arts for the arts

"Horizon of New Promises" was part of a stunning gala at the amazing Banff Art Centre. It raised $2,200, which was more than its value. The event raised over $800,000, up from last year's three quarters of a million. It was supported by galleries across Canada as well as the press, including full page coverage in the Globe & Mail.

I am proud and thankful for the connection I have with Canada House Gallery and The Banff Centre. Together we help fund arts scholarships at a truly incredible facility.


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Auspicious Or Infinite?

I love experimenting. Much like switching up the ingredients in my kitchen, adding something previously odd sounding can result in a yummy surprise on a panel in the studio.

I've had some industrial application signs and letters sitting around for a while. At first attracted to their colour and unsure of how to blend them into my acrylics, I put them aside for future use. They sat on the shelf that mainly houses my varnishes. On another shelf, I've had mirror bits keeping company to various types of fine metal foil. Beautifully sanded, thick and scratch-free, they also sat there, patiently waiting for their turn. I had very specific plans for the mirror which will come into play at a later date.

What I did not plan for was a visual feast of mixed company. Can you have too much of a good thing? Can you combine mirror, plastic AND metal foil? Wow, that seems so crazy I may just have to try it, I thought one morning. A motley crew of textures, finishes and reflections. Did it work? A resounding yes. For me, yes. 

My favourite part? The thin strip of mirror left exposed on the right, letting the viewer add reflection of the background - or, for the adventurous soul, of themselves, willingly becoming a part of the painting. Countless possibilities. An eye next to the 8. An extended pinkie finger, coming into contact. Or?

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Nikol Haskova Studio

As Long As You Stay Close

As long as you stay close, I'll feel safe 

As long as you stay close, I'll walk with you

As long as you stay close, I will soar

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Canada House Gallery

The Guardian

An evergreen giant towers over the surrounding fields. Anchored in plush grass and neighboured by berry bushes, small seedlings, young rabbits, crickets, bird nests and an occasional dog crawling through wildflowers, this enormous tree looks like a watchful guardian. 

In the morning, you can hear the birds waking. At night, if you're lucky, you'll hear bat wings swishing by and maybe an owl reciting poetry in the distance.

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Canada House Gallery

Two

The day is almost over. I should go home, but I linger. One more minute, one more breath, one last look. The horizon is bathed in Red Iron Oxide. A little above, at the highest tree tops, it turns to Nickel Azo Gold. Still higher, the Cerulean infinity promises another beautiful day after we sleep. 

In the distance, I can hear that border collie I met last week. She's probably getting the sheep together. I slowly begin the walk back to my vehicle. Back to the veins of this rural land. The grey ones that carry the metal transportation machines much like the ones within a human body carry blood and oxygen. An artificial life line, but an essential one nevertheless.

One foot in my pewter coloured machine and an inner whisper tells me to stop. Right where Iron Oxide meets Nickel Azo, two soul mates are flying off to their nest.

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Canada House Gallery