We offer local Arts & Crafts in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sit and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea and nibble on a home-made cookie or locally made pastry
We had a lovely Art Opening on Friday Aug 25, with a well-attended appreciative crowd, enjoying Deborah’s beautiful selection of coloured-pencil drawings of Birds.
Black Oystercatcher, Great Horned Owl, Song Sparrow, House Wren, Kinglet and Swallow (click on the third photo to see a Kingfisher and a Downy Woodpecker)
Over the last several days since the Opening, I’ve had many guests drop in to admire Deborah’s exhibit, and some have compared her work to that of James Fenwick Lansdowne, and even John James Audubon – both of whom had a fascination with birds and an uncanny ability to capture them using only watercoulours, oils and – in Deborah’s case – coloured pencil on illustration board and clayboard cradled panel.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (click on the photo to see a pair of Goldeneye Ducks, a Chickadee and House Wren), Swallows, Pileated Woodpecker, and Great Grey Owl
It seems that everyone has a favourite bird, or a fondness for a particular encounter with a feathered friend, which has been driving sales of particular bird species. I became fond of House Wrens when I put up a wooden bird box on the back of Shavasana Gallery about 7 years ago, which was promptly occupied by a little wren family who returned annually for many years to have their babies. In this exhibit, Deborah’s depictions of birds are species she has witnessed locally (with the exception of the Great Grey Owl).
Young Barred Owl, “The Watering Hole” with 9 different species of bird…and Deborah! On hanging day having some fun placing all the art with yours truly😊
Deborah’s show, “Feather and Bone” runs until October 1st – Don’t Miss It!
I had a fun afternoon hanging this beautiful show with Jerryann on Friday July 21st, for the “soft opening” the following day. As Abigail was off to Scotland for a few weeks, it was just Jerryann and I doing the placement in preparation for showing to the public, and ultimately, getting everything ready for our “Meet the Artists” night on Friday August 4th, 7 – 9pm.
Jerryann & Abigail (or Abby as she is known to friends) express their creative talents across a broad range of media. Here is a small selection of Abby’s Eco-dyed scarves, and colourful encaustic paintings, and a sample of Jerryann’s intricate shell paintings, and beautiful landscapes
Thus far, the show has been very well-received, by islanders and visitors as well. I am writing this from my home in Kitsilano, getting ready to head back to Mayne Island tomorrow to begin preparations for our Friday night event – which is in two days! Rumour has it that Abby’s husband Alistair is a great cook and will be preparing some of the food for our event…hopefully it doesn’t include fresh Haggis flown in from Scotland!
Another of Jerryann’s gorgeous paintings, a “Talisman” combining painted shell, driftwood, and embedded glass, and another example of Abby’s Eco Dye prints, this time on paper – framed
So, please come and join us for art & refreshments on Friday, the 4th 7 – 9 – it promises to be a fun evening! Shavasana Gallery will be open Friday to Monday (for the long-weekend), and Saturday to Monday for the remainder of the season. See you soon!
Here are Abigail & Jerryann on “Meet the Artists” night…we had a fabulous event with between 50 and 60 people showing up on a warm August evening. Alistair (Abby’s husband) made a delicious selection of savoury treats, Jerryann brought several trays of lovely baked goods and I provided endless fruit punch …a good time was had by all – I think Abby & Jerryann’s smile say it all 😊
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
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!
As Shavasana Gallery’s first show of the season, “Tanya Clark – A World of Art”, ( May 7 – June 4) is not proceeding due to the pandemic, I’ve decided to do a little write up of Tanya’s fabulous art for you so you may, at least, have an idea of what was in store for you -sans canapés – had we been able to put together an Art Opening and month-long show for her.
A picture of Tanya standing in front of “Kelp #3” (sold) in her Gallery in Anguilla
Tanya has had an extremely interesting and well-travelled life, which is reflected in the diversity of media & styles that she employs in her artistic expression… “Tanya is a formally trained Canadian artist who studied painting and printmaking at Emily Carr College of Art in Vancouver, before moving to Tokyo in 1985 to study the art of woodblock printmaking with world renowned artist Toshi Yoshida.” Tanya immersed herself in the Shin-hanga style of printmaking which gave her an “appreciation for the Japanese aesthetic with its subdued and subtle approach to colour. In 1991, her work was awarded ‘Gold for a New Member’ at the Nihonhangakai, the largest international juried competition for woodblock prints.”…the first non-Japanese woman to do so!
