One of our favourite events of the year is the always engaging Eastside Culture Crawl. To give you a taste of what’s in store when it kicks off on November 17th (runs to the 20th), we recently chatted with Aimée Henny Brown, one of the many talented artists participating this year. Her work blends historical content with contemporary art, addressing “both the history and fate of printed matter as tangible objects in a virtual era.” She’s won a variety of awards for her work, sometimes instructs at Emily Carr, and was the 2014/15 artist in residence for the Kent Harrison Arts Council in BC. From drawing and painting to performance work and installations, we dig the expanse of Aimée’s expertise. This will be her first year in the Crawl so we can’t wait to see what she displays at the Arts Factory (281 Industrial Ave).

What part of Vancouver do you live in and what do you love about it? Right now I live in Fairview Slopes, which is a relatively new electoral district. The trees have been amazing to watch this Fall, and I try to walk the neighbourhood once a day.  There is a man who strolls in the evenings and sings opera out loud to himself — this is by far one of my favourite features of the area.

What four words capture your creative style? Transrealism, meticulous, survivalism, saturation — or “The Future of Nostalgia.”

What tool in your studio could you not live without? Boxcutters. My hands are too big to use finicky blades with my collage work, so I tend to use x-acto knives that are easier to hold.

What would you like to see changed in the Vancouver art scene? More affordable spaces for artists! I feel lucky to be able to have a studio outside of my home, but not everyone who wants a studio can afford one in the city. Looking at realistic, accessible, safe spaces to make work is exceptionally important to a thriving urban art scene.

If you were to send Scout one of your creations what would it be? I really enjoy the badges aesthetic of Scout, so I’d definitely send one of my tall collage pieces called Futur Proche: Refuge… it’s a piece that is formatted similarly to traditional scroll prints and paintings, but features a fallout shelter and a lookout tower. Always be prepared!

If your studio had a soundtrack what would it sound like? I work with a ton of vintage printed matter from the 60’s and 70’s to make my collages, so Frank Zappa captures a lot of that era.  I’m also making a lot of fantastical landscapes with my collages, so sweeping, epic instrumental works from Arvo Part are also a great accompaniment to my studio.

What about the Eastside Culture Crawl are you most excited for? This is my very first Crawl, so I’m just plain excited for the new experience! I’ve been asking a lot of ECC veterans about the event to prepare myself.  I’m delighted to be included, and to be sharing my work with Vancouver’s cultural community.

What are you most proud of in your life? Choosing to passionately pursue a creative career… Every. Single. Day.

OTHER INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES