Shiny Things
Acrylic, paper, wood, gems on canvas
Beckman, Rhonda
This piece was inspired by the raven; a bird that I truly relate to in it's attraction to trinkets and shiny things, as well as being a scavenger and trickster, which is a true part of my nature. In this Abstract Expressionist homage, the raven journeys through the skies, seeking out adventure and treasures to drop in the most unexpected of places as gifts for Mother Nature.
Acrylic, paper, wood, gems on canvas
Beckman, Rhonda
This piece was inspired by the raven; a bird that I truly relate to in it's attraction to trinkets and shiny things, as well as being a scavenger and trickster, which is a true part of my nature. In this Abstract Expressionist homage, the raven journeys through the skies, seeking out adventure and treasures to drop in the most unexpected of places as gifts for Mother Nature.
Fungi In The Back 40
Acrylic on canvas
Beckman, Rhonda
This painting was a "speed study" to continue to ensure my visual and painting skills remain developed. Out at "the farm" (that is the colloquial name for the acreage we have just outside of Dryden, Ontario) there is a lot of beautiful imagery that is fodder for art. I like to take photographs and then challenge myself to draw or paint from that image in an hour or less. This painting was completed in an hour.
Acrylic on canvas
Beckman, Rhonda
This painting was a "speed study" to continue to ensure my visual and painting skills remain developed. Out at "the farm" (that is the colloquial name for the acreage we have just outside of Dryden, Ontario) there is a lot of beautiful imagery that is fodder for art. I like to take photographs and then challenge myself to draw or paint from that image in an hour or less. This painting was completed in an hour.
Lakeside Onlooker
Acrylic on canvas
Caie, Jenn
Seeing every stick, leaf and rock pile along the shore, encourages and even calls me into my studio to create. I enjoy shadows and light, and the contrasts are nescessary in my work. Lakeside Onlooker came from my imagination, as many pieces do. It's the experience of thirty years of wandering through NW Ontario that brings the scene to canvas. I used acrylic paint on stretched canvas and layer upon layer of brushwork.
Acrylic on canvas
Caie, Jenn
Seeing every stick, leaf and rock pile along the shore, encourages and even calls me into my studio to create. I enjoy shadows and light, and the contrasts are nescessary in my work. Lakeside Onlooker came from my imagination, as many pieces do. It's the experience of thirty years of wandering through NW Ontario that brings the scene to canvas. I used acrylic paint on stretched canvas and layer upon layer of brushwork.
In Time
Acrylic on canvas
Caie, Jenn
I painted this colourful poppy piece as a result of longing for summer. The refreshing of spring; arriving in time. During the pandemic, the hope of new life and continuance. I used acrylic pints and mediums, creating texture and light paths on the stretched canvas, with palette knives and brush work.
Acrylic on canvas
Caie, Jenn
I painted this colourful poppy piece as a result of longing for summer. The refreshing of spring; arriving in time. During the pandemic, the hope of new life and continuance. I used acrylic pints and mediums, creating texture and light paths on the stretched canvas, with palette knives and brush work.
Remnants
Photography Carlson, Harriet This is a photo of the remnants of my grandfather's boats at a portage on Hatchett Lake, about 25 miles west of Red Lake. He used to build one boat in his basement each winter, and then transport it to one of his remote fishing locations. The green and red are traditional boat paints, but they add style to function. My grandfather built these boats out of necessity and to help him make a living, but as a true craftsman, he built things beautifully and creatively. This reminds me and inspires me to put care, style, creativity into everyday objects and actions. |
Sunroom
Photography Carlson, Harriet This old cabin is in our backyard. It was likely built in the 1940s. An old, retired fisherman lived here until there was no longer any smoke pouring out of the chimney on a cold, winter morning (1966). After that, the cabin became storage and then remained untouched. |
Fallen Leaves
Resin
Collette, Lucy
I took my inspiration for this piece from my love of the crunch of dead leaves as you walk through the forest. Wanting to incorporate them into something that you can enjoy on a table in your home, something to remind you of fall, I came up with this vase called Fallen Leaves.
Resin
Collette, Lucy
I took my inspiration for this piece from my love of the crunch of dead leaves as you walk through the forest. Wanting to incorporate them into something that you can enjoy on a table in your home, something to remind you of fall, I came up with this vase called Fallen Leaves.
