Monday 29 June 2020

Eryn O'Neill Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, we asked Ottawa artist Eryn O'Neill a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over her time in self-isolation, including what she's been making, cooking, drinking, reading, listening to and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her studio & life.
With the complete shift in the way things are operating I must admit it has been taking me a long time to get my feet back under me. I have been faced with cancellations, lost income, loss of follow-up for sales, and the most challenging...momentum.
As a full time artist, I have been self-employed and working towards making a sustainable career at what I do best: painting! While this comes with its fair share of difficulties and barriers on a good day, with the global pandemic, it felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath my feet. I live in Ottawa, a relatively recent move from Waterloo Ontario where I completed my Masters in Fine Art in 2018. I obtained an amazing studio space in the Byward Market in October 2019, and have been working on applying for shows, grants and keeping up my practice.

I want to share my “new normal” with you, and I know many can relate, and are in the same boat. 
When I am able to get to my studio, my view is the side of the Saint Brigid’s Church and a normally busy intersection. My studio building is a stunning old Rectory House (aptly named the Rectory Art House). I am, and always have been a day-time worker. I may do admin work from home in the evening, but I prefer to paint during the waking hours.
I am also able to do some of my writing from my newly created “home-office” space (with my feline co-worker, Shakespeare!). I have always maintained a separation of studio and home, however, when it comes to research and writing I will often go to coffee shops (not an option right now), or stay home. Leaving the studio space dedicated more towards purely painting.
 I haven’t changed too much in regards to my practice, still using photo sources and creating paintings inspired by the urban landscapes and architecture that I can access as a pedestrian. But I must admit, I have limited the places I go, so that is having an affect on getting new imagery. But not an issue yet! 

As for my daily routines and habits, I am coffee drinker for sure, bringing one to the studio in my handy travel mug, where it sits on one of my carts next to my easel, readily available. After work, I enjoy a beer (Ottawa is great for local Craft Beer options!) or a glass of wine, ideally outside soon. Music is usually playing in the studio, or I’ll work with nothing on, depending on the day. 
To sum up, I am deeply affected as a creative person, my sense of momentum is shaken and I am working to keep creating new work and keeping my mind busy. I have a good support network and value the connections I have made over the years in this career. 

Stay Safe and thank you Canvas for reaching out.
480-042 | Eryn O'Neill, Passageway, oil on canvas, 24"x48". $1200
Thank you Eryn for sharing your story, struggles & studio shots. We wish you all the best with your beautiful painting as well as your writing.

To view available works by Eryn O'Neill, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Saturday 27 June 2020

Margaret Glew Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Toronto artist Margaret Glew to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating, cooking, and her view of the world. She replied with a great story and some images of her art & life.
I am very fortunate to have my studio where I live so I am able to keep working. My studio has always been my refuge, my retreat, my place to hang out and be solitary and think. So that has not changed - except in some ways it has. At times now it feels, not like a prison, that is too strong, but as a place I wish I could sometimes get away from!! Funny that, I love to be alone but tell me I have to - and all of a sudden I rebel! Most of all though, I am grateful to be able to continue to make art.
 
My world may be smaller, but it still has its joys. I have my garden where I can enjoy the sunlight and fresh air and have the pleasure of watching new life emerge after the long winter.
Still drinking my latte every morning and craving chips like never before! (Fortunately I don't have any!)

I am painting still, but also exploring three dimensions. Making small cardboard sculptures, which are challenging me to think about space in new ways.
 
 
 
What do I miss most during this time of isolation? Long walks by the lake or in the ravines, and especially, being able to hug my family.
 

Thanks Margaret for the beautiful images of your artwork as well as your story.

To view available works by Margaret Glew, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Friday 26 June 2020

Andrea Ross Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, back in March Canvas Gallery asked Muskoka artist  Andrea Ross a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over her time in self-isolation, including what she's been making, cooking, drinking, reading, listening to and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her studio & life.
I’m Andrea to my husband of 42 years, mom to two grown kids and granny to two granddaughters.
I live year round in the woods on the shore of a lake in Muskoka. The ever changing mood of the water near the shoreline is my passion and painting inspiration and right now the ice is breaking up. The view out my north studio window is of the rock shoreline through trees and bush.
 
