It’s my birthday, and I’ll DRAW if I want to! “In 2005, my friends got me an easel and paints as a birthday gift and that’s how it (painting) started” Despite always having dabbled in art, it wasn’t until that day that Steve Williams really sat down and got serious. From an early age he recalls being that mischievous student in school “I was the drawing kid in class”. He graduated to use with spray paint, and tagged countless walls and billboards shortly after.

Steve’s artistic journey continued as he landed a teaching job in Taiwan, where he lived for several years. There he met an unruly bunch of graffiti muralists known as the ‘Soul Skool Crew’. He went on to organize and participate in graffiti jams throughout Taiwan and Asia- this was key for Steve honing his style and rendering abilities. During this time he would teach himself color theory and compositional techniques through the study of any books he could get his color stained hands on.

Over the past few years, Williams has organized and participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in and out of Vancouver. And is now a very predominant figure of Box Studios a multi-facet venue that caters to a wide range of artistic events. His work now, focuses on shapes and abstract worlds; which illustrate his views on the ‘disconnect’ between things. Be it humans and nature, groups of people, or humanity and technology. Though the premise of his work draws insight into darker themes, Steve also wants to convey feelings of hope “I feel humanity is going to be put to the test in the coming decades, so let’s get our **** figured out! I usually give the paintings funny titles, as it lightens things up a little, it’s always good to strike a balance between the light and dark”.

Williams continues to produce work with inspiration stemming from a plethora of sources, and it comes as quite a surprise that the artist has never been formally trained in any medium, as his work displays techniques done in standards that exceed exemplary. If you have a chance to make it to Ayden gallery next week, don’t be shy to strike up a conversation with the young and cheery artist, even without a diploma from any art school, this talented guy can still teach you a thing or two, and he’ll be glad to do it!

If you’ve ever spent time in Quadra Island BC,  you’ll have an idea of what contentment, tranquility and harmony are all about. knowing that, you wont have a hard time grasping the conception of where Peter Taylor’s art work stems from. Despite spending most of his formative years there, Peter decided to move to the City (of Vancouver) where he would further the development of his artwork and search for new meaning in his life.

Taylor quickly immersed himself in the art scene and facilitated a liking to graffiti, and airbrush work. “There’s something organic and thrilling about using a spray can, and being able to create on such a large scale and then having an immediate audience for your work”. He went on to study animation at Vancouver Film School to further his craft, and while doing so- managed to make the transition from street art to studio work.

Peter’s art now- usually focuses on a single figure whose serene facial expressions and contorted body positions exude a combination of playfulness and meditative contentment. “The inspiration behind my figures comes from a conception of equilibrium. Even though their limbs are orientated in impossible sequences, their final position and facial expressions deliver an idea of balance”. Peter’s imagination has no limits as he continues to conjure up new ways of orientating these subjects.

Peter believes that travel is crucial to staying motivated and progressing as an artist. “Travel does wonders for your art, you get a surge of new ideas, and the kinds of things you learn about yourself- while being away definitely reflect in the work I produce, knowingly or not”. Peter exhibits his work outside of Canada more often than he does locally, but shows regularly at Ayden gallery and El Kartel in Vancouver. He has contributed works to galleries in Copenhagen, and London, and has been asked to produce a collection of drawings for a collaborative art show at Thinkspace gallery in Los Angeles, California. Peter’s solo work can be viewed now at El Kartel up until July 23rd, and at Gallery 16 1/2 showing on September 12th in Victoria.

His new works for Cookies & Dream consist of a collection of pieces done in mixed media and display his continually evolving signature style. The team at Doubleyou is honored to have the very busy and equally gifted Peter Taylor premiere his new works at our first event! Please come and show your support for the local artists and witness what their enormous talent has to offer.

Alberta is known for its thriving beef industry and is also home to the very controversial oil sands development. Seldom if ever does the province come to mind when thinking of ‘up and coming’ new artists and a growing scene. However, Calgary can be a pool for producing artistic heavy weights, as it has in the past. Names like Geoff Mcfetridge, Julie Morstad, and Aaron Leighton come to mind. Illustrator/artist, graphic designer Matt Luckhurst is well on his way to becoming one of those heavy weights. Matt graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts at the Alberta College of Art and Design, and managed to put on several solo shows for his work around the city for which he garnered several awards. His work often comprises of child-like and humorous sarcastic tones. These always command a smirk, and create a dialogue between the viewer and his art. “My paintings always have some sort of social commentary, but not necessarily one that many people pick up on. I try to keep it really fun and goofy but I still keep those underlying ideas”.

Though his themes suggest his care-free and nonchalant demeanor, Luckhurst is far from a slacker. When it’s nice outside and all of his friends are out having a good time, “I’m the guy inside” Luckhurst says matter-of-factly. Its not hard to believe that hes the hermit of his group as he divides his limited time between his personal projects, school, and collaborative endeavours. He spends the bulk of his time though sketching and designing to evolve the signature style that is adored by the legion of fans who follow him from show to show.

The Multi-talent Luckhurst is currently pursuing his masters degree in graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where were sure never lacks inspiration. We at Doubleyou are psyched to have Matt as one of the many very talented artists contributing to the Cookies & Dream show, and we look forward to showcasing his new designs and paintings at Ayden gallery near the end of July, we hope to see you there!

“I have a dream. It is the ability to describe the confidence, independence, elegance, desire and the beauty of humanity through my hands” is how Artist, and graphic designer Aimee Qiu eloquently describes her inspiration for cookies & dream.

She sees her artwork as a glimpse into a very possible future, due to the commitment of individuals that paved and continue to pave a path towards making a notable difference in the betterment of our communities. Aimee received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Alberta college of Art and Design, and soon after went on a painting spree. She has showcased her varying styles through out Calgary; at The Gallery, Shisomiso, and Art Central. Aimee works as a graphics and media designer in North Vancouver and is looking forward to showcasing her new paintings for the first time in BC. Her recent work stresses her idea of strength and confidence that all women should aspire to, something that is very clear and present if you have the pleasure of spending anytime with her. “Despite our differences, we are all equal, I want to inspire women to be strong willed, and take on the challenges they face with grace and integrity”.

Aimee may have a  relatively low profile in the Vancouver art scene, but there is no doubt that her popularity will take flight soon after displaying here. This image- done in acrylic ink on canvas, is one of a set of five that Aimee has produced for the show and when seen in its entirety, have the ability to provoke deep thought, sentiment and dreams of course…