Veronika Radolovich
Artist statement:
As an artist with over two decades of formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz, my career as a creative director and choreographer has invariably shaped my artistic expression. Best described, my art is an amalgamation of large-scale canvas, body art, rhythmic gymnastics, costume design and dance. As the subject and model and muse for other painters and artists for many years, I have moved towards adapting my combined philosophy of art and movement towards expressing my emotional perspectives on canvas.
As an artist with over two decades of formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz, my career as a creative director and choreographer has invariably shaped my artistic expression. Best described, my art is an amalgamation of large-scale canvas, body art, rhythmic gymnastics, costume design and dance. As the subject and model and muse for other painters and artists for many years, I have moved towards adapting my combined philosophy of art and movement towards expressing my emotional perspectives on canvas.
When I married my dance career with abstract art and first stepped onto my canvas; I discovered this was another way to capture motion. The result of my paintings captures the history of the dance innovatively taking 3D form and transferring it on a 2D surface. My approach by pouring paint directly onto my body and canvas leaves a visual imprint, echoing the rhythm and energy of the performance. To this end, performance is a critical element in my body of work. It is an aspect that I can control and share. As a survivor of sexual assault and PTSD, I view my work as a literal and symbolic reclamation of my body and soul. Each performance showcases how movement can aid and heal trauma, harnessing the power of creativity to transform pain into resilience and artistry. Where I previously felt I did not have a voice, performance art has become my loudspeaker.
Through my art, I seek to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and transport audiences to a realm where the boundaries between reality and abstraction blur.
RESUME
Veronika, known to many as Sparkles, is a multi-disciplinary artist who specializes in combining her skills as a dancer, painter, performance artist and costume designer. She has performed in numerous productions with her inspired styles and techniques using her vast wealth of experience and training in many forms of dance. In combination with her lifelong love of art and painting Sparkles' artistic evolution has opened new doors to exploring personal freedom and capturing dance movements in new colourful ways.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Toyota Türkiye, Bodrum, 2023
- Performed three live painting performances for Toyota and the release of the new C-HR Hybrid
Oysho, Barcelona, 2023
- Featured and interviewed by European sportswear brand Oysho. Created a large-scale abstract painting for their store in Milan for design week.
Abstract painter Veronika Radolovich, Toronto - Montréal, 2017 - 2024
- Exploring painting techniques through dance, movements, and body
- Live performances in Turkey, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montréal
- Painting performance on Tongva Peak territory of the Gabrieleño people
- Initiated “Moon Magic” a collaboration with abstract painter Callen Schaub. A monthly performance released every full moon. Co-directed and conceptualised videos, performances, colour palettes, story lines and techniques
Creative Director / Designer at Laced with Sparkles, Toronto - Montréal, 2012 - 2022
- Designing one of a kind custom garments for artists and performers, working one on one with clients to create striking wearable art for the stage and events taking artistic and acrobatic performance constraints into consideration
- Implements her vast knowledge of tools and machines to create pieces
- Excellent attention to detail
- High precision and patience when working with beadwork and accessories
Operations Consultant at Callen Schaub Art Inc. Montéal, 2019 -2021
- Design, vision, and collaboration consultant, archiving creative ideas and contributing business advice
- Merchandise and apparel consultant and designer providing creative direction, implementing creative ideas into the business, facilitating 3rd party vendors, marketing materials/ promotion
- Managing media as videographer and photographer, behind the scenes, assisting “live streams” as the 2nd camera, facilitating Q&A
- Direct social media original artwork giveaway program to celebrities and influencers
- Inspiration and assistant to the artist, creating palettes, organising, sifting/ pouring paint, curating artwork and changing out the confetti pop paintings, set up and break down of the arena/ studio, setting up equipment and lights
- Manage financial upkeep, weekly bookkeeping, coordinating with accounting, scanning receipts, personal bookkeeping and weekly Inventory
- Manage shipping documents and logistics, creating certificates of authenticity, documenting artwork
Lune Rouge Entertainment, Montréal, 2019
- Directed by Cirque Du Soleil founder Guy La Liberté
- Dancer and entertainer for PY1 Nights, exploring seven thematic Worlds where the performer guides and uplifts and takes the viewer on a journey
Cutter Cirque Du Soleil, Montréal, 2019
- Worked to create pieces developed from technical documents designed by the pattern making team and following instructions on how to produce costumes under tight deadlines
- In charge of cutting fabrics, linings, elastics, and zippers and handing off to the sewing team and suggesting improvements when necessary
- Diligently following health and safety regulations while managing the work space and equipment
- Quality control of the materials and garments before having it approved by a resource person if needed
Stereo, Montréal, 2019
Renown top 100 clubs worldwide for the last 20 years
- Audition, hired, and managed dancers for Stereo.
