High River Art Gallery Walking Tour and Blog Sabbatical or End?

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

High River Community Programs is offering an Art Gallery Walking Tour starting Saturday,  April 14th!  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our local galleries, artists and artisans.  The tours are planned to run every second Saturday of the month (April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11 and September 8th).

Starting at 10 a.m., rain or shine, the tour will stop at the following galleries:  Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio, Pike Studios, High River Centennial Library, Art and Soul Studio/Gallery, Tyrrell Clarke Gallery.  The $15.00 registration fee includes a light lunch at the end of the tour at Carlson’s On Macleod.

Participation is important for these tours to be a success.  Please spread the word, sign up in advance and help the arts community here in High River, Alberta, grow and prosper!

For more information on these galleries, please visit my past blog posts:

  1. Evanescence – Not Just a Gallery, Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio
  2. It Takes Two at Pike Studios, Pike Studios
  3. Annie Froese has Art and Soul, Art and Soul Studio/Gallery
  4. Tyrrell Clarke – A Profile, Tyrrell Clarke Gallery

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BLOG SABBATICAL OR END?

Little did I realize the time and research involved in the maintaining of a blog when I first began HIGH RIVER ARTS – A layperson’s journey through the arts community.  I moved to High River, Alberta a year ago from Calgary and had wanted to purchase some local, original art to grace the walls of our new home.

My journey to find local art not only introduced me to an arts community that I did not know existed here, but to many wonderful, interesting and talented artists and artisans.  The warmth and kindness of the gallery owners and the artists impressed me with their willingness to share their knowledge and stories.  In short, it was a view of the “arts” I had not experienced before.

The blog began as a way to re-post the “High River Arts” column I had started in the local newspaper, the High River Times.  The art column was my attempt to bring attention to and highlight the arts community.  The column ran from September to December of 2011, when I realized I had to stop because of the time it was taking away from pursuing my other writing interests.  Yet, my love of original art and the wonderful relationships I had developed was like a siren song, pushing and pulling me to continue blogging about art and the richness it brings to our lives.

I hope the space I have taken, the words I have written and the art I have presented has contributed to the dialogue, if only in a small way.  The creativity and stories of the artists in my community, as well as the many, incredible blogs, not only inspired me but have given me the courage to step off my own cliff and return to a novel I once began.

A sabbatical or an end?  Only time will tell.

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Stephen Evans is April’s “Artist Spotlight” at the Alberta Craft Council Gallery

Posted on April 3, 2012 by

When you live close to the mountains, they invariably influence your life.  If you’re an artisan, they can inspire you to create their likeness from the materials you work with.  For Stephen Evans, that is porcelain and iron stoneware clay and an electric kiln.

Mountain Landscapes by Stephen Evans

Mountain Landscapes by Stephen Evans

For the month of April, the Alberta Craft Council is spotlighting Stephen’s newest work from his Mountain Landscape series at their gallery in Edmonton, Alberta.  While all the pieces are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe, their intricate design and beautiful colours make them truly works of art.

His Galaxy series and the first of his Mountain Landscape series have been a favorite of collectors for some time.

Galaxy Series and 1st of Mountain Landscape Series

Galaxy Series and 1st of Mountain Landscape Series

Stephen will be giving a Meet & Greet talk Thursday, April 5th, from 6 – 8pm at the gallery located at 10186-106 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta.  For more information about Stephen and the show, click here.

Stephen is a well-known potter from High River, Alberta.  Along with his wife, Arlene Westen Evans, an artist in her own right, they own Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio and are celebrating the gallery’s first year anniversary this month.

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Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio recently held an open call for artists in the early stages of their careers.  Fourteen artists were selected to participate in a four day show that ended with an artists reception this past Sunday, April 2nd.

Evanescence Gallery - Work by Emerging Artists

Evanescence Gallery - Work by Emerging Artists

The reception was exceedingly well attended giving the artists the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work to the general public.  The work on display included conceptual art, pottery, glass work, collage, and oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings.

Evanescence Gallery - Work by Emerging Artists

Evanescence Gallery - Work by Emerging Artists

All the participating artists are to be commended for the many wonderful pieces they entered and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories and discussing the mediums they produced their work in.

Evanescence has been looking for a glass artist to add to their stable of gallery artists.  Based on the strength of the glass work submitted by Pat Frocklage, her work will now be on display at the gallery!

The participating artists were:  Lizzie Carr, Hilary J. Forge, Morgan Free, Pat Frocklage, Barbara Hart, Cathie Johnson, Rachel Lavery, Jean Leebody, Rene Malan, Valerie McLenahan, Annette Petrovich, Marg Smith, Marilynn Taverner and Jane Welsh.

Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio is located at 61 – 8th Avenue SE (Veterans Way), High River, Alberta.