 Birds are migrating past the point in higher numbers and I was surprised to see a pair of swans in flight the other day. No sign of loons yet.


The wood stove is going downstairs and I am listening to “Julie” as I paint. My drink of choice is tea.
Being an old “folkie”, I enjoy singing with my guitar playing sweetie as well as paddling and exploring the back country. Our constant bush walking companion is a “golden” and this is why all my paintings have dog hair attached to their bottoms.
At the moment storage space is limited so I have been completing small 6”x6” oils of birds etc. and fewer large canvas paintings.
We are safe and keeping an eye on our back road community and making use of the early seniors shopping in a town a half hour drive away.
My 43 year painting career has been wonderful and I hope to keep it going forever.
Thanks Canvas Gallery!!
Thanks Andrea for the lovely photos, update & beautiful imagery of your artwork.

To view available works by Andrea Ross as well as our other artists, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Thursday 25 June 2020

Eleanor Lowden Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Eleanor Lowden to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating, cooking, and her view of the world. She replied with a great update along with some photos and a video studio tour.
I live and work in midtown Toronto, I am lucky that I can wake up in the morning and walk into my studio in my pyjamas. I try and get up earlier than my dog Rigby, so I can work for an hour or so before I take him for his morning walk. It just gives me time to focus on what I have planned for the day or week. It is really productive time for me.
In the morning I walk Rigby in the ravine close to my house, and it's an endless source of inspiration. I love the views every day of the year. (This morning maybe one exception, its pouring rain). 

Here is what I mean about my morning walk:

Living alone I normally eat out a lot, meeting friends for lunch or dinner, or eating at friends' homes.  I love cooking, but scaling it back to keep it meals for one is a challenge. So I am eating lots of leftover meals. Its adding to the feeling of Groundhog day when you have butter chicken 4 meals in a row. I drink coffee in the morning, and wine in the late afternoon. Don’t judge me!

In times like this when there are no deadlines or art shows to produce work for I often play with my paintings. I work on paper and do some abstracts just for fun. I feel like a kid, I don’t really have a roadmap when I paint an abstract like I do when I paint something representational. 

  
Abstracts are hard to do, and I applaud any artists that work abstractly all the time. Its not easy to know when you are finished! I think I am finished... and then I just keep painting, and then I make a mess. So I have a number of these works on paper piling up.  I am also keeping a journal during the pandemic. I paint and sketch in it and I also write down all that I am grateful for. It keeps some of the anxiety at bay.

I listen to podcasts a lot while I paint. I try not to listen to too much news, I haven’t heard any news other than that about COVID-19 or the price of oil. But even my podcasts are becoming different viewpoints on the Pandemic; I think I need to revisit some disney movies.


Thanks Eleanor for the update, studio tour & beautiful imagery.

To view available works by Eleanor Lowden, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Friday 19 June 2020

Cobie Cruz Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, we checked in on Toronto artist Cobie Cruz to see what's been keeping him busy & inspired during his time in self-isolation, including what he's been creating, cooking, drinking, listening to and his window view. He replied with some beautiful images & time lapse videos of his painting process.
What is your window on the world these days… are you in your studio, or social distancing at home?

I'm fortunate to have my studio at home. So painting for me means that I am following the guidelines for social distancing. Although things may have slowed down, I am taking advantage of this time to paint more! Painting helps me escape, even if only for a few hours at a time, the crazy times we live in. 



What is your favourite view out of your window… morning or night?

The best view out of my studio window is later in the day when the afternoon sunlight shines into the room. I love it when the rays land on my paintings and give it a three-dimensional touch. It’s definitely a visual treat to my eyes!



