BULL FROGS FOR CANCER http://cancerevents.kintera.org/bullfrogsforcancer

GRIFFIN GALLERY IS NOT SHY ABOUT FUNDRAISING! WHEN THE IDEA OF A CANCER FUNDRAISER WAS BROUGHT UP - WE FACED IT HEAD ON! AN INTEGRIAL PART OF GRIFFIN GALLERY IS FACING A CURRENT BATTLE ~ FOR HER & OTHERS JUST LIKE HER ~ WE SEEK YOUR SUPPORT!

Artist Sonia Urquhart is no newcomer to the world of cancer as her family has had numerous encounters over the years. When approached with the idea to do this fundraiser; she was more than willing to put numerous hours of devotion into creating a series called "Bull Frogs for Cancer"! The idea behind the bull frogs came due to the increased amount of American Bull Frogs on Vancouver Island - the decline in native species; especially in the wetland areas of Victoria. We hope that by placing a comedic theme to two very serious subjects; awareness will be directed towards them.

http://cancerevents.kintera.org/bullfrogsforcancer

Meet the Artists - Part 13

BART MALOAN

A native of British Columbia, Canada and resides in Victoria, he works from his studio in Fairfield. He is a member of the Arts Council of New Westminster, the Community Arts Council of Victoria, and the Vancouver Island Sculptors Guild, he has parcipitated in group and solo shows with them. He works mostly in acrylic medium as well as oil, watercolour, charcoal and mixed media. In 1999 he organized an Open Studio Event, (an evening with six artists in their studios at his shared downtown work space). After many years as a partime painter he is now devoting all his time to a career in fine arts. He is currently enrolled at The Victoria College of Art and Design.

Meet the Artists - Part 12

RON RUDGE

Born in Toronto in 1939; he brought his family to Victoria in 1980; where they have remained for the past 30 years. Introduced to painting as a child, he learned his craft in the time honoured manner by studying and copying from the masters.


Universality, timelessness, and the search for fundamental human truths powers his work. Stepping beyond the limitations imposed by a single instantaneous image, he might include day and night, or past and future in the same painting, or just take a whimsical adventure in a strange new world. Strongly influenced by the surrealists, Dali, Magritte, Ernst, and many others. He works to create meaningful new images that reach across time and space to show something that hopefully will remain relevant and interesting to present and future generations.

If you are seeking works that bring you in; making your imagination start to run overtime into a world of intrigue and mystery - then you have found the artist to do so! Enjoy the talent Ron has brought to our gallery; with his experience and knowledge; you too will find pieces that will make a welcomed addition to any space or void you are seeking to fill.

Harley needs your help!

WE DO NOT USUALLY CREATE BLOGS FOR ASSISTANCE - HOWEVER A YOUNG PUPPY COULD USE SOME ASSISTANCE...
A FRIEND OF OURS NEEDS YOUR HELP TO PAY FOR SOME UNEXPECTED VET BILLS.
IF YOU CAN HELP - SHE WOULD BE VERY GREATFUL - AND SO WOULD WE!

FROM FACEBOOK PAGE!
Basic Info


Name: Harley needs your help
Category: Common Interest - Pets & Animals
Description: Harley is my BFF's puppy. I was puppysitting and she jumped out of the back of the truck. Yes she was tied down but made it out anyway. She is recovering but needs an operation to fix a broken shoulder. I can't pay for it...it's gonna be almost $3000...but with a little help from our friends we can get her back to 100%.
Privacy Type: Open: All content is public

Contact Info
.Email: belforget@hotmail.com
Location: 1410 Begbie St
Victoria, BC, V8R1K7

Recent News:
From Bel Manson
If everyone I know could send just a little bit to Harley, we can pay off the bills that I had to beg borrow and steal to get the money for...over $1800...and we can get her repaired too. So anything you can spare would be welcome.



Please send or drop off ANYTHING you can spare to

1410B Begbie Street

Victoria, BC

V8R1K7



And please invite your friends. There is an animal lover in all of us!!

Meet the Artists - Part 11

Elizabeth Litton

Elizabeth Litton is a painter who has made Victoria her home for the last nine years. She has been in a variety of group shows in various exhibitions in Victoria and South Africa. While her practice is predominantly painting, her work has also been included in several printmaking exhibitions. Elizabeth also teaches at the University of Victoria.

