The Graffiti Co. Art Studio/Gallery Andrea Noble Sian Woodward Evokes H u m b l e Passion If you've never been to The G r a f f i t i C o . A r t Studio/Gallery, y o u must go. I stumbled upon it by accident a few years ago and w a l k e d up the small stairs to the quaint studio/gallery to find an intimate and w e l c o m i n g atmosphere. I was greeted w a r m l y by the w o m a n in charge of it a l l . The w o m a n is Sian Piper W o o d w a r d , an established artist w h o moved to the N o r t h Shore from Calgary 13 years ago. W i t h an M F A in m i x e d m e d i a , she f o l l o w e d her husband to this c o m m u n i t y she n o w calls home. " C a l g a r y is not as redneck as some people t h i n k , " she says w i t h a smile. C a l g a r y funds the arts well and Sian really enjoyed g r o w i n g up there. She n o w loves the N o r t h Shore because of the scenic beauty and comfortable c o m m u n i t y w h i c h is friendly and not too overwhelming. The G r a f f i t i G o . A r t Studio opened i n 1994. Originally, it was the place where Sian produced and commissioned Contemporary A r t w o r k as well as instructed art classes. She shared the space with a fellow artist and muralist Sia Kaskas w h o also produced paintings, commissioned art and graphic design. It was only t w o years ago that she opened her studio/gallery to include other talented local artists from all over Vancouver. The gallery n o w currently displays about 14 artists. T h i s core g r o u p of artists exhibit their w o r k in group exhibitions on a rotating basis. T h e i r w o r k is diverse, including drawings, photography, o i l , acrylic and watercolour paintings, one of a k i n d jewelry and mixed media art. The artists are all l o c a l , but many of them are originally f r o m other parts of the w o r l d . Wild Solitude by Sia Kaskas (oil on canvas) WHO: Sian Piper Woodward WHAT: The Graffiti Co. Art Studio/Gallery WHERE: 171 East 1st St., 2nd Floor, North Vancouver WHEN: Studio hours are Wed-Fri (1 pm-6pm) andSat(lpm-5pm) INFO: www.9rafutic0art.com These artists come together in a supportive environment w h i c h makes the gallery very artist friendly. "It's nice to be in contact with other artists. It helps nurture creativity and keeps me in contact with the contemporary art w o r l d . " It's not surprising that Sian w o r k s hard to build relationships with the artists. They give each other feedback and support. After a l l , it's often a struggle financially to make ends meet. W h a t keeps her going? T h r o u g h her a r t w o r k , Sian is able to express her emotions and call herself a professional artist. She has always g r o w n up with art in her life; her father and sister are also artists. She told me that she w o u l d never give up art. A r t is w h o she is. Sian believes that art helps everyone. A s a result, the studio/gallery is easily accessible, offering unique and affordable artwork. Blurring honesty and originality creates an unconventional space. It's refreshing to meet someone brave enough to be so authentic. There is no pretentious air to her gallery/studio. Sian makes a conscious effort to encourage people to ask questions and start a dialogue about the art. Even though she is very professional, the purpose of the gallery is to be i n f o r m a l and unstructured. This provides viewers the opportunity to really take their time and soak it all i n . Sian's open and relaxed attitude is infectious. N o t only does she love art, but she loves people. She is an incredibly down-to-earth artist w i t h the ability to put anyone at ease. H e r humble passion for what she does shines through. The next exhibit, Landscape and Detail, runs January 1 1 through February 15, 2 0 0 6 . www.arts-alive.ca J a n u a r y | F e b r u a r y 5