"A glazer is a painter who dances with colour - spectacular colour!"
Proudly Presents: the CGOS Members’ Show 2022
Cathy Roberts
At Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts, Collingwood, ON, and Online Oct 1-29 2022
Participating Artists:
Cathy Roberts, Cindy Steinke, Eileen Sakal, Isabel Haslam, Karen Saunders-Hurley, Kathy Marlene Bailey, Lorraine Vatcher, Lynn Cassels-Caldwell, Maureen Lewis, Steven Lewis, Vanessa Cress Lokos
“Renewal”
Like coyotes, our species adapts. It is time to renew after the world has evolved right in front of our eyes into a whole new place – for better and worse. After so long, we are just busting to get out, to find routine out of the disorder, to reconnect, to make sense of it all and come to a semblance of peace in global terms. Some need to find peace by escaping to somewhere else. Others can find peace just in our own space. Perpetually and especially now, it is a time of new beginnings; it is a time to renew.
The Exhibition:
Cindy Steinke
Cathy Roberts
1) “Sun Dappled Budha”
Artist Statement:
I take great pleasure in nurturing a meditative garden. It is a constant source of renewal and energy in every season
2) “Weeping Sunflowers”
Artist Statement:
In this painting I am using the Ukrainian sunflower to represent the cruelty of the war. My hope is that the resilient Ukrainian people will renew and rebuild their country. Entire proceeds from this painting will go to a Ukrainian charity.
3) “With a Little Help from my Friends”
Artist Statement:
The symbiotic relationship between insects and plants is fascinating. There would not be beautiful peony blooms without these ants opening the blooms. Each year we look forward this renewal process.
4) “Brief Diversion”
Artist Statement:
Walking through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington is a constant source of inspiration for me. Peony season is absolutely intoxicating.
5) “Spring Poppy Patch”
Artist Statement:
Spring always invigorates me. This spring patch of yellow euonymus with poppies bursting out of it symbolizes renewal to me.
Cindy Steinke
6) “First Snowfall”
Artist Statement:
The First Snowfall portrays the theme of renewal for me because it is a scene captured through the innocent eyes of my grandchildren. The sense of wonder at the white world before them is a sense that we all get when looking at a fresh snowfall…particularly the first one of the season. If we can ‘become like little children’, then renewal can be ours in fresh ways every day. We need only open our eyes to see.
7) “Santorini Sunset”
Artist Statement:
Traveling is always a time for renewal. Seeing new places, experiencing new things can reset and refresh like nothing else. I will never forget my trip to Santorini, Greece and taking this picture walking back down the ‘donkey trail’ to our boat. It was an unforgettable day that ended in a spectacular sunset and then an actual moonrise from behind the island as we sailed off into the Aegean Sea.
8) “Preston and Jane”
Artist Statement:
Renewal is new beginnings. Nothing says that more than starting a new life together. It was my privilege to paint my son and his bride to help them remember the day they had their beginning as a married couple, radiating hope and joy on their faces.
Eileen Sakal
9) “First Light”
Artist Statement:
Standing by the shoreline early morning, one can’t help but feel the beauty as the dark turns to light and as the fresh morning air surrounds all. Seeing clouds and sky change its many hues and chroma, gives the feeling that anything is possible, and can be achieved and started again if needed. Only positive thoughts can enter the mind at this time, and the pace begins to quicken as the sun rises. Returning home, we are renewed.
10) “Humber Bay Daybreak”
Artist Statement:
What is the urge in us to waken early just to watch the sun rise over a lake? Is it the clear morning air, devoid of unnatural doors, or the beauty of another day’s renewal? Yes, here, in the bustle of a large city, people do just that. There is a sense of companionship as you nod to others who are enjoying the spectacular event with you. Mostly strangers, you all gather together to breathe the air and feel the enchantment of the sky, clouds and water as colours and shapes rapidly change. Winter or Summer, there will be watchers at the shore.
