The wonderful Wendy Welch came by for a consult on Monday afternoon. I have done a lot of work over the last couple of years and yet the editing process is so important. An exhibition is a thing in itself and needs to have it’s own internal logic. I was happy that Wendy and I were of a similar mind about this exhibition. I would recommend booking a consult with Wendy whenever you need a fresh eye, good advice and someone who does not impose their own ideas but sees and encourages what you are bringing out in your work.
When I made these children, I did not expect that they would be in this show and had imagined them being the first of a new body of work. I brought them along on a hunch to “see how they might fit” and it turns out they were meant to be here. It’s humbling to listen to your art- even though you think your art is about your voice, it has a voice of its own.
The walls were a challenge! I use Command tabs in the Stairwell gallery but these old plaster walls just would not hold them. Thankfully I had upholstery tacks with me for the top and the one or two corners than came free in the opening- as someone pointed out -gave the work interesting shadows and dimension!
My heroes!! Artists Clare Thomas, Mary Babineau and Fern Long were with me all yesterday afternoon and we did it!
The gallery as I returned to set up for the opening.
It was so wonderful to have friends and supporters surrounding me at the opening. Thank you to all who came out last night!!!
The grotto. So much of my artistic self was caught up with the memory of war. The metaphor of going back into the dark to get the child who was left behind is a meaningful one to me. As I did this work I felt I was doing that for my artistic self…and looking at these faces I feel like I brought back the memory of these children with me.
The hangers on 😉 I took people photos during the night, but they turned out terribly, but even so I had to add this one of these three, who from long ago have always been champions of my art.
Good night.
With more than a little help from my friends, my first solo show was installed and my art brought into the world.
I will be at the the Fifty Fifty gallery ( at 2516 Douglas Street, Victoria BC Canada) from 1 – 4 pm tomorrow ( Sunday 12) , next weekend Saturday 18 and Sunday 19, and Saturday 25.
Appointments can be made too for individuals or a group as I have the keys!
There are other hours during the week but I am not sure of them yet. it depends on volunteer availability.
Cornelia van Voorst 