Thursday, April 25, 2013

World Cuisine: Russia


Good Morning World! 

Wake up with Blinis (a.k.a. Russian Pancakes)


Blinis are commonly served with caviar or lentils. However with this particular recipe, you can make it with any filling you want! 


Try it out here:
Blini (Russian Pancake)

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Featered Artist Interviews: Diego Ayala



S.G.Renee: When did you first want pursue art as a hobby or career? 

Diego Ayala: From my childhood I liked to draw and make models, intended to study philosophy but with my skills I decided to study at the National Arts School. 

S.G.Renee: What are your techniques and style and how do they relate to the medium? 

Diego Ayala: My techniques are usually traditional or experimental, usually use gesso and acrylic to generate textures, the other part of my job that is highlighted with markers and sgraffito technique.
  My style is almost always mysterious and gloomy, I like strong and expressive actions, trying to capture movement and environments in my pieces.
Recently I left art school as an illustrator, and I dedicated to solving art projects, I recently did one for paleobotanical at National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

S.G.Renee: What materials do you use?

Diego Ayala: Use a wide range of materials from graphite to digital. But regular acrylics, markers.

S.G.Renee: How are your inspirations and influences reflected in your work? 

Diego Ayala: It is reflected in the forms and environments that are drawn in line and color mainly. The pieces that I like are usually those that are produced from scenes or concepts of things I like, I always try to give expression to my work and I think it's at that point where I can see if it truly reflects my personality.

S.G.Renee: Why did you choose to represent your art this way? 

Diego Ayala: Not if it's a choice I think is more a process where intuition comes much, you adopt trends and techniques, assimilate those things that look attractive according to your personality.

S.G.Renee: Do you have future plans or projects for your work? If so, what are they?

Diego Ayala: Yes, I want to pursue a masters in the Academy of San Carlos, through a project where three dimensional elements and dimensional mix, with the theme of individuality and its dichotomies.

[Diego is currently working on a project called The Queen of Sheba.] 

S.G.Renee:  What career do you wish to pursue? 

Diego Ayala: Life and expanding my consciousness.

Deviant Art
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Featured Artist Interview: Frode Nyboe


S.G.Renee: When did you first want pursue art as a hobby or career? 

Frode Nyboe: Since I was a little boy I always enjoyed drawing and doodling. But the interest for painting really kicked in approx five years ago. It was a beautiful coincident that made me try painting acrylics, and I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed it - so I had to keep going with it

S.G.Renee: What are your techniques and style and how do they relate to the medium? 

Frode Nyboe: I only use Acrylics as my medium. I love the way it dries quickly, and how one can change the direction of a painting. I've tried different techniques in the search of finding "my" way, and now I mainly use sponges to create my expression. That way I can cover a lot of canvas fast while creating "criss-cross" patterns to create the end product that I`m looking for.

S.G.Renee: How are your inspirations and influences reflected in your work? 

Frode Nyboe:  My main inspiration is the beauty of the nature. I try to make that reflect in my works by adding a "dash" of bubbles or making the main motive sparkling. It`s hard to explain - it`s just a feeling I try to add to my paintings. The feeling of positivity.

S.G.Renee: Why did you choose to represent your art this way? 

Frode Nyboe:  I think it`s a good way to share my art with others that have the same interest. Of course sharing art is not the most important thing for me, but I really value other art lovers` opinion - and it`s also a great inspiration for me to see other artists work.

S.G.Renee: Do you have future plans or projects for your work? 

Frode Nyboe: My future plan is to keep on painting. Lately there`s been quite few commission paintings, and at the moment I just enjoy the fact that people take interest in my art. 

S.G.Renee:  What career do you wish to pursue? 

Frode Nyboe:  Full-time-painter!


Deviant Art
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Featured Artist Interview: Maja Wrońska



S.G.Renee: When did you first want pursue art as a hobby or career? 

Maja Wrońska: Painting has been my hobby since I remember. As a kid I used to participate in classes in drawing - it was fun since then. 

S.G.Renee: What are your techniques and style and how do they relate to the medium? 

Maja Wrońska: It's hard to say, but my works are very detailed, mostly colorful artworks of architecture or city scenes. I paint watercolors and with pencil the most often.

S.G.Renee: What materials do you use?

Maja Wrońska: I use 'white nights' watercolors, "fabriano" aper and Faber castell pencils.

S.G.Renee: How are your inspirations and influences reflected in your work? 

Maja Wrońska: Inspirations always affect the colors I use.

S.G.Renee: Why did you choose to represent your art this way? 

Maja Wrońska: I like architecture, and I'm an architect so painting buildings and city scenes are the most pleasant thing to do.

S.G.Renee:  What career do you wish to pursue? 

Maja Wrońska: I want to still be an architect as I am right now and have a hobby which I have right now, so I don't need to change anything. I'm happy right now.

Deviant Art
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Featured Artist Interviews: Ben Kwok



S.G.Renee: When did you first want pursue art as a hobby or career? 

Ben Kwok: Art as a hobby since I was 3-4 years old. Art as a career when I was 23 years old. Art as a career when I was 23 years old. 

S.G.Renee: What are your techniques and style and how do they relate to the medium? 

Ben Kwok: I have many techniques and many styles. That's a good and bad thing. The good thing is that I can use different mediums and achieve different looks. What's bad is that I don't have a consistent style where the audience can easily recognize that the work is from me. 

S.G.Renee: How are your inspirations and influences reflected in your work? 

Ben Kwok: Depends on the projects. If it's personal work, I'm really into ornate patterns at the moment. If it's for a client, then it comes down to what kind of look they want and I would do research to fulfill that concept.

S.G.Renee: Why did you choose to represent your art this way? 

Ben Kwok: It's the only way I know how. I'm sure it'll change as I progress as an artist.

S.G.Renee: Do you have future plans or projects for your work? 

Ben Kwok: I have many plans and projects, but I seem to get busy with freelance work or with my part time job. As now, I enjoy creating ornately decorated animals. I don't see myself stopping anytime soon with that look.

S.G.Renee:  What career do you wish to pursue? 

Ben Kwok: I'm a graphic artist in the apparel industry. It suites me very well and I don't intend to jump into another career. Maybe advertising but we'll see.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

World Cuisine: Norway

Chicken Fricassee

This is a great recipe I found on one of my favorite cultural sites, Sons of Norway. It's a orange spiced chicken, best served with a side of potatoes (mashed or boiled) and rice. 

The original recipe is found here: Chicken Fricassee 

Without cream: This recipe is just as good without the whipping cream. Norwegian meals tend to have a lot of cream in their cooking recipes to help thicken the meal. But I'm not a cream fan at all and it taste just as amazing without it.

Salute carrots, squash, and peas in another pan with light butter or olive oil. Salt and pepper the veggies to taste. Combine veggies and chicken when served. 

Remember: Do not eat the orange peels. Take them out before serving!!