Three Artistic Outings in the Valley

Three Artistic Outings in the Valley - theHumm July 2021

By Miss Cellaneous

Strévé Gallery Celebrates Canadian Local

In celebration of Canada’s Birthday and the Support Local Movement, Strévé Design Loft Gallery is featuring three Perth area artists and artisans during the summer months. Owner Cheryl Straby explains that: “supporting local emerging and professional artists has always been the mandate of the gallery since moving into my wonderful space three years ago. I guess that’s reason enough to celebrate!”

Featured in the loft gallery is oil painter Chris Lemaire, who recently settled in Portland on the Rideau from the Avalon area of Newfoundland where he was inspired to paint the ocean, wharfs and rural life as well as wilderness areas. Chris is also a steel artist, using cold rolled steel, welding and freehand plasma cutting to develop a 3-dimensional effect. He paints with fire to develop the colours in the steel. This is the first time Chris has exhibited his artwork outside of Newfoundland.

Perth hand weaver Lise Loader first exhibited in the gallery during last summer’s successful Weavers Unlimited exhibit. Lise has continued to exhibit and sell her uniquely beautiful handwoven scarves and shawls made of natural high quality fibres ever since. Lise started weaving in 1988 in Toronto, and since moving to Perth in 2007 has joined the MERA weavers and the Kingston weavers. Lise believes that weaving is a perfect medium to express oneself by playing with colours and fabrics.

Anyone who has visited the main floor boutique over the past three years will have noticed Perth jewellery designer Eleanor Martin’s stunning one-of-a-kind semi-precious stone, lampwork beads, freshwater pearls, fine and sterling silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Eleanor’s strong sense of design and love of fashion eventually led to a Couturier Certification and a teaching position in Haute Couture at Richard Robinson in Ottawa. Many clients wanted necklaces and bracelets to go with outfits she was creating in her own business, and this led to her designing jewellery.

Eleanor Martin’s jewellery and Lise Loader’s scarves coordinate perfectly with Cheryl’s own ready-to-wear and artwear clothing and accessory collections that she creates under her Strévé label. All her pieces are created in her studio located at the back of the boutique. Chris Lemaire’s artwork is adding an extra punch of excellence to the lineup for this summer’s exhibit, which runs until August 25.

Explore your own backyard this summer and be delighted by Canadian Local at Strévé Design Studio Boutique and Gallery at 64 Gore Street East in the heart of beautiful downtown Perth, beside the town hall.

William Liao: Lower Mainland

From June 23 to July 30, Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present William Liao: Lower Mainland, a solo exhibition of new paintings by Vancouver-based artist William Liao. The exhibition can be seen in-person during regular gallery hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm.

William Liao’s subject locations are found throughout British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and surrounding areas. The life of the city and its urban core are inspirations for several of the paintings. The artist also seeks out the solitude of the ocean and natural spaces such as Stanley Park that are within the city or a short drive away. “Canada is a place where people and nature live in harmony”, he notes.

Liao grew up in Beijing, China. He graduated from Beijing Normal University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Fine Arts. Having been raised in China after the Cultural Revolution, his work is influenced by both Eastern and Western traditions in art, employing an exuberant colour palette, dramatic contrasts and bold brushstrokes. Much of his work can be viewed through the lens of a newcomer, displaying themes of both displacement and euphoria.

Everyone is invited to meet the artist (virtually) on Saturday, July 3 from 3–5pm. There will be an informal drop-in session at the gallery, with Liao joining live via video link from his studio in Vancouver. Feel free to stop by and pose your questions to the artist during this time. Please note: Ontario’s Phase 2 rules for re-opening will be in place by this time, so only six patrons can be allowed in the gallery at a time.

Bittersweet Summer Plans

This summer, Bittersweet Gallery in Burnstown presents yet another stellar jewellery collection by Montreal designer Anne-Marie Chagnon, showcasing the ever-changing inspirations and influences that mark the path of this artist. Propelled by an urge to celebrate the infinite nuances of nature, these new pieces embrace a true paradox between bold and delicate. Because nature is a poised balance of both. Because every human being delineates this equilibrium. This balance is very much evident through the use of modest pieces like the metallic link (Anne-Marie’s version of the timeless medallion etched with her own design), as well as the classic cornicello (an ancient amulet or talisman that was once worn for protection and to maintain peace and happiness).

The 2021 collection is one of movement and unison. A cornucopia of lightweight chains that gracefully caress the neckline in a fluid water-like manner, the jewellery sways to the rhythm of the wearer and melds into every move. Through colour, form, material and size, this collection plays on many possible variations and personalization. Bittersweet Gallery is known to carry the largest collection of the artist’s work in Ontario and is the first to feature both the spring/summer and fall/winter 2021 collection.

Then in August, Bittersweet Gallery will present the 49th annual show of relief sculptor Richard Gill. Coastal Cornwall will open on Saturday, August 21 outdoors on the grounds of the gallery, and will include several invited guest artists who will be announced soon. Find directions and details at burnstown.ca/bittersweet .

Danielle Barabé-Bussières: Nature/Wildlife Photographer - theHumm July 2021

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

“Nature is the place to be,” according to nature and wildlife photographer Danielle Barabé-Bussières. Danielle celebrates her love of the natural world by capturing stunning images and transforming them into works of art. She has a gift for composition, a talent for exploiting the extensive capabilities of current post-processing software, and the dedication and patience needed to create an extraordinary photographic work of art from an excellent photograph.

Take a ......

Three Artistic Outings in the Valley - theHumm July 2021