user.)

The folks at Eagle Ridge Secondary School invited me to work with their students. A number of years back I had worked with some teachers to create lesson plans using comics to explore Language Arts and Humanities. They enjoyed what I did then and wanted me back for more.

I ended up working with 6 of their classes - mostly around grade 9 and 10. It was fun to be part of a project that took a different approach from the standard essay writing. I believe the visual medium can show a lot of subtle understanding of relationships and themes.

Since comics add some words into the mix, it is a great way to explore almost any topic.

Which is exactly what I did with York House in my visits with them. Each grade had their own topic, which the teachers chose so it could work with their curriculum. We made comics of fairy tales, pioneers, popular fiction, Greek myths, and even poetry! I will have to check with them if I can share some of their images on my site.

Pauline Johnson was more of an epic production. We painted banners on the theme of community. Painting always takes a bit more time to set up and clean up and we were working with 18 classes in 4 weeks!

It was a struggle some days to stay on top of the tide of children and paint - but we did it! I was quite happy with the results and am looking forward to visiting Pauline Johnson again to see how they look when they are hung in their stairwells.

Here is a sneak peak for those of you that love childrens' artwork as much as I do!

Green Thumb Theatre Poster Design

Philip Stephen — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:07:29 +0000

I was quite excited when Ivan Habel of Green Thumb Theatre contacted me this past winter. I had painted an image that they used to promote their last year of productions and they wanted me to make another for their upcoming year.

The last painting I had made was quite large. It would have been challenging to paint a similar sized image again as had given up my studio space at 1000 Parker Street to save up for an unfortunate leaky condo situation.

My solution? I offered to paint the new image digitally. This was a great chance to put to work the practice I had been doing with my Wacom Tablet and Adobe Photoshop.

The folks at Green Thumb seem happy with the image and I am looking forward to continuing our creative partnerships in the future.

Please visit their website at www.greenthumb.bc.ca to hear more about the amazing work they do.

www.greenthumb.bc.ca

Long Time No Blog

Philip Stephen — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 03:51:49 +0000

I have not blogged much in the last little while...

I just got busy and caught up with other things - some of which were quite exciting, so the next few blog entries will be me playing catch up.

Artists With Heart - Food Bank Fundraiser

Philip Stephen — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:42:10 +0000

After Christmas donations to the food bank seem to taper off, but the need for food is still strong.

Artists With Heart is an annual event of Arts Off Main Gallery to promote awareness and raise funds for the Vancouver Food Bank.

Here are a few of the ways you can help:

Buy some art and 10% of the sale will go to the food bank.

Buy some cookies and all proceeds go to the food bank.

Bring some non-perishable food for our drop off box.

Drop on by 216 E 28th from Feb. 10 - 14th to enjoy unique, affordable, local art and to make a difference in your community.

www.artsoffmain.ca
www.foodbank.bc.ca

Robots and Goddesses and Prints, Oh My!

Philip Stephen — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:18:45 +0000

I am hanging a new show on Wednesday July 1
which will be at Libby's Kitchen (3429 Porter Street)
(across from Trout Lake Community Centre)
until Monday, August 3.

This show will be a smorgasborg of old and new art - with most of the new art continuing my current sci-fi obsession.

Joining me on the walls is Anna Talbot, with a number of her lovely textured prints.

If you would like to meet the artist - I will be chilling at Libby's from 5-6pm on Friday July 3rd.

I hope you find the time to drop by and bring a few folks.

Be well,
Phil.

ARTS UMBRELLA'S YEAR END CELEBRATION

Philip Stephen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:55:27 +0000

My Cartooning Class will have an anthology of their Comic Book Art

as part of the Visual and Digital Art display from June 19-21!

Drop by to see what they and the other students at Arts Umbrella have been creating over the past year!

Buschlen Mowatt Gallery
1445 West Georgia Street
Reception, June 21, 1:00pm- 4:00pm

http://www.artsumbrella.com/event

Start With Art: Children's Art Show

Philip Stephen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:12:34 +0000

Some of my paintings will be in Start With Art - a show created to get kids interested in original art. The art in the show must be original, no prints or copies. Artwork is hung at kid's eye level and there are many school groups who tour the gallery as well.

This is an annual show that runs this year from April 21 to 27. The opening is on April 21st, from 6-8pm, and many of the artists will be present.

All art is priced anywhere up to $150 and only children under 16 can purchase it.

www.seymourartgallery.com

Cartooning with Arts Umbrella

Philip Stephen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:07:05 +0000

For the last several months I have been teaching a cartooning class for 9-12 year olds at Arts Umbrella on Granville Island.

It has been lots of fun, and I hope I am able to develop more programs for them - with zine workshops for teens being the top of my hopes.

Find out more about Arts Umbrella and their programs at: www.artsumbrella.com

My Art on the new Green Thumb Theatre Poster

Philip Stephen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:49:04 +0000

I have been blessed with the opportunity to create an image to promote the shows that Green Thumb Theatre will be doing in the upcoming year to explore social issues relevant to the lives of children, youth & young adults.

