OPENING RECEPTION WITH HEIDI THOMPSON SIGNING HER BOOK, CALM FOCUS JOY:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 @ 6-9PM

 Working for the last decade in an abstract style that is known as “color field”, Heidi Thompson’s explorations into the spiritual sensation of colour and texture continue to define her own distinctive painting style.

 In this form of painting, a viewer has only to stand with openness in front of a work to experience a visual realm replete with all of the lushness and subtleties that such clarity of purpose can enable. The result is a focused, pristine perception where each piece becomes a new spectacle upon which to build associations of abundance, wholeness, wonder and – yes, joy.

 Diane Feught’s actual past, present and future have rarefied beginnings. Feught grew up in an Anglican home. As an adult, she lived in a Buddhist priory in Edmonton for seven years where she experienced the lush overlap of philosophical, spiritual and cultural diversity while still living in the heart of a ‘typical’ Canadian milieu. Her oil paintings and gouaches leave room for study as well as speculation as to their narrative source. Often with a strong composition that supports the drama of the imagery, her technique – impeccable and practiced – supports the strangeness of her subjects by granting an immediate viability to the juxtaposition of elements. The overwhelming perfection and balance take over any doubt at the unusual imagery. Feught also backs her innuendos with information, detailing with a precision to provoke applause.

 Afar Per se - what does it mean? Per se does not only mean “intrinsically” but also, “by, of, for or in itself”. It seems a fitting description of the works of Amar from Afar and Diane Feught with all of the allusions to otherness that they inspire.

 The opening reception for Afar Per se is Friday, November 11, which is Remembrance Day and 11/11/11. Even the date is fittingly evocative yet cryptic.

 Trance and Nilt to cosmic Eastern sounds and melodies during the opening reception with Daniel Stark on sarode, Bill Boyd on cello and Gaz on guitar.