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Virtual Art Gallery
"How Art Thou?" Exhibition
There's a story behind every piece of work - click on images for descriptions and artist statements
SANDY BLASS
Medicine Lake
2020, Watercolour on Arches art board
30” x 40”
Through the months of the pandemic and given so much more time to think, reflect and paint, I have realized that I don’t need to go far to encounter the beauty of this world. So used to going elsewhere for vacations, it has become obvious that Alberta holds vast horizons of beauty and reflection, all in my own backyard. Medicine Lake, Jasper, is one of those places.
For sale - contact artist directly
www.blassart.com
2020, Watercolour on Arches art board
30” x 40”
Through the months of the pandemic and given so much more time to think, reflect and paint, I have realized that I don’t need to go far to encounter the beauty of this world. So used to going elsewhere for vacations, it has become obvious that Alberta holds vast horizons of beauty and reflection, all in my own backyard. Medicine Lake, Jasper, is one of those places.
For sale - contact artist directly
www.blassart.com
SANDY BLASS
Echo Beach (Akko Beach)
Watercolour on Canson art board
20 “x 32”
For sale - contact artist directly
The place I miss most during this time of isolation, Eretz Israel, and the one I find myself returning to in my mind the most. Akko, and other northern regions surrounding Haifa are my favourites. The land and the Mediterranean Sea flow through my veins and DNA. Somewhere to reflect even when not able to get there….
Images and text © Sandy Blass 2020
www.blassart.com
Watercolour on Canson art board
20 “x 32”
For sale - contact artist directly
The place I miss most during this time of isolation, Eretz Israel, and the one I find myself returning to in my mind the most. Akko, and other northern regions surrounding Haifa are my favourites. The land and the Mediterranean Sea flow through my veins and DNA. Somewhere to reflect even when not able to get there….
Images and text © Sandy Blass 2020
www.blassart.com
SANDY BLASS
Banff Springs Backyard
Watercolour on St. Armand’s handmade paper
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
Another vista close to home and visited often, going alone has given it a whole new level of reflection and enjoyment. There are so many meditative places here. And many of them I hadn’t noticed in that context until now.
Images and text © Sandy Blass 2020
www.blassart.com
Watercolour on St. Armand’s handmade paper
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
Another vista close to home and visited often, going alone has given it a whole new level of reflection and enjoyment. There are so many meditative places here. And many of them I hadn’t noticed in that context until now.
Images and text © Sandy Blass 2020
www.blassart.com
CAROLE BONDAROFF
“Cultural Diversity”
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
13” x 22”
For sale - contact artist directly
“Persecution has been a consistent aspect of the human condition, and the result has been mass migration and global dispersal. The Jewish People are a prime example of a religious group who have been repeatedly forced into relocation.
This multi-plate etching depicts the confrontation between orthodoxy and intolerance. The centrally located icons make symbolic reference to significant spiritual traditions: Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Indigenous Nations; thus, the need for cooperative co-existence in the global community, the Diaspora.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
13” x 22”
For sale - contact artist directly
“Persecution has been a consistent aspect of the human condition, and the result has been mass migration and global dispersal. The Jewish People are a prime example of a religious group who have been repeatedly forced into relocation.
This multi-plate etching depicts the confrontation between orthodoxy and intolerance. The centrally located icons make symbolic reference to significant spiritual traditions: Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Indigenous Nations; thus, the need for cooperative co-existence in the global community, the Diaspora.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
CAROLE BONDAROFF
“Children of the Wind”
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
16” x 13”
For sale - contact artist directly
“Cast adrift by the pogroms of Czarist oppression, early Jewish refugees, including my maternal grandparents, sought a sense of belonging on the Canadian Prairies, where they could practise their religious traditions in relative security, free from hatred and discrimination
They put down roots manifested in the community-built Prairie Synagogue, now re-located to Calgary’s Heritage Park.
In this multi-plate intaglio etching, I have interspersed various symbols: the Star of David, Shabbat Candles, the Shofar, the Hamza, an embroidered mezuzah and horse-drawn wagons.
The Winds, which carried my family far afield of their native lands, were also the Winds of Hope.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
16” x 13”
For sale - contact artist directly
“Cast adrift by the pogroms of Czarist oppression, early Jewish refugees, including my maternal grandparents, sought a sense of belonging on the Canadian Prairies, where they could practise their religious traditions in relative security, free from hatred and discrimination
They put down roots manifested in the community-built Prairie Synagogue, now re-located to Calgary’s Heritage Park.