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“80 Plus Years of Thoughtful Making” by Bob & Connie Pike and “Art as a Meditation” by Brian Clute at the Okotoks Art Gallery

Posted on March 26, 2012 by

Friday, March 23, I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for these two shows at  the Okotoks Art Gallery in Okotoks, Alberta.  Both shows are open to the public from March 23rd to April 29th.  The gallery is located at 53 North Railway Street.

“80 Plus Years of Thoughtful Making” (in the large gallery) is a wonderful show exhibiting past and present work of both Bob & Connie Pike.  Bob & Connie reside in High River, Alberta where “Pike Studios” is located.

The integration of Bob and Connie’s ceramics with Bob’s metal work was inspiring and the Okotoks Art Gallery and Allan Boss, deserve kudos for a beautifully presented show.

To see Bob’s work,

and Connie’s ceramics,will make your visit to the gallery an enjoyable, worthwhile experience.

 “It Takes Two at Pike Studios” is a column I wrote for the High River Times last November, where you can read more about Bob and Connie, their work and their studio!

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“Art as a Meditation” by Brian Clute, also from High River, Alberta, is showing in the small gallery.  His dedication to his art is beautifully exhibited by his paintings.

The hours he spends in achieving these detailed works are a testament to his Artist Statement.  “For the most part my paintings are meditations and improvisations.  As meditations, they progress very slowly.  As improvisations, they change in ways that can’t be fully predicted.”

“Meditations can mean ‘having a steady mind’.  Improvisation can result in an element of surprise.  I hope my paintings have a calming and positive effect.  Recently they have been more emotional, but I hope to finally achieve a better sense of balance.  Passion gets very good press, but I believe it must be balanced and controlled by the intellect.”

Brian, your paintings are wonderfully meditative and to sit quietly amongst them in the gallery is an experience art lovers will thoroughly enjoy!

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Jane Lillico’s Sculptures Delight And Entertain

Posted on March 20, 2012 by

There is one-dimensional and there is two-dimensional.  But there is nothing like a three-dimensional work of art to command your attention, force your eyes into every nook and cranny and beckon your hands to touch or caress.

Jane Lillico creates her message or sculpture from wire, paper and a variety of found objects.  From whimsical to functional to thought-provoking, Jane’s Paper Mache art pieces are a reflection of her personality and the “joie de vivre” she exudes in her journey of life.

There is her “squadron” of pelicans, that occupy the space above, soaring with out-stretched wings and detailed right down to the metal leg bands (ask Jane how they are marked).

The functional wall sconces bring delightful colors and whimsy together.

Her “Triplicity” sculpture is not only a study of human nature,  it invites the viewer to imagine the conversation taking place.

While Jane’s work is full of fun, her knowledge of the technicality of the  medium is serious and her skill affords her the ability to create whatever her customer’s imaginations desire.  Her sculptures are finding their places in private collections, restaurants and commercial buildings in Canada, USA, Mexico and New Zealand, where their color attracts the eye and their presence  entertains conversation.

Jane is also accomplished in architectural etchings.  Her design background contributes to her understanding of the structural integrity inherent  in homes and buildings.  These wonderful, original freehand drawings capture the character of the architecture resulting in numerous commissioned works.

Jane’s life’s journey has taken her from her birthplace in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan throughout Canada and now to San Jose del Cabo, Baja Sur California, Mexico where she has resided for the last four years.

Her sculptures are currently being shown at “galeria de ida victoria”  in San Jose del Cabo’s Historic Art District and at the Art Market at Flora Farms just east of town.

“Jane’s work best lends itself to clients who enjoy whimsy and color, who are not afraid to display bold works.  These are not subtle pieces, they make a statement!  They are meant to be enjoyed, touched, lived with.”  Ida Gustavson, galeria de ida victoria, San Jose del Cabo

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Not Like The Others, But One Of The Same

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

It is an art gallery.  It is in the heart of the San Jose del Cabo Arts District, Baja, Mexico.  Inside are some of the finest stone sculptures that will captivate your eyes and entice your hands to touch them.  But why is this gallery not like the others?

It is because these works of art are from the Shona sculptors of Zimbabwe, Africa.

Medicine Man by Emmanuel Chikumbirike, Springstone

Medicine Man by Emmanuel Chikumbirike, Springstone

In the midst of many wonderful galleries full of local Mexican art, Muvezi’s Fine African Sculptures fit right in because quality artwork can be appreciated and desired anywhere.

Spirit Dancers by Tonderai Sowa, Cobalt Stone

Spirit Dancers by Tonderai Sowa, Cobalt Stone

What is certain here, is that your eyes are richly rewarded by the elegance in design and your heart by the eloquence of the message from the sculptor to you.

