Andy Yu

Hello, my name is Andy, and I am an analog photographer based in the
Calgary area. Being from a generation born directly into the digital
age, it was hard not to feel trapped in a world of instant
gratification and the pursuit of recognition. I remember starting my
photography journey simply with my iPhone, and posting my photos on
Instagram. Little did I know, I would be introduced to a hobby that
would eventually become a burning passion. During COVID-19, I (like
many others), was separated from my family and friends, struck by the
feeling of loneliness, and eventually fell into a depression. After
this trauma, I rekindled my relationship with photography and
discovered the world of analog. This new medium has taught me many
things, including to slow down and stop being so hard on myself. Not
being able to see the picture after taking it has done wonders for my
self-confidence, and has encouraged me to stay in the present. I find
taking analogue photos a meditative experience and developing them at
home a fun way to witness my art come to life.

I believe that as humans, we are forever chasing something tangible,
and sometimes the little mundane moments in life seem to define us.
This is why my style of making pictures generally revolves around
street photography. I feel lucky to be born in an era dominated by
change, new things, and new experiences, and documenting the mundane
events that make us human is what resonates with me the most

Sam Hayner

 I have always had a love for being creative. From drawing, painting, photography and playing instruments, I find true joy and happiness in any new hobby I delve into. I completed High School in June 2024 and I am now attending SAIT as a 1st year student in the Film And Video Program and thoroughly enjoying the experience. This program lets my creativity shine, while compiling projects with students alike. Creativity and the unexpected is key in shaping the world around me. I can be taking a simple picture of a landscape and then unexpectedly a coyote comes right into focus and gives a beautiful shot. Looking at this world through an unscripted lens gives me so much opportunity to explore and enjoy the highlights and differences around me. We try to capture what we think is perfect in the world, but nothing is perfect and that is what makes it so beautiful.

David Jesus

 

I’m a filmmaker, photographer, and video editor with a deep passion

for visual storytelling.

 

My art is driven by a fascination with time, memory, and the unseen order that shape our world. I’m drawn to the quiet details—light shifting across a landscape, the fleeting expression of a stranger, the way nature and humanity leave imprints on each other. My work is influenced by my love for astronomy, geography, and geology, as well as the stories that unfold in everyday moments. Through my lens, I seek to capture not just images, but the feeling of being present in a fleeting instant.

I capture sunlight in this atmosphere where time has worked its magic.

 

Haneyeh Jalali

Art is the language of my soul. I visualize my poems in images,
turning emotions into tangible stories. As a woman and social
activist, my work like” In Immigrant Motherhood”, explores resilience,
memory, and identity. Through photography, installation, and mixed
media, I bring unspoken narratives to light, always seeking depth
beyond the surface.

Deepkumar Gala

As a photography enthusiast based in Canada, I am constantly fueled by a good cup of coffee and the desire to explore the stunning mountains that surround me. I believe that photography is a powerful way to capture and share the beauty of the world around us, and I am grateful to be able to do what I love.

One aspect of photography that I am particularly passionate about is printing photos. Printed photos have a special way of bringing families and friends closer together. Whether they are displayed in an album, a photo book, or as individual prints, they have the ability to evoke emotions and serve as a conversation starter.

I am excited to share this joy with others by offering prints of some of the most beautiful places I have had the privilege of capturing through my lens. Join me in celebrating the beauty of the world through the art of photography and the tangible connection that printed photos can bring.

 

TaLeesha

Hi I’m TaLeesha,

My focus is glass and photography, and I’m currently exploring the integration of forms and poetry into my practice. As a student at the Alberta University of the Arts, I’m delving deeper into my work, focusing on the interplay of time, place, and emotions.

In photography, my approach is abstract, beginning with the moment I take the photo and extending into how I choose to develop and manipulate the image. With my glass practice, I experiment with recycled materials, exploring how melting and cooling processes shape the form from the inside out. By cutting into the glass, I reveal its history—traces of how it moved and transformed during creation. Otherwise, I play with laser engraving to add words and symbols to my glass. I use 3D printers to mix mediums with glass to make it stand or to hang glass onto walls

Philosophy plays a significant role in my practice, helping me and my audience connect to the work for interpretations and representation to an environment. At times, the only way to articulate these ideas is through poetry. Each material I use has its own process and language, offering a unique way to express what needs to be said.

