In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Shelley Bauer
What do you always find yourself saying?
When I am in “the zone” and involved in my art, at various points a realization occurs and I can step back and say “Ah, there it is!” Also, “Be patient and trust the process”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
My family!
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
To be chosen as an artist for the opportunity to share my art publicly in the city of Kelowna would be fantastic!
Who inspires you?
Actually, nature inspires me, being outdoors, watching how the sunlight plays with the leaves and textures on the trees, the color and depths of shadows, the movement of the water, the color of the day, the greens and tans of the valley and mountains, all of it inspires me.
What are three things on your bucket list?
That’s a tough one! I am usually game to try all sorts of things; I would like to travel a little more and definitely spend some more time volunteering and helping in under developed countries.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Summers Warm Breeze
What are you passionate about?
Mentally doing things with purpose!
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
My all-time favourite day was the wonderful day when each of my children has come into the world.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting over myself and to jumping into things on purpose with both feet!
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
We really like to pop down to Minstrel Restaurant on Lakeshore Road. The food is outstanding, the music is good and the ancient London plane tree in the courtyard, wow! It is always a great night out.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I really appreciate to getting out onto the water or hiking and biking around the area. The surroundings are always so refreshing and revitalizing.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Blue Apple Studio
What does your business/organization do?
Blue Apple Studio does two things: We have a pottery and oil painting studio for students. We hold group or individual sessions that are fun, interactive and non-threatening. I create and sell my original oil paintings and pottery.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.shelleybauer.faso.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Blue Apple Studio
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Shelley Bauer, Blue Apple Studio.
What is your mission?
Our goal is to encourage people to reach into themselves and get to their inner artist. I get such a thrill when I hear people saying, “I have wanted to do this all my life and now I can’t believe I did it!!” It just gives me goose-bumps.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Really it would be to help people find their inner artist and experience the joy of just letting go of the fear of creating something that might be “wrong.” In my personal art, I would like to create great art that is personally rewarding and that makes others happy as well as myself.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I would like the Blue Apple Studio to be a safe place for learning where people are excited and looking forward to come for the day. As for my personal artwork, it would be great to have paintings in public places.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
The old master painters.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Hopefully, making it a more beautiful and satisfying place to live.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
It would be great if they were art buyers and interior designers. I would want them to come and buy my works of course.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Well, the traffic and roads system could definitely improve.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people. Almost everyone I have met or talked to loves being here and it is so great to share that with everyone that you meet here.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
My Neighbors, Barb and Leo Gebert from St. Hubertus Winery, now those are great neighbors to have with their wonderful wines just a stroll away.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would describe myself as a very tactile person responding to form and texture in a hands-on manner and with a forge your own path attitude, painting what brings me peace, solitude and appreciation in life. I am unafraid to try out new methods and colors in my art and am constantly acquiring knowledge regarding my art and myself. I follow my natural instincts and feel comfortable in nature and the outdoors and I use this as my reference point, drawing upon this passion in my work. Most of my work will originate from my surroundings and the impressions it has made upon me.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
