Ray Mead: Abstraction Through Line

In 1999, the estate of Painters Eleven member Ray Mead gifted the RMG a collection of over 500 drawings. In 2014, the RMG received a grant through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage to properly house and digitize the collection and now it is accessible to the public, in its entirety, through the RMG’s on-line database. 

Ray Mead was born in Watford, England and studied at the Slade School of Art under Augustus John, Paul Nash and Ben Nicholson. During WWII, he moved to New York where he trained bomber pilots and had his first exposure to semi-abstract American painting. In 1946 he moved to Hamilton, where he befriended Hortense Gordon, who would also become a member of Painters Eleven.

With the cross-pollination of ideas within Painters Eleven, Mead’s work was liberated from previous formalism, becoming both more lyrical and painterly. In 1958, Mead moved to Montreal, and became associated, through his gallerist Denyse Delrue, with Quebec abstractionists Guido Molinari and Claude Tousignant. His later work became more simplified, relying on line and flat areas of colour.

The drawings from the estate collection range from portrait and figure sketches to abstract works. The latter include sheets with notations that indicate that they are sketches to eventually become finished paintings, and drawings that are seen as complete in themselves. This exhibition focuses on Mead’s abstract drawings: the quick lines and the simple gestures that reveal both a mastery of the medium, as well as confidence that is shown through both the most minimal and complex of compositions. 

Join us for RMG Fridays: Holiday Magic on December 4 and learn more about Ray Mead with a curatorial tour!

[calendar title=”RMG Fridays: Holiday Magic” description=”” start=”December 4, 7:00pm” end=”December 4, 10:00pm”]

Mike Drolet: Equipoise

As the artist’s first solo exhibition, Equipoise is the continuation of research from the artist into the theme of precarious balance. The expression of balance is done through simple forms that use hard lines to dictate space and add fragility to some of the most structurally sound of materials. This method of precariousness balance allows for structures that appear sturdy to be delicate and become structures of observation not of function. Every piece within the exhibition uses very little adhesives and instead relies on element of construction, weight distribution, and the properties of materials to maintain a calculated composition.

The title Equipoise is defined as 1: a state of equilibrium, 2: Counterbalance. The term Equipoise for a title is therefore not only applicable to encompass the theme of precarious balance but also the works individually. The works are presented in such a way that they achieve a state of Equipoise.

The idea of balance is a predominant theme in many aspects of life. It was Michael’s hope to draw attention to these processes and show that independent objects can work together to produce a functioning whole; one that could not exist if even one element was missing

Please visit Michael and discuss his project!
Artist’s ArtLab Studio Hours:
Monday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm

Join Michael for an Artist Talk and Reception on December 6 at 1pm and learn more about his work!

[calendar title=”Michael Drolet Artist Talk” description=”” start=”December 6, 1:00pm” end=”December 6, 3:00pm”]

Michael Drolet is an emerging artist from Whitby, Ontario who recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Ottawa, where he specialized in sculpture. Mike’s current work maintains influences of geometrical shapes, methods of construction and spatial relationships that all cohesively work to produce comments on abstraction. He explores new avenues of expression, concepts and techniques, sourced from architecture, philosophy, and science.

During the residency as well as an exhibition, he will focus on sculptural abstraction and precarious balance. This method of precariousness balance is informed by Mike’s background in construction, allowing him to create structures that appear sturdy to be delicate. The works themselves do not use adhesives to maintain their upright composure but instead rely on the proper distribution of weight and synergy of elements within the structures themselves. The intention is to draw attention to these processes and show that many independent objects can work together to produce a functioning complete object. The idea of balance is a predominant theme in many aspects of life and a subject Mike continues to investigate.

This residency allows for the public to view the process in creating objects that seem to defy gravity. Mike wishes to expose and bring forth more inspiration to sculptors that may visit the gallery during his residency that live in Durham Region. For more information, please visit www.michaeldrolet.ca

Exploring Art Through Fibre: Rita Benson, Cathy Brownson, Karen Menzies, Rosemary Oliver and Marilyn Whitbread

This exhibition of fibre art by five local artists is a sample of its many forms. These original works, some of which have been displayed in the Annual Oshawa Fibre Art Show, held each November, range from traditional to contemporary. Through the use of fibres such as wool, cotton, silk, paper and linen, each artist expresses emotions and feelings, through colour, texture and dimension, in many varied ways.

Rita Benson captures life’s experiences through the use of fibre, texture and form. Cathy Brownson is inspired by the beauty of nature that surrounds her, depicting local parks and gardens. Karen Menzies uses a variety of fibres in her contemporary designs and fashion pieces. Rosemary Oliver’s work shows her concern for the environment by combining science to draw attention to species at risk. Marilyn Whitbread finds the tactile and reflective qualities of silk in its many forms, enables her to express the beauty of nature through landscape and the changing seasons.

