Yapes Paints - Unique Art by April Lacheur
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*Media*

                      *Lovely things being written about April Lacheur of Yapes Paints! *
Featured Artist
Metanoia Magazine: http://issuu.com/metanoiamagazine/docs/freeddom_and_population_growth/9


Featured Artist:
The Artsy Shark Blog! Feb 9 2012
Check it out: http://www.artsyshark.com/2012/02/09/featured-artist-april-lacheur/
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Artist Profile: Yapes Paints
Fraser Valley Pulse Blog, March 28 2011~
http://fraservalleypulse.com/features-fun/artist-profile-yapes-paints/

On a bright Saturday afternoon, sun streams through the window onto the large canvas propped on an easel. While conventionality suggests one might find a beret-wearing, palette-holding artist working here, this day finds Yapes Paints’ April Lacheur sprawled on the paint-splattered floor, doing ink work on a long wood “canvas.” As her relaxed approach indicates, Lacheur—like her art—is anything but conventional.

Best known for her whimsical and unique tree paintings, Lacheur leans over her latest piece—which features cherry blossom trees amid a colourful cityscape—adding touches with her skillful hand. “I love painting trees because their shape and branches are free,” she says. “I can paint them freely, and they turn out the way I want.”The self-taught Lacheur first took her artistic pursuits seriously in 2007, the year she established Yapes Paints. Her signature piece, Life Roots—a three-foot by four-foot piece painted that same year—hangs in Moksana Yoga Studio in Victoria, where she lived for seven years before settling in White Rock in 2010. “I love that the painting that means so much to me is in a good space,” says Lacheur. “It symbolizes when I truly decided to become an artist.”

Long before she sold her first work, Lacheur painted countless pieces for enjoyment—and to give as gifts. “I was always good at art, so it’s been a long process,” she says. “But I still consider myself an artist who is learning and developing.”

That means she’s always exploring new mediums, like her current collaboration with her boyfriend, who makes jewelry as a hobby: four pieces featuring reclaimed metal. “He was working on some leaf-shaped earrings, and held up a metal leaf next to the tree,” she says. “I loved it.”

When she’s not painting, Lacheur works as a registered nurse; studio time provides a creative outlet to offset what can be a stressful job. “I really value that,” she says. “It’s challenging to balance time, and sometimes I struggle to get into the studio and paint, but I’m taking my artistic pursuits seriously.”

Less serious is the choice of her unusual business name, which sprang from the childhood nickname bestowed on her by her brother. “Ape” soon became “Apes” and in university, the moniker morphed to “Yapes” and stuck. “Yapes Paints expresses what I do,” she says.

In addition to her original art, Lacheur also makes cards and prints that fit every budget—and wall space. “Painting for me is a positive experience,” she says. “People appreciate something that is bright and happy and positive.”

Currently, 16 of Lacheur’s paintings are on display at Lüt Boutique on Main Street in Vancouver until April 30. This summer, Lacheur plans to take part in White Rock’s Arnold Mikelson Festival of the Arts. “I love selling my work personally. My paintings are like my babies,” she says. “I’m glad when they go to a good home.
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Bold trees and lofty birds

Canadian Handmade Blog Jan 31 2011
www.canadianhandmade.ca

      Originally from Ontario, now living in the Prairies, I miss having giant maple trees, oak trees and lush, leafy green-ness out my windows. Maybe that’s why I love the artwork of April Lacheur so much! Her fluid, colourful, graphic trees are immediately recognizable as her work. A self-taught artist, she also works part-time as a nurse, which I think is a lovely way to combine the best of both the sciences and artistic disciplines. April works mostly with acrylics, but often adds textural elements to her pieces including fabric or metal. Deriving inspiration from the natural world around her and from her travels, her pieces are bright and bold and, I think, reflect the joy she gets from painting.

One thing that I appreciate about April as an artist is her willingness to try new avenues for her artwork, and if you read C+H regularly, you know I love a good handound book! Yapes Paints and Victoria-based company “
Those Great Little Books” have collaborated on a unique project. A one of a kind journal (could be used as a guest book, photo album or sketchbook too!) is created by Those Great Little Books, covered in canvas which April paints with an original painting! What a fabulous way to bring a little piece of original art into your life.

