Member of the Month – Kamloops Arts Council

Full Name: Jamie Allen

Medium: Metal

How long have you been doing your art: My first Metal Art was produced in 1999.

What got you originally interested in the art you do: I wanted to make art That others were not Making.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I have learnt that with enough effort, skills can be acquired. With added patience the impossible becomes possible.

What do you enjoy the most about your art: There are many rewarding parts in the completion of my art. Some of the more enjoyable parts are finding the Raw materials, committing to complete a sculpture and seeing what was finished in my mind becoming a finished sculpture.

What is your favorite joke/quote: It is what it is.

What is something most people don’t know about you: I’m the artist, but others make it possible to make art.

If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be, and why: I would share how applying heat in a controlled matter can be just like a paintbrush.

What do you think makes art important: Art is important because it can tell a story, It can induce emotion, and build community.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: I’m a member because it is a community, and they make sure art happens.

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): This next year is a year of learning new skills. I have acquired a large CNC plasma Table. This will help me create metal shapes that can become sculptures. I will have to learn Cad, (to define the shape with measurements) and Cam (to control the CNC plasma table). These new skills and equipment will make the possibilities endless.