The Uncommon Canvas

The Visions of Minnie Evans

Minnie Evans was a self-taught artist from North Carolina who lived from 1892 to 1897. She is considered one of America’s most important visionary artists. Her artwork was inspired by her dreams and spirituality. She began creating her vividly detailed drawings at the age of 43 after hearing a voice in a dream ask her: “Why don’t you draw or die?” She drew inspiration not only from the divine,…

Hello! Today I am sharing the work of Joseph Yoakum. Joseph Yoakum (1888-1972) was a self-taught landscape artist who created his landscapes from memories of his travels. He traveled extensively due to his employment with a circus, and then with the army during World War I. Yoakum eventually settled in Chicago where he worked various jobs until he began to make art in his 70s. He created over…

Artist Interview: Tim Novara

Today’s interview is with San Diego based artist Tim Novora. His work is inspired by architecture, urban planning, and the built environment. Tim started making art ten years ago and uses it as a way to help work towards social change by donating a portion of his proceeds to local non-profit organizations. Currently, donations are going to the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Please read on below…

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of working with a Chicago artist named David Philpot. David could fill a room with joy. He helped my colleagues and I run a teacher training program. Students that were usually distracted when visiting our museum would drop their jaws in silence when David showed up carrying one of his amazing art staffs (which were usually about 6 to 8 feet tall). From…

Artist Interview with Mayuko Fujino

Hello! We are excited to share our third interview from our artist interview series. We have been admiring the work of artist Mayuko Fujino for a while. Mayuko is a self-taught papercut and stencil artist from Tokyo currently based in the Hudson Valley in New York. Inspired by Japanese traditional stencil textile designs, she has been practicing her art since 1999. Mayuko shares her insight and…

The Art of Gertrude Abercrombie

“I am not interested in complicated things nor in the commonplace, I like to paint simple things that are a little strange.”Gertrude Abercrombie Scan from color transparency I am excited to share the work of one of my favorite artists, Gertrude Abercrombie. We have a painting of an owl and cat in our collection, and it is always an honor to view it. Abercrombie was born in Texas in 1909. Her…

David Greenhalgh uses found objects to create stunning works of art.

Hello! Today we are rolling out our second interview from our artist interview series! Below is a recent interview with the incredibly talented David Greenhalgh of Green Phoenix Relics. David transforms vintage found objects and cast-offs into stunning works of art. Look at the intricate details of the artwork below! What an incredible way to repurpose things.

Uncommon Canvas: When did you…

Today, I am excited to share these exceptional works of art by mixed-media artist, Llanor Alleyne. These really blow my mind. So gorgeous.

Llanor was born in Barbados, raised in New York and is currently living in Tulsa. Her work is represented by Leonard Tourné Galleryin New York. Llanor’s first exhibition, Fugitive Ecologies, runs through November 15, 2020 and can be viewed online or by…

Rachel Berkowitz is an emerging artist from Los Angeles. focuses on the spiritual elements behind risk-taking, fate and chance "using natural landscapes as a primary creative resource."

Are these paintings not balm for the soul? These are part of the aeries Illusion of Risk by artist, Rachel Berkowitz, an emerging artist living in Los Angeles. We recently got acquainted with Rachel and her work. Her work focuses on the spiritual elements behind risk-taking, fate and chance “using natural landscapes as a primary creative resource.” She is a painter, printmaker, and photographer.…

Interview with Kat Brandao

Hello folks! We are excited to launch a new artist interview series today. Our goal with this series is to provide a platform for artists to share their process, ideas, advice, and inspiration. We recently interviewed Kat Brandao, a self-taught artist who lives in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more about her work below, and get the added bonus of a Fall recipe!

Uncommon Canvas: When did…

When I first came across the work of Calder Kamin, my eyeballs nearly popped out of my head. The colors! By now, you probably know that I have a thing for art featuring woodland creatures (especially owls). I also love sharing art that is made from unconventional materials, like recyclable items. This is the perfect combination. Animal sculptures made from discarded plastics!

Calder is an…

Uncommon Canvas on Instagram

Hello friends & art lovers!

I finally set up an Instagram account for this blog. Follow @theuncommoncanvas on Instagram. It’s an easy way to stay up to date on posts, especially if you prefer not getting e-mail updates. I don’t know about you, but my inbox has been flooded lately! Of course, I will still send out the blog post updates vie e-mail if you are subscribed (or would like to subscr…

Featured Artist: Marlon Mullen

MARLON MULLEN is a painter living in California. He has been a participating studio artist at NIAD (Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development) Art Center in Richmond, CA, since 1993.

NIAD is a visual arts program located in Richmond, CA. that promotes creative expression, independence, dignity, and community integration for artists with disabilities. Mullen is on the autism spectrum…

The Magical Realms of Aleksandra Apocalisse

Aleksandra Apocalisse is a self-taught artist living in Portland, Oregon. Originally from the USSR, she lived most of her life in New York until moving to Portland in 2015. She studied behavioral neuroscience and has a broad and interesting range of experience including working as a circus arts teacher, science teacher, a counselor, and an organic farmer. She is currently a full-time professional…

Beautiful hand printed cyanotypes from self-taught artist Annie Randall.

These beautiful hand printed cyanotypes were created by self-taught artist Annie Randall from Bristol, UK. Annie’s work explores the relationship between humans and nature, and the deep need for humans to reconnect to the natural world. Her art delivers an important message. Here is an excerpt from the artist’s statement from her website:

“Much of the work shown here was created during the…

These artworks from Project Onward do a great job of lifting my spirits. I hope you feel the same.

Project Onward is a studio and gallery located in Chicago that supports the work of artists facing mental illness and developmental disabilities. Project Onward started in 2004 and currently has over 60 artists participating in the program.

I had the opportunity to volunteer there when I lived…