In this multi-plate intaglio etching, I have interspersed various symbols: the Star of David, Shabbat Candles, the Shofar, the Hamza, an embroidered mezuzah and horse-drawn wagons.
The Winds, which carried my family far afield of their native lands, were also the Winds of Hope.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
CAROLE BONDAROFF
Cycles of Diaspora”
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
22” x 19”
For sale - contact artist directly
“I am a direct descendent of Alberta Pioneers, the Raphael Gurevitch Family, who escaped the pogroms of Eastern Europe in the early 1900’s. The Central image in this multi-plate etching is a modest prairie synagogue, the centre of Jewish Diasporan Shteltl communities. The Little Synagogue, originally located in the Southern Alberta Montfiore Colony, is now located at Calgary’s Heritage Park.
My etching shows the synagogue, the Rabbi, the Rebbetzin and their family of 7 children. I have interspersed various symbols: the Star of David, Shabbat Candles, the Shofar, the Hamaza, an embroidered Mezuzah and horse-drawn wagons.
Super-imposed over the ‘Planet Earth,’ the Little Synagogue on the Prairie symbolizes the global dispersal of the persecuted, and concurrently the sense of belonging where Jewish people could practise their religious traditions and beliefs in relative security free from hatred and discrimination.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
2019, Multi-Plate Etching on Arches Paper
22” x 19”
For sale - contact artist directly
“I am a direct descendent of Alberta Pioneers, the Raphael Gurevitch Family, who escaped the pogroms of Eastern Europe in the early 1900’s. The Central image in this multi-plate etching is a modest prairie synagogue, the centre of Jewish Diasporan Shteltl communities. The Little Synagogue, originally located in the Southern Alberta Montfiore Colony, is now located at Calgary’s Heritage Park.
My etching shows the synagogue, the Rabbi, the Rebbetzin and their family of 7 children. I have interspersed various symbols: the Star of David, Shabbat Candles, the Shofar, the Hamaza, an embroidered Mezuzah and horse-drawn wagons.
Super-imposed over the ‘Planet Earth,’ the Little Synagogue on the Prairie symbolizes the global dispersal of the persecuted, and concurrently the sense of belonging where Jewish people could practise their religious traditions and beliefs in relative security free from hatred and discrimination.”
Images and text © Carole Bondaroff 2020
www.carolebondaroff.com
ALAN BRIKS
'June Shadows', Mount Rundle at the Vermillion Lakes
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24” X 18"
Private Collection
A Nature series of three.
How Art Thou? I suppose on some level painting from nature explores this wondrous question. The process is meditation, an appreciation of the colours, atmosphere and dynamism of the eternal. Spiritually, the settings evoke a visceral experience of the soul, culminating in a metaphoric expression communicating an ode 'to life'! And how be thy art? I like the intimate feel of paper as a support in general and enjoy creating with a mix of media as a favoured means of articulating the immediacy and complexity of the plein air encounter, Sometimes I am told my landscapes really capture a scene though the truth of the matter, it’s the scenery that captivates me.
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24” X 18"
Private Collection
A Nature series of three.
How Art Thou? I suppose on some level painting from nature explores this wondrous question. The process is meditation, an appreciation of the colours, atmosphere and dynamism of the eternal. Spiritually, the settings evoke a visceral experience of the soul, culminating in a metaphoric expression communicating an ode 'to life'! And how be thy art? I like the intimate feel of paper as a support in general and enjoy creating with a mix of media as a favoured means of articulating the immediacy and complexity of the plein air encounter, Sometimes I am told my landscapes really capture a scene though the truth of the matter, it’s the scenery that captivates me.
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
ALAN BRIKS
'Upon Nose Hill'
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24” x 18"
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24” x 18"
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
ALAN BRIKS
'Stormy Sisters' The Three Sisters by Canmore, Alberta
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24" X 18"
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
2020, gouache and mixed media on paper
24" X 18"
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Alan Briks 2020
SARABETH CARNAT
Mezuzah
6”L x1”W x1/2” D
Copper, Sterling silver, paper
1999
Available by commission
As I grapple with self care, isolation, wellness and creativity, I lament our fading summer.
I long for the sun’s rays to warm my body and soul.
I pray, quietly, internally, for health and wellness for all, including my family, friends, and myself.
The Mezuzah, a prayer case is a vessel to hold the Klaf, parchment, with the prayer, Shema Yisroel.
The form of this Mezuzah comes from squishing half a copper pipe for the base; the silver letters have been cast to solder onto the copper. The process of building the mezuzah helps to ground and sustain me.
