Okanagan Erotic Art Show at Ex Nihilo Vineyard - photography by Style Photography

Brazen Edwards-Hager

Black & white photo by Foster Gauley

Julia Trops (artist and event organizer)

artist Nicholas Vincent admiring painting by Paul Butvila

My artist friend Brazen Edwards-Hager invited me to the opening night of the Okanagan Erotic Art Show that was held at Ex Nihilo Vineyards. I have to admit that while I like art and sometimes visit galleries, I would have said it's not my cup of tea. But I went, partly to support my friend and document the event, but also to actually see what constitutes "erotic art".

I was totally impressed with the quality and variety of artwork on display. Everything from life-sized paintings, seductive photos, sculptures, even some of the food at the buffet fit the theme. I'm really glad I went on opening night. It was interesting to talk to the artists (who all wore fancy dress) and hear their interpretation of their work, the stories behind it, and sometimes find hidden treasures in the artwork. In speaking with event organizer and artist Julia Trops I got to see some of her work, and also learned about the struggle to bring the 3rd Annual Erotic Art Show to life.

Besides seeing all the art, it was a great opportunity to check out Ex Nihilo Vineyards. With all the wineries around the Okanagan, Lake Country is one area I hadn't visited yet. The drive there through the orchards was scenic, and the winery itself sits amongst the vines on a hill overlooking the lake. The name means "out of nothing", and Jeff & Decoa described the 10 acres they bought several years ago as a diamond in the rough. Now it's blossomed into a beautiful contemporary winery with award-winning wines, plus a "sympathy for the devil" icewine produced in association with Celebrity Cellars and the Rolling Stones.

artists and guests at the winebar at Ex Nihilo Vineyards

Artwork was even displayed in the posh bathrooms (painting by Julia Trops)

Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil" icewine

bread produced by artist Marthe Primeau Blackburn

Ex Nihilo at night

With the winery hosting the event, there was plenty of good wine and mouth-watering food. The artwork was on display throughout the winebar, giftshop and tasting room, sometimes amidst barrels of wine. It definitely added atmosphere to the event.

Sometimes it's a really good idea to keep an open mind.  You never know what you might discover.

cheers,
Angelique

P.S. Remember how much I said I LOVE food? It wasn't until the drive home that I realized I'd not even taken a break to eat any of the fantastic-looking appies. (It's really hard to try and take pictures while holding a wine glass or holding nibbles...much less trying to shake someone's hand.)
 
Congratulations Julia on organizing this great event!
Julia Trops's website:
http://juliatrops.com

If you can't get to Ex Nihilo Vineyards to view the artwork in person, you can view the artwork here on Picasa. To find out more about the Okanagan Erotic Art Show, or if you'd like to submit artwork for next year's event click here.

Brazen Edwards-Hager's website:
http://www.brazendesignstudio.ca

Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country, BC: 
http://exnihilovineyards.com

If you liked the article or know any artists who were involved in the Erotic Art Show, please retweet or pass it on via facebook. Don't forget to become a fan of Style Photography on FB or @KelownaPhotos on Twitter. Thanks a bunch!

~

For more information contact:

Angelique Duffield, LSWPP
Creative. Stylish. Professional.
250.575.5964
Website: http://www.stylephotography.ca
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