Here is a sneak preview of some lovely treasures you can find at this show. Come and meet the artists and find your gems during the opening on Saturday December 5th 1:30 – 4 p.m. Whitestone Gallery, 80 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON.

Opening reception is on Sat. November 7th, 2009 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.  Please join us we would love to meet you.

“Buried Treasure”

“Eternal Echoes”

“Excavation”

” Here Comes Joy”

” Presence of Absence”

” Undercover”

I work intuitively and never know what it is I am creating until the piece is finished. I worked in mixed media and most of my paintings contain layers of papers, old letters etc. I am fascinated by older objects that have previous lives and believe that they bring a history and feel to my art that would not be present if using only new materials. Layers are often covered over, with only the paint visible, but their presence adds history and texture, much like our own experiences.

I don’t consciously set out to make a piece of art with a particular theme. I may have something in mind when I start, but it changes and evolves as I work. Art is a constant reflection of life, as well as a teacher and when I follow along, this intuitive process never ceases to amaze and surprise me.

The themes that do eventually reveal themselves are reflections of archetypal material, feminine spirituality, the crossroads of life and what it is to be human and journey with consciousness. Each piece tells a story that is not always obvious and so invites the viewer to be still, to reflect and allow the art to resonate with them. Above all else, the creation of each piece is born of joyful discovery and I would like to believe the joy is somehow imbued into each piece.

Amanda Gonsalves

Nancy Farrell and Ria Marentette’s “Melange Etrange” exhibit opens at the Whitestone Gallery on Oct 2nd to 31st, 2009.  Both artists will be exhibiting a collection of work including both paintings and sculptures.

Opening reception is on Sat. Oct. 3rd from 1 to 5 p.m.  Please take some time to visit the artists during their opening, they would love to meet and chat with you… Or visit the gallery during the month of October to see their lovely work.

Whitestone Gallery is open daily, and an artist is present in the gallery every Friday to Sunday.  Located at 80 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON.

This series deals with the concept of consciousness.  Through many meditations and walks I began to see the beauty in the smallest and the largest living beings in nature.  I became aware that there was a silent connection between the animals, the trees, the earth and the sky.  We are connected to this silent beauty if we take the time to be present.

I have used textures and iridescent colours and copper to bring forth this beauty.  My hope is that anyone viewing this work will begin their journey of Spiritual Presence.  ~ Vickie Martin

Daniel Durocher Studio Furniture Maker

Diploma (Sheridan Inst), BFA (Ottawa University), Provincial License (Carpenter Apprenticeship, Algonquin College) 

Daniel maintains a studio in Guelph Ontario where he designs speculative and residential work. He is a graduate of Sheridan College, Furniture Program, and holds a BFA with honours from Ottawa University. He also obtained a provincial carpentry license after apprenticing through Algonquin College. 

Daniel has participated in numerous juried and invitational shows including, Harbourfront Center, 401 Richmond , AXENEO7 and is a recipient of several awards.

Baerbel Kirstein  is a guelph painter who’s work explores ideas of colour and craft. “I’ve always felt compelled, however, to explore on my own, the meaning of art and to push the boundaries between what is considered traditional art and what is considered craft. For me, the boundaries between art and craft have always blurred. As a result, I never know what will come out on the canvas once I begin.”