New Fall Painting, 2014

(acrylic on cloth, 17" square, unframed, untitled )

Something a bit different for me - PURE abstraction. 

Playing with colour, shapes, forms and fingers ... 

Potentially, a new series, 'Galaxy Gifs'

Wadja think?

BIG SPACE = BIG SALE! @ 270 Sherman Ave North, Hamilton

Originals Art Shoppe is hosting a large exhibition and sale on Saturday, Nov 1st from 1:30-7pm and Sunday Nov 2nd from 12:30-5pm.

Come see 20,000 sq ft of exquisite art by over 50 artists across the Golden Horseshoe! We will also have a section dedicated to handcrafters and handmade jewelry artists - An excellent place to start your Christmas shopping with all original gifts!

We will be distributing swag bags full of local goodies to the first 50 guests each day of this fantastic event! 

 - I will have several items in this show: a few acrylics and a few 'white out' graphics. All VERY reasonably priced, so swing in and check it out at 270 Sherman Street, Hamilton - Saturday or Sunday. 

Big Space, Big Sale!

 UPDATE: 

Let alone the great space, this event was well staffed, displayed and well-attended. 

I arrived around 2pm on Sunday ... staying for about an hour. 

PLUS, I had the chance to meet one of my new fav Hamilton Ontario painters, Claudette Losier. 

270 Sherman SUPER SALE with vignette of Claudette Losier 'in situ' ..

  

The Aga Khan Museum: 'The Garden of Ideas' Exhibit

This weekend I managed to drop in on the new Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. What a place! With a somewhat forbidding citadel-like exterior, the stark overpowering angularity of the architecture and landscaped 'pools'  (designed by Vladimir Djurovic) are vividly contrasted to the florid delicacy of the historic and contemporary miniatures dwelling within. Overall, the place projects a lion-hearted, yet oddly timorous, 'soul' ...

The exhibit I particularly wanted to see was 'The Garden of Ideas: Contemporary Art of Pakistan'. The brochure reads, "Created for pleasure, spiritual reflection and aesthetic contemplation, gardens have held many meanings. Beyond their beauty, they represent the human impulse to organize, contain, and collect the natural world. Without cultivation, a garden would cease to exist. Similarly, without cultivation of the mind and the soul, it is believed a society cannot progress' ...."

The exhibition begins with a walk-through-time in order to set the context for the 'contemporary' works ... Overall, the minute intricacy of brush and pen stroke of yore titillates the eye and mind. When confronted with the new works, the intricacy is still there, but 'modern' thoughts, feelings and expressions have taken over what was once artwork done for 'court'.

Some modern items particularly caught my eye ... I'm leading off though with a section of an historical image to give you a sense of that. (Note: I have not documented the artist or the title of the works. This foray was primarily about getting 'an impression' without too much interference.)

From several centuries ago, the tradition, symbolism and talent are self-evident. 

Now the modern stuff ...
(sorry about the pot light reflective glare on a few of these shots)

 

(Appropriately entitled, 'Threatened' ...)

  

 (yes, that's a map of England on the wall ...)

 

 

(my personal favourite, yes BUSY, but balanced & complex)

... leave you to draw your own conclusions ... 

As the landscape design (and newly planted trees) around this austere monster structure mature, 

the outdoor patio & reflective pools will certainly become a welcoming oasis in that quarter of Toronto.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say it's a 7. Worth a visit.

The Maggies - Oct 16th in #Hamont

I've been nominated. Don't stand a chance of winning, such great talent on deck. 

But nice to be 'in the running' ....
https://www.thespec.com/events/4900294--1st-annual-hamilton-independent-med/
 

ENGRAVED: Canadian Stories of WW1 - LAUNCH Oct 20th

Thrilled to be one of 20 authors in this timely collection of World War One. My tale is fictional, but it still addresses the never-ending horrors of war. Seen through the life and experience of children, my short story tells what is seldom told ...Also delighted to learn that my story is the 'closing story' of the collection.  It is a place of honor.

Pick up a copy via Different Drummer in Burlington 

or Bryan Prince in Hamilton, 

or order via Seraphim's distributor, The Book Band.

For other examples of my written works, please consider some of my photo-journalist items 

published in news blogs throughout the Golden Horseshoe Region of Southern Ontario, Canada.

Made By Hand, Oct 18th/19th, 2014, Mississauga

 

Hey all, a few of my mid-size acrylic paintings & a few smaller 'White Out' photo works 

will be FOR SALE, at show-stopping prices! ( via vendor Original Art Shoppe  )

 at this wonderful Made By Hand Fall Show... 

Follow hashtag - #MadeByHandShow

Showcasing 150 Artisans: With a collection of over 150 curated exhibitors, a juried show that brings you thousands of quality handmade goods all under one roof. Featuring original artwork, baby/toys items, body care, local clothing designers, fashion accessories, wide assortments of handmade jewellery, photography, knitted items, pottery, paper goods, wood products and a range of gourmet goodies.

Dates: Saturday Oct 18, 2014 & Sunday Oct 19, 2014

Location: International Centre, Entrance 6

6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Show Hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Admission: Adults $7.00 (children 12 and under free)

 BUY TICKETS in advance ...  $7 for adults

with free re-entry (keep your wristband)

Sample of 'White Out' Photography by m.l.holton - 'Silk & Satin'