The “Perceptions” shows in Blyth and in St. Marys (I opened St. M last night )have given me a push for a new direction These solo shows were viewed by two small communities, mostly consisting of rural people who for Blyth, were seeing some theatre at the Blyth Festival and for my community where I live in St. Marys. I actually opened my own gallery in St. Marys so I’m sure that many of the people who came to the opening last night were friends who were here to support me.
I gave a tour to people who came in – I have my studio next door to my gallery. When I explained my work, there definitely was an appreciation. Abstract is not viewed as being very interesting here in rural Ontario. However, I do believe that I converted a few who can now look at abstract art with a fresh openness. I also had the opportunity to give a lesson using my art work to my assistant so that she can talk about my work to others when I’m not in the gallery.
My new direction – write my book on abstract art appreciation. I believe the legacy I can leave is knowledge. A quote that I enjoy defining abstraction is ” Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a compostion which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world”.