There are traditional African depictions.

Mother & Child by Leeroy Mwanzi, Serpentine Stone

Mother & Child by Leeroy Mwanzi, Serpentine Stone

There are also many abstract sculptures with style and lines that would fit into any art lover’s decor.

When your eyes have finished feasting and your hands have stopped caressing, there is still the wonderful story behind these incredible sculptures.

In short, three men; Dr. Brian Carpenter, a Canadian health care professional, Doug Dicker in Zimbabwe and Greg Pendura of Canada are responsible for not only bringing these sculptures overseas, (Muvezi.com), but establishing a charitable organization, (Muvezi.org), that is saving thousands of lives from Malaria and rescuing the art of Shona sculptors with assistance and apprenticeship programs.

There are three Muvezi Galleries in North America; San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas (recently opened, fall of 2011) and Quebec City, Canada.  The sculptures can also be purchased on-line and free shipping to Canada, USA and Mexico (on-line and from the galleries) is included in their extremely affordable price!

Muvezi Art Gallery, Alvaro Obregon #20, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Muvezi Art Gallery, Alvaro Obregon #20, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

If you are visiting or living in any of these areas, do yourself a favour.  Enjoy, appreciate and purchase one of these beautiful sculptures – they will please your eyes and their story will feed your soul.

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I Thought I Would Be Posting About

Posted on February 19, 2012 by

the San Jose del Cabo (Mexico) Art Walk for my weekly post.

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

Instead, I am going to suspend the activity of blogging until I have rested, read the books I brought with me and/or have driven my husband to distraction that he begs me to go back into the galleries and get to work on posting about the art here.

There are wonderful artists, artisans and galleries that await.  But first I rest.

On one other note, my last post was about the book Art & Fear.  There is an interesting article on how Fear Helps You Appreciate Abstract Art by Amy Lee at the Huffington Post.  It is about a psychological study led by Kendall Erskine, a research psychologist at Loyola New Orleans.  This could very well lead to some interesting inter-active art.  I hope some artists get creative with the findings behind this study!

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Art and Fear

Posted on February 12, 2012 by

We all fear the unknown.  Some of us never venture there, but those who do, gain wisdom, accomplishment and at the very least, the courage to continue on the path of growing and learning.

Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland is a book primarily written for artists of all stripes, but the underlying premise of just “doing” is a meaningful message for everyone.

First published in 1993 (122 pages), by Image Continuum Press, the book explores the humanistic barriers to creating,  and the importance of overcoming these if we are to fulfill and honour the artist inside of us all.

A few quotes:

“How does art get done?  Why, often, does it not get done?  And what is the nature of the difficulties that stop so many who start?”

“Fears about artmaking fall into two families:  fears about yourself, and fears about your reception by others.  In a general way, fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work.”

“Look at your work and it tells you how it is when you hold back or when you embrace.  When you are lazy, your art is lazy; when you hold back, it holds back; when you hesitate, it stands there staring, hands in its pockets.  But when you commit, it comes on like blazes.”

While I am late in finding this gem of a book and I’m sure many of you have already read it, this a must read for artists with timeless advice that crosses all professions.

To my readers in the High River area, this book can be purchased at the Blue Rock Gallery in Black Diamond.

Throughout my own life, I have chosen to meet the unknown when time, strength and curiosity have converged to set me on a new adventure.  I have a terrible fear of heights so I choose to equate this with taking a “leap off the cliff”.

My heart races, my self-doubt screams and my fears of failure are flashing red neon signs.  To date, the worst has never happened, the best has been exhilarating and  most importantly, I’ve learned that “doing” is what makes me feel alive and fulfilled.

I was never afraid of trying out my “artistic” abilities.  At worst, my pottery results were functional but primitive ashtrays (back before the smoking bans – now they would be paper clip or odds and ends holders),and my painting results were interesting, albeit crude interpretations of landscapes, abstracts or still life.  An artist I will never be, an art enthusiast I am.

Art & Fear is a book that belongs in every artist’s library!

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And Then I Did

Posted on February 4, 2012 by

I surprised myself this last week.  I had always thought I would never buy artwork over the internet for a variety of reasons – colour representation, inability to see texture, size etc.  – and then I did.   What’s interesting is the process fell within all the parameters I have generally taken in the past when I have purchased artwork before.

First, let me introduce you to Lance Weisser and the watercolour that changed my mind.

"School Yard Pasture" by Lance Weisser

"School Yard Pasture" by Lance Weisser

I came across Lance’s blog, Weisserwatercolours in mid-January in the Art tag under Topics in WordPress.  His paintings caught my eye immediately.  There is a wonderful softness to his work, whether a stormy landscape or a delicate rose.  The narratives that accompanied each painting where entertaining, educational and thoughtful.