Fibre art has a tactile appeal: two dimensionally it resembles a painting, and three dimensionally it becomes sculptural. Each artist expresses their ideas and individuality through the use of fabric, fibre, threads, paints and more. Through this exhibition the artists hope to impart an enriched appreciation about fibre art and their excitement about the medium.

Artist Biographies:

Rita Benson

Rita Benson is an individual and family therapist who has been working with fibre art since 2009. Her work began with fabricating nests and needle felting small animals and figures. She now works with wet felting tapestries and vessels, while sometimes further embellishing with hand beading. She enjoys exploring combinations of colour, texture and form in her pieces which are designed to capture and symbolize life’s elements and experiences.

Rita Benson has had work juried into the Oshawa Fibre Art Show, the Tour de Forest Studio Tour in Haliburton, the “Art in the Fields” Show at South Pond Farms, and in the past she was a member of the Maple Lake Artisan Collective. Rita also teaches and personally works with the processes of SoulCollage® and art journaling as other forms of personal, spiritual and artistic exploration.

Cathy Brownson

Creative expression has always been central to her life, nurtured in the home and throughout her schooling. Cathy Brownson grew up in Oshawa during a period of carefully developed art programming that spanned from kindergarten to grade thirteen and gave her all the foundational elements of drawing. Up until the last few years, Cathy felt that she took that artistic grounding for granted. For her it was just “normal” to draw her own design for a project, to make greeting cards, do a series of paper weaving, or design an applique piece. In 2009-2012, Cathy Brownson studied under Margaret Ferrero, MPAC, at the Haliburton School of Arts and 2013-2014 acrylic courses with Al Van Mil at the Haliburton School of Arts. Cathy has exhibited her work in the Oshawa Annual Fibre Arts Shows, Oshawa Art Association Juried Art Exhibitions as well as Art and Culture in the Hall in Oshawa’s City Hall.

Karen Menzies

Karen Menzies began sewing life by making clothing and home decorative items.  For the past 34 years she has focused on quilting – for beds, walls, tables – and on applying quilting techniques to clothing and accessories.  Once a traditional handquilter, she now produces most of her work by machine using natural materials though she undertakes some embellishments by hand.

Taking and teaching workshops provides exposure to new and innovative techniques and memberships in art groups of like-minded individuals keep the creative juices flowing.

Karen shares her knowledge through lectures, trunk shows, workshops, and judging quilt shows.

Rosemary Oliver
Rosemary was born in England and moved to Canada with her family in 1980. Her mother taught her to embroider as a child, she learned to sew on her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine and she took advanced level needlework at school. She recently retired from a career as an Occupational Therapist. She describes her Fibre Art as “painting with fabric, fibre and thread” and her inspirations often come from nature. She uses a variety of media to create her two and three dimensional pieces, such as hand embroidery, appliqué, felting, weaving, hand spinning, paper maché, fabric painting and hand and machine quilting. She was a featured artist at the Oshawa Fibre Art Show in 2012 and has been showcased in “Surfacing”. Her art spans the boundary of art and science and a number of her pieces have been exhibited in scientific and environmental venues.

She is creating connections with the Toronto Zoo, Ontario Nature and the Rouge Park, to increase public awareness about issues and concerns in nature through her art.

Marilyn Whitbread
A lifelong resident of Oshawa, Marilyn was inspired by her grandmother and mother to embellish fabric through embroidery. Inspired by nature she has used her embroidery skills to add 3 dimension to hand painted silk using silk ribbon, threads and silk fusion. Marilyn has studied watercolour, silk painting , silk dying, tapestry weaving at Haliburton School of the Arts, and England, as well as many other similar courses. Her work has appeared in the Canadian fibre magazine “A Needle Pulling Thread”.

She has won awards from The Station Gallery, Whitby. She is a member of the Oshawa Art Association and has participated in the Oshawa Art Association Shows at Camp Samac. A participant for six years, she has coordinated the Annual Oshawa Fibre Art Show for the past three. Her work will be on display at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery during the month of October 2015. Marilyn has taught silk fusion, silk painting, silk ribbon embroidery throughout Ontario. Her goal and enjoyment is to introduce young people to create through the ancient arts of silk fabric.

My Oshawa: Annual Seniors Juried Exhibition

For a number of years, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery has been proudly working with the Oshawa Senior Citizen Centre and Oshawa Public Libraries to present the Annual Seniors Juried Exhibition.

