Art Talk/Art Walk

Tom Lovatt/Viscious Left (Wanderlie Silva) Oil on canvas

Showing at Gurevich Fine Art

April 5, 2013 openning.

Last night, Wilma and I had a one of those exquisite nights where so much came together for each of us. It was a night where we were introduced to another world. A world both of us are interested in, a world we are needing to become much more a part of if either of us intends to show/sell any of our own creative work in the future. It is the world of creative art.

The evening was planned by “The Carlton Breakfast Club,” of which Wilma is a member. These are the mover and shakers of the Winnipeg community. They meet every Friday morning for breakfast to hear a local “person” from the Winnipeg community presenting on whatever it is they are doing in the city. This could include business, the arts, medical, architecture, sport, music, whatever. These folk have therefore become very informed on all aspects of the community.

The Carlton Club arranged this evening for all members and their spouses to participate. So, I was invited!

In the summer of 2012 someone hatched an idea. The idea was to introduce Winnipeggers to some of the cities artistic movers and shakers and give them some insight into the creative process the goes into creating art of whatever kind. Participants, would have a great dinner, hear a lecture on the topic chosen for that month, and then do a walking tour of art galleries or studios in the local downtown area.

The dinner took place at the “Winnipeg Free Press News Café” located in the downtown exchange district. I had salmon with pineapple and rice! It was awesome! This was followed up by a power point lecture on the topic at hand. The topic for this  evening was on, would you believe it…”The Naked and the Nude”! No wonder the café was so full! Ha!

After the meal there was an informative lecture by a local artist giving us a very short history of nude art, then also spoke about the sexuality, power and vulnerability of the nude body in art. In addition, two local artist who specialize in this were interviewed. Questions were also taken from the audience. It was interesting to learn the “why” of painting nudes, and some of the “how” they exactly they do it. (Use of models, photos, their own bodies etc.) Then, off to the tour.

Our guide took us to four locations, one artist’s studio and three galleries. One of which was having the opening for a new show.

I will mention one of the sites visited today. Our visit to the Gurevich Fine Art Gallery. It was the opening night of their show so lots of people were there. One of the artists featured was Tom Lovatt, who’s work you see above. A whole room of sketches plus large paintings like this one, of the “extreme fighting” world. Interestingly, of the whole art gallery’s many rooms and types of art being shown, this room was packed with viewers! There was a lot of excitement about this work. Also, looking over the crowd, males were most prominent! The paintings were in the $4000 range.

I’ve always been thinking of doing a series of the biblical David grappling with the enemy on the battlefield. This certainly encouraged me in pursuing that, as it seems, according to this  experience, that the interest in the battling male is certainly there. Also, these I could sell and not break up the “story” my other pieces are there to tell. The difference probably would be that my pieces of this nature would not represent “sport” but a life and death struggle. A different sense of reality. David had to win. When his “fights” were over there were no embraces and fist touching opportunities! Victory meant it was over for someone. It was final! Food for thought.

We just loved the evening. Met some amazing people, good food, art and conversation. It was so fun.

“So God created man in his own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”    Geneses 1:27

If you are interested Google “Art Talk/Art Walk” and you will find the details for the next monthly event.