I’m writing this on the morning of June 30, 2017, just a few hours before our next Art Opening here at Shavasana Gallery. For the next 6 weeks I’ll be showcasing the talents of Terrill Welch, one of Mayne Islands’ pre-eminent landscape oil painters. Terrill and I hung the show a couple of days ago – a relatively painless and fun hanging session – so I’ve had a couple of days to enjoy Terrill’s work prior to today’s show.

This is a Solo Exhibition, and is called “West to East Coast Canadian Landscapes in Paint” and will be running until August 13.  Although her brush is often busy capturing the beauty of the region in which we live, the  “mysterious and rugged southwest coast around her home on Mayne Island B.C.” she has also captured stunning vistas  from her travels to the east coast of Canada, Europe and the United States. The current show comprises local and Maritime land & seascapes.

Here are a few words from Terrill about her artistic process…..

………….”Stripping away the human illusion of our separation from nature is at the core of my work. This illusion extends to a presumption of a separation between land, water and sky. I explore the interdependency of these natural elements. These works reflect the surrounding landscapes. The brushstrokes render the light, shadow, movement, smells, sounds and emotions I am experiencing as I paint. The resulting paintings are my complete sensory experience, expressed.The work is an invitation to join me in exploring the relationship between the innate elements of our environment and ourselves. My intention is for the viewers to find themselves within the landscapes as I have – filled with curiosity, wonder and discovery.”

Here is a little walkthrough of Terrill’s show just prior to the Opening:

Though locally appreciated, Terrill’s work is internationally collected.  Her paintings can be found in the homes of art collectors throughout Canada and the United States as well as in Australia, England, France, Italy, Norway and Switzerland. As well, her work is in collections that also include such renowned Canadian landscape painters as Emily Carr, A.Y. Jackson and Lawren Harris.

It’s a glorious day here in the Gulf Islands, lots going on this weekend in honour of Canada Day tomorrow. I feel fortunate to be able to gaze out the window at the same vistas that Terrill Welch has captured – so beautifully – on canvas…