We began a conversation starting with the “like” buttons on each others blog to discussions through the “comment”  section.  I appreciated that Lance understood my viewpoint in regards to why and what I loved about original art.  He talked to me – not over me.

February 1st, he did a post called Winter Horses with the above painting in it.  There was much I liked about it but the white horse in the centre (not quickly noticeable at first) drew me in and grew in importance to me.  I couldn’t get this painting out of my mind over the next couple of days.  You see, my father had a white horse at one time and as children we would beg him to tell us a particular story about this horse at bedtime.

I emailed Lance to see if the painting was for sale and if he would part with it.  Being a watercolour, I knew it would be easy to mail to me and I felt very comfortable in dealing with him from the “relationship” we had established.

I realized this process was in line with an earlier blog post of mine and even though we had never met, nor had I seen this painting in person, there really didn’t seem to be any reason to not go ahead and buy it.

I’m thrilled to have one of Lance’s watercolours and I recommend you visit his blog.  His talent shines through and his experience and technique would be valuable to any artist interested in this medium.

Would you purchase art over the internet?  I did!

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And You Wait

Posted on January 29, 2012 by

for the right one.  You’ll know it when you see it.  In the meantime, you can wait.

When you see an artist’s work that catches your eye, captivates you and compels you to write their name down to research, you hope eventually you’re going to have one of their paintings on your wall.

That was how it was when I saw Sharon Lynn William’s “plein air” award-winning painting at a juried show at the Leighton Art Centre, Gallery and Museum last spring.  Sharon is a signature member of the Alberta Society of Artists, Federation of Canadian Artists and International Plein Air Painters.

In June I had the opportunity to meet Sharon (outside of a show) and discuss her plein air paintings and the other mediums she works in.  She has a wonderful, delightful personality that only added to my decision to one day own a painting of hers.

In December I stopped in to see Annie Froese, the owner of Art and Soul Studio/Gallery and there it was.  My eyes immediately were drawn to Sharon’s new work on the wall and one in particular.

8 x 10 oil on board by Sharon Lynn Williams

8 x 10 oil on board by Sharon Lynn Williams

You know by now how much memories and artwork are important to me.  At my age, I have far more memories behind me than I will have in front of me.  And, again, a painting has brought forth a flood of these.  This landscape reminds me of not only the many walks I’ve done in Fish Creek Park in Calgary but also of all the hikes through the foothills in winter.

“I can feel the warmth of the late afternoon sun on the side of my face, while the snow and ice melt slowly from soft Chinook winds blowing gently from the west.”

For more information about Sharon, you can visit her website here.

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What Journeys Will Your Paintings Take?

Posted on January 22, 2012 by
Alton Loch by T.H. Laidlaw, 1910

Alton Loch by T.H. Laidlaw, 1910

The watercolors have faded and T.H. Laidlaw has passed away.  I’m sure N. Bowman has too.  Yet, their paintings live on, in my home, providing pleasure every time I look at them.

Untitled by N. Bowman, 1935

Untitled by N. Bowman, 1935

They are more than just paintings.  They are a tie to the past, holders of memories and creators of imagination.

These two watercolors were painted by  T.H. Laidlaw in 1910 and N. Bowman in 1935. The only information I could find about T.H. Laidlaw was that he was a “Border Painter” in Great Britain and that my mother had bought it at auction in 1977 for $45.00.  I cannot find any information on N. Bowman or the provenance of the painting.  I don’t know where it was painted, when it was bought or what was paid for it.

I do know they graced the walls of my parent’s bedroom as I was growing up.  I’m sure I barely glanced at them during that time.  When my parents eventually moved into a condo after my father retired, I helped my mother hang them in the hallway.  By then I could see how beautiful they were and I recall my mother telling me about the day she saw the Laidlaw at an auction, the landscape reminding her of some memory, and bought it.  I, sadly, cannot remember what she said about the Bowman.

Now, they grace the walls of my bedroom.  When I look at them they bring forth those memories of my parent’s old bedroom, the hallway in their condo and the voice my mother.

When I study them, my imagination wanders to include the artists.  Were the paintings done “en plein air”, on weathered easels and worn palettes?  Did the artists stand or were they seated?  What attire were they dressed in?  Why these particular scenes?  Was N. Bowman a man or perhaps a woman?

The answer to these questions, I’ll never know.  It doesn’t matter.  The pleasure I receive from these watercolors is priceless.

So remember, when you sell your work, you send it on a journey.  It may pass through many generations and your story behind it may be carried with it or lost forever.  I wish I could thank T.H. Laidlaw and N. Bowman for the joy their paintings bring me every day.  But I can’t – they’re gone.

(Please excuse the flash from my camera in these photos, I have neither the skill nor the knowledge to evade this problem!)

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