Chris Allan Designs Journals Art

BELIEVE

"I hope to inspire and encourage
as others have inspired and encouraged me."

I have many passions in life including my family and my art. I am inspired by people and nature, but mostly I am inspired by a love of life. Cancer has touched many people, including my own family. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer and then my daughter's teacher died suddenly from cancer, I began to reevaluate my life. What was really important to me? My husband, my children and most importantly -- myself. I decided if I wasn't happy with myself, then I couldn't be there for any one else, so I began a journey which brings me to where I am today. Happy, feeling beautiful, youthful, and living life to the fullest.

My Past
I was born in Manitoba, but my father made the move to British Columbia when I was 11. I will be forever grateful to him for that move. I love the mountains, the ocean, and most of all the warmer weather. I wasn't academically inclined in high school, but I liked art and music, so I made that my main focus and graduated with an above average mark. I worked in a bank for a few years, got married, and moved around a lot. After working as a waitress or whatever else I could do I landed a job in retail fashion where I quickly rose to a management position. My interest in fashion led to an interest in hair and make-up, both of which I have studied on my own for years. When my first marriage ended I met a musician who indulged my secret desire to sing. Him and I started a band together and we wrote our own songs. We also had a lot of fun. After a few years of not making alot of money I decided to further my education and enrolled as a a mature student at Langara College and then went on to Simon Fraser University. When my second relationship ended, I met and married a man eight years younger than myself and had two beautiful daughters. When he became an RCMP officer we moved to Williams Lake, BC and then to a remote native village on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. In Ahousat I learned how strong people can be. I love the people of Ahousat. They are amazing people who aren't afraid, to laugh, to cry, and celebrate life, even in the most difficult circumstances. I will always be grateful to them for what they taught me and my family. From Ahousat we moved to Sechelt, BC, where I made some dear friends.

My Present
We now live in Chemainus BC and I love being back on Vancouver Island, where I have lots of family. While raising my children I have been constantly creating, whether it be dabbling in arts and crafts with my kids, making candles, or creating works of art. I have shown my art work in galleries in BC and in Japan. I started my webite in 1997. After having a friend create it, I taught myself html and took over the website creation on my own. That has been an amazing learning curve, but I have enjoyed almost every minute of it. My website has undergone many changes over the years evolving into what it is today. I will never be done and I will constantly be looking for new passions to add to it. Today I create journals art, and am an Arbonne consultant while I finish raising my children. When I turned 50 I decided I was not going to be old, so I stay active, and do whatever else it takes to keep myself feeling and looking young. I am lucky to have wonderful children and a handsome, passionate, husband to help me stay feeling young. Together we are always finding new ways to keep the romance and passion alive in our marriage and in our lives.

My Education
I studied archaeology, psychology, sociology, biology and art history at Simon Fraser University. I have taken courses in Fine Arts at Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. I also recieved a diploma in Interior Decorating, and have taken courses in hair and make-up.

My Art Shows
Most recent show was a joint exhibit at the Gibsons Art Gallery. Remember was created in honour of West Sechelt Elementary School teacher Lee Brown
Commitment & Renewal and Believe have been in seperate showings at the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery in group exhibitions entitled Friends of the Gallery.
Cycle of Life was part of the All NATIONS ART EXHIBIT II in the fall of 2003 at the VISAC Community Art Gallery in Trail, B.C. This piece was also the second prize winner at the Coho Festival in North Vancouver, B.C. in 2003.
Commitment & Renewal and Power & Commitment were part of the Wolf Art Exhibitions in Mitsumine, and Osaka, Japan in 2002 - 2003
Sun Mask #3 was part of a group exhibition of artwork created from recycled materials at the 2002 Annual Green Millennium Fashion Show in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.
Earlier pieces were shown in the Simon Fraser University Gallery and at the Beanstalk Coffee House in Williams Lake, B.C. Canada.

Like so many others, me and my family have been touched by cancer, so I donate profits from my PINK journals to cancer research in the hope of creating a healthier world for our children. We also support the Foster Parents Plan of Canada & the Global Movement for ChildrenThe BC Wildlife Federation, & The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon

"Growing up in a less than ideal situation, I turned to art as a refuge. Then it became a passion. I have since expanded that passion to all aspects of my life. I hope to inspire others to have the same passion as I do in all aspects of their lives."
- Chris Allan

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