This year’s theme, “My Oshawa”, is intended to showcase artists’ newest work, touching on unique perspectives, memories and reflections on this city and its inhabitants.

The three winners:
Ken Norris, Bronze
Marion Beharrell, Silver
Angela Hennessey, Gold

 

Arbor Nimbus: Joseph Catalano and Matthew Catalano

This father/son exhibition features two generations of artists and juxtaposes traditional and digital painting. Oshawa painter Joseph Catalano explores the Canadian landscape through colour and form, filtered through a Modernist lens. His son, Matthew Catalano, works exclusively in digital mediums using a tablet and stylus. He takes a purely abstract approach utilizing a series of symbols and motifs.

Arbor Nimbus translates in Latin to “tree cloud”. The tree represents the landscape grounded in tradition and individuality, while the cloud symbolizes atmosphere and continuum. The work by these two artists intends to compliment and challenge each other while expanding and challenging the very notion of painting.

 

Motor City Stories: Karolina Baker, Dani Crosby, Joaquin Manay, Philip Nuttall

In partnership with the Motor City Boxing Club, the RMG has invited regional artists to produce new works inspired by the sport of boxing. Selected artists were invited to visit the Motor City Boxing Club (Oshawa), observe athletes in training, work in situ at the club and produce new work based on their observations.

Participating Artists:

It was an accidental visit to the Venice Biennial in 2001 that stirred Karolina Baker to make art. She studied sculpture, time based media and modern art at York University and holds a bachelor degree in Canadian Studies and Political Science from Carleton University. Karolina is an interdisciplinary artist who works in various media: installation, photography, printmaking, video, and written word. Karolina is thrilled to uncover patterns and minuscule experiences and elevate them to noticeability. Karolina is motivated by artists Janet Cardiff, Douglas Coupland and Vera Frenkel.

 

Dani Crosby Illustrator, Fine Artist, and Art Instructor. With a body of work ranging from observational studies to imagined interpretive conceptual projects Dani works to capture personality and develop thoughtful narratives in her diverse fine art work. As an Illustrator Dani brings a highly organized, consistent, and punctual working style to her clients. Her goal is to visually captivate and emotionally involve her audience. Dani’s main areas of focus as a visual artist have been: fine art, editorial, art for albums, merchandise, images for web and devices, posters, logos and icons.

Dani is always looking forward to exploring new subject matter, experiencing with new media, challenging concepts, meeting new clients, nurturing on-going professional relationships, taking on new commissions, and creative adventures in general. Graduate of the Sheridan College BA Illustration Program, Dani believes visual art is powerful enough to change anything from a person’s perception of a brand to a person’s perception of the world at large.

 

Joaquin Manay is an emerging artist/beatboxer/performer, having graduated in April of 2013 from the Honours Visual Arts Program at Brock University. Manay moved from Uruguay to Canada in 2003. Manay’s paintings continually draw from remembrances of thought and emotion to evoke uneasy feelings in his audience. The artist draws inspiration from his constant surroundings, illustrations and master paintings – especially expressionist and surrealist works. Manay creates subtleties with his imagery that allow for works to relate to one another on formal and conceptual levels. He has worked as an Artist/Instructor with organizations such as The Station Gallery, Unity Charity, Turn-Around-Project and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He currently lives Oshawa.

Philip Nuttall is a young artist from Whitby, Ontario. He studied Sculpture at the Ontario College of Art and Design, and has worked in various aspects with his art, including local theatre and magic. He works with various mediums in both painting and sculpture, and is a member of the Kingsway Boxing Club.

Home to Home

Home To Home is an exhibition which is the result of two, day-long art-making workshops for New Canadians led by Durham College Fine Arts students in partnership with the RMG and Community Development Council of Durham. The over-aching theme of this project is the experience of migration, and how people in Durham Region have recently migrated to the area. The goal for the project was to explore how art can be a catalyst for a more welcoming and inclusive Durham.

During these art-making sessions participants created three main components which will make up the work in the exhibition.

   

HOME:

Participants were invited to create a 3-d representation of what “home” means to them. Using blank white houses (Milk cartons) participants filled the space with imagery from their original home, some representing their actual house, while others explored the scenery and symbolism. For display, these homes will be assembled into an installation, where the homes will be displayed in large open suitcases.

TO: (The journey)

A second component was a personal mapping activity where participants would draw on a map, each stop of their journey to Durham Region. These maps explore the complex and often long experience of migration and immigration.  These maps will be assembled into one large collective map in the exhibition, complete with each participants’ unique migration route.

   

HOME:

The third component was a drawing activity where participants were invited to depict what home means to them now. These drawings will be assembled into a large wall mosaic, which represents the collective community of New Canadians making home in Durham region.