Peace within.
Resin
Collette, Lucy
Inspiration came for this as I long for summer days at the beach, with such unrest and lock downs, I long for lazy summer days watching and listening to the water at the beach. From that, I find peace within.
Resin
Collette, Lucy
Inspiration came for this as I long for summer days at the beach, with such unrest and lock downs, I long for lazy summer days watching and listening to the water at the beach. From that, I find peace within.
Flying High
Acrylic on canvas
Drager, Brenda
Flying high was inspired by an art workshop was inspired by an art workshop I took with Patrick Hunter. A few years ago I redid the picture I originally painted with more detail and more saturated colour. I also expanded the size.
Acrylic on canvas
Drager, Brenda
Flying high was inspired by an art workshop was inspired by an art workshop I took with Patrick Hunter. A few years ago I redid the picture I originally painted with more detail and more saturated colour. I also expanded the size.
Bountiful & Explosion
Acrylic on canvas Drager, Brenda On left: Bountiful above, Explosion below Bountiful is inspired by the explosion of all the flowers and flowering weeds we suddenly see often a few days of rain. I have done a series of abstract flowers and sunshine using a bit of negative painting and trying to stay loose and fire, just having fun and playing with colour combinations. |
A Sense of Place
Mixed Media Goodwin, Marylou My inspiration for this piece came with the question of how Covid-19 affects one's return to home. One of the 'homecoming' scenes as you enter Safety Bay are the boat houses that have been there since my childhood. They have not had much done to them over the years, and every time we float by, my husband says "someone should paint those boat houses." I don't think this is exactly what he meant, but I took up the challenge. For me, this scene lets me realize my "sense of place"... my home |
Friday's Vessels
Mixed Media Goodwin, Marylou I am inspired and intrigued by this timeless object, the vessel. It permeates our lives, not only for function but for the beauty they lend to our homes. Vessels have been with us since the dawn of mankind and will remain with us until our demise. Every museum has a section devoted to their existence, who can deny their place in the world? I have made a point of trying to project my abstracted reality into this humblest of objects, often painting 15 at once! |
Go'in Fishin'
Mixed Media Johnson, Pippi This piece was inspired by my three Grandsons. I just spent some time with them, what fun! Go'in Fishin' tells the story of two little boys and their experiences going fishing, mirroring our own experiences. After completing the piece, I realized I would have liked to include a dog in there somewhere as well. Spending time in Northwestern Ontario cottage country with such youthful exuberance allowed me to infuse their energy, joy and imagination. |
Best Friends
Mixed Media Johnson, Pippi I believe art is a way to capture the perfect moment in a story, using a combination of light and colour. These moments are fleeting, and unique, never happening twice. In these worrisome times we can spend too much time projecting and stressing about the future. In order to combat these feelings, I like to focus on the beauty of these perfect moments. I like to tell stories. I have great faith in the relationships between people, and the bond between animals and people, will help us through these difficult times, leading to a better world. |
Geraniums
Oil McFarlane, William My Primary Goals in this painting were two-fold. My first intention was to create a strong contrast between the yellow foreground and green middle ground. Secondly I wanted to establish a sense of flow and unity throughout the canvas. At times I struggled over whether or not I should do some more with the blue background. However, upon completion I realized leaving the background as it heightens attention on the subject matter. |
Pinecone #1
Reduction Linocut McFarlane, William I discovered this pine cone while walking in the bush one day. It occurred to me that it would make an interesting subject to create on a monumental scale. I found the process of breaking the image into separate layers and then rebuilding it again as a three colour linocut to be quite gratifying. |
Retirement of Power
Acrylic on canvas
Palermo, Cynthia
I came across this old Dodge Power Wagon while visiting a friend at their camp. It was sitting on its own to the side, long forgotten. In its day it was such a beast of a vehicle and had plowed tons of snow with ease, yet it looked very tired in its present state as it had given way to young saplings that were growing through and about it. I loved the contrast of nature going up against something man made and very powerful.
The contrast of colours and textures appealed to me and I thought I would try my first serious painting and this would be my muse.
