The Works of Chris Hunter

The next best thing to swimming in the sensuous Salish Sea is to immerse yourself in the drawings and paintings of Chris Hunter. A passionate swimmer and equally passionate artist, Hunter conjures up the sea, land and sky of British Columbia in her show at Salt Spring Gallery, on view from September 19 to October 2.

Looking at her surreal under water images is like peering into the ocean on a calm day. Tiny waves shimmer over discarded oyster shells, drifting feathers, eel grass and shifting sand. Once in the water, the world is seen through a swimmer’s outstretched arms. Horizons tilt and refracted sunlight descends deep into a dark world below, bringing to mind the stuff of dreams: terror, bliss, eroticism. Our notions of a static, snap shot reality give way to something deeper, more fascinating.

But, then we are snapped out of it by irreverence. Teaming up with Hunter is Gordon Nash, whose whimsical wood turnings are also on display. Elegant fish inlays share a playful world of circus trains, elephants and a chuckin, ducking its true identity.

The show’s opening reception is slated for September 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. At 5:30 introductions will be made and a few poems by Salt Spring poet, Diana Hayes, and New York poet, Jean Valentine, will beread. Please join us! Salt Spring Gallery is located at 135 McPhillips Avenue on Salt Spring Island.