Blog

“Defining Chaos – Playing With Colour, Shape & Line”, acrylic Paintings by Elisabeth Jahren, June 16 – July 16

Shavasana Gallery & Café is very pleased to announce that Elisabeth Jahren will be gracing the walls of the gallery with her beautiful acrylic abstract paintings for the next month, from June 16 to July 16!

Elisabeth is truly a renaissance woman with her many talents and accomplishments. While most island residents will – no doubt – be aware of her contributions to our community as the island’s veterinarian, she is also an accomplished piano player and accordionist, performing regularly at island venues (and even recently in Italy! with violist, Chris Redsell).

I became aware of her considerable artistic abilities perhaps 4 or 5 years ago when I began to notice examples of her paintings being posted on Social Media. I was immediately taken with her creative imagery and imaginative style, making sophisticated use of colour, shape & concept. Since that initial viewing, and subsequent opportunities to see her work in person, I have been consistently impressed with the many pieces she has managed to produce. And now she’s bringing her work to Shavasana Gallery – Im thrilled!

Here are just a few examples of Elisabeth’s work. I love her ability to experiment with form and colour and expand her creative style. As of this writing I have not seen which paintings she’s bringing to the Gallery so these are just a few possibilities I’ve selected from Social Media. It’s going to be a surprise for me – and you!

We are having an Art Opening on Saturday June 17 from 7pm to 9pm, at Shavasana Gallery & Café, 457 Village Bay Road – Refreshments will be served. Please come and join us!🙏

ps. There’s a rumour that Elisabeth may also entertain the guests with a little piano interlude on the Blüthner, accompanied by Stephen Cropper 

The rumours were true! Elisabeth and operatic singer Stephen Cropper entertained the guests with three songs for piano and two for accordion.

Refreshments for the evening comprised appetizers made by Elisabeth’s friend Natela, and a fruit punch provide by Shavasana Gallery – here’s a look at some of the yummy offerings that the guests enjoyed

And a few more examples of Elisabeth’s gorgeous work

Art Opening! “Defining Chaos – playing with colour shape & Line”, with elisabeth Jahren, sat. june 17, 7 – 9pm,

Shavasana Gallery & Café is very pleased to announce that Elisabeth Jahren will be gracing the walls of the gallery with her beautiful acrylic abstract paintings for the next month, from June 16 to July 16!

Elisabeth is truly a renaissance woman with her many talents and accomplishments. While most island residents will – no doubt – be aware of her contributions to our community as the island’s veterinarian, she is also an accomplished piano player and accordionist, performing regularly at island venues (and even recently in Italy! with violist, Chris Redsell).

I became aware of her considerable artistic abilities perhaps 4 or 5 years ago when I began to notice examples of her paintings being posted on Social Media. I was immediately taken with her creative imagery and imaginative style, making sophisticated use of colour, shape & concept. Since that initial viewing, and subsequent opportunities to see her work in person, I have been consistently impressed with the many pieces she has managed to produce. And now she’s bringing her work to Shavasana Gallery – Im thrilled!

Here are just a few examples of Elisabeth’s work. I love her ability to experiment with form and colour and expand her creative style. As of this writing I have not seen which paintings she’s bringing to the Gallery so these are just a few possibilities I’ve selected from Social Media. It’s going to be a surprise for me – and you!

We are having an Art Opening on Saturday June 17 from 7pm to 9pm, at Shavasana Gallery & Café, 457 Village Bay Road – Refreshments will be served. Please come and join us!🙏

ps. There’s a rumour that Elisabeth may also entertain the guests with a little piano interlude on the Blüthner, accompanied by Stephen Cropper 

“Unlocking the Code” – Featuring the Art of Joseph Synn Kune Loh

Shavasana Gallery & Café is pleased to be hosting a beautiful selection of artist – Joseph Synn Kune Loh’s – paintings, which will go on exhibit at the Gallery May 12 and run through til June 11.

“Molecular Language” a 24″ x 24″ Acrylic on canvas, and “The Wall” a 16″ x 20″ Acrylic on Canvas

Joseph and his lovely partner Esnie Shum moved to Mayne Island just over a year ago and have become immersed in all that Mayne Island has to offer. This show exhibits 13 of Joseph’s paintings and gives a good indication of his talent and range of expression.

