A dazzling new section to her artist's studio bringing its total size up to 2,800 square feet, a client list of nearly 1,000 and sandwich service for 600 people: it's all in a lifetime's work for Garden Bay artist Motoko. The big numbers are important, but they're not the whole story.
"What really matters is that all these people," she gestures at the crew who are setting out chairs and brewing coffee in preparation for the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival audience, "they help me and support me. It's total teamwork."
The crew are all volunteers, many of them local friends, some who have journeyed across B.C. for this occasion. The prolific artist timed the opening of an entirely new floor to her working studio to coincide with September's Jazz Festival. Those who came to the opening night of the art show viewed the work while nibbling appetizers from the Painted Boat Resort and listening to the strains of vocalist Trudi Diening, bassist Paul Steenhuis and pianist Walter Martella.
The following day, the surrounding outdoor terraces became the scene for the Jazz Festival's Sibel Thrasher performance. At the intermission, hundreds of people swarmed in for sandwiches and their encounter with art. The studio was hectic and noisy, and a guaranteed good time that has kept people returning to this venue for the past three years.
Motoko is gratified. "I'm proud to be part of the community and give back now. It's the biggest joy to me," she said.
The artist is primarily known for her abstract work. Many of this year's pieces use colour, line and texture in a dynamic way. Her early work, a representation of nature, became floral art or recognizable landscapes, but as soon as she moved towards the abstract, the images emerged from deep within: human emotion or the energy of living things in our universe, rather than what is overt and tangible.
Clearly, the images speak to her loyal client following - much of her new work was sold on opening night. In 2005, Motoko's business didn't have one single customer's name, she recalls. With friend and business colleague Janet Thomas, who has been with her every step of the journey, Motoko has gathered nearly 1,000 for her list. She likes to try to meet every one of them during these hectic occasions.
When does she find time to paint? During the fall and winter season. However, she still enjoys having visitors to the studio year round. She lives on the property and is available by appointment for a gallery showing. Phone in advance at 604-883-9472 or 1-888-motokos.
