EXPRESSION OF SELF

On Sunday I had the great fortune of running into my friend Joanne. Joanne and I were co-workers for two seasons on a television series, but she has since left our show to manage her own magnificent art gallery, the Thompson Landry Gallery.

As I enter the gallery, for the first time, I am initially captivated by the space. What is so provocative about the gallery's setting is that it’s located within the revitalized distillery district. The renovation of this dilapidated historical building into a contemporary art gallery is truly a work of art. (There is a picture of the interior before the renovation, which sit on the top tier of Joanne’s desk, this is a must see.) Joanne has labored to develop a highly adaptable space to showcase her artists’ work, while also dealing with the existing building’s structure, scale and character.


Continuing further into the gallery I have greater insight into Joanne’s passion for art and creativity and her desire to share this with others. I could spend hours strolling through this gallery admiring the artwork. It is an intoxicating experience. You feel re-vitalized and relax at the same time. There is such a creative energy circulating around this space.

Several pieces catch my eye and I am overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions. I feel the exaltation and awe of being surrounded by these images of original artwork created by individuals with the ability to outwardly express their inner soul. I am a great lover of art, in all of its form, although recently I have been drawn towards abstract paintings. The reason I believe abstract art is so powerful is because it's completely non-objective and non-representational. I am not distracted by the meaning of the images, allowing my brain to bypass literal perception of objects thereby permitting entry into the realm of my unconscious psyche, evoking feelings of contentment and yearning, and a sense of balance and delight. Fortunately for me, Joanne’s gallery has a plethora of pieces to choose from.

Having since outgrowing my original Ikea prints, I endeavor to find that perfect art pieces to cover my barren walls. I have found those pieces at this gallery. One of the pieces in my desired collection sits right behind Joanne’s desk. It has such a harmonious arrangement of colour, evoking contrary feelings of tranquility and excitement. Another one of my favorites has me wanting to run my hand over the smooth and coarse lacquered texture of this subtle artwork, this painting reveals itself layer by layer the longer you stand in front of it. And finally, there a beautiful piece by A.Y. Jackson, of The Group of Seven.

However, owning these pieces would require a rapid increase in my annual salary, the price of the Jackson alone had me perspiring, but the idea of owing original art is exhilarating.

It’s a vastly different experience than appreciating art in a museum or gallery. An art piece hung in your home allows you to see it in the changing light of day adding to the intensity and meaning of the work. I believe the piece you choose to incorporate into your home is also an expression of the spirit of your character; it illustrates to others you, in a deeply personal way. It also makes home and life infinitely richer.

I want original art. Therefore, in order for me to acquire these paintings, the piggy bank must be feed and remain unopened for several years, or I must take my chances at the roulette tables at casino-rama. Either way these pieces will be mine, it's an investment I'm willing to make.

If there is anyone out there who scoffs at my desire to own these works of art, then I implore you to pay a visit to the Thompson Landry Gallery. Only after that will you understand the power of these paintings.