“Entering Mind Field” a 24″ x 36″ Acrylic on Canvas (sacred site activation, inspired by going to15 pyramids in Mexico), “Remove dagger be a compassionate vessel” a 12″ x 12″Acrylic on Canvas, “Celebration” a 30″ x 30″ Acrylic on Canvas (Beings from hidden dimensions reveal their form), “Changing Dimensions (1 & 2)” a 26″ x 41″ acrylic on paper, framed (the other page of reality), “The Golden Vision Reappears” a 36″ x 48″ Acrylic on Canvas (about a seeker’s journey going up the mountain meeting masters along the way)

Due to size restrictions at the Gallery we were unable to exhibit some of his larger pieces (see photos below) but I’m sure if you ask, he’d be happy to take you to his studio for a private viewing.

“The childhood dreams of mountains and streams a permanent possession“… 3″ x 5″ acrylic painting, and, Joseph and I standing in front of “Childhood Dreams of Mountains and Streams”, a 6″ x 12″ Acrylic Diptych

Here is a brief Bio about Joseph and his spiritual, creative & artistic journey:

“Joseph Loh was born in China in 1947. He grew up in Hong Kong and went to the United States to study in 1965. He graduated in 1969 with a BA in Psychology from  the  University of  Bridgeport in Connecticut. While studying for a MA degree in Cultural Psychology at Queen’s University, he went to Paris, fell in love with the art world and decided to become an artist. Returning to Toronto, he joined the Ontario College of Art and began life as a visual artist. His first solo exhibition was in 1978 with Merten Gallery in Toronto. His first public collection was with Norcen Energy Resource. What followed was forty years of dedicated pursuit of creative adventure. Along the way he had published a book of poetry, Journey to Camatkara, and a journal, Ping Pong, Parkinson’s and the Art of staying in the game. While travelling in Mexico around the millenium, he also composed and performed his own music and poetry.”

We are having an Opening Night Celebration of Joseph’s art on Friday May 12 from 7pm til 9pm. Please drop by for a chance to meet the artist and to see Joseph’s work up close. Refreshments will be served!

Final Weekend to view Joseph Synn Kune Loh’s Art Exhibit – June 9 – June 11

It has been wonderful having Joseph’s art gracing the walls of Shavasana Gallery these past three weeks. The opening on Friday May 12th was vibrant and well-attended with well over 40 people dropping by to view the art, enjoy some treats prepared by Sue Duncan, or grab a glass of punch and mingle with the other guests – but unfortunately, we must get ready for a new show in mid-June which will make this coming Sunday June 11th the last day to come in and enjoy his work.

So, please take some time – if you haven’t already – and drop into Shavasana Gallery & Café this weekend for a visit, and a chance to see Joseph’s show!

Cheers!

George

Art Opening! – Featuring the Art of Joseph Synn Kune Loh “Unlocking the Code” Friday May 12, 7pm – 9pm

Shavasana Gallery & Café is pleased to be hosting a beautiful selection of artist – Joseph Synn Kune Loh’s – paintings, which will go on exhibit at the Gallery May 12 and run through til June 11.

“Molecular Language” a 24″ x 24″ Acrylic on canvas, and “The Wall” a 16″ x 20″ Acrylic on Canvas

Joseph and his lovely partner Esnie Shum moved to Mayne Island just over a year ago and have become immersed in all that Mayne Island has to offer. This show exhibits 13 of Joseph’s paintings and gives a good indication of his talent and range of expression.

“Entering Mind Field” a 24″ x 36″ Acrylic on Canvas (sacred site activation, inspired by going to15 pyramids in Mexico), “Remove dagger be a compassionate vessel” a 12″ x 12″Acrylic on Canvas, “Celebration” a 30″ x 30″ Acrylic on Canvas (Beings from hidden dimensions reveal their form), “Changing Dimensions (1 & 2)” a 26″ x 41″ acrylic on paper, framed (the other page of reality), “The Golden Vision Reappears” a 36″ x 48″ Acrylic on Canvas (about a seeker’s journey going up the mountain meeting masters along the way)

Due to size restrictions at the Gallery we were unable to exhibit some of his larger pieces (see photos below) but I’m sure if you ask, he’d be happy to take you to his studio for a private viewing.

