Artist Statement for Unmasking, Breathing, Moving Forward

ART ON THE WALL

Martin Luther
University College Located at the corner of Bricker Ave. and Albert St.

Waterloo, Ontario

T 519.884.0710 x3241
luther.wlu.ca

Exploring spirituality and justice through visual art

fibre art • painting • photography mixed-media • poetry

Hours: weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and some weekday evenings, excluding statutory holidays.

I find inspiration in the natural world, especially our gardens at home, Edenwilde, in historic Olde Berlin Town, Kitchener, ON. In the past 2 years when there’s been so much uncertainty, fear and anxiety, loss and change, in our world and my world, I found solace in being “grounded”; literally, connected to the earth, getting dirty, becoming one… Whenever I could, I played in dirt, till the very last day before the snow covered us.

The 2 pieces I have created for this exhibition (so thoughtfully and well chosen) speak of my faith in nature’s resilience, ability to adapt and persist, to unmask, to breathe, to move forward; that is, all of nature, humans included.

Metaphorical; art; real life!

Change is difficult but possible with clarity and resolve. In Chinese folklore and art as early as the 6th century of the Common Era, the peony is symbol of the transforming power of love, courage and kindness.

Peony bursting open and proclaiming: “All is possible with love, courage and kindness!”

The erythronium is a native ephemeral that appears for a brief time in spring, so often ignored or unnoticed and under-appreciated. Moving forward, as we emerge from the pandemic, I hope to become even more appreciative of the impermanence, fragility and preciousness of life.

Erythronium looking at its shadow saying: “We are better together!”

Minimalism

I’ve always been drawn to the power of minimalism in art and I am devoting more energy and practice to this approach. In December, I entered an international photographic contest from The Motif Collective with that theme and today received notice of the winners. Alas, while feeling bolstered to be shortlisted—twice, I am resolved to refine and master my craft with greater conviction. There is so much fabulous work exhibited on their website and you can see them all here. My entries are near the end of those shortlisted: “All In” and “Oak Merge”.

‘All In’ garnered a great deal of interest at a recent local art exhibition (ArtsPay Annual, Kitchener, ON) hearing from many visitors fascinating memories and stories the piece engendered. It was also included in the Homer Watson exhibition, ‘Liminal’.

‘Oak Merge’ is a composite rendered as a negative that highlights the fragile, fading beauty of nature, so commonplace it is often taken for granted.

'All In' shortlisted by The Motif Collective in contest Minimalism

‘All In’ shortlisted by The Motif Collective international contest Minimalism, Dec 2021

‘Oak merge’ shortlisted in Minimlism international contest by The Motif Collective, Dec 2021

Winter Solstice reflection

Light and darkness; hope and despair; sadness and joy; anticipation and disappointment; it feels like we are caught on an emotional roller coaster these days. Not easy to find balance and remain optimistic, and I say to myself: “And this too shall pass!”, as I remind myself the days will be getting longer, and life does go on, even when I’m not sure what that may mean, on this day of winter solstice.

“Liminal" will be available at Homer Watson House and Gallery, Kitchener, until January 9, 2022, that includes the following pieces, “And this too shall pass” and “Between and Betwixt”.

‘And this too shall pass’, part of exhibition “Liminal” at Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener, ON Canada

‘Between & Betwixt’, part of exhibition “Liminal” now showing at Homer Watson House and Gallery, Kitchener

'Liminal' at Homer Watson House & Gallery opens Dec 4

Being in the liminal space between familiar and uncharted territory can provoke fear of the unknown. Or it may lead to new possibilities otherwise overlooked. Two years of uncertainty, chaos, and the stress of reorienting, coping with a pandemic have brought this home. Being face to face with our inner fears about who we are, our strengths and vulnerabilities, even survival, can cause us to question the core of our identities, and doubt life’s meaning and purpose. Having time to be retrospective about my art from the past few years, liminality emerges as a unifying theme, congruent with my personal conviction to cross thresholds that lead to life beyond what is familiar.

'Acceptance', 10.5x34.5, $395

‘Acceptance’, 10.5x34.5 framed (on canvas), $395

'The Other Side', 20x25 framed, $550

‘The Other Side’, 20x25 framed, $550

Homer Watson House & Gallery Exhibition: Liminal

Just brought all my art to Homer Watson Gallery to be exhibited in the upcoming special year end show. ‘Liminal’ is my solo exhibition, and I am honoured to be a guest artist among the talented instructors at Homer Watson. Exhibition opens Saturday, Dec 4 and will continue until Jan 9, 2022. Will post more as the show is ready for visitors. Appreciation to Tabatha Watson, Director & Curator, and Ralf Wall, artist and staff, for their support to make this exhibition possible.

'Rooted', 18x23, $475

‘Rooted’, 18x23 framed, $475

Being in person at a show is so lifegiving

For the first time in almost 2 years, the ArtsPay Annual Show was an in person experience that was memorable and exciting. Thanks to all those who stopped by, chatted and showed appreciation for my art. Especially appreciative to those who took home cards, prints and framed art.

Of particular interest was ‘All In’, telling the story of ice fishers at Bannister Lake, between Ayr and Paris, ON off Highway 24A. I learned a lot about the patient art of ice fishing, and someone told me that the scene reminded her of home in Newfoundland so she wanted to send a print to her mom who is “away”.

If I doubted the power of art, I was reassured of the way art connects.

‘All In’ - the art of ice fishing at Bannister Lake, Paris ON, Canada

ArtsPay Annual Show Nov 12-14

Come by this weekend to 660 Belmont Ave West, Belmont Village, for a wonderful exhibition from 26 local artists, and stop by shops and villages with special vouchers. Chef D will also provide seasonal beverages and special treats.