Here is the image I created:

www.greenthumb.bc.ca/

Artists With Heart Valentines Food Bank Fundraiser

Philip Stephen — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:06:32 +0000

Arts Off Main Gallery is having our annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank: Artists With Heart!

Our artists will donate 10% of their sales from Feb 7th - 14th to the Vancouver Food Bank. We will also have Valentines cookies and cards for sale.

A drop-box for non-perishable food items and a Food Bank collection tin is in our gallery if you would prefer to donate directly to the Vancouver Food Bank.

Holiday Sale at Arts Off Main Gallery Dec 6-7

Philip Stephen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:49:45 +0000

Arts Off Main Gallery once again is having its annual Holiday Sale!

For 2 days only, everything in the gallery is 10% off.

Come on by 216 East 28th, just steps away from Main Street, to see a wide range of work from local artists. Painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, gift cards, and more! Find the perfect gift for a loved one or maybe something for yourself.

Hot apple cider and the friendly folks of our neighbourhood artist-run gallery await you!

Best of the Season,

Phil.

www.artsoffmain.ca

Eastside Culture Crawl Nov 21-23

Philip Stephen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:10:05 +0000

12th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl, November 21+22+23, 2008

The eastside culture crawl is an annual 3-day event that involves artists from Vancouver's Eastside in an area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Commercial Drive, and the Waterfront.

This is a once a year opportunity to meet many diversely talented artists and view their creations in the studios where they work. Be part of this exciting event, which brings people from all over the Lower Mainland, and share in the imaginations that enrich our neighbourhood and lives.

You will find me in my studio #430 at 1000 Parker Street, which is a warehouse with 84 different artists showing during the crawl. That makes it a great place to go if you want stay out of the rain, see a lot of art, and not have to walk too much.

Purchase something that strikes your fancy, commission something to be uniquely yours, or just browse through the studios and meet the artists, learning about their specific works of art, materials and tools, approaches and techniques.

FRIDAY November 21st 5:00pm - 10:00pm
SATURDAY November 22nd 11:00am - 6:00pm
SUNDAY November 23rd 11:00am - 6:00pm

It's Western Canada's largest studio exhibition and sale, and it's absolutely free-- don't miss it!

www.eastsideculturecrawl.com

ROBOTS vs. FAERIES

Philip Stephen — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:22:17 +0000

This show is not really about Robots fighting Faeries.

No!

It is about Science Fiction and Fantasy competing for your hearts and imagination.

Close to Halloween we will have an art opening / costume party where you can show your allegiance by dressing as a Scientific Marvel or Creature of Magic!

Come in costume and you will be entered into a draw for an art print by Phil!

Watch out for the wee people!
The Force be with you!
Abracadabra!
Engage!

The Drift Art Crawl on Main Street

Philip Stephen — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:28:42 +0000

The Drift is an annual weekend local arts & culture festival taking place along Vancouver's trendy Main Street in artists' open studios and participating local shops, cafes and restaurants.

Come on by Arts Off Main Gallery at 216 East 28th to see art by Lee Sanger, Julie McIntyre, Joan Taylor, June Hunter and many other local artists and artisans.

We will be renting the gallery next door and have art in the boulevard to offer Drifters even more exciting sights to see during The Drift weekend

Drift along Main Street and see an eclectic variety of fine art and original handcrafts from established and emerging local artists including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, woodcarvings, collage, mixed media, glass works, jewelry, film, clothing design, textiles & multi-media compositions.

www.thedrift.ca

Art Market at Napier Square: August 3rd.

Philip Stephen — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:03:47 +0000

Please join me at Napier Square

on Sunday August the 3rd

for the "Artful Sundays" Market

from Noon til 5pm.

I will be there with original paintings, art prints, cards, t-shirts,

photography, a smile, and hopefully oodles of sunshine.

be well,
Phil

New Show at Libby's Kitchen for the month of July

Philip Stephen — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:39:19 +0000

Please come by to see my new show of paintings celebrating whimsy and wonder at Libby's Kitchen, 3429 Porter Street.

I will have a raffle for a number of art pieces as well as some platters and wine for those of you who are able to come and join me on Opening Night, Thursday, July 3rd, from 5 - 8pm.

The kitchen will be open if you would like to order some dinner and hang out and chat while you are there.

Be well,

Phil.

"When We Were Young" Art Show at the Station House Gallery

Philip Stephen — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:33:30 +0000

"When We Were Young" is a show that celebrates a sense of play and wonder that I remember from my childhood. Maybe you remember that feeling too.

I am quite excited to be showing my work at the Station House Gallery in my home town of Williams Lake.I can still remember taking art lessons in the upper gallery when I was in Elementary School. And later, when I was in high school, I joined the Cariboo Art Society and took part in their group shows at the Station House.

Besides showing my art at Youth Art Shows at the Noopa Boys and Girls Club, the Art Society was my first experience of being part of an artistic community.

Since then, I have continued to create and show my work in Victoria, where I went to University, and in Vancouver, where I now live.

When are we young? When we remember that it is a joyful thing to be alive.

be well,

Phil.