A fun, inteligent, world traveled artist! She is family orientated and ensures her work also interacts with her homelife - using her cute, hyper puppy and her son as models for her collection of her different times in her families life stages! When you first meet her, you just get lost in her various displays of works in progress, works completed and her personal collections of her images of her son and his varying stages in life! You just don't want to leave; especially when you hear some of the stories behind the works!

We have been told by some collectors in Victoria they have atleast one "Litton" work! Her only obstacle is the ones that she creates for herself! Don't miss out on adding one of her amazing creations to your collection!

You won't be disappointed - enjoy her "Push Me Pull You" series!

http://www.elizabethlitton.com/

Meet the Artists - Part 10

Debbie Jansen

I was born in Rotchford England and my family immigrated to Canada while I was a young child and settled in Victoria.

Always having a love of things made of glass, I took a class in the making of cement stepping stones with glass inlays. This quickly led me to copper foiling, leaded glass works and then glass fusing. Many workshops, tools and kiln acquisitions later have taken me to where I am today.

Always having a love of things made of glass, I took a class in the making of cement stepping stones with glass inlays. This quickly led me to copper foiling, leaded glass works and then glass fusing. Many workshops, tools and kiln acquisitions later have taken me to where I am today. All of my works are hand signed by, of course, me!

www.gardenpathglass.com/Welcome.html

F.A.S.T. - Fairfield Artists Studio Tour

The artists in the Fairfield area of Victoria BC held their 9th Annual F.A.S.T on the 24th and 25th of April 2010.  It was a successful event where interested art collectors and lovers were able to wander through numerous artists studios to take in and enjoy all of the talent found in just this one corner of Victoria!

It is obvious from all of the open studios that art is still alive and thriving in this great city! The Capital of BC is known for the artists and talents it has given to the world and this was a fun way for artists to see young and old enjoy their works! Each artist we encountered was more than willing to boast about their projects and provide stories of where different pieces came from. 

Unfortunately, due to our busy schedules, we could not meet all the artists that created this event; however, we have had friends and other artists tell us tales of what was seen.  What a great way for the arts to be represented and a fun way for others to experience it!  Saturday was a bit dreary but Sunday shined through, giving people a great way to experience the arts for free.

Congratulations to the artists who pulled this together and an aknowledgement to all of the sponsors who made this weekend a success for all!

Thanks to the following sponsors on behalf of fellow art lovers across Victoria!
Garry Oak Room
Fairfield/Gonzales Community Place
Fairfield United Church
Fairfield Activity Centre New Horizons
RBC Royal Bank Cook Street Location
Harbord The Home Insurance People
Sweet Peas At Home
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association

We look forward to next years F.A.S.T! Great job to all involved!

Big Plans, Big Things Happening!

Long time no blog but it was for good reasoning! We are getting booked more and more to meet with various artists and to have the honour of seeing some of them at work!

We have one artist who creates pens.  we know - what makes creating a pen "art work"? Don't worry, you were not the first to think that! NOPE! However, when you see his creations you will understand! He is one who truly understands the process of reduce reuse and recycle as well of having a creative flare of art! Creating various pens out of things like deer antlers (no he is not a hunter - he finds bits of antlers in the woods...he uses pieces of toilet paper and bamboo strips.  He uses various scraps of woods, metals and stones!

His fiance is a photographer, and she is definitely going to be scooped up as a free-lancer! She has an amazing talent and ability to take that "Perfect shot!"  We are waiting patiently to have her works displayed on our gallery.  We cannot wait to promote her to help her in her quest to follow her dreams of becoming a professional photographer for a specific nature magazine!

We are not stopping there either! We have another amazing artist who is interested in being represented in our gallery!  She does beautiful work! Her oil works look like they were real photographed pictures! However - her imagination brings things to light.  Her creative skills bring humour and nature to the front lines.  Giraffes on stoves with vines - hippos in livingrooms...

Next we are bringing more acrylics onboard from some talented ladies - each one has their own marks of creativity!  We are meeting both of them this coming week and from the images we have been provided - we are truly looking forward to helping them succeed as artists!  One is younger in her early thirties - the other is slightly older in her mid fifties but age has no boundaries as they both seem to be able to perhaps light a creative fire if they were to meet!!

So, our blog may have been quiet but our schedules are far from it!  Between meeting with artists and buyers alike - we are amazed at how many people know of us already!  One small business meeting we attended downtown Victoria the other week - when people heard our name - all we kept hearing was, "You're the owners of Griffin Gallery!!" "We love what you are doing for the artists and art society"!! It was like we were standing on a soap box giving speaches!  Being spun from one direction to the next - our hearts were humbled by the reaction we recieved!

We have to say - THANK YOU to everyone who are supporting not just us - but our artists as well!  This has been such an amazing experience and business decision!  We are so glad that we are able to help keep art alive in Canada when the are so many cuts by the government!  Keep posted and send others our way - Keeping art real and alive in all hearts and homes!  Bare walls equal a deepen depression - but with art on walls and shelves and floors - always create a sense of balance!

Our dying Laptop...

MY FRIEND - MY LAPTOP

We sailed around the world together - going from port to port!  Passed through the locks of the amazing Panama Canal.  Shared memories while sipping latte's, flipping through images of San Juan, Pillars of Hercules, the Rock of Gibralter and even things as drinking from "Das Boot"!

Through good times and bad (a small chance of upset from a wee typhoon)! Suntanning in Greece to amazing foot therapies in Malaysia!  Rode a train around South Korea - visiting friends in Wanju and saw the DMZ!  Sent live feed to chat with family at home from U.A.E.  Climbed tall heights to see the view in such things as gondolla's and glass elevators!

You helped my spouse obtain greatness while storing and providing assitance when writing papers and creating formulas!  No matter what the hour - there when she needed you most and when fun was to be had.

You sang songs to us and played videos! Gave us laughter and tears! 

Yet - like all of the best things in life - they can come to a abrupt stop!  Your bright smile faded and quickly went dark. There was no recessitating - for your whole system failed.  Even though you had one of the best cares through Norton - a virus got you down! You gasped for one last breathe and then silence.  No purring of the motor - no lights on your screen...silence.  

We cried "No!!" "This can't be so!" We can save you - to a doctor we will go!  Then the results from testing came - to repair you - we would have lost all that made you ours - you would be provided a new motherboard with no guarantees - set back to factory settings and yet - since it was a virus that attacked, there could not be a guarantee!

So, our friend, our laptop - you were at my side for a long time - almost 3 years!  No need to change your operating profile - never running out of steam!  It is now time for you to rest...my friend, my laptop - may you go on to be bigger and better things as you join the cycle of recycling!

Our laptop - Our Friend - A Replacement Model sits in your place - Yet You Sit in a Place in Our Memories :) 

Meet the Artists - Part 9

Fern Walker

A very talented ceramic sculptor who resides in View Royal, a municipality of Victoria B.C. She enjoys working on her pieces in her studio that overlooks her beautiful backyard.

Inspired by nature and form.  Finding her muse in the female body and imagination.  Her creation of the three Sky Dancers are a work to be admired.  The dancers are inspired from the Cirque De Soleil. The acrobatic rope artists who utilize curtains to do their routines intrigue to Fern and she had fun adding this series to her list of accomplishments.

Fern is a lighthearted aritst who enjoys life.  Encouraging feedback on her works, Fern is always interested in what her audience has to say. 

Meet the Artists - Part 8

Sonia Urquhart

Born in Toronto, Ontario to Harry and Sophie Marak in 1949. She grew up in Toronto until her family moved to Scarborough Ontario when she was nine years old. As a young child, she was always fascinated by her mother and uncle always sketching things, which led to her love of drawing. She was very artistsic as a young child, which allowed her to draw backdrops for school plays when she was in elementary school. After grade school, she enrolled in visual arts as her major in highschool. Because of her love for art, she decided that she wanted to become an art teacher. As a result, she attended Ontario Art College after highschool.

Upon completing her education, she did some free lance work as an artist until she met her husband, Carl Urquhart. She then got married and began a family. She had two beautiful girls, Wendygale and Melinda Ann, whom she adores. As the girls got older, she was able to do some more free lance work (ads, blue prints, etc.) from home for those wanting help with designing their houses or businesses. After the girls left home, she was able to travel with her husband as he worked as a long haul truck driver; driving all over North America.

While travelling with her husband, she enjoyed sketching other drivers and places they saw. Her and her husband have now settled in Victoria, and she now has the time and ability to get back into her love of art. She enjoys working with all kinds of materials (watercolours, acrylic, oil paints, etc). She joined the Esquimalt Painters Group and was the co-ordinator of this group until she had to focus more of her time to care for her husband. Although she has once again regained time to focus on her art, she has decided to be a member of the painters group and she is not interested in involving too much of her time away from family. She says that her mother always wished that she would go back to art and she knows in her heart that if her parents were still alive, they would be proud of her!

