MARA KORKOLA | MAR PACIFICO JULY 8, AUGUST 5, 2023 MAR PACIFICO ∼ peaceful sea In 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, in the employ of Spain, began a journey across the Atlantic Ocean to seek a western route to the Spice Islands via South America. After braving perilous seas and navigating through what are now known as the Straits of Magellan, his small fleet entered an unfamiliar ocean in November 1520. He called this body of water [...]
GILLIAN RICHARDS LANDSCAPE ABSTRACTIONS JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 4, 2023 Gillian Richards was the first artist we featured in our Artist Spotlight Series which began in 2020. We catch up with Gillian in her studio to talk about new developments in her urban landscape paintings. In these new small abstracts Richards explores colour relationships using collaged cut-outs which she layers over the painted image. The cut-outs are made up of what she calls "odd" colours of [...]
LESLEY FINLAYSON "REFLECT" SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 These drawings and paintings were developed during the spring of 2022. They began with a trip to Yellow Point on Vancouver Island in February. Drawing conditions were not ideal for sustained periods, but the cold and logistical awkwardness contributed to a focus and intensity I really enjoy. - LF LESLEY FINLAYSON REFLECT #1 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 40" x 48" [...]
RUBEENA RATCLIFFE New Abstract Paintings JUNE 4 - 25, 2022 Reception: Thursday June 9th, 5 - 7 pm. Rubeena Ratcliffe's new abstract paintings follow a similar approach: a refined use of colour and spiritual aspects, both philosophical and pictorial. The titles are taken from children’s books and the collection is titled ‘Blub Bluuub Bluuuuuuub’. RUBEENA RATCLIFFE HERE COMES THE CAT ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 72" X 48" [...]
MARA KORKOLA: SMALL PAINTINGS MARCH 24 - APRIL 16, 2022 Mara Korkola's captivating works compress worlds of information into small intimate oil paintings. The featured sunset paintings are based on photographs taken from hiking trips along the west coast of British Columbia. The intimate night paintings are based on photographs taken from evening walks through tree-lined streets of Vancouver neighbourhoods. MARA KORKOLA NP 480 OIL ON ALUMINUM [...]
Why does someone become an artist? It's a big question that can yield seemingly inconsequential answers. Sometimes, it all comes down to a childhood chance encounter — stumbling across a comic strip, attending an art exhibition for the first time or an emergency trip to the hospital. I asked Rubeena Ratcliffe to tell me about the early art memories that inspired her desire to create and set her on her career path. [...]
Elissa Cristall is pleased to present our Artist Spotlight interview with Toronto-based artist Mara Korkola. In conversations and email over two months in 2021, Mara spoke to me about her path to contemporary art making and the curiosity that continues to drive her work. Korkola's captivating works compress worlds of information into small intimate oil paintings. The interplay between the landscape and the light is perhaps what excites Korkola most, prompting buttery brushstrokes in electric colour. [...]
We delve into the meticulous three dimensional cast resin sculptures by Halifax artist Jessica Korderas. Film is a major inspiration for Korderas and we examine new work based on her recent discovery of 1970's genre of Italian movies called "Giallo”. Can you tell me about the process of making your work? I have been developing my unique methods of working with acrylic resin for over 15 years creating pieces so clear [...]