Artists With Heart at Arts Off Main Gallery

Philip Stephen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:34:01 +0000

Arts Off Main Gallery is having its annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank from February 8th to 14th. Our artists will donate 10% of their sales to the Vancouver Food Bank.

We will also have a drop-box for non-perishable food items and will accept cash donations to the Food Bank as well.

This year we have added a draw for "Art by the Basketful" and for a minimum donation of $2 you can put your name into a draw for a chance to win a basket full of art contributed by our artists.

You can find the gallery at 216 E 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC.

FOOD BANK FACTS:

1. Over 40% of the people who benefit from the Food Bank are children.

2. Many are families of working poor - folks who work hard but don’t earn enough to feed their families.

3. Every dollar you donate give the Greater Vancouver Food Bank 3 dollars worth of buying power with wholesale distributors.

I hope you drop by Arts Off Main Gallery and have a Happy Valentines Day!

much love,

Phil.

East Van Podcast Episode 2

Philip Stephen — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:39:28 +0000

The East Van Podcast is back!

In this episode, Jonny Vancouver checks out the Eastside Culture Crawl, a yearly exhibition of open studios in East Vancouver, and interviews two artists: Philip Stephen and Grant Mercs.

Click below to watch the episode

and hear my views on art and East Van.

Arts Off Main Holiday Sale

Philip Stephen — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:53:18 +0000

It’s that time of the year again!

Arts Off Main Gallery is having a 10% off Sale on Saturday December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd.

Our partners have been working hard and have all kinds of new work for you to feast your eyes on. If you are looking for gifts, this is the place to find them!

So come and join us this weekend for hot apple cider and goodies.

Find the gallery at 216 E. 28th Avenue.

www.artsoffmain.ca

Prints Available on Wall Plaques

Philip Stephen — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:39:02 +0000

I have found an excellent print company, and am now able to offer my images on wooden wall plaques of various sizes and depths.

Currently there are 12 designs in 3 size ranges, which you can find in my Merchandise Gallery. The sizes are approximately 4x6 for $20 each, 5x7.5 for $30, and 8x10 on a deeper plaque for $50.

I am able to have images printed in a little over a week's time. If you are interested in any of the images I have in those or other size ranges, do not hesitate to contact me.

Take care,
Phil.

World Wide Free Hug Day

Philip Stephen — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:21:14 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world took part in a Global Free Hugs Day yesterday. Many Vancouverites took to the streets with signs reading “Free Hugs” to spread the message of human affection and connection. This is all in response to a global call that originated on facebook.com from a high school student in Connecticut. They were inspired by the Youtube video of Juan Mann, an Australian who first brought Free Hugs to the streets.

Worldwide Free Hugs Day is in response to the anniversary of September 11th, which is a date remembered for terror, tragedy, and human suffering. A global Free Hugs campaign brings the focus back to community, connection and caring – which are forces more likely to counteract terror than any solution that relies on force.

I started the day out alone at English Bay, and was joined by a dozen people of at various times to give out Free Hugs to anyone who would take them. (Some came back more than once!)

If you would like to be involved in the future, just look for groups on tribe.net, myspace.com, and facebook.com to organize a time and a place to meet with others to give Free Hugs. This very simple action can leave people feeling empowered, cared for, and hopeful. (And, by the end of the day, you feel awesome and blessed for having shared so much care with so many people.)

For further inspiration, look to the fellow who started up the Free Hugs movement: Juan Mann.

JUAN MANN'S OFFICIAL FREE HUGS HOME: www.freehugscampaign.org

JUAN MANN: "The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by someone for the sole reason of making others feel better. The purpose is not to get names, phone numbers, or dates." – www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_hugs

(I was also in an article in the 24 Hours daily paper on Free Hugs Day)

Studio Space and the Culture Crawl

Philip Stephen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:56:57 +0000

I have just joined an art studio at 1000 Parker Street and will be part of the Eastside Culture Crawl for the first time this summer. My studio mates include Phoebe Greyson, David Tycho, Monica Sanft, and Isaac John Lewis.

The culture crawl is an amazing experience that I have enjoyed every year since I moved to Vancouver. I am super-stoked to be part of it this year. Please come visit the studio at suite 430, 1000 Parker Street, for this year's culture crawl, from November 16 to 18th. and check out our work.

The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual 3-day event that involves artists who live in Vancouver's Eastside. Painters, jewellers, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, writers, printmakers, photographers, glassblowers; from emerging artists to those of international fame... these are just a sampling of the exciting talents featured during this unique chance to meet local artists in their studios.

Purchase something that strikes your fancy, commission something to be uniquely yours, or just browse through the studios and meet the artists, learning about their specific works of art, materials and tools, approaches and techniques. This is a once a year opportunity to meet many diversely talented artists and view their creations in the studios where they work. Be part of this exciting event, which brings people from all over the Lower Mainland, and share in the imaginations that enrich our neighbourhood and lives.

(text and image taken from the Eastside Culture Crawl website: www.eastsideculturecrawl.com )