Tanya Clark – A World of Art

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

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.

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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)

Closed for the Season – October 6 to May 2020

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

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

Final Weekend! “Images & Icons” with Famous Empty Sky & Angie Carson

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

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!

 

 

New Art Show! Famous Empty Sky & Angie Carson, “Images & Icons”, Sept. 5 – Oct. 6

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

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)

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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! 🙂

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(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!

Next Art Show! Famous Empty Sky & Angie Carson, “Images & Icons”, runs September 6 – October 6

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

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!
(The show runs from September 6 to October 6)

 

New Exhibit! Pam Carr’s “Mixing it Up” runs until September 2

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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.

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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!

 

 

 

Deborah Strong’s new art exhibit, “A Bird in the Hand” …runs til August 5

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

It’s Saturday evening, the day after our July 5th reception for Deborah Strong’s new art show, “A Bird in the Hand”. Deborah has brought a beautiful display of her detailed & intricate new coloured-pencil drawings of regional birds to the walls of Shavasana Gallery, and I’m honoured to be her Gallerist of choice for this exhibit.

With over 50 people in attendance over the course of two hours, Deborah’s new creative exhibit was very well received & admired – the ambience of the show was lively and fun, refreshments were served, and art was purchased. From my own perspective, as the Gallery owner and curator, it was a fabulous event!

I like to take a moment before each Art Opening and do a little video walkthrough for posterity, and for those that may have been unable to attend…here’s a glimpse of Deborah’s new show:

Deborah has had a lifelong interest in and facility with coloured pencil drawings. Her attention to detail and patience practicing her craft is truly awe-inspiring. Here are a few comments I’ve pulled from her Bio on her website:

“Fur or feathers, hooves or paws, from her own four-legged companions to the wild creatures she encounters, the animal world in all its wonder and variety fascinates this life-long British Columbia artist and fuels her creative passion. She has been making art since she could first hold a pencil and is known for realistic coloured pencil drawings and lively paintings on silk.

Deborah has a Fine Arts diploma from the University of the Fraser Valley, is a senior signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (SFCA), and has an extensive exhibition record in southwestern British Columbia and beyond. Committed to community involvement, her roles have ranged from organizing art tours to serving on the board of directors of arts organizations. She is currently president of the Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council.”

Recently, Deborah was one of 121 artists selected out of 1,100 juried entries  – worldwide – for inclusion in “Coloured Pencil Treasures – Volume 6”, honouring master coloured pencil artists from every corner of the globe.

Deborah’s show will be available for viewing weekly at Shavasana Gallery until August 5th – hope you can make it!

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New Show! Deborah Strong, “A Bird in the Hand…”, July 4 – August 5

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café
We are just gearing up for our first show of the summer season and are very pleased to welcome the beautiful work of Deborah Strong to the walls of Shavasana Gallery and Café. Deborah has created a collection of new coloured pencil drawings of birds which stems from her passion for the animals  which populate this region of the world.
There will be an Opening/Reception on Friday July 5 from 7 until 9pm, please drop by for a chance to meet the artist and see Deborah’s newest works! Refreshments will be served!
Shavasana Gallery is located at 457 Village Bay Road, Mayne Island – Hope to see you there!
(The show runs from July 4 to August 5
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Previous Show: Nicole Rittemann “Shapes of Life” and Linda Dzus “Deja Vu” June 7 – July 1

Posted on by Shavasana Art Gallery & Café

It’s Sunday June the 9th – a day after we launched our first show of the 2019 season – and I’m taking a quiet moment to do a little Website (and F’Book) update. The new show is a collaboration between artist Nicole Rittemann and her mother Linda Dzus. These two women bring a variety of talents to the walls of Shavasana Gallery. Their art exhibit includes photos on canvas, acrylic and oil paintings on canvas and canvas panel, art cards and paintings on rocks – an eclectic mix!

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Here’s a picture of Linda and Nicole working tirelessly (with me) to hang and arrange the art the day before the show – it was fun working with these two. It’s always at least a 3 or 4 hour job depending on the number of pieces, but I always find it enjoyable to see the new work that will reside on the walls of the Gallery for the next month – Galleries are, by their nature, constantly changing 

The Opening Reception ran from noon til 3 on Saturday and was quite well-attended – despite the many things that were occurring on Mayne Island at the same time. The island has a small population of 1,000 people but it’s a busy little place. While our show was humming along with happy guests, the farmers market, the ladies church auxiliary clothing sale, a celebration of life, and a conservancy demonstration were all taking place at the same time. Clever islanders are usually able to strategically plan their days to weave multiple events into their – surprisingly – busy schedules.

 

Here are Linda and Nicole (and I) shortly before the opening reception, standing in front of the kitchen island laden with snacks and a generous bowl of fruit punch. The fifty to sixty guests ensured that there was very little left to pack up at the end of the 3-hour show.

I always like to do a walkthrough video of the show after the crowds have gone home so I can keep a record of the exhibit and include a wee commentary on individual pieces – here it is below, have a look:

The show runs until July 1st, come on by and have a look at Linda & Nicole’s art if you have a chance – cheers!