Four artists with four different styles came together to host an annual art show.
Although unique in their works, Connie Watts, Todd Robinson, Lori Wilson and Chris Doman complemented each other at the home of Watts last month, where the holiday display and sale was held. Together they produced a fusion of colour, texture and form and provided an opportunity for the public to see the work coming out of their individual studios.
As artists, the four typically work on their own all year round, so as friends, the show was also a chance to share their passion of art together.
“We get to see what everyone is up to because we all have different techniques,” Watts said.
“It is complementary, the way the designs work on the different mediums,” Robinson said.
“It is a mysterious thing because we are all artists so in a way we think the same language,” Doman said. “It is comfortable because I know they are all creative people.”
Each of the artists brought a high level of talent to the show.
“We all have an expectation of quality,” Watts said.
“And we have confidence in that quality,” Doman added.
In the past, Watts has collaborated with Doman and Wilson, and this is the first year she worked together on pieces with Robinson.
Doman lined the walls and shelves predominantly with prints and acrylic paintings. As an artist all his life, he attended art school and has exhibited his work in a number of shows worldwide. When he moved to Port Alberni seven years ago, he quickly connected with the arts community and hopes to see it continually grow.
“I do think it is something the city could take more seriously as a positive thing for its development,” Doman said. “We need a city cultural centre for the arts. It’s here, it’s strong, but we need a place.”
Wilson, a draftsperson by trade, brought her glasswork to the show. It is something she does to explore her creativity, she said.
“I got into it because I had a really ugly yellow pressed glass window, so I made a new one,” she said. “I took a beginners class at Rollin Art Centre but then became pregnant halfway through and couldn’t complete it. I got into stepping stones and made hundreds of them out of glass.
That led to Wilson’s participation in exhibits for Rollin Art Centre and the annual Days with the Arts. Her husband, Jim, a former employee with the Flying Tankers, shares a similar passion for glasswork and had several of his Mars bombers on display, while Lori brought an array of ornaments and functional pieces.
Robinson, known for his glasswork and high-end pieces commissioned throughout the community, brought out a variety of functional and display pieces, including etched glass dishes.
Watts hopes to open her home for a similar show in the spring, where visitors will be able to view her large sculptures and paintings outside her studio, alongside the work of other artists.