- Designed, conceptualised, and fabricated custom costumes for the performers
Nightlife Entertainer, Montréal, 2018 -2022
Dancer for supper clubs, Yoko Luna, Flyjin, Soubois, Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel, and Bar George
Cyberdog, London, England 2017
Gogo dancer for cyber clothing retail chain
Design Exchange, Toronto, 2016
Hire and manage dancers makeup and costumes for
Sensation White Into the Wild, Toronto, Ontario 2014
Stage performer playing in water, with fire, and handling Co2 guns while dancing and following choreography in unison
Digital Dreams, Toronto, Ontario 2014
Gogo dancer and performer for Montreal based entertainment company Black Mohawk Productions
Stolichnaya Vodka, Toronto, Ontario 2014
Model and actress for Stoli TV directed by Nicolas Kadima of Rubber Pixel
Kharizma Entertainment, Toronto, Ontario 2011- 2015
Gogo dancer and performer for nightclubs Guvernment, Faces, Century Room, Maison and Wildflower
Playrecords, Toronto, Ontario, 2009
Dancer in music video “This Noise” produced by Playrecords, music by Deadmau5
Famous Monsters, Toronto, Ontario 2007
GoGo dancer, stage performer and enthusiast for Toronto pop punk band
Last Gang Records Inc. Toronto, Ontario 2006
Dancer and extra in music video “Street Justice” by MSTRKRFT’s directed by Last Gang Records Inc.
Fashion Cares, Toronto, Ontario 2005
Danced for Toronto's largest AIDS benefit Fashion Cares
Toronto Fashion Week, Toronto, Ontario 2005
Model and Dancer at Toronto Fashion Week for designer Ariel Garten
TRAINING
École Supérieure de Ballet du Québec, Montréal, Québec 2024
École de Danse Contemporaine de Montréal, Montréal, Québec 2024
La Place De Danse, Toronto, Ontario 2002-2006
Private ballet lessons with founder Elain Daviau following the Cecchetti method
Trained partnering with Resmi Malko
Trained for Intermediate examination and passed with “Highly Commended”
-belly dancing
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Toronto, Ontario 2002-2006
Enriched Arts Program majored in double dance credit
Trained in jazz, classical ballet and modern dance
Choreographed a modern jazz piece for the Grade 12 Choreographic workshop
Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre, Toronto, Ontario 2000-2002
Member of the Young Apprentice Program
Following the Jose Limon method learnt various repertoires
Studied and completed RAD syllabus examination with a pass of “Distinction” in Intermediate
Kalev Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics, Toronto, Ontario 1996-2000
Placed third at National Qualifier 2000
Placed first in National Group Finals 1999
Provincial champion in Novice 3 and Novice Group 1999
EDUCATION
George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario 2012-2013
Certificate in Essential Skills in Fashion: Pattern drafting, apparel construction, draping, illustration and design, colour and design
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Toronto, Ontario 2002-2006
Enriched Arts Program majored in visual arts and double dance credit
Trained in jazz, classical ballet and modern dance
Choreographed a modern jazz piece for the Grade 12 Choreographic workshop