Conversations In Colour & Form: Anne Barkley & Brenda Clarke
Eddie Vander Baaren: Pottery & Paintings
About the exhibits:
On exhibit from June 17 – July 26, visitors to the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery in Brockville will enjoy two concurrent exhibits.
The main gallery features a selection of paintings by artists Brenda Clarke and Anne Barkley. The exhibit “Conversations in Colour & Form” explores relationships in landscape paintings that have been approached through the polarities of detail and abstraction.
The foyer gallery showcases a selection of pottery and paintings by Eddie Vander Baaren. Works on display will demonstrate Eddie’s skill and creativity in single fire glazing and raku alongside a selection of paintings in a variety of mediums.
The joint reception to celebrate these 3 artists will be on Saturday, July 6th from 1 – 3 pm.
I am primarily a representational artist and potter, crafting pieces that are both functional and easily recognizable. However, I enjoy pushing the boundaries of exact representation, creating forms that evoke a sense of suggestion rather than explicit depiction. This subtle ambiguity excites me, and I continuously strive to imbue my work with a hint of mystery.
For me, pottery and painting are journeys that reflect my emotions and perceptions of each day, guiding my hands intuitively. The final pieces, whether in clay or on canvas, often surprise me with their unexpected outcomes.
Bio
Born and raised in Brockville, my artistic journey took an unconventional path. High school lacked art classes, and it wasn’t until after graduation that I delved into the world of creativity. The summer of 1973 marked my initiation into pottery, followed by unforgettable drawing lessons with Mr. Aromi, who imparted the quirky wisdom of using fresh bread as an eraser with charcoal. Fast forward to 2011, I established my pottery studio, dedicating most of my spare time to the intricate dance of potting and painting—a testament to the enduring passion ignited by those early artistic encounters
Artist Statement
My subject matter is eclectic, often abstracted; my process, intuitive. The paintings lead my continuing quest through exciting new forms of expression.
I endeavour to capture something of the spirit of people, inspired by the beauty of our Canadian landscape. Step into a world of simple, strong abstract shapes and beautiful colours. I invite you to enter and negotiate the implied spaces, to study what is imagined, to write your own story.
Artist statement
In my work, I endeavour to capture something of the spirit of people and their environments, often inspired by the beauty of our Canadian landscape. I invite the viewer to step into a world of simple but strong abstract shapes and beautiful colours, and to respond by finding a personal meaning. That response seems to bring the fulfillment or completion of my creation. The images invite the viewer to enter and negotiate the implied spaces, to study what is seen or imagined, to write their own story.
Memberships, Fellowships, Awards
I am an elected member of the Ontario Society of Artists, the Society of Canadian Artists, and a fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society. I have four times been invited to exhibit at the Bienalle in Florence Italy, and I did exhibit there in 2009.
I have won awards for my work, including with Ottawa Watercolour Society, Cornwall Regional Art Gallery, Ottawa Mixed Media Artists, and at The Artist Project in Toronto.
I co-founded and participated in the South Dundas Artists Guild. Since that time I have actively participated in many other groups: St Lawrence College Alumni Association, Thousand Islands Fine Arts Association, Brockville Artists Studio, Cornwall Regional Art Gallery, Ottawa Art Association, Ottawa Water Colour Society, Ottawa Mixed Media Association, Art Association of the Visual Arts Eastern Ontario, and Eastern and Central Ontario Artists Association. I was also a member of the Ottawa Artists Cooperative, GalleriArt, for its lifetime.
Exhibitions
My work has been exhibited at many galleries and shows. A list of some of these:
Galleries: Ottawa Art Gallery, Leonardo Gallery, Wellington Street Art Gallery, Denison Gallery, PI Creative Art, Karger Gallery, cube Gallery, Brockville (several)
Shows: Toronto Art Expo, Ottawa Art Expo, Toronto Artist Project, Toronto Outdoor Show
Contact
Bio
Brenda found a passion for painting just over 8 years ago and has developed her skills through formal training and
practice. Her love of art and painting is expanding as she explores new styles and techniques, using mainly oil paint
applied with palette knife and brush. She feels each of her paintings tells a story of something that has resonated
with her through an experience often of a place she’s visited for the first time. Her adventurous nature lets her
discover many different locations throughout our beautiful country which allows her to often paint en plein air.
Brenda has participated in numerous exhibitions and juried shows throughout the Brockville area. She has had the
honour of having 2 of her works recognized as the “Peoples Choice Award” in two juried shows. In 2020, during
the pandemic Brenda, along with a fellow artist organized the ‘Art in the Yard” - Pop Up Show and Sale. This
enabled 20+ local artists and artisans to showcase their work in an outdoor environment for all to enjoy.
“I am blessed to live in a diverse community of talented and supportive artists; this makes me challenge myself to
continuously explore how I paint and see the world. I am grateful when others appreciate my work and my heart
swells knowing that pieces are hanging in their homes, what better reward is that!”
Brenda’s work can be found in homes across Canada, the US and France.
Artist Statement
Painting has opened my eyes to seeing what surrounds me in a new and exciting way. Using the skills I’ve learned,
exploring with photography and painting en plein air helps me convey what resonates with me. Having the ability
to travel our beautifully diverse Country gives me the opportunity to share a “snap shot” in paint of my journeys.
Contact: