Donald Teuma-Castelletti
PORTAGE DU FORT
June 22, 2018
Two new exhibits opened at the Stone School Gallery last week, with the artists offering unique perspectives on the world surrounding them at the season’s first artPontiac vernissage.
Friday’s show kicked off with wine, cheese and plenty to see as guests had the chance to explore the in-momentum nature of an Ontario woman’s work, as well as a bold dive into religion and creation with the watercolour work of a Pontiac resident’s new venture.
Occupying the ground floor of the gallery was Tina Petrovicz, who had her series “An Animated Outlook” on display. Taking the kinetic flow of nature, she described one half of the exhibit as moving through the landscape around her before the second half had a focus on the scenery moving past her.
Employing printmaking as her medium, the Alfred, Ont., resident repurposed some of her materials to create a popular display amongst her work. That’s because she brought her idea of movement to life, using a miniature carousel to animate a goose flying, as well as other pieces.
“That piece is more about engaging the audience and letting them have fun with it,” said Petrovicz.
Upstairs at the gallery, Ruby Ewen filled the walls with her deep dive into creation as she explored mythology, religion, life and the world around her.
“These paintings represent visual ideas I had while researching the generation of life, mythology and religion,” Ewen explained.
She said the work was unlike anything she had ever done before, as she produced pieces depicting religious figures unclothed in or a part of nature, as well as the human body recreated in the elements of water and earth.
Admitting to being worried that her pieces may prove to be a bit confrontational for some guests, Ewen said she was emboldened by the support of her friends while producing the works.
“I didn’t set out to be provocative, but the subject matter came out that way,” she said. “There were times when I was fearful to complete [this series] because of what others would think, but I persisted and I’m glad I did.”
Ewen’s “Origins” and Petrovicz’s pieces will be on display at the Portage du Fort gallery until July 22. The next artPontiac vernissage is scheduled for the evening of July 27.
