Step into a state of Serenity with Twist! This mixed-media exhibit incorporates both photography and breathtaking landscape artwork while depicting the essence of nature.
Serena West
Question: What do you specifically do to capture the natural atmosphere of Canadian landscapes?
I love spending time outdoors, embracing all the seasons Muskoka offers. As my family and I explore the incredible spaces near our home and during our travels across Canada, I'm constantly capturing photos. These inevitably find their way into my paintings and hold special meaning because they bring me back to the special memories and time spent with family and friends.
Question: What inspired you in Muskoka to create artwork based on the natural landscapes there?
There are so many hidden gems around the area. Just when I think I’ve seen all of the beautiful spots, I am told about new places I haven’t yet explored. With lakes, forests, trails, waterfalls, and lookouts the sources of beauty are endless. Because I gain such peace and serenity when I am in nature, I feel inspired to share these moments and memories with my viewers so that they too can bring their memories of nature’s wild places home.
Question: How does the acrylic paint capture the sense of movement in your work?
I began my painting journey using mostly oil paints but have recently switched to acrylics because they dry much quicker and are easier to work back into right away. My art explores the interplay between positive spaces, such as trees, and negative spaces, like the areas surrounding them. Acrylics allow me to paint my first layers with expressive brushstrokes capturing the movement of the trees, wind, clouds and water, and then work right back in around those with my second layers as soon as I wish, thanks to the rapid drying of the initial layers. They also encourage me to work quickly and expressively which I think gives each piece a feeling of vibrancy and life, thus capturing the essence of the outdoors.
Question: What advice would you give an aspiring young artist?
I would encourage aspiring artists to play a lot. It’s in this process of letting go and experimenting with mediums and subject matter where we begin to find our voice, and a path that lights us up allowing us to stay true to ourselves. Another thing that helps with a growth journey is to create a lot of smaller pieces early on. This approach accelerates the learning and development curve, facilitating a smoother transition to larger works with a solid foundation of practice and skills already in place. Additionally, putting yourself out there and making connections with other artists and art enthusiasts also provides priceless sources of support, feedback, and opportunities for collaboration. And finally and most importantly, have fun! There will inevitably be ups and downs, but each piece you create is a reflection of your journey and your identity as an artist - and that is a beautiful thing.
John Gorchinsky
Question: What inspired you to get into landscape photography?
I was inspired to get into landscape photography 6 years ago, when I bought my first DSLR camera. Growing up in northern Ontario, I have always admired the landscape of this beautiful province. I remember a Grade 13 Geography field trip to Tobermory and taking a great picture of the Grotto on an inexpensive disposable film camera. Since then, I have always been captivated with landscape photography.
Question: When taking photos, where is your favourite place you have explored? And why?
My favourite place to explore for taking photos is, by far, the Algonquin Park area. Algonquin Park is such a vast environment that you could visit and photograph and never get the same photo twice. As you travel along Highway 60, from the west gate to the east gate, there is even a noticeable change in the vegetation, offering so many exciting landscape photo opportunities.
Question : What is the key to capturing the beauty of landscape in photography?
I don’t believe there is a specific key to capturing the beauty of a landscape in photography. Sure, there is composition, light, colour and mood. But, I think “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. It is subjective. One landscape photo might be beautiful to one and not so agreeable to another.
Question : What are you most excited for during the Serene Exhibit?
I am most excited to see my work actually printed and hung on the wall at the Serene Exhibit. I am looking forward to my family and friends viewing my work on display at the opening reception.
Jesse Frybot
Question: What inspired you to start photography?
A lot of my inspiration came from YouTube and Instagram. Seeing these photographers and video creators share their journey and work really encouraged me to want to do the same.
Question: What advice would you give someone just starting out in photography?
Find people who inspire you and build community with other photographers. I have met a lot of amazingly talented people who's work motivated me to push beyond my creative boundaries.
Question: How is landscape photography different from other types of photography?
Landscape photography has always taken me to destinations beyond the backdrops and lighting. I would say it's different in that it makes you want to travel and capture a corner of the world you feel should be shared.
Question : What would be your dream landscape to photograph?
I'd really like to photograph Iceland. It's a place that has interested me for a while and I plan on making a trip out there in the future.
Katherine Muir Miller
Question: What elements are important for you to capture when painting your pieces?
The elements that are important to me are whatever I decide I want to Stand in the landscape. I will focus in on a certain focal point and want to bring that to the viewers attention . It’s a decision I choose before even starting the painting of what I want to capture in each particular scene.
Question: In your biography you spoke about colour being a driving force in your paintings, why is that?
Colour is by far my most driving force . I call myself both realism and impressionistic in nature.
My paintings are of a certain place in Canada and when there is a connection from a viewer in recognizing it, it brings great joy.. that is is the realistic portion. I like to bring the place (subject matter ) to life by using color. , by my impression . I decide on the season it will be, I see a palette of vibrant color and I paint it. I like to think outside the box in life and through my art. I therefore often mix colors one would not often think of , making it work and come together. I love color , I prepare all my colors for each painting before I even start the painting . I visualize it all on the canvas and become so excited about this process . I will sometimes spend 8!hours making color .