“Morning Alms/Thai Quartet” – 11 x 22 Woodblock on Handmade Mulberry Paper
After five years in Japan, she relocated to Phuket, Thailand where she was “seduced once more by a completely different palette. The bold, saturated colours of the Andaman Sea and the visual explosion of tropical flora, both above and below the water, inspired a different direction in her work.” Here Tanya turned her attention to vibrant oil colours and expressive brush strokes on canvas – a departure from the subtle colours of her woodblock training.
“Bed of Anemones” – 22 x 32 Oil (Sold)
In 1994 Tanya moved to the small island of Anguilla in the Caribbean where she “continued to explore the vibrant tropical elements of water, cloud, mountain and reef” She eventually opened “Phoenix Gallery” where she was able to exhibit her wonderful art and provide much-needed framing for island residents. In 2015 she spent time in southern Africa which inspired “a new collection of drawings and paintings featuring the inhabitants of Namibia and Botswana.”
“52 Degrees Celsius in the Shade” – 9 x 19 Charcoal on Paper (Sold)
Unfortunately, Tanya had to leave Anguilla in 2017 when Hurricane Irma (the strongest on record) destroyed her business and her gentle Caribbean island existence. The Caribbean’s loss was Mayne Island’s gain as she chose to relocate back to her native British Columbia, and settle on another small island (Mayne) for a time, painting and drawing and providing framing services. She now resides in Victoria, preparing for new artistic inspiration and outlets for her creativity.
“Moonrise” – 22 x 34 Fabric, Beads, Coral, Paint on Panel
Although I’m disappointed that I can’t bring you her lovely work in person, I hope that you can take some time and visit her website to get a better understanding of just how significant and grand her work truly is: https://www.tanyaclarkart.com/
“Autumn Crocus” – 16 x 28 Oil on Linen….From her website, “Employing a maturing repertoire of media and technique, she hopes to create work which will inspire an emotional connection to the majesty and mystery of an ever changing world.”
If all progresses as we hope, the Coronavirus will be defeated soon and life can return to normal. Tanya and I have discussed mounting her art show next year when social gatherings are back in vogue – fingers crossed! 🙂
(the Featured Image to this article is called “Veil of Tears” – 20 x 45 Oil on Linen…and is available for purchase)
Earlier this year I created a Blog called “The Show Between Shows” …just a little coverage of the art that I put up whenever I’m not hosting other Island or regional artists. This is my “Closed for the Season” sign so I’ve chosen to repost it now – Cheers! George
After 6 years in business, Shavasana Gallery & Café has evolved into a two-season cycle – the “Open” season from May through October, and the “Closed” season throughout the winter months into early Spring. The Open season consists of scheduled Art Shows of local and regional artists, with art hangings & take downs and Opening Receptions. It’s the time of advertising, invitations, catering decisions and – hopefully – sales. The closed season arrived several winters ago when I realized that business was just too slow to remain open, and that my time would be better spent either travelling or working on my creative process. Luckily, when the last scheduled art show has packed up and gone home, I have enough art squirrelled away at Shavasana to completely fill my walls with familiar pieces. This is the “Show Between Shows”…
As this Show Between Shows is now up for 5 to 6 months of the year I thought it would be a good idea to keep a record of it and acknowledge some of the artists who are part of this collection. All of the pieces are artworks I have bought, inherited or created over the years. Many are NFS but some are for sale as I do – on occasion – open up to the public (as I am right now – June 1) The video gives a nice walkthrough and commentary on most of the pieces & artists so I encourage you to have a look…if you are so inclined.
George Bathgate – November, 2019
*ps. the Featured Photo is a picture of “Kabul 1973″…a painting I did many years ago upon my return from Afghanistan & the far east. I hope to elaborate on this with a little article in http://www.clayandbone.com …soon
It’s October 2nd and I am sitting in the bakery/café in the Co-op on Cortes Island. There are many toddlers running around – several in full emotional meltdown – while their mothers drink coffee and visit. My partner Cathy is here on a retreat at Hollyhock Learning Centre and I’ve tagged along to have a little road trip vacation before I head back to Mayne to close Shavasana Gallery for the season.
This is the final weekend to drop in and see the lovely creations of island artists Famous Empty Sky & Angie Carson, and their show: “Images & Icons” – and to pay a visit to the café which will be closing on October 6th for the winter – reopening mid-spring.