 3. What are you cooking/eating/baking... loaded nachos? Chips? Cookies?... or sourdough bread! 

Anything that can go on a grill from pork to fish and veggies! Occasionally even some fruit!
What are you drinking… lattes, tea… a martini?

Coffee and tea please! Over ice to cool off when it gets too warm. Add in beer and an occasional Caesar for good measure.

What are you creating… coffee drawings, sketchbooks, poems, sewing?

I just created a series of 14 pieces on a large canvas that I started in January and finished in May during the 2-month quarantine. I've switched to work on paper for a change which allows me to experiment with colours, composition and technique.   
 
What are you listening to…  news? Ugh… or jazz/pop? ... What's your go-to creative music?

During the first few weeks of the self-quarantine I was glued to the TV and radio listening to the latest news on the pandemic. It got depressing after a while so I went back listening to music. I love music from the 80's but with the help of my teenage daughter I keep up-to-date with the current hits. I listen to a variety of genres from pop, to classical and anything in between.

Thanks Cobie for the great answers, photos & awesome videos of your painting.

To view a full catalogue of available works by Cobie Cruz, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Sunday 7 June 2020

Antony Ellis Inspirations

As a continuation of our Artist Studio Project, we checked in on photographer Antony Ellis to see what's been keeping him busy & inspired during his time in self-isolation, including what he's been creating, cooking, drinking, listening to and his window view. He replied with some beautiful images he captured along with his story & view on current events in the world.

I started my winter break by going on what turned out to be a 42 day vacation to Cabarete Dominican Republic. A friend and film colleague of mine rented me one of his condominiums at a family price. I had actually turned down a couple of film jobs because it would have meant cutting my sunny vacation short. Little did I know that both of these jobs would eventually be cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic.

I took one of the last flights out of the Dominican, and faced the uncertainty of being in a plane full of people. Luckily for me I had bought a premium round trip ticket. I was seated with only one passenger beside me, right at the front of the plane, which meant first on, first off. When I arrived safely to my apartment I immediately began my 14 day quarantine. The isolation was no problem whatsoever (part of the perks of being a bachelor).

Living with the pandemic was one thing, but watching the killing of a fellow African North American was quite a different experience, even though the tragic events of police killing unarmed black people are a a regular occurrence. The murder of George Floyd shocked me in a way that I wasn’t prepared for. I found it difficult to sleep as my mind ran through a gauntlet of emotions which included sadness, rage, and depression.

My favourite view outside my window is the little park where several times a week my neighbour takes his son out to play, a child I’ve watched grow from month one to now a 3-year-old who is quite opinionated. It’s a refreshing distraction. The morning always signals a new beginning.

I love cooking. Everything from curried goat, oxtail, roast chicken, and soups. I’m currently trying to exercise some of those meals off....Its a work in progress.

When it comes to drinking? Well, I’ve definitely been drinking more alcohol than usual, although I no longer drink hard liquor. I have been indulging a lot in red wine and beer. Perhaps this weekend I’ll try making Sangria.

I am an avid viewer of the news, Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, local news and yes even Fox. I find I need to hear the perspectives of different kinds of people. What makes them do the things they do. Say the things they say. I listen to all types of music. I grew up in a household when at its happiest Sundays were always reserved for music, and each family member would request or play anything they wanted. I also watch a ton of movies and tv series. I can be found binge watching guilt free into the wee hours of the morning. I also started taking online Spanish lessons.


With the recent tragic, and historic events taking place in this world of ours I managed to express some of my thoughts into words:

If you choose to oppress a people for simply wanting Justice and equality.
You have no moral ground on which to stand on.
Inevitably you will find yourself standing on quicksand.


All of these pictures above were taken during my physical isolation. The best thing about being a photographer is that you‘re usually alone when making your art. So I try to take at least one photograph a week.


Antony Ellis, King of No One, limited edition photography, 36"x53". $2600 framed *Available to order 


Thank you Antony, we appreciate your beautiful photography and sharing your view of the world & current events during these difficult times.