Sonia has continued to strive in her artistic prowless and has become a successful artist in the Victoria BC area, with the ability to state that numerous works of her's are in private collections across North America.  She is now an associate member with the Coast Collective Gallery in Victoria.  She also has numerous pieces on display in various businesses across the city.  We are pleased to have her works available for sale through Griffin Gallery!

Meet the Artists - Part 7

Richard (Rick) Smith

Artist Richard Smith has had an artistic temperament since a young age. In 1972 he enrolled in the arts programme at the University of Victoria and graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, majoring in sculpture. In 1979 he moved to Vancouver to work in broadcasting, advertising, theatre and other related industries. In 1993 he returned to Victoria to resume a vocation in sculpture, with the help of friend and fellow sculptor, Derek Rowe.

Richard is currently producing work in bronze and in glass. Wishing to be closely involved with the process as well as the product, he casts his own bronzes and does his own kiln cast glasswork.

His bronzes are mostly statuette size figurative work and his glasswork incorporates his love of the clarity of glass and the brilliance that can be achieved with color.

He has been a member of the Vancouver Island Sculptors Guild since 1994 and enjoys being a supporter of public art in the Victoria region.

Meet the Artists - Part 6

Brenda Scott

Brenda Scott grew up in a small town Saskatchewan, Canada farming community. Her early days were spent on a farm with cows, dogs, cats, pigs, chickens and a horse. This upbringing has instilled in her a great love of the land, nature, wide open spaces and animals.

Brenda was drawing before she even started going to Grade school. She didn't start painting until she was 21 years old and received her first acrylic paint set as a gift. She learned to paint with acrylics by adapting the oil painting techniques taught on a PBS TV show called "The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross". She painted for 15 years with acrylics completing mostly landscape paintings until taking her first watercolor lesson 3 years ago. Since then she has painted a variety of subjects in acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. In addition to painting full size paintings Brenda also paints miniature paintings called ACEOs ( Art Cards, Editions and Originals) which are original works of art that are 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches in size or approximately the size of a sports card.

Brenda also has a blog http://365daysofart.blogspot.com in which she is creating an ACEO a day for 365 days. In the blog, she is not just painting subjects that she is familiar with but also challenging herself to paint subjects that she has difficulty painting. She is writing about her experience of creating and all the fears, sorrows and joys that come with being an artist in hopes of inspiring other artists to live their dream even when they don't think they can.
 
She has become an amazing addition to Griffin Gallery!  Proving to be a well rounded artist who is willing to try working with numerous mediums and styles.  Not one to focus on maintaining a comfort zone, with her challenge of creating an ACEO once a day for 365 days.  She has stretched her limits by attempting styles which she thought were never possible.  A pleasure to meet, she not only shows her ambition through her works, but in everything else she does.

Meet the Artists - Part 5

Neal Nevado

A very talented artist who resides in Victoria B.C. Neal enjoys capturing views from his local travels and bringing it to life! He has mastered the artistry of watercolours, able to blend his creations on small canvas (5 1/2" x 8 1/2") to which many other artists awe at in amazement! One of Canada's up and coming artists! Whether you are a resident who sights your house or favorite place to relax in his works; to a tourist who's memories are caught on canvas to share over the years; you will want to view his works and purchase that memorable moment lasting lifetimes to come!

http://www.nealnevado.com/

Meet the Artists - Part 4

Susan Hopkins

A very talented artist who resides in Victoria. Well versed in numerous mediums and is always up to that next challenge! Enjoys working mostly with pastels.  Art flows out of every crevice of her living space.  She is a true artist who is swallowed up by her works and cannot help but continue creating amazing pieces.  Her imagination is her only limit to her ability.
 
Aspiring to have her works placed in homes around the world, she has captivated many in British Columbia.  Branching out to continue her dream of giving the joy of art to all those who seek it; she has stepped out from the shadows and is a bright shinning light.  Enjoy her works on Griffin Gallery, and perhaps find one for your living space.

Meet the Artists - Part 3

Rachael Windsong Lawson-Gurevitch

Nature vs nurture? Rachael Windsong Lawson-Gurevitch is three times a desert child. Born in Cochise County Arizona, to a father musician and a mother writer, raised in the only desert in Canada, the Similkameen Valley, and of Jewish background, finding her soul's true home in Israel. Currently living on Vancouver Island, where her paintings have taken on the west coast ocean and rainforest influences.

Rachael has always been one to train herself in the arts, avoiding the distractions of studying other artists styles. Often compared to Morriseau, and the string art of Native America, solidifying the belief that when we look to our soul, the messages are clear - for all of us.

