Judy Ross

What Escaping means to me –

Escaping is not to run from but to embrace reality, either by physically being in a special place or to be transported to that place in your mind where there is peace, solitude and renewing of spirit, to return refreshed. This space can be via travel, where my camera is a constant companion, absorbed in a painting, or simply snuggled up in a chair with a good book to read or composing a poem in a quiet moment. One of my recent art pieces actually involves incorporating one of my poems and photographs together to show one of my interpretations of "Escaping".

written by:
Judy Ross Resident Artist

Art Gallery of Lambeth

Marianne Morris

For me, music is the ultimate escape. It sets the tone, influences the mood... changing the soundtrack can change everything. My "Escape" paintings are a series of musicians, playing alone or in a group, interpretive but not portraits. I try to reflect how picking up an instrument can make you lose yourself... how the music, the musician and the instrument are each a part of the same whole.
Each canvas starts with a photograph and a piece of music. The backgrounds are painted intuitively, the soundtrack providing the inspiration. I use whatever tool strikes me in the moment: sometimes paint is applied with a brush, but often it is my hands, a kitchen utensil, or a pastel used to create the marks. The photograph is used for reference as the musician emerges from the background, final touches adding the details to the figure. I choose a title reflective of the initial musical inspiration.

written by:

Marianne Morris

Resident Artist • Art Gallery of Lambeth

Gayle Yanch

For this show I have been working on images from a trip I  made to Canyon Lake Ontario. I have selected a few images of my trip that I hope to use to create a collection of works. Since working on these pieces it has ispired me to create more landscapes, work in mixed media and smaller sizes. I have always loved working with pen & ink and watercolor so I decided to combine the 2 styles and just enjoy the moment, refrain from too much detail and scale down the size. I use Windsor Newton 140lb. cold press watercolor paper, rapidograph refillable pens, and watercolor paints.  After I have cut the paper to the approx. size I tape it to a board and wet the board down with clean water. This process allows to rid of the sizing put on the paper and stretches the paper to help with buckling if I use too many washes. After the paper dries I transfer my rough sketch onto the paper and begin with any washes needed and then with my pen & ink. As long as I have my ideas together I have no fear of what happens when I start on the paper.

You have asked what does "Escape" mean to me? To me it is my time away into my little world of art. It is my time I am able to relax, be at piece and just let my mind wonder. Whether it be out photographing reference material for a project someday, sketching ideas for the next piece of artwork or just dabbling away at my drafting table it is my time for relaxing and tuning out the world around me. 

written by:

Gayle Yanch

Resident Artist • Art Gallery of Lambeth

Melissa Kempf

“Escaping The Current” 

Connected Arts Project 
                    by
Philip Schmidt & Melissa Kempf

In this project the Harlequin duck escapes its surroundings as shown in Philip Schmidt’s photograph through a three dimensional reflection in soapstone by Melissa Kempf.  This Connected Arts Project explores the similarities between 2D and 3D visual art with their use of fundamental elements such as colour, line, texture.  It exemplifies how two artists see one subject so uniquely individual.  For Kempf “Escaping The Current” not only represents the action of the subject matter, but also that of the artists.  Both have created a piece in very different medium with an emphasis on exploring the connection from one work to another.  One element draws on the other, side by side. Schmidt’s Harlequin ducks rest safely from the rushing waters around them.  Stone like and confident in their own actions.  Contrastingly, Kempf’s duck depicts the weaker and more vulnerable side.  One in which the subject’s surroundings have nearly taken over.  In her work some areas are un-definable as to what is the current and what is not.  Special thank you to John Novak for the creation of the stand which units the two works of art.

One subject, two artists - Two expressions of art, One Connected Arts Project.

written by:
Melissa Kempf
Resident Artist
 Art Gallery of Lambeth

PhiLiP s. SchMidT

My 'connected arts' vision was borne out of an immersion in the twin worlds of camera clubs & artists' guilds. I began to realize how important it is for photographers, painters, sculptors, musicians & poets to stand united in a culture that has become increasingly toxic to the arts & the humanities. The theme of the autumn showcase of the associate members of the Art Gallery of Lambeth is 'Escape'. The gallery's curators couldn't have chosen a more appropriate title. My talented artisan colleagues wish to rekindle a sense of wonder in the lives of those who come into contact with their artworks, & thus provide an 'escape' from the soul-deadening contrivance that surrounds us. An oasis of beauty in the desert of our media-drenched culture, if you will. Award-winning sculptor Melissa Kempf has conspired with me to take my 'connected arts' vision to another level: The integration of my outdoor photography & Melissa's sculpting. Melissa has chosen my image of harlequin ducks that I captured in Jasper National Park to express this three-dimensional 'connected arts' imaginativeness.

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John Novak of John Novak Photography, himself a sculptor, will be lending his presentation expertise to this project. The end result will be a single transcendent artwork combining my stretched canvas photograph & Melissa's interpretative sculpting on a special wooden stand that John is currently creating. I look forward with eagerness to the completion of this one-of-a-kind piece. And I'm grateful to the curators of the Art Gallery of Lambeth - Vivian Tserotas & Brenda Colley - for this unprecedented opportunity.

written by:
PhiLiP s. SchMidT
Resident Artist • Art Gallery of Lambeth