So, I’m back after six nights away on a road trip (was it only six nights???). It was pretty wonderful! I had three opportunities to get an art fix during the trip and I sucked it all up. The primary reason for our getaway was to visit Cam’s step daughter, artist Asha Robertson, in Kimberly. Since we were going, I wanted to take the opportunity to visit SOPA Fine Arts Gallery in Kelowna and the Kootenay Art Gallery in Castlegar. I was also able to see some of Asha’s current (and older) work.

 

 

The Landscape

 

The changing landscape was mesmerizing and a piece of art itself. I took my art supplies with me hoping to capture some of it in pastel but there was pretty much no chance to sit and paint. The one time there was, Cam and I took a hike instead which was much needed after all those hours sitting in the car.

So here’s a brief a overview of the gorgeous landscape. As you can see, we were lucky enough to have mostly sunny weather. I took photos when I wasn’t driving but when I was, well let’s just say there are photographic gaps!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The art fix

 

So let’s have a look at my art fix.  First there was SOPA Fine Arts Gallery in Kelowna. I wanted to go there primarily to see the work of Jylian Gustlin, a Bay area artist whose work I discovered a year or so ago. Although there were only two pieces in the gallery, I was thrilled to see her work in the ‘real’! What surprised me was that all the paintings are coated with resin giving them a shiny finish. Apparently this is how she presents her work but I would have liked to have seen the messiness of the paint and all the layering more closely. I am inspired by her use of colour and the art process of layering and scraping away. Seeing her work, I realized I could combine abstraction with the figure. I am finding my way slowly! Here are the two examples of Jylian’s work in the gallery:

 

 

I also got my art fix from a few pieces by other artists:

 

 

I didn’t take photos of Asha’s work (there was one I absolutely loved and DO wish I had a photo of it!) but here are a couple of examples I found on the Second Gallery website. I am inspired by her painting. Hey, more art fix!!

 

 

 

 

Asha also creates sculptural pieces which I know can be seen at Gallery 8 on Salt Spring Island.

 

I loved seeing the exhibition at the Kootenay Gallery. Called Inner and Outer Landscapes, it included the work of Nadine Stefan and Tanya Pixie Johnson. Unfortunately photography was not allowed in the gallery but I have included the cover of the brochure. You can get more of an idea of what they do by going to their websites (click on their names). While there, I had the pleasure of meeting the executive director Val Field who is the sister of my artist friend Bly Kaye.

 

 

And I think that’s it! I am getting back into my studio and taking what I have absorbed and seeing what comes from it all. I’ll keep you posted.

 

And since as I write it’s International Literacy Day (8 September), I’ll include a book I have really enjoyed reading –   Woefield Poultry Collective by Susan Juby. I’m recommending it to everyone!!

 

I’d love to hear from you. Just click on the title of this post which will take you to my website where you can leave a comment. And please, feel free to share this blog with those who may enjoy it. Simple click on the ‘share’ button below.

 

Thanks for being here,

 

~Gail

 

PS. About not having my computer on the trip….I was starved for it the first day and then got along without it just fine for the rest of the trip. It was almost a relief not having to check email!