11) “Nigerian Headdress”
Artist Statement:
A young Canadian Student sat for us to paint her in the traditional garments of her Mothers Native Country, Nigeria. During the many sessions, Anu, enlightened us by describing her clothing and jewelry as important in her Mothers Homeland. She was happy to share with us some insights. Anu had sewn the dress she wore, using fabric from Nigeria, but her mom had tied the headdress. Her Mother had left her Native Land for a renewal of sorts, in our Country. It couldn’t have been easy to travel so far, but a bright future awaited.
Isabel Haslam
12) “The Forest Trail”
Artist Statement:
Artist Statement:The past two years have been difficult, physically and emotionally, for all of us. Throughout these dark times, I continue to find solace and healing in nature’s many expressions. As I journey through our beautiful world, I experience joy, quiet, peace and solitude. For me, this happens through the dynamic interplay of light and dark, the brilliance of the hues, and the vibrant and subtle colours of the changing seasons. The trail leads you into the tranquil forest, the quiet peace and healing of natural beauty, with its promise of renewed growth.
13) “Life’s Journey”
Artist Statement:
The circle of life: birth, innocent and full of promise, new growth, maturing, flowering in the fullness of time then eventually fading away. But the circle is completed with another new birth and new life. The circle continues – a renewal of life, a renewal of hope and the future of our world. The rose symbolizes the changes in our life’s journey.
Karen Saunders-Hurley
14) “Reflections on the Credit River”
Artist Statement:
I was inspired to paint “Reflections on the Credit River” after a hike through the Credit River trails, in Mississauga. Both the river and the lush forest setting is inviting to many people who love to hike, fish, picnic and spend time with family and friends. As nature renews our spirit, so too, the river gives its abundance to the habitat which is complemented by the forest: rich with foliage and new growth.
It is my hope that the scene of this painting evokes an emotional connection that transports the viewer to a place of rejuvenation.
Kathy Marlene Bailey
15) “Powers in Heaven and Earth”, Heavens Series
Artist Statement:
As I walked along the shore of Prince Edward Island, the morning after - the worst Hurricane we have ever had, the feelings and meaning of this painting rivetted me with fresh and raw confirmation. The powers in Heaven and Earth are really not to be compared. We may think we can push Nature around, but it is just a pompous thought. The reckoning and renewed realities, that come with the outcomes of our reckless disregard for its well-designed balance, are vastly outweighed against us. Our powers are represented here in this painting by the meagre little hydro line. The power of God’s Nature is as vast as the sky and must be humbly revered - as must He.
16) “The Beech at Boshkung”, Gull River Series
Artist Statement:
Is this part of our human world, or is this some magical place of black-winged damselflies and otters, untouched by human eyes? There is not a trace of humanity – just an unending variety of plants and trees that form a small, lush wilderness room within the forest. This is a special place – a sacred space where I am honoured to bear witness. I revere its great, complex beauty, and its sanctuary for flora, fauna and currently - for me as well. What delightful reward for climbing down to the bottom of the road embankment at the Beech River Bridge over Highway 35. Who would know this was just right there? This secret “Garden of Eden” offered a surprising, amazing and intensely personal renewal.
17) “Tucked Behind the Shore, Algonquin”, Algonquin Series
Artist Statement:
It looks wild and unkempt, as any cottage should. This lovely old log cabin peeks from its nest, just behind the shore, as it has done for likely a hundred years or more. It has seen many wicked storms, lovely summer days, and has heard many poignant conversations as its residents reconnect with their souls, as generations of them have feasted on their treasured, private wilderness rest. It is a lovely, old, wild and very important place.
Lorraine Vatcher
18) “Glassy Glads”
Artist Statement:
I love gladiolas! They are majestic, extremely colourful, eye-popping, intricate and will not last a long time. I also love glass, especially crystal because of the way that the cut glass splits light into single colours. Together they are magic and medicine for eyes.