Acrylic on canvas
Palermo, Cynthia
I came across this old Dodge Power Wagon while visiting a friend at their camp. It was sitting on its own to the side, long forgotten. In its day it was such a beast of a vehicle and had plowed tons of snow with ease, yet it looked very tired in its present state as it had given way to young saplings that were growing through and about it. I loved the contrast of nature going up against something man made and very powerful.
The contrast of colours and textures appealed to me and I thought I would try my first serious painting and this would be my muse.
Polyphemus the Visitor
Acrylic on canvas
Palermo, Cynthia
For anyone who believes in spiritual signs, a visit from a moth represents a visit from a departed loved one. I have lived in Northwestern Ontario my whole life and on two very distinct occasions I have had a visit from a Giant Polyphemus moth, both visits 10 years apart. My family chooses to believe it is a visitor and as such this visitor inspired me to include it in an art piece. Originally I was going to do a somewhat realist type of style, but as the organic process unfolded, I ended up being inspired by the quasi-abstract geometric style of an artist I follow. I drew random lines all over my painting and loved the end result.
Acrylic on canvas
Palermo, Cynthia
For anyone who believes in spiritual signs, a visit from a moth represents a visit from a departed loved one. I have lived in Northwestern Ontario my whole life and on two very distinct occasions I have had a visit from a Giant Polyphemus moth, both visits 10 years apart. My family chooses to believe it is a visitor and as such this visitor inspired me to include it in an art piece. Originally I was going to do a somewhat realist type of style, but as the organic process unfolded, I ended up being inspired by the quasi-abstract geometric style of an artist I follow. I drew random lines all over my painting and loved the end result.
Anticipation
Acrylic on canvas Paulson, Lee I have been painting landscapes for a few years, attempting to represent what I see in, and love about, the Lake of the Woods area. I am always on the lookout for subject matter that says a little more than just how beautiful our northern forests are. The enigmatic gap in this line of trees gives just a glimpse of the lighted space behind and lends a bit of mystery to the scene. It was inspired somewhat by the work of the 19th century German artist Caspar David Friedrich, whose work I have always admired. |
Cedar Afternoon
Acrylic on canvas
Paulson, Lee
I have been painting landscapes for a few years, attempting to represent what I see in, and love about, the Lake of the Woods area. I am always on the lookout for subject matter that says a little more than just how beautiful our northern forests are. The enigmatic gap in this line of trees gives just a glimpse of the lighted space behind and lends a bit of mystery to the scene. It was inspired somewhat by the work of the 19th century German artist Caspar David Friedrich, whose work I have always admired.
Acrylic on canvas
Paulson, Lee
I have been painting landscapes for a few years, attempting to represent what I see in, and love about, the Lake of the Woods area. I am always on the lookout for subject matter that says a little more than just how beautiful our northern forests are. The enigmatic gap in this line of trees gives just a glimpse of the lighted space behind and lends a bit of mystery to the scene. It was inspired somewhat by the work of the 19th century German artist Caspar David Friedrich, whose work I have always admired.
Diptych Double Portrait
Acrylic
Sepers, Tony
The Double Portrait is of myself and my friend Anishanabe artist Dwayne Yerxa flogging our artwork. Although our friendship is firm, it is encumbered by the many cultural inequalities created by our culture. The painting portrays both the depth of our friendship and the accompanying distrust as well as the societal anger at inheriting a culture of systematic prejudice.
Acrylic
Sepers, Tony
The Double Portrait is of myself and my friend Anishanabe artist Dwayne Yerxa flogging our artwork. Although our friendship is firm, it is encumbered by the many cultural inequalities created by our culture. The painting portrays both the depth of our friendship and the accompanying distrust as well as the societal anger at inheriting a culture of systematic prejudice.
