The Avenue Gallery is highlighting three exceptional B.C.-based artists in January.
Richard Motchman, a University of Victoria Fine Arts graduate born in Kenya and raised in Penticton, was drawn to a life of art after Vincent van Gogh’s work captivated him as a teen.
While many nature-depicting artists focus on landscapes, Motchman’s work instead transports viewers into the delicate, tangled beauty of Vancouver Island’s undergrowth. It’s a unique perspective that challenges tradition and offers a renewed appreciation for the often-overlooked details of our natural world.
Artists come by their craft in many unexpected ways; for Bob Leatherbarrow, his working career as an exploration geologist led to a fascination with natural textures. For over 35 years, Leatherbarrow has translated these subtle, organic textures into signature works of kiln-formed glass art.
By carefully layering glass powders followed by multiple firings in the kiln, Leatherbarrow brings his vision to life. Now, with his current Homecoming series, he has substituted transparent powders for opaque ones, creating a bold new collection of jewel-toned vessels.
The paintings of Denna Erickson are soft yet bold, peaceful yet moody. She breathes life into them with personal symbols and organic shapes, all layered in luminous colour glazes. Celebrating life, her latest series at The Avenue Gallery represents new beginnings and transformation.
Erickson, born in Edmonton, earned her BFA at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and in 1997, obtained a BEd from UVic.
Visit theavenuegallery.com to see all artists on display.
At Madrona Gallery, from Jan. 11 to 25, Corrinne Wolcoski's works are set to wow.
The Vancouver-based artist's latest collection visually relays her coastline explorations of Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound by water and land.
"Inspired by the West Coast and its many incredible cloud formations, my paintings are a direct response to the silent beauty of light penetrating the darkness which brings a sense of calmness to all it envelops. Living in an urban setting with limited living and breathing room, art is my escape to a place of calm. My love of space and simplicity comes out in the images I create in my paintings," Wolcoski says.
The opening reception runs Jan. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Visit madronagallery.com for more.
