At the Galleries: masters of form and texture

At The Avenue Gallery

The Avenue Gallery, a boutique art gallery in Oak Bay, is set to host a series of exhibitions featuring three distinctive Canadian artists this fall. The gallery, known for its contemporary Canadian fine art, will showcase the works of Kimberly Kiel, Derek Kasper and Bi Yuan Cheng in consecutive weeks from Sept. 5 to Oct. 10.

These upcoming exhibitions offer a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to experience the breadth of Canadian artistic talent. 

Kiel, known for her energetic and charming personality, creates paintings that capture the richness of autumn leaves with lush textures and brilliant colours. Born in Saskatchewan in 1972, Kiel began her painting career at 31 after a successful stint in financial planning.

“For me, creating art is a passion, a celebration of the joy and colour to be found in life,” Kiel says.

Kasper, who began his ceramic journey in the early 1970s at the University of Regina, showcases intricate porcelain pieces that combine texture and shadow. His featured work, Mossy Misty Morning, a 16 x 12 inch porcelain piece, demonstrates his mastery of form and texture.

Kasper’s artistic path is unique, having branched out into woodworking and building before returning to ceramics in 1989. His current work, described as ‘hand-built and textured faceted forms’, often involves joining large textured bowls along curving mitres. In 2014, this technique earned him an Award of Excellence at the Sooke Fine Arts Show.

This season, Bi Yuan Cheng will be doing his ninth solo exhibition at The Avenue Gallery. 

From Sept. 26-Oct. 10, his exhibition Coastal Visions will showcase the beauty of the Canadian landscape. Landscapes are common subjects of art, but the lens through which Cheng interprets is one reason why, in 1987, he was honoured with the title of “Chinese Art Master”.

Cheng has mastered the art of light in his paintings, which plays a decisive role in the composition and overall feel. It’s also well worth taking a close look at his brushwork, which is distinctly calligraphic and imbues his work with energy, while also giving an overall sense of polish.

In his featured work, End of Day, Cheng captures the tranquil beauty of sunset, as light pours through the gap between two rock formations. The sun’s brilliance is captured through the vibrant orange leaves of the trees, and the small clouds that dance with a magenta pink.

Learn more at theavenuegallery.com.

At Madrona Gallery

Madrona Gallery, which focuses on historic and contemporary Canadian art, will be exhibiting the works of Susie Seeta Saila from Sept. 14-28, with an opening reception on Sept. 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Susie Saila, regarded as a standout talent among a new generation of artists in Kinngait, Nunavut, started drawing in 2018 and quickly established a distinct and notable style.

Coming from a family of well-established artists, she adds a fresh perspective to traditional subjects through visual punning, a vibrant palette and whimsical sensibility. Her father is acclaimed contemporary carver Toonoo Sharky R.C.A. Her grandfather, Meekeeseetee Saila, and great grandfather, Pauta Saila R.C.A, are also both carvers recognized internationally for their work.

Her pieces Snowy Summer Owl and Reflected Landscape with Opposite Colours, use coloured pencil and showcase her distinctive style.