I have been exploring man vs. machine and man plus machine in my art practice. Trying new process challenging my understanding of myself and my camera settings. I found the HDR Mode setting. The camera takes three shots in one click: one fast to capture the dark lights, one at the speed I set the camera at for a mid-tone image, and the last shot is a slow one to gather as much light as possible. I can play with the effects of the shot to a natural look, art standard, art vivid, art bold, and embossed. I do not fully like the art effects, so I keep it natural. To lose some control over the image, I set it to auto image align, and my camera compresses it all into one image. There is no human control on the alignment, and if I do not like it, I must be wise in understanding how my camera moves to make an image shift. Once I have an image I enjoy on my tiny camera screen, I hope for the best when I view it on my computer. I take time between when I take my shot and when I put it on my computer. That was one moment to take the shot and another moment to revisit that moment I took. I feel the vibe, and then I work on an image. I use Adobe Lightroom to get more of the ghostly exposure out and a bit of color.

 

 

Saloni Sharma

Saloni’s art embodies her personal journey and deep commitment to community. Through her work, she explores themes of roots, migration, and the need for mutual understanding and acceptance of differences. Inspires by her South Asian heritage, Saloni integrates sustainable practices into her creations, reflecting her passion for preserving culture while promoting a shared, inclusive future.

Saram

Saram is an emerging artist born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Graduating from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Saram primarily utilizes acrylic paints in their creative process. Drawing inspiration from their experiences as a member of the queer community, Saram deeply values the significance of community and connection in their work. With a lifelong passion for art, Saram is committed to producing pieces that resonate with viewers on a personal level. Each artwork is imbued with the intention of forging a connection with every observer, aiming to evoke emotions
and spark meaningful dialogues. Saram’s dedication to their craft is evident in their pursuit of creating inclusive and relatable art that speaks to the heart of the human experience.

Tazim Esmail

My Tiny Gallery exhibit is from a project I participated in;

I created my mask as part of a larger project “Bridge” by Katie Green in 2018. Learn more abot this project here:

https://vimeo.com/464076462/6d1e924a1d

The whole video explains how the art was made and the participants experience doing the project. 

You can see me 3 minutes into the video.

Tazim Esmail holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies and English from the University of Calgary. She has studied 6 years of Creative writing with prestigious authors like Suzette Mayr, Aritha Van Herk, Christian Bok, Robert Majzels and Clem Martini. A book written by her has been sent to the publishers. Her work has been published in a number of print and online publications, and chapbook anthologies. She has recited poetry at numerous events, including the Calgary Multicultural Centre’s Silk Road Festivals held at the Arts Commons Centre, where one of her poems was featured on the invitation card. Tazim is also a Visual Artist, whose art and poetry have appeared in the NoD Magazine and at public exhibitions. Her art was recently accepted for Humainlogue Magazine and is currently displayed in public spaces throughout Southern Alberta.

Kara Fredrickson

Meet the heart and soul behind Prairie Witch Fibre, a dedicated artisan deeply connected to the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. I have been knitting and crocheting on and off for the past 20 years, a craft taught to me by my grandmother. My journey began with a simple vision: to immerse myself in the vibrant colours and textures of fibre, creating pieces that inspire and connect us.

Much of what I create is based around comfort and a love of colour, aiming to bring warmth and joy into every piece. The vibrant hues and soothing textures are designed to evoke a sense of peace and happiness, making each creation a comforting companion in daily life.

For me, fibre art is more than a solitary pursuit; it’s a way to connect with others, share stories, and build a supportive community. While we each bring our own unique styles and techniques to the craft, it’s this diversity that enriches our collective experience. At Prairie Witch Fibre, every project is an opportunity to express individuality while being part of a larger tapestry.

Through Prairie Witch Fibre, I am dedicated to nurturing a space where creativity thrives and friendships bloom. Whether you’re an experienced fibre artist or just beginning your journey, I invite you to join me in weaving tales of beauty, warmth, and enchantment, one stitch at a time.

http://prairiewitchfibre.com