Opening Friday November 1st from 6-11pm until November 24
Atelier Ludmila Gallery 129 1/2 Hunter St. W. 2nd Floor
Peterborough, ON
Gallery Hours
Saturday & Sundays 11am-5pm
Weekdays by appointment: Ludmilaprojects@gmail.com
Folding-In: Holly Edwards
I have spent my last two summers as an artist in residence, in 2018 at the Toronto Islands, and this year in Newfoundland, where the body of work presented here was born. A residency provides me with the time to focus my work on one idea; during walks along the coasts and cliffs of Newfoundland I examined the rocky shoreline and was struck by the soft, undulating folds that the barren solidity of rock exhibit. Returning to my studio, I gave form to these impressions through rapid, abstract studies, lending to the thoughtful work of larger paintings that examine the details in these folds.
I am an abstract artist using materials to intuitively respond to my environment and emotions. Through painting and sculpture I live in the moment and develop my art with integrity by continuously making a mark and responding to that impression. I am ever captivated by the quiet conversation I have with my art and humbled by the vulnerability of remaining open to the experience of creating.
My process involves creating art everyday, often painting in a series to work through an idea or subject. My go-to medium is Acrylic Paint because it allows for quick response and manipulation, but I experiment also with oils, soft pastels, oil sticks, watercolour, gouache, inks, charcoal and collage, clay, letting the art determine the materials.
I find it helpful to find a quiet space when creating, such as after a walk or run, or practicing the piano. My work is much more successful when my mind is calm and this openness to the quiet space is vital for creating work that is meaningful and revealing for me. I am continuously challenged by what I create, seduced by the textures of paint and clay, and drawn into the layers of colours, textures and shapes again and again.
I studied Philosophy at University, and I think this has impacted the direction of my art in terms of the questions I ask myself: Why am I painting this subject? How is this meaningful to me? What is my experience of this emotion or subject? How can I be authentic in my practice?
I studied art all my life, being raised by parents who supported and encouraged me to take classes when I was a child, and attend an arts high school for visual arts in Unionville. After my youngest child began school I was introduced to the abstract artist Rowena Dykins and that’s when my practice really took off. Rowena helped me find my voice and trust my instincts. She never told me how to paint or what to paint, but she asked questions that made me think about my art (it was a very philosophical process!). I have taken many art classes and workshops since then but I am very discerning with whom I study from. You could say that I have created my own art school education….
Ludmila Gallery 