May 8, 2014
Vancouver Island School of Art Newsletter

Creative to the end

I saw a lot of artwork during my short stay in London, but what captured my imagination the most was a wall in the Tate Modern that was part of the Matisse Cut-Outs exhibition. This wall (to the right) was particularly poignant because it was the work on Matisse's studio wall near the time of his death. A collector offered to buy the whole wall as is, but Matisse insisted that each work be framed (because of the fragility of paper), so here they are framed and installed exactly as they appeared on his wall. I loved the idea that Matisse worked to the end of his life. What more could you ask out of a life? As much as we love all the people in our lives, and want them to be with us forever, Matisse reminds us that making art is ultimately the thing that will stay with us after all else is gone. Author Alistair Sooke offers a great discussion of the exhibition here.
Lots of great courses start next week

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take one of our exciting art courses that start next week. Its a great way to do something creative wihtout making a major commitment in time as all the courses are six-week.

You can choose from any of the following depending on your interests:
 
DRAWING 
 
PAINTING
 
Other courses of interest this semester
Artist Talk, Sunday May 11 at 2pm
Tara Nicholson
 
Tara Nicholson will talk about her work, Tether, currently on exhibition at the Slide Room Gallery.
 
Tara will discuss the process of how an artist works through an idea to the production of finished work for an exhibition. This talk will be of great benefit for VISA students or anybody who is curious to what is involved in a professional art practice.
 
Talk is in the Slide Room Gallery and is free of charge.
Drawing: Nature & Science

This drawing course addresses a different theme each week including biology, geology, astronomy, oceanography and zoology. Each project will introduce students to different materials and ways of working including pencil, pen, ink, pastels, watercolour as well as collage and paper cutting.
 
A great course for anybody who has an interest in science and a desire for imaginative creativity in their work.
 
 
Wednesdays, May 14-June 18, 2-5pm
Cost: $235 
Drawing Space

This is a great course to develop your understanding of how to use space in drawing. Focus will be on hands-on projects that address different kinds of space from shallow to deep.
 
This course is suitable for people with or without drawing experience.
 
 
Thursdays, May 15-June 19, 6-9 pm
Cost: $235
Blythe Scott: Drawn to the Edge 
Opening reception May 9 at 5-8 pm
Gallery at Mattick Farm

 

There are buildings and then there is architecture. The difference for me is that architecture exudes a presence which takes hold of my senses. It is a language that speaks to me.

Growing up in the architecturally rich city of Glasgow, Scotland, I have always been passionate about architecture, new and old. Sometimes, the smallest decorative details will be my starting point. Other times, it may be the character of an individual building or it could be the energy of an entire urban scene. Regardless, I feel that architecture provides me with irresistible and never-ending possibilities for exploration.

Upon moving to Victoria BC in 2012, I have also become interested in architecture in relation to the surrounding natural environment. The leafy streets and rugged coastline settlements are visually very different to my Scottish eyes. Brightly painted heritage buildings and twice the sunshine of my home city, offer new potential in my palette too. Blythe Scott

 

Exhibition continues to June 1.

 

Note: Blythe Scott is teaching Urban Sketching at VISA starting next Friday, May 16

Art Opening at the AGGV
Thursday, May 15 at 8 pm

 
 
  For more information: AGGV
Opening Thursday, May 16 at 6 pm of work of two VISA students: 
Katherine Farris and Louise Oborne
Eclectic Gallery is located at 2170 Oak Bay Ave
 
Event takes place Saturday May 10
For more information: Opus Outdoor Painting Challenge
Come see the work of some our fantastic VISA instructors in this 
Pop Up Exhibition on May 24 at 2-7 pm


For more information contact Linda or Laura in the office