Images and text © Sarabeth Carnat 2020
www.sarabethcarnat.com
6”L x1”W x1/2” D
Copper, Sterling silver, paper
1999
Available by commission
As I grapple with self care, isolation, wellness and creativity, I lament our fading summer.
I long for the sun’s rays to warm my body and soul.
I pray, quietly, internally, for health and wellness for all, including my family, friends, and myself.
The Mezuzah, a prayer case is a vessel to hold the Klaf, parchment, with the prayer, Shema Yisroel.
The form of this Mezuzah comes from squishing half a copper pipe for the base; the silver letters have been cast to solder onto the copper. The process of building the mezuzah helps to ground and sustain me.
Images and text © Sarabeth Carnat 2020
www.sarabethcarnat.com
AVIVA (Yehudit Chayil)
Sing- Sing- Sing
2020, Acrylic
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
When the world is silenced and the healing that comes from singing is in question, we must sing more loudly through our instruments igniting the wave of healing once again.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
2020, Acrylic
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
When the world is silenced and the healing that comes from singing is in question, we must sing more loudly through our instruments igniting the wave of healing once again.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
AVIVA (Yehudit Chayil)
Which Way is Up?
2020, Acrylic
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
Sometimes we are in such turmoil that we don't know Which Way is up, but if we look deeper we can see past what is on the surface and find that our way is straight ahead.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
2020, Acrylic
18” x 24”
For sale - contact artist directly
Sometimes we are in such turmoil that we don't know Which Way is up, but if we look deeper we can see past what is on the surface and find that our way is straight ahead.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
AVIVA (Yehudit Chayil)
Shamayim
2020, Acrylic
24” x 30”
For sale - contact artist directly
When we reflect on life, especially in times of tribulation and unrest, we can't help but direct our thoughts toward places where our hearts, minds and souls can find peace.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
2020, Acrylic
24” x 30”
For sale - contact artist directly
When we reflect on life, especially in times of tribulation and unrest, we can't help but direct our thoughts toward places where our hearts, minds and souls can find peace.
Images and text © Yehudit Chayil 2020
MILT FISCHBEIN
Filigree Mezuzah #1
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
9 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
When I return to my home the mezuzah case (or cover) is the first thing that I see, reminding me that I am entering my Jewish home. I am one of very few filigree artists in North America. I created these filigree mezuzah covers using ancient filigree techniques which have been used by Jewish artisans for over 2000 years.
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
9 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
When I return to my home the mezuzah case (or cover) is the first thing that I see, reminding me that I am entering my Jewish home. I am one of very few filigree artists in North America. I created these filigree mezuzah covers using ancient filigree techniques which have been used by Jewish artisans for over 2000 years.
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
MILT FISCHBEIN
Filigree Mezuzah #2
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
10.2 cm x 2.3 cm x 1 cm
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
10.2 cm x 2.3 cm x 1 cm
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
MILT FISCHBEIN
Filigree Mezuzah #3
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
2018, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Moonstone
Filigree Mezuzah Series
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Milt Fischbein 2020
www.mfmetalarts.com
VIVIAN HERMAN
Oasis
2020, Mixed Media
11" x 11"
For sale - contact artist directly
While the pandemic was spreading around the world, in my hideaway corner of the world on the west coast, Spring was in the air with flowers and gardens full of blooms and bursting with colours and life. Amid such uncertain and worrying times I was so thankful to be in a place of renewal and beauty. In answer to the question "How Art Thou?" being absorbed in painting this piece most definitely gave me a measure of much needed calm and joy.
Images and text © Vivian Herman 2020
www.vivianherman.com
2020, Mixed Media
11" x 11"
For sale - contact artist directly
While the pandemic was spreading around the world, in my hideaway corner of the world on the west coast, Spring was in the air with flowers and gardens full of blooms and bursting with colours and life. Amid such uncertain and worrying times I was so thankful to be in a place of renewal and beauty. In answer to the question "How Art Thou?" being absorbed in painting this piece most definitely gave me a measure of much needed calm and joy.
Images and text © Vivian Herman 2020
www.vivianherman.com
SUSAN PODLOG
Messages of Peace A
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
I ART- as a woman, as a stitcher, as a maker.
I ART- to touch, to see, to delight in joining colour, pattern and design.
I ART -to re-imagine symbols born from the promised ‘land of milk and honey.’
I ART -to convey joy, regard, compassion and sometimes sorrow.
