Velvet Hand Designs | MD of Peace #135
In the heart of the MD of Peace, between Grimshaw and Berwyn, Carolyn Gerk of Velvet Hand Designs brings her artistic visions to life.
Combining the delicate beauty of watercolour with the precision of printmaking, she transforms her original creations into unique stickers, pins, keychains, greeting cards and art prints.
Gerk says she has always dreamed of being an artist.
“As a kid in a rural area, it can be hard to envision yourself as a career artist, but as an adult, I realized I could sell work online, which allows me to cast a wide net and reach an audience that aligns with my work,” said Gerk.
After her children were born, Gerk began to delve into artwork as a way to connect with herself. She eventually took the chance to open an online shop and committed to it as a full-time business.
“My process includes sourcing out or taking reference photos, and sometimes I search through books about a certain topic or symbolism,” said Gerk.
Once Gerk has a concept in mind, she sketches it, which can take a few tries. Then, it is time for the paint.
Gerk’s artwork features vibrant colours. She expertly blends inks, whether she’s painting or printmaking.
“I love the fluidity of painting,” said Gerk. “But, when I’m working on a linocut print, there are a few more prep steps involved post research. I have tools that need to be sharpened, images to transfer and sometimes even supplies to source.”
The basic process of linocut printmaking involves carving a design out of linoleum, applying ink onto it and transferring the print on paper.
Gerk says the carving process can be lengthy—days or even weeks—depending on the detail required. Due to the nature of linocut printing, there is a lot of checking and double checking involved.
“I was attracted to linocut printing because I really connected with the bold linework and the nostalgic look,” said Gerk. “It reminds me of vintage illustrations, and as a lover of old books, it really strikes a chord with me.”
Custom work is another signature offering at Velvet Hand Designs. It requires focused communication with her customers, so they understand her style and any limitations that may be involved.
“I typically require one or more reference photos for something like a portrait, and I always check in with the client at the sketch level, so we can make changes before any permanent work begins,” said Gerk.
Living in a rural location can make running a small business challenging. Despite the joys of quick shipping, it can still be difficult to get affordable art supplies. Gerk often finds herself testing new brands and materials when shipping is no longer available for her favourite ones.
“I once had a watercolour piece about rural living published in Understorey Magazine,” said Gerk. “The painting was of a snowy field and was entitled, This Item Cannot Be Shipped to a P.O. Box.”
Gerk tries to keep a stock of items at different price points and prioritizes creating options that are affordable.
“I offer small items with original artwork like stickers, pins and bookmarks that range from $3 to $10, and I have larger watercolour prints for $20 to $30,” said Gerk. “Linocut prints can go from $40 to $75, and a custom piece tends to be $100 to $250 depending on the content and the detail.”
One of the most popular items she sells around the holidays are pet portraits, since they make special, sentimental gifts.
“I’ve done typical pets—cats, dogs, horses and guinea pigs—and I’ve also done reptiles and tropical birds,” said Gerk. “The options are endless, and it makes a really unique, thoughtful gift for someone who has a beloved pet, even if they’ve passed away.”
In 2021, Gerk self-published a children’s book, which she wrote and illustrated titled The Picnic.
Looking ahead, Gerk hopes to have exhibitions in Canada. She says it’s often a long process that comes with many applications and rejections.
“One of my goals is to develop a tougher skin and to keep trying,” said Gerk. “Another goal I have is to publish another book that includes some of the writing I do about my work.”
Gerk shares the following advice with anyone who wants to pursue their creative passion.
“Keep going and foster connections! There is a niche audience out there looking for work just like yours and while you may have to dig, you can find it,” said Gerk. “It’s also important to not lose your creative passion to the business side of things. It’s all about balance.”
Find Velvet Hand Designs online on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy.
Gerk’s work can be found in a few places locally, including the Peace River Art Hub Gift Shop, the Fairview Fine Arts Centre Gift Shop and The Nampa Historical Museum.
Words by Siobhan Kennedy | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau & Submitted
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