Artist Nissa Gieni-Wareham likes to focus on the “strange and unusual” with her paintings and pottery, although she doesn’t always know what she wants to create when she starts.
“I just keep adding because (with) painting and pottery, if you don’t like it, you cover it up with more paint, or you rip it off and add more clay. So I just keep adding until I have a piece and I’m like, ‘OK,’” she explained.
The artist uses themes when she leads classes, but with her creations, her mind knows no boundaries because it’s “wild and weird.” This is best shown by the “strange” paintings that hang on her studio walls.
Gieni-Wareham with artisaNGrounds is participating in the 11th annual Moostletoe Tour on Saturday, Nov. 4. She is one of four of nine artists or groups who is new this year.
Her studio is on the fourth floor of the Hammond Building.
“I love it. I’m super excited to be a part of this,” she said.
Her studio neighbour, Jude Radwanski from Firefly Art Jewellery, participated last year and had a positive experience, which is how Gieni-Wareham heard about the event.
She figured she should join because it would be a good way to get her business name out there. The business has been around for only two years and word of mouth has helped it grow.
Gieni-Wareham had never attended any Moostletoe events nor heard about them until she joined the art community. Being a business owner is secondary to her main job as a Grade 12 teacher at Phoenix Academy, where she has taught for 21 years.
“When I have spare time, it’s usually spent here (in the studio),” she chuckled.
Gieni-Wareham has been an artist since she was a child and could hold a pencil. She would look at images and attempt to copy them. Later, in university, she acquired degrees in education and visual arts.
“I’m just happy when I’m creating. And I will try anything. If it’s something that gets my mind and hands going, I’m into it,” she said. “I’ve taken upholstery, I’ve taken stained glass, I’ve done it all. I just love it. It’s a thrill for me.
“My business, and the fact I get to do this dream, is absolutely a blessing every single day to spread the love of art and have people come and enjoy it.”
Gieni-Wareham was initially focused on growing her business and website and didn’t participate in too many trade shows. However, she always dreamed of attending ParkArt as a vendor; when she did, it was amazing.
From there, she’s taken part in other events such as Whistlestop, Bazaart, TLC and the upcoming Moostletoe Tour. She doesn’t participate in many because she must spend a week carefully packing all her breakable pottery.
“I squeeze them (events) in … . They are very exciting and rewarding but a lot of work,” she said.
For many years, Gieni-Wareham created commission-based artwork but always wanted to host parties and events. She eventually set up a booth at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market to see if anyone wanted to attend an art party.
One man came by and said he wanted to do something for his wife’s birthday.
“I had no studio space, nothing. It happened really quick,” she chuckled. “And I found this space. And it’s just grown since then. I’ve never looked back. It’s been great (and) it’s been a real journey.”
About 90 per cent of people attending classes or art parties say they aren’t artistic, she continued. Afterward, though, it’s interesting to see the artworks they’ve created, while some may have developed the “love bug” for art.
Gieni-Wareham uses the slogan “art with a twist” with her classes because they are never just about art. They also include music, snacks, games, prizes and “a whole lot of fun.”
Gieni-Wareham doesn’t necessarily have a favourite item since everything she makes is one-of-a-kind; there are no duplicates. While she’s sometimes sad to see pieces go, having people buy them is great.
“(And) if I don’t like (an artwork), I can just paint over it or smash it into a little ball again. I have to end up with something I like,” she said.
Gieni-Wareham says she is still learning and could remain a student forever. She has big dreams but is focused on operating her business. Eventually, she wants to purchase her own building from which to showcase her work.
“I’m over the moon about this all. This is where my happy place is,” she added. “And every day I’m still amazed that I’m doing this, like, ‘How did this happen?’”
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