I ART-in fabric using tiny scraps making unique images that take form in miniature.
I ART- to take refuge in creative play, piecing CRAZY QUILT mini blocks.
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
I ART- as a woman, as a stitcher, as a maker.
I ART- to touch, to see, to delight in joining colour, pattern and design.
I ART -to re-imagine symbols born from the promised ‘land of milk and honey.’
I ART -to convey joy, regard, compassion and sometimes sorrow.
I ART-in fabric using tiny scraps making unique images that take form in miniature.
I ART- to take refuge in creative play, piecing CRAZY QUILT mini blocks.
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
SUSAN PODLOG
Messages of Peace B
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
SUSAN PODLOG
Messages of Peace C
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
2020, cotton fabric, cotton batting and cotton thread each inserted in white acid free card frame with die cut window. Finished card 5” x 6 ⅞”
For sale - contact artist directly
Images and text © Susan Podlog 2020
LISA THOMSON
Rawson Lake
Oil on Canvas
9” x 12”
For sale - contact artist directly
When life gets overwhelming and stress starts to build, I head to the mountains to ground myself. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains that have seen little change in 400 million years, I realize that my own time on this earth is short and so precious. I must live my life to the fullest and strive to make every day a special one.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
Oil on Canvas
9” x 12”
For sale - contact artist directly
When life gets overwhelming and stress starts to build, I head to the mountains to ground myself. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains that have seen little change in 400 million years, I realize that my own time on this earth is short and so precious. I must live my life to the fullest and strive to make every day a special one.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
LISA THOMSON
Mid-Summer Canola
Oil on Canvas
12” x 16”
For sale - contact artist directly
These calm, bright canola fields will soon be hit by an approaching storm. I find it fascinated how the yellows are most vibrant when contrasted with dark skies, sure to bring wind, rain and chaos. In life, there is a calm before the storm, and when everything clears, colors return with a fresh, clean aroma. In the face of uncertainty during the storm, we can look forward to renewal and growth when the skies clear.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
Oil on Canvas
12” x 16”
For sale - contact artist directly
These calm, bright canola fields will soon be hit by an approaching storm. I find it fascinated how the yellows are most vibrant when contrasted with dark skies, sure to bring wind, rain and chaos. In life, there is a calm before the storm, and when everything clears, colors return with a fresh, clean aroma. In the face of uncertainty during the storm, we can look forward to renewal and growth when the skies clear.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
LISA THOMSON
Windblown Slope
Oil on Canvas
24” x 30”
For sale - contact artist directly
Sometimes the beauty of nature is not about blue skies and magnificent vistas. I find that being on a mountain top exposed to bitter temperatures, high winds and blinding snowstorms makes me feel alive. It reminds me that ‘this too shall pass’, and blue skis and magnificent vistas will come again. And when they do, I will appreciate them even more.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
Oil on Canvas
24” x 30”
For sale - contact artist directly
Sometimes the beauty of nature is not about blue skies and magnificent vistas. I find that being on a mountain top exposed to bitter temperatures, high winds and blinding snowstorms makes me feel alive. It reminds me that ‘this too shall pass’, and blue skis and magnificent vistas will come again. And when they do, I will appreciate them even more.
Images and text © Lisa Thomson 2020
www.lisathomson.com
CHAR VANDERHORST
David
2016, Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas
24” x 14”
Private Collection
One day again David’s songs of self-reflection, of forgiveness, of connection, of turning to Hashem, of turning inward to love oneself, singing the songs of freedom!
Images and text © Char Vanderhorst
www.charvanderhorst.com
2016, Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas
24” x 14”
Private Collection
One day again David’s songs of self-reflection, of forgiveness, of connection, of turning to Hashem, of turning inward to love oneself, singing the songs of freedom!
Images and text © Char Vanderhorst
www.charvanderhorst.com
CHAR VANDERHORST
Reflections
2020, Acrylic on canvas
16” x 20”
(For sale)
Souls as reflections of the fire of a candle, the light of the soul in places not of this world. Turning looking at its light enters into our souls through our eyes and become one. Forgiveness, as the light of a candle.
Images and text © Char Vanderhorst 2020
www.charvanderhorst.com
2020, Acrylic on canvas
16” x 20”
(For sale)
Souls as reflections of the fire of a candle, the light of the soul in places not of this world. Turning looking at its light enters into our souls through our eyes and become one. Forgiveness, as the light of a candle.
Images and text © Char Vanderhorst 2020
www.charvanderhorst.com
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