Laying the flowers into the hollow of a cut glass basket shows the flowers in an unusual position and the colour is exquisite. The glass is a very old piece and here on this canvas, flowers will live on and preserve their colour for many years renewing the vision every time someone looks at it.
Lynn Cassels-Caldwell
19) “ReFresh”
Artist’s Statement:
“ReFresh” depicts a group of horses in a river. The beautiful, white herd leader calmly surveys the area around them. It’s a peaceful moment of rest and relaxation. The cooling river flow on a hot day, and relief from thirst renews and refreshes them all. Water is Nature’s ultimate renewal source, supporting all living organisms and ecosystems on Earth. The people, the horses, the plants and trees, the birds, the fish, and even the micro-organisms all benefit from the life-giving properties of water. I honour Water, through the spirit of the horse, for its ability to provide perpetual renewal.
Maureen Lewis
20) “Pink Peony”
Artist Statement:
As winter gives way to Spring life renews itself in the form of new growth, new opportunity and beauty that burst forth from within. This peony study captures that essence of renewal, featuring beauty, grace, light and movement.
Steven Lewis
“21) “Across the Don”
Artist Statement:
Across the Don is a reflection on the scale and transience of natural phenomena, relative to the man-made structures that have been built to withstand these forces. Clouds are always in a state of transition perpetually breaking down and renewing.
Vanessa Cress Lokos
22) “On Break”
Artist Statement:
Studies have shown that work breaks improve productivity, our mood and motivates us to keep going. A change of scenery renews the mind, even if it is by staring into our phones?
23) “The Tourist”
Artist Statement:
Sightseeing, Chicago, “The Bean”, it is finally time to be tourists again. A change in place and space is long overdue as people are traveling again!
23) “Seeing White”
Artist Statement:
As a Canadian I can recall happily playing in the snow. It would seem that play is purposeless, however it has been said that it is as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. Definitely a pathway to renewal. It is my hope that this painting brings a smile of remembrance to your face.
25) “Silver Bells”
Artist Statement:
Botanicals are often a symbol of renewal. The Eucalyptus tree can grow up to 60 meters tall and live for 200 years, but it all begins and ends with the seed pods.
26) “Make A Wish”
Artist Statement:
Water lilies overwinter and re-emerge in the Spring in cooler climates. You are lucky to catch a bloom, as each only lasts for about four days. As the bloom emerges from the mud, closing up and reopening each morning, symbolizing resurrection and enlightenment in Hinduism and Buddhism, similar to spiritual rebirth.
About the Artists in this Exhibition
Note: Artists can be reached for sales through the posted websites on each artist’s biography.
Cathy Roberts
Cathy sees the world as an ever-changing composition and enjoys the challenge of transforming her photos into glaze oil paintings. Her work has been accepted into many juried and group shows; Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM), the Art Gallery of Burlington, the Ontario Society of Artist (OSA), Burlington Fine Arts Association, the Canadian Glaze Oil Society (CGOS) to name a few. Her work has also been chosen for posters and Christmas cards for service clubs and women’s organizations. Cathy lives in Burlington Ontario and is a founding member of the Canadian Glaze Oil Society (CGOS).
Cindy Steinke
Cindy Steinke is an American in Canada. She followed a boy to Canada in 1987 (her husband!) and presently lives in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Cindy has always enjoyed creating and experimenting with different art mediums. She has found a ‘home’ in glaze oil painting and loves creating paintings that reflect her deep Southern roots and her love of family.
Eileen Sakal
I live in Toronto, my hometown. In my twenties, I fortuitously met the artist, Tome Hodgeson and attended his “Thursday Night Life Drawing” sessions – for quite a number of years. Fran Lebowitz has said, “The History of Art is hanging about in bars and talking about Art”. Those years, all those artists, and Tom’s unorthodox artistic concepts gave me a thirst for the thrill of artistic evolution, creativity, continuous experimentation and discovery. Thanks to Kathy Marlene Bailey for the lessons and introduction to the Glaze Oil Method which is now my serious pursuit.
