St George Ave Artist Studio Group Show

The Saskatoon artist show and sale on Sunday November 27th, threw me off my neutral balance , by the very serious connections and disconnections I have been muddling through in exploring art and life . The show was not surprising, in that I'd expected to see some decent talent.. this based on the fact that I have known two of the participating Artists as my art instructors, so a positive expectation was harboring in the back of my mind long before I entered the first floor hall in a warehouse like long structure on George Ave. The Artist's hall is accessible through the back alley area with parking spaces. The Stairwell was narrow and when I finally arrived on the Artists' floor I felt lighter in a brightly lit hall with a centre aisle busy with people, as they moved through the 10 or so Artists areas. It was the combination of electric brightness,large windows on long sides, and all that exposed canvas with forms colors and  lines and the hum of excitement that really brought me out of myself. The Paintings and sculpted pieces gave me a feeling of oneness with the environment and  simultaneously answered and raised questions about essence and form... the same questions I've been trying to ..muddle through and re - reading ( currently) Tom McCarthy's novel Remainder has not helped.
Here are the 8  of the 10 Artists from St George Avenue Studio.... in no particular order:
Note: Two artists, Amira Wasfy and Gale Hagblom from studio group are not included here. I do plan to include them in an updated piece later on.

Jane Harington
I did not get a chance to chat with Jane, who paints with  supreme confidence  the rich, vibrant foliage and flowers. I did check out Jane's website www.Janeharington.ca and was blown away with the colors and textures. There is a freshness to her style I'd like to incorporate in my work.

Peter MacMahon
Peter had several pieces on display and was busy packing a piece he had just sold. Unassuming and a ready easy smile on his face he posed for the photograph. I got the sense that he loves the pieces but is disinclined to show dominance .

Carol Wylie
What was amazing was the size of Carol's canvases. I have taken several art classes instructed by Carol. Truth be told I became serious about painting/ drawing after taking that first drawing course taught by Carol. What a boost of confidence that was. Carol's figurative work is powerful, absorbing and provocative. I plan to take a closer and longer look at Carol and Degen's work.  Check out Her drawings on her website  http://carwylie.sasktelwebsite.net

Jan Corcoran
Check out Jan's website website www.Jancorcoran.com and read her artist statement. It was a playful joyous feeling to be near her paintings. I absolutely for once felt happy.
"Abstraction through the medium of paint, line, form and colour is to put in order the chaos of everyday memories, imaginations and observations.— Jan Corcoran

Degen Lindner
At  USCAD, I learned  quiet a lot from Degen and a huge part was to trust myself.  As we progressed through the courses together, me seeking, wanting and waiting for approval or a hint that she liked what I was doing, Degen the forever effervescent instructor would come by and look over my shoulder at my canvas  or drawing and saunter off without a nod . This made me try harder initially..but I soon discovered that by not expecting anything, I soon got absorbed into my work and ended up completing some nice pieces and trusting my instincts.When Degen did comment,  it would be to nudge ever so gently . It is that minimalist detail I liked in some the pieces that I viewed at the show. Degen,s work reaches. It provokes deep feelings. You can view more of Degen's work at www.rougegallery.ca

Bridget Aitken
bridget.finearts@gmail.com
The versatile Bridget is a member of  The Prairie Sculptors' Association and
the MIX Artists' Collective. Her work is also displayed at the MIX 
and Delmar Gallery. Check out Bridget's exhibit at Saskatchewan Equine Expo
from Feb. 17 - 19 at Prairieland Park. I intend to.

Miranda Jones
A versatile artist with a joi de vivre. I met Miranda at a social function several months ago. We chatted a bit and soon i learned that she was in fact a Renaissance woman. She  is serious about all types of art. I loved the piece she is holding in the photograph above. Saskatchewan Craft Council has a fantastic write up on her by Collin Wallace.   www.saskcraftcouncil.org/memb-prod/profiles/miranda-j More of Miranda's work on:
www.nouveaugallery.com

Nicki Ault nickiault.blogspot.com
I had met Nicki as she was sketching on the bank of north Saskatchewan river, last summer. We chatted for a few minutes and she gave me her card. I hadn't had a chance to look at her blog, but remembered her. It was busy in her Studio space at the St George show.  I invite you to check out her blog and slide show of her paintings at nickiault.blogspot.com



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