To view available works by Antony Ellis, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Saturday 6 June 2020

Valerie Ryan Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio ProjectCanvas Gallery asked Ottawa artist Valerie Ryan a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over her time in self-isolation, including what she's been making, drinking, creating and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her new work.
  Unbelievable that this is happening. 

I am lucky to have a backyard to paint in. Wishing it will green up soon.
I have been putting finishing touches on larger pieces: my studio is in my house. But alas, in the last weeks of the quarantine have been taking longer walks and a gin and tonic at 4pm. Quinine in the tonic may help fight off Covid 19. 😊 
I feel I am a cottage in the off season. My husband is also home all day...working at home.
 Here are two backyard photos and some recent acrylic on canvas.
 
Good luck with project and stay healthy & sane. We will get through this. 

Thanks for sharing Valerie, we wish you good health & creativity.

To view available works by Valerie Ryan, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Monday 1 June 2020

Barbara Shore Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Alberta artist Barbara Shore to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating, cooking, and her view of the world. She replied with a great update along with some photos of her art & life.
After experiencing a five week retirement trip in February, constantly hand washing, sanitizing, and wearing a mask my husband and I were relieved to come home, even if the virus had arrived on our shores. Little did we know or realize how quickly the virus would take hold in Canada. I am proud to be Canadian, proud of our federal and provincial governments, our health advisors from all levels, the front line workers for their commitment in the face of uncertain dangers, and to the people of this country for toeing the line to help each other in hopes of overcoming the virus.
We have spent many hours with an online app visiting with our kids, grandkids, extended family and many friends.(all of whom we have not seen since January as we were away for 5 weeks). Virtual chats over cocktails and appies have been fun and entertaining as well as necessary. It allows us to connect and to discuss our thoughts and express our love. We share our views on the current crisis but it is also a distraction from the constant barrage of “news”.
 I am fortunate enough to have a view that offers quiet contemplation. Moose, deer, coyotes sometimes bless us with their peaceful presence. This view rejuvenates my soul. A late spring in Alberta has us dealing with snow and cooler temperatures. There is hope though, as the geese are flying north, snow is melting from the heat of the sun and yesterday it “rained” !
I am back to drinking copious amounts of coffee during the day. We brought back a two pound bag of coffee from Vietnam, a gift from a friend we made in Hanoi. I do make it every now and then. I revel in the sweet, chocolate, nutty flavour which brings back not only the great memories of our trip but also of the totally different world of a few months ago.
I’ve been in the studio. An idea with a fellow artist was to create a quarantine painting a day. We soon came to realize that it was a difficult task to complete due to the distress and emotion of this disturbing event taking place in our lives. It has become a “paint when you can, do what you can” project.  I have produced about 6 paintings and have also spent time in my sketchbook. The subject has been mostly self portraits although sketches from our travels have started to emerge. I have also been sewing masks for family. I have my mothers sewing machine. It took me a whole day and then a YouTube the following day before I figured out how to use it. I have made the masks from quilting squares and have had fun mixing patterns and colours. I found the exercise to be distracting and meditative.
Listening to the news on a daily basis has been limited to once or twice a day at the most. Podcasts are entertaining while working. And music. Lots of music. A variety of music. The old familiar contrasted with an eclectic collection from the newer Billie Ellish, energy inducing AWOL Nation to get the blood pumping, Sean Pinchin a great Canadian blues musician to Max Richter.  So many different choices for so many different moods!
Some sketchbook daily drawings
I, like everyone in the world today, it is my hope that we will return to normal again soon, whatever that new normal will be. I hope that the love and nurturing we have found in this social distancing, stay at home isolation will carry forward and forever be a part of our lives. 
534-013 | Barbara ShoreReverie, mixed media on panel, 36"x24". $1500
Thank you Barbara for the thoughtful update and as well as sharing your beautiful images, art & life.

To view available works by Barbara Shore as well as our other artists, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

New Work by Antony Ellis

  With his explosive and thought provoking photographs, we are excited to welcome 5 new  Antony Ellis  pieces to the gallery!   537-081 Anto...