Understory-Paintings by Judy Chappus

July 15- Aug 3, 2022

Opening reception Friday July 15, 5-7 pm

Show closes Wed Aug 3, 3pm

Artist Statement

I first set foot on Salt Spring Island in 2016 to see if my daughter was alright. She had left Ontario on a bus and ultimately settled here. I wrote," Pirates of the Ganges", during that first visit. Fear and worry for her consumed me and I gave it to this poem. Four times a charm and three grandchildren later it's 2022. This painting exhibition and book of poetry are the result of my most recent two year adventure.

Bio

Among her many achievements Judy Chappus is Founder and Director of a group of figurative woman artists from Windsor, Ontario called the Exhibitionists. Her first book of poetry titled, "Chop Shop" is part of the University of Windsor, Leddy Library rare books collection. She has an MFA from the University of California and a BFA from the University of Windsor. Her work can be found in private collections throughout Canada and the United States.

Acknowledgements

I’m fortunate to have found a supportive life partner in Mr. Glenn Ritchie. How many men would sell everything, drive across the country to a remote island and live in a trailer for two years during a pandemic. I list here those people and organizations that have been the foundation for my success with this project, Cinda Helm, G. Gus Szentner and Rob, Kendra Chappus Sikich, Amedee Chappus Sikich and her wonderful family, Danielle Nicole, David Borrowman, Salt Spring Gallery and Salt Spring Arts Council. Thank-you.

Transformation- Allison Brodie & Carol Bednarski

Abstracts and Impressionist Paintings

June 23- July 13

Opening Reception Friday June 24, 5-7

My inspiration for this body of work comes from the medium itself- beautiful papers! Mixed media is my great love at the moment and I find cutting and tearing paper along with paint, graphite, crayons and texturing compound works with my intuitive style.

Perhaps I’m trying to make order of the chaos of the last few years. I know I feel the need to create “Happy Art” that is uplifting and alive.

I’ve also added some mixed media pieces of abstract landscapes. A mirage? A distant town?

Definitely a colourful journey to another place.

I hope you enjoy.

Allison

It’s About Time- Fine Art & Photography by Julianna Slomka

“It’s About Time”

In deciding to have a show of my work, a comment I heard from friends was “It’s about time.” I thought it would be fitting as a title. The inspiration for the show comes from my lifetime of changes, whether it be in me or in the world, they are kind of one in the same. As Bob Dylon said, “Times They Are A Changin’ "

“Life is full of constant adjustments, with some laughs in between. Change is inevitable, so we must adjust, but we can also strive to make positive changes.” ~Julianna Slomka

As a child I had difficulty learning in school, my pencils only wanted to draw horses. After dropping out at 16, moving out on my own at 17, I put my pencils away. Buying a farm and having real horses was a dream I made come true. Eventually I began to feel creative again, mostly working in watercolor and pencil, exhibiting my work in group shows. A farm accident made me have to adjust to constant pain and changes in my life.

I also dreamt of moving to BC to be near the ocean, mountains and forests. In 2005 I did just that. I didn’t know anyone but looked forward to starting a new life without the bitter cold of Northwestern Ontario winters. Since then, I dove into many other artforms such as Argentine tango, stand-up comedy, performing in live theatre and photography.

I am also a member of Photosynthesis whose show is at Art Spring during SSIPhotofest which runs June 3-17, 2022.

Broken Open-Paintings by Nathalie St amant & Kelly Kiss

May 13-June 1, 2022

OPENING Reception Friday May 13, 5-7.

''Broken Open’’ The title (like the paintings) are subconscious windows to a variety of experiences....you feel what it is for you.

Places that are broken and need love and light..places that were broken and have opened to light or are in the process, places that are still being broken into.. all these places needs a mirror to see itself and not feel so alone. Visual Abstract Windows are powerful ifor the purpose of this kind of communing and participating in a common room full of rich honest sharings.For me and Kelly, joy has opened through a LONG JOURNEY of self inquiry and healing and still there are a lot of numb and deadened places to visit and bring to life.

Kelly:

“Through pain and suffering I have struggled to know myself, the truth of who I am. I am love and have been on a journey of love back to myself. I now welcome myself home. Through this journey I had to be turned upside down in every way to see who I was. I was beautifully broken open, and from this have emerged like a butterfly flying free from its cocoon. ‘'


Nathalie:

''Honesty is the basis of Art for me... Here, people feel like they can trust my work and trust to allow it into their lives.

Being Broken in some core aspects of myself at a very young age and choosing the path of self recovery has been a courageous journey. Art has been the safe heaven where i could come back too and feel/ see who i really am, a conversation with my soul.

I strive to allow what broken parts still need to express in synch with the healed light parts. My Genre is a combination of aesthetic design, cubism, surealism and expressionism. It makes for a unique combination of ‘ graffitti markings with 3D visual effects and the cubist deconstruction découpé of color planes. You will aslo feel Chagall’s influence in there (my first love in art school).

The MAIN intent in my work is self acceptance in where i am precisely at. This is not easy and i go through LOTS of self doubts about my art journey. then, eventually, in the process, i GET MY OWN DRIFT and that FEELs like such an amazing loving place to be.”

Fee Free to ask more questions. It is important to me to engage in these deeper languages and have that relationship with you all.

tossed & Found

5th show of upcycled art comes to the Aspace April 8- 27