 

Monique Ra Brent: The Painted Soul

We are born into this world a blank canvas, so large one could paint the entire universe onto it. This is your potential. Over time, various influences would like to take the brush out of your hand. Our families, our cultures, our society, or religions, and our education paint our souls. All of these brush strokes are valid, but it is up to you to decide what becomes a part of the under painting, and what you want your final masterpiece to look and feel like. So many of us allow our paintings to become what others would like to see. What is easy for them to look at is a painting that does not challenge the audience to reflect on their own works.

Here I say that the greatest pieces of art ever created were the ones that made some people uncomfortable; the ones that caused the audience to search for ways to relate.

I have a painted soul, and each of my sins, mistakes, and lessons add colour and brilliance to my experience. It is through these colours that I have learned to love.

I encourage everyone to wear colours proudly, and add to them as you see fit. The most incredible art often happens by mistake. As do the most incredible experiences in this life.

Join me for my experimental art residency and exhibit, where you can be there with me while I create, you can influence my art and be influenced by it. I will be examining the teachings of many ancient religions in order to disassemble the creation that is humanity, for the purpose of examining its elements. The audience is left with the choice of what elements they would like to keep, incorporate or paint over in their own work of art, that beautiful moment we call life. This will be a fully interactive creative platform, and you are all invited.

 

Lynne McIlvride: How a tornado turned into a cat – the unfolding of a long-winded metaphor

My tornado series began over two years ago as an expression of grief and vertigo when my marriage, home and workplace were pulled out from under me:

“Weather is such a powerful metaphor for human emotion. And that writhing weather monster, the tornado, is a particularly apt way of describing the trauma, the fury, the intensity of loss. It’s hard not to take a tornado personally: it gets to the point by narrowing down and strikes a specific spot. It comes out of the blue. We don’t know what hit us. We are caught in a whirlwind of emotion. Everything is up in the air. There is no emergency plan for these twists of fate.

To put a positive spin on it, a tornado (that snaking shape-shifter) is just energy. It makes a long-winded metaphor that lasts and lasts because it wrecks and then absorbs whatever it touches down on. What starts out as an emblem of emotional devastation contorts into an expression of fury and then is reborn as a metaphor for unstoppable creativity, play, and passion. Like the flowering cross, can it become a cornucopia? Blooming tornados! Elijah goes to heaven, Dorothy goes to Oz, one thing for certain is we are pulled out of our orbit and dropped in a different place, undone.”

The metaphor recently took a surprising twist and turned into my cat, “Twister” this past winter. Drawing him made no sense to me until I added colour to his tabby stripes and I realized he was a sleeping tornado, twisted in on himself, muscles ready to cause havoc. He was a tornado personified but also the answer to my stormy dilemma: a tornado symbolizes homelessness and a cat signifies home.

And then again there was a change in the air. Cats no longer sleeping but catapulted. The cat falls head-first fighting against the gravity of the situation but if it twists a certain way, it will land on its feet. The evolution of a metaphor appears to have been inevitable in hindsight but delightfully unexpected in real time.

Eric Rosser: Drip Show – the life and times of Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock is most famous for his enormous dripped paintings. These works were so outrageous in their time that they changed the course of modern art, opening up whole worlds of possibility, profoundly influencing a generation of painters including the Painters Eleven – so well represented in the RMG. Unfortunately for Pollock, his burst of genius was also his undoing and he struggled to find a way out, retreating to all black, partly figurative pieces in his last year of productivity.

I have taken up the technical challenge of painting with dripping paint to produce a biographical study of “Jack the Dripper”. Where Pollock used oil based enamels and lacquers, I’ve used acrylic house paint. Where Pollock added glass and sand and nails and cigarette butts, I have in some cases mixed the paint with ground stone to produce stucco. Where Pollock’s work is gestural and energetic, the demands of realism call for more precise and controlled dripping. I call it “inaction painting”- waiting for the drip to fall.

While the cast of supporting characters may need introduction to the uninitiated, I believe it comes through loud and clear that Pollock was a seriously flawed individual.

Eric Rosser – Artist Biography

Eric Rosser is a Whitby based, self-taught painter, house painter, carpenter, musician/songwriter, performer, cook and bon vivant. His brush technique and colour mixing skills continue to be honed by his colour-field work for residential clients, but his greater love is painting   pictures. In recent years he has produced a series of shows. Each has been radically different than the one preceding it; from a meditation on waves to an irreverent exploration of Picasso, from birds-eye views of New York to the life and times of Jackson Pollock, painted realistically, in drips. The journey continues as he is now learning fresco. Check out his website at www.ericrosser.com