Local artists bring the stunning and serene nature of Vancouver Island to life through the art exhibit 'Big, Bold, and Beautiful' which will run out of the third-floor gallery at the Cowichan Performing Arts from May 1 to June 27.
Painters Elissa Anthony, Kathryn Huse, Eileen Williamson, who all live in the Cowichan Valley, celebrate the beauty of island life through lush landscapes of Island beaches, Arbutus trees, as well as an abundance of both flowers and fauna.
"I’m thrilled to have Big, Bold, and Beautiful in the gallery this spring," said Laura Stephenson of the CVRD Arts and Culture Division. "These works feel alive with vibrancy and movement, complementing the lively and fun shows CPAC is hosting for our spring season."
All three women are established artists in both oils and acrylics with both formal training, and professional accolades tucked under their paintbrushes.
Anthony, who has been drawn to art since her school days, brings her lifelong passion to life through her new series of large-format floral paintings. Finding her inspiration through nature’s intricate imperfections her works pay tribute to the strength, beauty, and individuality of the women who have shaped her journey. When reflecting on the connection between her art and her subjects, she said that nature is not a perfectionist, but its every imperfection is perfect. Through her bold use of colour and serene compositions, Anthony invites viewers to experience the sense of calm and inner peace she feels while creating.
“For me, this series is a heartfelt tribute — a reflection of the women’s spirit through bold colours and serene compositions,” said Anthony.
Williamson, who lives in Nanaimo, calls painting her first love, and said she has been mucking about with colours since she was first old enough to hold a pencil, fondly remembering that one of her first public demonstrations was when she painted her baby brother’s face. Williamson, who has worked as a writer, muralist, set designer, illustrator, art instructor, photographer, darkroom technician and painter noted that her medium of choice is acrylics, but much of her recent work has evolved from plein air sketching. Armed with a backpack of art supplies when out and about she said she never knows what she might find on her walkabouts or what gems she might take back to her studio to work on later.
Huse, who lives in Chemainus, said she has been an avid sailor for more than 30 years. Surrounded by the Salish Seas, she finds the area an inspirational place to bring the oil paints out of hibernation. Finally reaching a point in her life where she had more time to paint for fun, she prefers to work with oils with subjects varying from pets to boats, landscapes, and ocean scapes, to unique items of interest; however, it is the garden of ripe tomatoes and pretty peppers that most come alive in her exhibition.
"With one-quarter Montagnais blood in my soul, I try to express my appreciation of the rich bounty of colour and beauty our land has to offer," said Huse. "I’m hoping our art lovers will feel the same."
The artists are eager to answer questions, and chat more about their style, and what inspires their work at the artist meet and greet which will take place inside the gallery on May 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
"Art lovers can expect a feel-good experience from attending this art show," said Stephenson. "These pieces offer up a bold joy, and a touch of wonder, in their tribute to coastal B.C. It truly is a perfect event for Mother’s Day Weekend."
