Media
Artist moving to White Rock
Comox Valley Record newspaper, May 11 2010
Since arriving two years ago in the Comox Valley, artist April Lacheur has felt nothing but love and support from Comox Valley residents.
Sadly, Lacheur will say goodbye to the Valley in the near future. She and her partner will move to White Rock, where her partner will pursue a new job and they can be closer to their families.
Lacheur says she has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the incredibly diverse and talented artist community here in the Valley and wants to thank everyone for being so welcoming and encouraging. She will truly miss the natural beauty and uniqueness of the Comox Valley that has been so inspiring.
She will do her last show in the Comox Valley on the May long weekend when she will participate in the Arts in Bloom Festival at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. The combination of the incredible scenery and beautiful art makes it one of Lacheur’s favourite events.
Lacheur will continue to carry her work at Uranus gifts and the Kingfisher Resort.
Yapes Paints – Interview with April Lacheur
Taken from Portobello West Blog (www.portobellowest.com) March 22nd, 2010 by cng
We’re going to go in depth with April Lacheur and find out the person behind the art.
How did you develop your art style? Or rather, how do nature and your surroundings inspire you?
I often get comments that my art style is both unique and recognizable. I am quite thankful for this because essentially I am just painting what and how I like. I am passionate about my work and I think this shows in my pieces. I have been painting since i was a kid and my style is one that has developed naturally. I am a lover of the outdoors, especially trees! as you might be able to tell from my work (lol). I get called the Tree Girl a lot! My partner Renato and I get outside as much as we can and living on Vancouver Island has really given us tons of opportunities to explore beautiful places! We have also lived in Asia, Australia and New Zealand which has also inspired my work.
What was your first ‘real’ painting, and why did you paint it?
Hmm.. That’s a tough question. I have done paintings as gifts for family and friends for as long as I can remember. Being able to give gifts that are handmade has always been something I love to do! Some of my friends have some pretty old paintings from me that are pretty funny actually…. and they STILL display them on their walls.. so sweet:>
When did you know that your paintings were more than just a hobby?
In 2007 I was offered the opportunity to display my work at a restaurant called ‘Blighty’s Bistro’ in Victoria. I was super nervous to show my work in public but I was pleasantly surprised by the out come! Over the 6 months I had my work there I sold 12 paintings… I thought to myself…. hmm.. perhaps i am on to something!?
What painting and when was your first big break?
The painting that was the first to draw the most attention is one titled ’Life Roots’ It’s a large 2.5×4ft painting of a tree with a yellow background and lots of intricate roots and branches. There is tons of meaning in this piece and it seems to strike a lot of people. I painted it in 2007 and to this day it is still one that I sell the most prints and cards of.. its my signature piece :>
Would you ever leave nursing to become a full time artist?
When i first started my business ‘Yapes Paints’ in 2008 I was working full time as an RN in post open heart surgery. It was a stressful job and painting was a nice balance for me. I decided to get out of working in the hospital and work in the community which gave me a chance to work more closely with individual clients and their families as opposed to machines. My art started to take off and I was able to start working casually. I have been working a few days a week as an RN in the community in Courtenay mostly looking after palliative clients dying at home. Yes, this work can be sad but also incredibly rewarding and inspiring. I have learned to value my life and value the time I get to spend painting.. it is truly a gift! Of course my dream is to be able to make a good living as an artist, but I think I would like to continue nursing even just a few times a month. Working with clients at vulnerable times in their lives is where some of my inspiration comes from so they really go hand in hand.
What’s in store for the future?
Oh if we only had a crystal ball! lol. I’m planning to continue to develop my business and focus more on the Vancouver market! There are a lot of opportunities here and lots of people who really appreciate art and hand made things! I’m also planning to take my work outside of BC. There are a lot of great shows in places like Calgary and Toronto that would open up a whole new audience for me.
Would like to our readers to know anything else about you? (ie. future showings, appearances, general information about yourself ect.)
I often get asked “where did you get the name Yapes Paints?”. Well.. Yapes is my nickname.. started as Ape, to Apes then to Yapes.. its the name lots of my friends and family call me… and what does Yapes do?.. well she paints!.. its a statement.. Yapes Paints!.. it was sort of a surprise to people at first since I am a nurse and not an art school grad… Yapes Paints is a simple way to say what I love to do.. lol!
I will be at the Portobello West Season Opener March 27 and 28 with original paintings, prints, cards, painted purses and my new hand painted journals!! I’m really looking forward to it.. it’s always a ton of fun and lots great people.. oh and I always want to buy everything i see.. so many talented people in Vancouver!.. it’s so great to be a part of it all!
So that’s the end of the interview with April Lacheur. You can see more of her art at her website or as she said, at the Portobello West market this Saturday and Sunday
Valley newbie featured artist
Published: June 18, 2009 in the Comox Valley Record Newspaper
Local artist April Lacheur is excited about the summer season and thrilled to kick it off as the featured artist at Island Treasures in Comox.
Lacheur is new to the Comox Valley within the past year and is enjoying all the Valley has to offer. Having moved from Victoria, she is loving the inspiring surroundings and energetic art scene.
Her bold acrylic paintings are unique and eye-catching.
Most noted for her whimsical trees, Lacheur is “branching out” into multi-media using papers and fabrics and creating functional artwork, including her new hand-painted bags.
The self-taught artist’s style and technique is ever-evolving and she is enjoying developing her creative spirit. Lacheur is also a registered nurse in home and community care and finds painting a wonderful release and balance in her life.
Her work is featured this month at Island Treasures at 1787 Comox Ave. in Comox. More of her original work can also be found on the walls of The Old House Restaurant in Courtenay.
Hoo’s Local
Friday, August 21, 2009 published to Firefly:new begginings blog.
Residing in Courtenay, April is inspired by the West Coast outdoors. Her use of a bright, bold colour palette is sure to get attention in any room and make you stop, stare and think about each individual aspect of the painting.
You may have come across April’s work throughout Vancouver Island. With her unique style it would be easy to recognize. She’s been involved in many shows and markets, including our very own Courtenay Market Day.
The prints we have available at firefly are perfect for the nursery or a child’s bedroom, or even right in your living room!
April’s work will be featured at the No.5 Gallery in Victoria, September 18. We love all of April’s work and are trying to figure out how to fill our walls at home. It’s easy to support local artists when the art is bold, whimsical and appealing!