Opening: RMG Fridays, November 4, 7-10pm
Artist Talk: November 6, 1-3pm
Drawing to Music Workshops: November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1-3pm
In this particular exhibition I propose to explore the ideas that are related between the seen and the unseen.
I love classical music, but I guess you can use whatever genre you prefer. I have been visually impaired for over 23 years of my life. It is hard to explain it to others if they don’t have similar disabilities themselves that they can refer to. As a result of that, I start of by blindfolding myself before I turn on the music. I start making lines on paper with both of my hands; different pencil crayon colour in each hand. I move my hands to the music or the fillings that they make me “feel”. Once the music stops the blindfold comes off, and then I move to next step.
At this stage I start applying colour to the line drawing. The colour is chosen depending on the piece. If it is a more upbeat number, I will chose more vivid colours. If it is more relaxing piece I will choose cooler tones to be added to the piece. The way the colours are applied is dependent on the original drawing underneath. I randomly select sections that I feel need some extra emphasis put on them.
In this residency I am not only proposing doing these drawings, but also framing them. They will all have the same style frame, so the outside will not influence the actual work.
I am hoping that this will inspire people that anything is possible.
Artist’s Biography:
Ilija Blanusa is a professional sculptor. He received his undergraduate degree in sculpture/installation from Ontario College of Art in 1991, with honors. He was fortunate enough to receive the scholarship for continuing studies, which made it possible for him to pursue his studies in the USA. He continued with his studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where he received his Masters of Fine Art degree in sculpture in 1993.
Blanusa has had over 100 group shows and 6 solo shows in his career. His first show was in 1990 while still attending school. While studying in the USA he was fortunate enough to have ten group exhibits. He has won numerous awards, which includes a best in show from Station Gallery in Whitby, once in 2007 and once again in 2013. He has also won Ontario Arts Council Grants for emerging in 1993 and mid-career in 2009.
His studio practice is based in Oshawa, where he continues to sculpt, paint, draw and work on his photo based works.