She as found a way of incorporating her west coast and rainforest influences to the next level providing surfers and skateboarders a way of owning an amazing piece while enjoying what they do best!  Whether it is an old board that was favored in childhood that is revived with her imagination; or a canvas that was slaved over during "night hawk" hours!  She has grasped her spirit and style with her flare for the extrordinary and has been able to create distint layers of imaginative proportions!

Enjoy her works and if you are seeking your board to become the most admired; contact us directly and we can assist you in your endevours!

You can view more of her works on her site wix.com/nightgirlinc/gallery

Meet the Artists - Part 2

Vikki Flawith

Vikki Flawith is a singer, a voice teacher, a songwriter/composer, a published writer, and a visual artist. Her artwork has been shown at the “Two Sister’s Studio/Gallery” on Savary Island (2004-2008), as well as the “Esquimalt Painters Spring Art Show” and at the “Saanich Municipal Art Gallery”.

Vikki explains about herself , “When I paint, I seldom begin with a plan or an image. I see colours. I mix the paints and my brush begins to move across the canvas, inviting me to follow. I’m never quite sure where I will end up. I think my work reflects my love of nature, light, colour, stories. Painting seems to take me to a special place. It calms me, helps me to focus my scattered mind, and expresses something within me, all at the same time.”

Vikki's ability to utilize her spirit within, allows for the child in all to connect with her works.  Once you have the pleasure of meeting this woman, you cannot help but sense her energy as a calm and peaceful, content world.  Where you can sit back and enjoy the tranquility and sense of adventure her works bring to the surface.

Vikki studied art with visual artist Robert McInnis during high school. He taught her line drawing, taught her to appreciate poetry, and introduced her to "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings". Later, she studied graphic arts with Stan Newman (New Man Design) in Burnaby. Her photographs have been published in several Vancouver newspapers and magazines.

She is a welcomed addition to our gallery.  Always willing to explain her works and inspirations with all who ask.  You can follow up with Vikki by contacting her at any of her websites below.  A welcomed review of her works can be posted on our website by viewing any of her pieces and clicking on the review area in the description dialogue.  If you are seeking a specific image - she might just be willing to give it a try - by letting her brushes flow!

http://www.vikkiflawith.com/

http://theshysinger-songwriter.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/vikkiflawith

Get to know the artists series!

As with all galleries, we could not be without the talent of the artists we represent!  So, over the next few weeks we will be letting everyone "get-to-know" the individual artists!

We are starting our series with a great stone sculptor,

Joseph (Joe) Charette!

Sun, wind, bird, bear, whale are part of the oneiric memory of Joseph Charette. A Metis originally from Ontario, he grew up with the spirit of the land in his heart. The power of his carvings comes from his free spirit and strong-willed nature.

Joseph lived with the Haida in northern BC for 15 years, sharing their culture and learning aboriginal artwork techniques. His early work was in wood and included paddles and reliefs. During his stay in northern BC, Joseph came in touch with the essence of nature. As a fisherman, he had intimate encounters with whales, walruses, seals and many other sea creatures. He learned to respect and love the sea.

He was also a hunter and a lumberjack and had intimate encounters with deer, black bears, eagles and many other different animals that populate northern BC. During his stay in the northern latitudes, he looked beyond each creature to capture the essence of its soul. Many years later, he was able to imbue his carvings with this deep knowledge.

Joseph has carved many different animals in soapstone: ravens (he was given a Haida name that means "Precious Raven"), bears, hummingbirds. When he does his soapstone carvings, the spirit of the model is mixed with his own and magically migrate to stone.

His first desire to carve came when he visited Europe and the Middle East, where he was overwhelmed by the works of Egyptian and Renaissance masters, and especially by Michelangelo’s sculptures.

During his visit, Joseph captured and assimilated the incredible power that Michelangelo was able to transmit and even though he did not yet carve at that time, it all remained in his heart and mind, emerging many years later. Whale, bear, bird, wind, sun, may be merely a concept for many, but for Joseph they are a dynamic part of his dream and of his life.

View his own website @ http://www.joestonecarvings.ca/  He is a man of virtue and talent.  An upstanding citizen in his community, he is an artist of respect. 

The works included on our site (Griffin Gallery) can be found under the headings of Sculpture - stone.  The following is a list of his pieces you can view and purchase on our site:

Baby Beluga
Headless Cougar - the story behind this piece will place a smile upon your face!
Inukchuk