Meet Elizabeth "Ela" Szymczak!

Our exhibit, Energy, has a special place in Ela’s heart, quite literally. She started painting late last year after suffering a heart attack at 48 years old. This event jolted her onto a new life trajectory that includes a special focus on art. 

Ela’s Heart

She bravely took fear from this traumatic experience and used it to facilitate a new love and appreciation for life. For her, energy translates to life. While inspiration sometimes comes to her in dreams, her paintings always exude pure, raw emotion. 

“Catharsis” acrylic on canvas (30”x 40”) $750

While she hates talking about herself, her art does the speaking for her. Her piece, “Catharsis” illustrates a purge from repressed emotions and the subsequent relief created through this expression. The deep yet bright red oscillating lines seem to call to the lines created on a heart rate monitor. This new heartbeat is painted over the dark background, representing the new life created out of trauma. The thick textures create dimension, making the piece come to life, much like she did. It hangs on the wall with her other works seemingly radiating from it and creates a storyboard on the gallery wall for her experiences.

“Energy to me is life. All my paintings are driven by pure emotion. Some have come to me in dreams. I really don’t know how else to explain it. It’s raw emotion.”

- Elizabeth “Ela” Szymczak

Energy at Twist

Don’t miss this rest of this amazing collection! Be sure to visit Twist at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest exhibits. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.

You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.

And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.

To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.

Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!

Art: How it Benefits Everyone

Written by Aleksandra Kaliszuk

Art is good for you! Yes, you read that right. The process of creating or experiencing art, whether it be a painting, music, writing, you name it, has positive benefits on one’s psychological well being! Engaging in a creative activity will result in ample health benefits.

Distraction From Everyday Life

Art is a great way to get distracted from that crazy daily routine. We are all constantly bombarded with information and notifications. Taking a moment (or two) to slow down and create something is a great way to unwind and get distracted from all those responsibilities and tasks you've been thinking about all day.

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Stress Relief

Its no secret as to why art and creativity are used as a form of therapy. Research has shown that the right kind of art can affect a hospital patients’ well being by stimulating their brain, taking their mind off their worries and decreasing their stress levels! Art is a form of meditation, and is used to nonverbally express emotions. So yes, go buy yourself that adult colouring book you were eyeing!

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Sense of Accomplishment

Creating something, anything, will trigger an individual’s sense of accomplishment. Feeling accomplished, could result in an increase in self esteem and happiness. Be proud of what you create!

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Problem Solving

By creating art, you challenge your imagination and ability to continue working on a project, making mistakes and facing potential obstacles. This can promote personal growth and problem solving skills which can be reflected in various situations in your life.

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Critical Thinking

Creating and experiencing art can help develop critical thinking skills that can be applied in all areas of one’s life. A recent study at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Northwest Arkansas found that students that were taken to the museum improved their ability to think critically! Other benefits of visiting the museum included historical empathy and a sparked interest in art museums.

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There is evidently a relationship between creativity, individual development and healing. So create something beautiful or visit a gallery… Art is for everyone!

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