Isabel Haslam
Isabel Haslam has developed her art through courses and workshops in different styles and media, at the Scarborough Art Guild, the London Art Gallery, the Dundas Valley School of Art, and the Art Gallery of Burlington to name a few. She has served on the executive of the Burlington Fine Arts Association and the Canadian Glaze Oil Society. Isabel’s work embodies her love of nature. She enjoys expressing the dynamic interplay of light and dark, and the brilliance of colour in nature. Her work has been shown in Scarborough, Georgetown, Dundas, Milton and Burlington.
Karen Saunders Hurley
Karen Saunders Hurley was born and raised in Newfoundland. Always, she was drawn to the natural beauty which still inspires her painting.Karen’s goal is to capture the uniqueness of every person and place and the mystery of a narrative, where stories of everyday experiences can be brought to the canvas.Karen’s work has been in many juried exhibitions. She was commissioned by the mayor’s office of the City of Mississauga, for the 40th Sister City Anniversary Gift, where her painting hangs at the City Hall in Kariya, Japan.
Kathy Marlene Bailey
Kathy was raised in Toronto and spent summers in Haliburton with her extended family that rooted back to Newfoundland. She started university at Guelph where she learned Traditional Glaze Oil Painting and in 1979, graduated in Art Education from U of T and Creative Arts from Sheridan College. Kathy lives in PEI where in Bailey Studio Gallery, she paints, instructs across Canada and beyond and sells supplies. She is a member of the OSA and is founding president of the Canadian Glaze Oil Society where she is the key instructor and technical mentor.
www.kathymarlenebailey.com
Lorraine Vatcher
In 2001 Lorraine discovered a love for painting; it opened up a whole new world of learning. Now she paints in oils, watercolour and acrylics, creates murals and helps others to find their joy of creating.Lorraine started painting while she was living in Newfoundland. After an airline career she decided she wanted to expand her knowledge toward artistic endeavours. She attended the College of the North Atlantic in 2002-04 and graduated with a certificate of Graphic Production. Also, in 2004 she returned to her childhood home of PEI, a continual source of inspiration.
www.lorarainevatcher.com
Lynn Cassels-Caldwell
I started my equine art career as a youngster, then I furthered my training in fine art, sculpture & photography education at Sir Sanford Fleming College. I worked as a horse portrait commission artist for over 20 years and a professional horse show photographer for a further 20 years.
The passion for horses has shaped my life in all its facets, mentally, spiritually & physically, but most of all creatively. Horses will always remain as my central core of inspiration.
www.snowdrift-studio.com
Maureen Lewis
Maureen’s passion for the creative arts emerged at a young age with the smell of oil paints and the creative talents of an artistic family. Despite a successful full-time career in a decidedly unartistic environment, Maureen found creativity with courses in Interior design and millinery. She has studied painting - with Layal Annan, Kathy Marlene Bailey and Gordon Harrison. She loves light, movement, contrast and the nuances of value. Since retirement, Maureen has focused on oil glazing, finding the magical qualities in light and transparency it provides.
Steven Lewis
Steven Lewis is a Toronto artist, studied at Ontario College of Art and Academy of Realist Art. He was a founding partner of SPINVFX and now teaches and paints full time. His work has been seen in the Kingston Prize and Workman Arts Being Scene exhibit.
www.stevenlewisart.com
Vanessa Cress Lokos
Vanessa Cress Lokos is a contemporary, award-winning glaze oil painter. Irony, playfulness and the unexpected are often conveyed in her work. She has exhibited and sold internationally. Her work is in collections in Canada, Australia and Barbados. She has a BA with a concentration in Visual Arts from the University of Ottawa and has been exhibiting regularly since 2009. Vanessa is also a member of the OSA, the Burlington Fine Arts Association, the Arts and Culture Council of Burlington, and Hamilton Artist Inc.