Question: What advice would you give to an artist who wants to capture the beauty of a Canadian landscape?
Capturing the beauty to me, is taking it all in, then cropping it, zooming in, imagining, and focusing on what your subject matter is first and foremost.
That is what I paint first
I paint my sky last because once the subject matter is done, it navigates to much exploration out in the sky.
Question : What inspired you to start your painting journey?
It was just an outlet at first , but I loved it. It was a second career for me being an ER nurse first. I kept very active in life (hockey, skiing , canoeing etc) and was always outdoors with my five kids. Through various teachers and mentors , I became obsessed , throwing away painting after painting at first as I was never happy. Then as I started to accomplish a sense of content and accomplishment I started to take my time. Ones encouraged by teachers to consider pursuing this new found talent . Once I believed in myself , my passion became reality. I finally opened my own gallery. So basically, I’m inspired by Canada, its seasons , its changes and vast landscape
Celina Melo
Question: How does your artwork step into a state of serenity?
When I am at the water’s edge I am instantly calmed. Even the energetic ferocity of the water and sky on a windy day performs a type of therapy for me. Through my art, I aim to share with the viewer a similar state of serenity.
Question: Most of your work is based on the dynamic qualities of water, what specifically draws you to the element?
Water is a life-giving source. Its symbolism and its universal soothing quality are connected to being in the womb. This connection, however, is subconscious. I’ve always been drawn to the water, even as a child. As an artist, I have become intrigued by its ability to change colour, direction, and energy in a moment. I am enamored by its reflection of the sky and surroundings. As a result, I feel compelled to translate that dynamism through my mixed media use and imagery, specifically by using modeling paste to create energetic surfaces and pouring medium to produce a reflective sheen.
Question : What advice would you give a young and aspiring artist?
Don’t be afraid of constructive feedback. You can’t grow without it. Apply to as many shows and calls. And if you are rejected, ask to have an interview to review your portfolio… and listen to their advice. Grow, grow, grow… but don’t lose your voice. Just fine tune what you have to say.
Question : Describe your creative process when working on a piece.
Photographing when inspiration hits is always my starting point. When shooting, I consider how I might be able to incorporate the texture of modeling paste, cheesecloth and pouring medium into the composition.
I start my paintings with a delicate contour drawing that I use as a guide. I build up my textural surface using modeling paste and cheesecloth applied with dynamic gestures that emulate the energy of the water and sky. I paint the imagery using acrylics. I then use tinted pouring medium as a final step, where I pour pools and gestural drips across the canvas to create a reflective surface that plays on the interaction between light and water.
Sarah Mattinson
Question: What makes your artwork different from other artists in the serene exhibit?
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Question: In your artist statement, you state landscapes, cityscapes, and animals are your favourite subjects. Why is that?
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Question: Why do you use acrylic paint as your art medium?
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Question: What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
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Jeet Kumar
Question : What inspired you to get into photography?
I wanted to record scenes that people would not ordinarily notice. There are so many familiar images out there of the same locations photographed over and over again; I suppose I wanted to prove that it is just as possible to create something magical from somewhere close to home.
Question : What influences you to edit your photography to be black and white?
Form, texture, and light creates mood, emotion, and feeling. For me this is only possible when a photograph is stripped of colour; bright, saturated colours distract the viewer's attention from the message that I'm trying to convey. I also like the challenge of trying to create a compelling, eye-catching photograph from grey tones alone.
Question: If you could photograph anywhere in the world, what would your dream place be?
The Scottish Highlands and Islands. There are more lone trees than I could possibly wish for.
Question: In your biography you spoke about photography being ‘an ideal way of slowing down the pace of modern life.’ How do you specifically capture that in your work?
The photographs that I take require a lot of patience. I often have to wait for the light to change, or for the clouds to move across the sky to provide the right backdrop for the landscape. Sometimes I have to return to the same location over and over again, just to make sure I have the conditions that I'm looking for or to exhaust all the possibilities. I would not be able to do this unless I made a conscious effort to switch from my active working life to taking a slower, more contemplative perspective on the world. Taking these kinds of photographs also forces you to pay attention to the unchanging rhythms of life, such as the sun's passage across the sky each day, and the changing of the seasons.
Daniel Ross
Question : Why do you use oil paint as your preferred art medium?
Why oil... I paint with oil as it allows me to be flexible, rework and the time and patience to do so. Also the tactile nature and richness of it as well.
Question: What mood and undertones do you focus on capturing when creating your artwork?
Moods and undertones are an exploratory retelling and regaining a somewhat sombre experience and bringing it light if possible.
Question: What is your favourite part of the creative process when creating an art piece?
My favourite part of the creative process is the chance to bring a visual to my story and the playing with the materials to get there.
Question : What advice would you give a young aspiring artist?
My advice is simple for a young artist...stick with it, be true to your vision when its not received and keep ploughing the field everyday!.
Come visit the captivating collection of Serene. Our Exhibit will be running from February 2nd to March 30th, 2024. The Opening Reception will be held February 8th from 6pm - 9pm.
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