The show has been great – lots of visitors to the exhibit and many happy owners of new pieces of art to adorn special places in their homes and hearts.
We are also having a Final Weekend closing celebration on Saturday October 5th between 3 and 5. There will be free coffee & tea & yummy cake made by Famous Empty Sky, who will also be in attendance. Artist Angie Carson will also likely be here to participate in the fun – hope to see you there!
**As mentioned in my last post, this is also your last opportunity to purchase arts and crafts made by talented local creatives: jewellery, rugs, carvings, cards, prints, drawings, quilts, dryer balls and an assortment of icons, artifacts, curios & carvings from India, Africa & the Northwest Territories (Innu)…come down and have a look!
I’m just on the ferry heading to Tsawassen and have an hour, or so, to devote some words and attention to our new Art Show at Shavasana Gallery. Famous Empty Sky has returned to Shavasana for her third exhibit in as many years and she is sharing the stage with good friend and fellow artist, Angie Carson, who is back with her second show.
We had a fabulous opening on the evening of Friday September 6…the weather was cooperating, there was a great turnout of friends and art appreciators, Empty Sky had baked two delicious cakes & Angie brought a multitude of fruit & custard tarts. Guests were serenaded by the gentle guitar of Jim Heshedahl, and Rosalie Ripley even stepped in to contribute her beautiful voice to some of the arrangements.
And the Art! Empty Sky is a renowned Collage & MultiMedia artist and she has created a new series of pieces that reflect the title of the show “Images & Icons”. The majority of her new pieces are beautiful collages which include images of spiritual leaders from the various spiritual traditions – Buddha figures prominently; the Virgin of Guadalupe; Ganesh; Goddess of Mercy; Lohan and others. Her collages are vibrant and playful and draw the viewer in for deeper more reflective viewing. One young purchaser was moved to tears by her purchase! (she said that purchasing art has this effect on her as a very personal experience…perhaps it was the Blue Buddha effect!)…when asked how long it took her to produce a piece of art Empty Sky replied, “A lifetime”…so true.
Angie Carson never fails to amaze with her range of ability and talent. She is able to move comfortably between impressionistic landscapes (this piece is just gorgeous)
to expressionism, whimsy, cubist abstracts & collage (here are but a few examples):
Did I mention that she also won a Blue Ribbon at this year’s Fall Fair for growing the tallest Sunflower on Mayne Island? Her talents know no bounds! 🙂
(here is her prize entry being proudly displayed at Shavasana Gallery for public viewing)
I always like to do a walkthrough video of each new art exhibition at Shavasana Gallery when I find a quiet moment. A great way to participate in the beauty of Empty Sky’s and Angie’s art if you are unable to attend in person. The show runs until October 6 and is the last show of our season, so please drop in! – cheers!
We are just preparing for our final art exhibit of the season, Famous Empty Sky is returning to Shavasana Gallery with her friend Angie Carson (nee Liudzius) with a brand new show called, “Images and Icons”. I know that the artists have been busy creating new and exciting pieces for this show which is self-described as “quirky mixed media art”. I’m pleased to be welcoming F.E.S. back for her third exhibit at the Gallery which will also be Angie’s second show here. Although I’ve seen glimpses of Empty Sky’s colourful & thought-provoking new work, the talents of both women will arrive as a delightful surprise when we hang the new show next Thursday September the 5th.
We are having an opening reception on the evening of Friday September 6th between 6 and 8 pm. Please come by for a chance to meet the artists and to hear the Gentle Guitar of Jim Heshedahl. Refreshments and merriment will also be on hand – so don’t miss it! 🙂
Shavasana Gallery is located at 457 Village Bay Road, Mayne Island – Hope to see you there!
It’s the afternoon of August 10th, the day after our opening party, and I’m taking a brief moment to post some details of our latest Art Show, featuring new Abstracts, Fluid & Resin art by noted Mayne Island artist, Pam Carr.
We had a lovely reception last night – August 9, 6-8 pm – a gorgeous warm evening which brought the happy guests out for a little socializing, snacks & punch, and a chance to meet Pam Carr and appreciate the beautiful new abstracts which she has brought to the walls of Shavasana Gallery.
Pam brings a lot of life to her canvases – bold use of colour, shape & movement create intriguing variety and mood. She has a wonderful ability to dance between different forms of expression within the field of Abstract Art and uses acrylics, & resins and various tools to create her desired effects.
The show runs until September 2 – please drop in to have a look!
Art Gallery & Café 