Pine Cone Resin Pendent
Mixed Skitt, Lori As we all know, things are not always “ok” – and I find inspiration, strength and sense of connectedness from our natural world – lakes, forests, rock; the ecosystems supporting us. Each piece of jewelry I create has a story to tell. Each contains natural items that I have curated while out living and exploring – sometimes alone, but more often with 2 kids and a dog accompanying me. I select the items for various reasons; colour, curves, wood density, location, size – but mostly because they catch my eye. |
Driftwood Resin Necklace
Mixed Skitt, Lori Before setting the drift wood in resin, I may sit with the pieces for hours (off and on 😊) – holding it, changing the angles, and trying to find just the right curve, pattern, or texture to highlight. Many of the shapes and patterns found in the pieces are dictated solely by the wood or fiber itself, and the work I do is an attempt to showcase the sometimes unseen beauty. This is a relatively new adventure for me – I am feeling unsure, nervous, brave and excited. As my ideas, experience, and inspiration evolve, I hope to be able to continue to create pieces that bring beauty, strength, and connection to others. If I actually stop, sit, breathe, and observe the world in front of me – it is amazing what unveils itself. |
Water Play
Acrylic on canvas
Wilkinson, Jill
Based on my youngest daughter, this painting is a dramatic crop showing the detail found within water, movement, and play. I wanted to convey the feeling of afternoons spent making mud pies on a quiet Northwestern Ontario beach.
Acrylic on canvas
Wilkinson, Jill
Based on my youngest daughter, this painting is a dramatic crop showing the detail found within water, movement, and play. I wanted to convey the feeling of afternoons spent making mud pies on a quiet Northwestern Ontario beach.
Stella
Charcoal
Wilkinson, Jill
I was happy to capture the expression of confidence and calm in my daughter.
Here is Stella's face in this charcoal portrait.
Charcoal
Wilkinson, Jill
I was happy to capture the expression of confidence and calm in my daughter.
Here is Stella's face in this charcoal portrait.
Calm
Glass, wood
Wilson-Smith, Cheryl
My work deals with the passage of time, and the iterative deposition of the years. I am drawn to the contract between the time span of the geological processes, the generational scal of human history and genetic memory. I strive to reflect this in my work. My goal is to capture the emtion I feel in nature. My meditative precess, builds layers of powdered glass that creates gossamer-fine layers. The individual layers of the castings are as delicate as torn paper, yet wen cast together create an emotional reflection.
Glass, wood
Wilson-Smith, Cheryl
My work deals with the passage of time, and the iterative deposition of the years. I am drawn to the contract between the time span of the geological processes, the generational scal of human history and genetic memory. I strive to reflect this in my work. My goal is to capture the emtion I feel in nature. My meditative precess, builds layers of powdered glass that creates gossamer-fine layers. The individual layers of the castings are as delicate as torn paper, yet wen cast together create an emotional reflection.
Shore
Glass, wood
Wilson-Smith, Cheryl
I am surrounded by the manifestations of nature relatively untouched by humans. I am constantly made aware of our relative insignificance. The rocks, trees and water around me is a daily reminder that I am only briefly passing by. It was all here long before me, and will be here long after.
Glass, wood
Wilson-Smith, Cheryl
I am surrounded by the manifestations of nature relatively untouched by humans. I am constantly made aware of our relative insignificance. The rocks, trees and water around me is a daily reminder that I am only briefly passing by. It was all here long before me, and will be here long after.
Perfect Ending
Acrylic on canvas
Yutzy, Wendy
Perfect Ending was inspired by many quiet, tranquil evenings enjoying the sun setting in Northwestern Ontario.
Acrylic on canvas
Yutzy, Wendy
Perfect Ending was inspired by many quiet, tranquil evenings enjoying the sun setting in Northwestern Ontario.
Special Thanks
We would like to say thank you to all the artists who were able to support this art show by submitting their amazing art work. We hope that in the future we will have the chance to work with these artists again.
A very special thank you to all the museum staff who helped organize this art show. While many staff had to close their doors, they still managed to find the time to help create a special tribute to the artists of Northwestern Ontario.
While we had hoped that more artists would join in, we also understand that it has been a challenging time for everyone. We wish the artists, staff and all of you who support us a very safe travels over the coming months.
We hope that when the crisis has passed, you will visit us!
A very special thank you to all the museum staff who helped organize this art show. While many staff had to close their doors, they still managed to find the time to help create a special tribute to the artists of Northwestern Ontario.
While we had hoped that more artists would join in, we also understand that it has been a challenging time for everyone. We wish the artists, staff and all of you who support us a very safe travels over the coming months.
We hope that when the crisis has passed, you will visit us!