Wanda Doyle, an experimental, semi-professional artist, paints for enjoyment and doesn't want to be "pigeonholed" into particular style. Her landscapes emphasize colour and textural surfaces, but she admits that it is constantly changing as she explores the use of various tools, mediums and techniques.
Eclectic creator Doyle painted as a kid growing up but, back then, art wasn't considered "practical," so she was discouraged by her parents. Then just 10 years ago, as an adult, she started painting again. The first year she started with just one painting, three the next year, then more and more as her life afforded the time to paint.
"I am inspired by beautiful images in the scenery at home and on my travels. I always have my camera with me and take numerous photos which I then often refer to when considering a new painting," says Doyle, adding that some of her paintings are purely imaginative.
She feels painting has become a lifelong part of her creative personal journey. Inspired by many talented artists in her community, Doyle enjoys supporting fundraisers by donating artwork and actively making a contribution to society.
"I am continuing to explore oils. At the moment I feel a pull towards doing semi-abstract work and more free-flowing work. Recently I painted my new studio floor and I had great fun just pouring the paint directly on the floor. Visitors are welcome by appointment and if my art friends are interested in a day of painting, let's do it!" she says.
Doyle is excited about opening her new creative space that will allow more freedom and growth at 161 Pemberton Ave. in North Vancouver. You can contact her at [email protected] or (604) 603-7886.
The gallery display cases feature the unique, earthy creations of fiery potter Denise Hughes, inspired by the strength of clean, simple architectural lines, fluid movements and the simple, raw beauty of nature.
"I take in the world around me and try to transform it into my work through functional art. I want my pieces to have dual functionality and provide service to making whatever is presented in them a joy to interact with," Hughes says.
The evolution of her progression is to take a notable piece and to continue to explore that same form by looking back at the previous work and then building on lines that are expressive and pleasing. Hughes admits her creative stimulation for the series was developed through the satisfaction she feels in creating a body of work along with that potential to develop as an artist.
"I have a strong attraction to saturations in colour. Glazes fascinate my visual senses. The fluidity of the glass is captured in a moment of creation. This is caused from of the heat of the kiln and the type of flame/heat that is required to produce the glaze," she says.
During the past year, Hughes has been apprenticing with renowned Whistler potter Vincent Massey, who has pushed her to explore her creative process and develop a stronger technical ability. Her future plans are to continue to work with clay and establish a live/work ceramic studio in her Whistler home.
Hughes is also a passionate chef which crosses over as a creator producing distinctive results each time the hot kiln or the hot oven is fired up!
Hughes can be contacted at [email protected]
Wanda Doyle's display of oil paintings, titled "The Landscape Explored," and Denise Hughes' ceramic art display "New Stories" are on display at the Library Foyer Gallery until Nov. 5.
Toby Jaxon is curator of the Library Foyer Gallery. She can be reached at [email protected]