April also works with
Shi Studio, a Victoria-based contemporary jewellery design studio, to make some wonderfully bold and gorgeous wearable art using her images printed on canvas. A few of my favourites currently showcased on YapesPaints.com:

April’s artwork will soon be featured in a solo show (“
Roots and Feathers“) at Lüt Boutique in Vancouver, with a lovely grand opening event happening this Thursday (Feb 3, 6-9 pm). Her work will be on display from Feb 3 – April 30th, so if you’re in Vancouver be sure to stop in and see her original pieces in person.

To see more of her past, present and available for purchase works, visit Yapes Paints or check out her Facebook page or chat on Twitter.

Enjoy!
~Sarah
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Yapes Paints April Lacheur
Interview from the 'Make it' Blog Sept 28 2010 ~www.makeitproductions.com

Yapes Paints What will you be selling at Make It?
Original acrylic paintings, Matted prints, canvas prints, art cards, handpainted journals and 2011 calendars:>

As a painter, your style is unique and recognizable (which is a very good thing!) How are you able to differentiate yourself?
I appreciate you saying that! Its certainly something most artist strive for and I have to admit its has just sort of happened for me! The style I paint in is one that is unique and has evolved over time. I am self taught and therefore my style has developed from hours spent in my studio experimenting.. trust me not ALL of my paitings turn out.. lol.  Im really just painting how I love to and it turns out that people like it… yeah!. I certainly think as an artist it is important to paint what and how you love to so your passion is evident in the end product.

Do you sell in galleries as well shows? What are some of the differences and what do you prefer?
I started off my showing my work in resturants and cafes and still do. This is actually a great way to have your work seen. In a gallery, only a certain group of people will see your work. In a cafe there is such a diverse group of people viewing your work. They may not go into the cafe intending to look for or buy art, but if the art speaks to them they will remember it and maybe even buy it. I was shocked when i first started at how many people will actually purchase art from a cafe or resturant! I prefer to do art markets and shows over gallery shows because I get to meet the people who are looking at my work and explain the process and peice. Im a peole person and love chatting.  I think this really helps with sales as well. People want to know the person and story behind the art, it makes it more meaningful.  Having said all that I have also shown my work in galleries this type of exposure. I think its important to take advantage of as many ways as possible for people to see more work.


What are you planning to buy at Make It? Do you think you will buy mostly gifts or presents for yourself?!
LOL.. I always go to shows with the intention of buying things for gifts and ALWAYS end up buying more for myself!! I love to support local aritsans and there are so many unique things a MAKE IT that I cant resist! I will say I have a thing for jewelry and bags especially! So to answer you question it will probably be some of both!

Do you think people appreciate handmade items today more than they did 5 years ago?
For sure! With changes in the environment and economy people are more aware of the importance of supporting local bussiness. People are more in to supporting local artisans who make uniqe high quality products and less interested in supporting giant coorporations. Also, most people dont want to be like everyone else. Buying handmade uniqe items gives people a chance to be just a little bit different!. That is why MAKE IT is so great. It gives people a chance to shop locally, support local artisans and get all their christmas shopping done in one place!

If you didn’t paint what would you do instead as a creative outlet?
hmmm. tough one.. i tried sewing for a while and become incredibly frustated ( so cudos to you and your awesome sewing skills!) and I love singing but have a terrible voice.. lol. I love photography and could see myself getting more in to that. I think its really important to have a creative outlet for everyone.. no matter what it is. I really value the balance that painting brings to my life!


Any advice for aspiring artists?
Get out there!.. take advantage of all opportunities to show your work! . People wont get to know your work if it stays sitting in closet at home!:> And always remember that not all art is meant for everybody.. its very subjective. some people might hate your work.. and that is ok.. cause there will also be people that love it!
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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.
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Yapes Paints – Interview with April Lacheur
Portobello West Blog March 22 2010 ~ www.portobellowest.com
 
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