“The childhood dreams of mountains and streams a permanent possession“… 3″ x 5″ acrylic painting, and, Joseph and I standing in front of “Childhood Dreams of Mountains and Streams”, a 6″ x 12″ Acrylic Diptych

Here is a brief Bio about Joseph and his spiritual, creative & artistic journey:

“Joseph Loh was born in China in 1947. He grew up in Hong Kong and went to the United States to study in 1965. He graduated in 1969 with a BA in Psychology from  the  University of  Bridgeport in Connecticut. While studying for a MA degree in Cultural Psychology at Queen’s University, he went to Paris, fell in love with the art world and decided to become an artist. Returning to Toronto, he joined the Ontario College of Art and began life as a visual artist. His first solo exhibition was in 1978 with Merten Gallery in Toronto. His first public collection was with Norcen Energy Resource. What followed was forty years of dedicated pursuit of creative adventure. Along the way he had published a book of poetry, Journey to Camatkara, and a journal, Ping Pong, Parkinson’s and the Art of staying in the game. While travelling in Mexico around the millenium, he also composed and performed his own music and poetry.”

We are having an Opening Night Celebration of Joseph’s art on Friday May 12 from 7pm til 9pm. Please drop by for a chance to meet the artist and to see Joseph’s work up close. Refreshments will be served!😊

Shavasana Gallery & Café opening April 28, 29, 30

The sun is out, it feels like spring may have finally arrived, I’m heading to Mayne Island on Thursday and Tucker Carlson just got fired. Bliss.🤣

Yes, I’m heading over to Mayne this coming weekend to fire up the coffee pot, kick out the spiders, put out some cookies and maybe – hopefully – finally be able to put out my “nice weather chairs” for my outdoor-view craving friends & customers. Here’s my schedule for this weekend:

Friday April 28…..9am – 4pm

Saturday April 29……….9am – 4pm

Sunday April 30………..10:15 – 4

Hope to see you all there & then!🙏😊

Cheers!

George

Shavasana Gallery & Café opening April 7, 8, 9, 10

Hey 👋 – just preparing to re-open the Gallery/Café this coming weekend to participate in the Made on Mayne Spring Tour 2023 Event. The Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council has created this popular event and it’s a nice kick-off for the beginning of the busy season. Usually lots of happy people milling around looking at arts & crafts – what could be better! 😆

I will also be open holiday Monday…here are my hours for the weekend:

Friday 9 – 4

Saturday 9 – 4

Sunday 10:15 – 4

Monday 9 – 4

Hope to see you then – Cheers!

George

The Accidental Curator – Episode 15 – The Astrologer by Joseph Synn Kune Loh & Transient Epileptic Amnesia by G. Bathgate

Two stories, or memoirs, today – Joseph Synn Kune Loh’s short story “The Astrologer”, and Transient Epileptic Amnesia by – G. Bathgate…one is a young man’s encounter at a New Age Conference in Montreal, and the other is one more good reason why you should avoid a life of excess😊

To listen to the Podcast, follow the link:https://www.theaccidentalcurator.ca/e/the-accidental-curator-episode-15-the-astrologer-by-joseph-synn-kune-loh-transient-epileptic-amnesia/

Shavasana Gallery & Café – opening March 17 – 19

Just letting you all know that I will be opening the Gallery Café this coming Friday March 17 through Sunday March 19.

I just finished my taxes this morning and am in dire need of some therapeutic “island time.”😊

I also left a new mask, half-finished, when I was over earlier this month – keeping fresh in the fridge – and need to return and complete it before the clay hardens and dries out. I’m including a couple of photos of “Full Buck Moon – Version 3” to give you an idea of what the new mask will look like.

Hope some of you can drop in and say hi while I’m over!

Cheers!

George

*During my off season – roughly November through April – I do use Shavasana Gallery as

Shavasana Gallery & Café will be open Thur. Feb 9 to Sun. Feb 12.

Just a quick note to let you all know that Shavasana Gallery & Café will be open this coming weekend. I’m changing my normal hours slightly and will be starting on Thursday 9 – 4, giving me one more day on the blessed rock.😊

Hours:

Thursday 9 – 4

Friday 9 – 4

Saturday 9 – 4

Sunday 10:15 – 4

I know that the picture I’ve attached looks a little “Christmassy” but I think it’s a great cozy rendition of Shavasana in Winter –

Hope to see you – cheers!

George