Laura Culic Art ::: Toronto

The Artist Project Toronto, March 1 to 4

Laura Culic — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:59:06 +0000

Less than two weeks to go until The Artist Project, and as of today, I actually feel like I am going to be prepared!! I’ve been working feverishly on a whole bunch of new encaustic paintings… paintings that are evolving from, and expanding upon, my more abstracted work of the past year. Although still inspired by the landscape, my newest work involves references to, and suggestions of, the themes of mapping, navigation, exploration, memory, history and the natural environment, accompanied by the luminous, and luscious textural qualities of encaustic, and with some paper, oil paint, ink, text, type, graphite and watercolour all thrown in for good measure. Is it evident that I am very excited about it?

to away, 20" x 60" encaustic, oil and paper on panel

The Artist Project takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, Toronto, March 1 to 4, 2012. Thursday March 1 is the opening night party, 7 to 10 pm. (admission $25, 19+). Friday 12 to 9 pm, Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11am to 6 pm, admission $14. I am at Booth 713. I’m really looking forward to this show, and I hope to see you there!!

Accepted into OSA Annual Juried Show!

Laura Culic — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:16 +0000

navigation/starlings & stars, 16" x 32" encaustic, oil and paper on panel

I am very proud to announce that “Navigation/starlings & stars” was accepted into the Ontario Society of Artist’s 139th annual open juried exhibition.
I created the painting to specifically fit with the exhibition theme and title of “Darkness & Light”, while still working with the concepts and images that interest me.
The exhibition takes place at the John B. Aird Gallery, March 6 to 30, 2012, with an opening reception on Thursday March 8, from 6 to 8 pm. The John B. Aird Gallery is at 900 Bay Street (at Wellesley), MacDonald Block, Toronto.

One month to go to The Artist Project Toronto!

Laura Culic — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:56:26 +0000

I have been in total hibernation in the studio since mid-December, creating a new body of work for The Artist Project, March 1 to 4. Progress is good, and I’m starting to get very hyped about seeing this group of paintings hanging together in my booth. I’m not sure if any of them are 100% done at this point… but I’m posting “this must be the place” because I think its the closest to completion.

"this must be the place" 24" x 52" encaustic, oil and paper on panel

This painting is about navigating a search for hope, for place and for history. I expect to be exhibiting fifteen brand new encaustic paintings at the show.

The Artist Project, March 1 to 4, is at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, Toronto. 200 amazing artists take part in this show, which also features installation and video art, art tours and chats. The March 1st opening night preview party is an awesome event, with music and hors d’oeuvres as well as great artwork.
Hope to see you there!

New Paintings

Laura Culic — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:37:30 +0000

Small Craft Warning, 36" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on wood

Surfacing #2, 30" x 30" encaustic, oil and paper on wood

“Small Craft Warning” and “Surfacing #2″, as well as “Surfacing #1″, posted November 17th, are now at Earls Court Gallery in Hamilton. They will be part of the upcoming Artist’s Invitational show, January 12 to February 18, 2012.

“Heroes”…. new exhibition at MJG Gallery

Laura Culic — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:01:55 +0000

The show “Heroes: Real, Fictional and Close to Home” opens with a wine reception on Thursday December 8, from 7 to 11 pm at MJG Gallery, 555 Parliament St. Toronto. Artist and gallery owner Mark Gleberzon has invited artists to contribute work on the theme of heroes.
“Watershed” is the painting I’ve contributed to the show… and below it is my statement outlining the “heroic” aspects of the piece.

Watershed, 30" x 70" encaustic, oil and paper on wood panel at MJG Gallery

“Watershed” is a tribute to Lake Ontario and specifically to the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper; in my view, a heroic organization. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a Canadian charitable organization, works towards a swimmable, drinkable, fishable lake, and endeavors to protect and celebrate the Lake Ontario watershed.
When Mark presented the theme of “Heroes” I was delighted to arrive at this concept of combining the maps and symbols that I am currently obsessed with, along with the heroic efforts of working to heal and preserve this significant and beautiful body of water, which has been an influence on my life in so many ways. This painting juxtaposes a map-like representation of the lake and its related lakes and rivers, with symbols and abstracted areas of colour and texture, suggestive of the history, topography and navigation associated with the lake.

Part of my painting process is the search for a story; each piece suggests and reveals a story as I work, which in turn guides the direction of the piece. In the painted story of “Watershed”, the lake and its tributaries are the hero.

I hope you will join me at MJG Gallery on Dec. 8, to celebrate what promises to be a fabulous show!

Three 8″ x 8″ encaustic paintings for Mistletoe Magic

Laura Culic — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:43:10 +0000

Navigational chart #4, 8" x 8" encaustic and oil SOLD

Navigational chart #5, 8" x 8" encaustic and oil SOLD

Navigational chart #6, 8" x 8" encaustic and oil SOLD

These three paintings are at the John B. Aird Gallery until Thursday December 1, when the Aird’s annual festive Mistletoe Magic silent auction, and fundraiser reception takes place. The reception, Thursday Dec. 1, is from 6 to 9 pm. The Aird Gallery is at 900 Bay Street, in the Macdonald Block (Bay and Wellesley) Work is available for purchase from now until Dec 1.
I hope to see you at the reception!

Mistletoe Magic and some new work

Laura Culic — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:19:21 +0000

Surfacing #1, 30" x 30" encaustic, oil and paper on wood panel

This new encaustic painting “Surfacing #1″ is inspired by the Margaret Atwood novel. In its intricate and complex overlays of maps and charts, text and symbols I sensed a similarity to the haunting, searching tone of the novel, and the heroine’s pursuit of understanding and peace.

In other news, on Thursday December 1, from 6 to 8 pm, the John B. Aird Gallery will host Mistletoe Magic, festive reception and silent fine art auction. More than 100 exceptional artworks by a select group of artists will be on display for purchase at very affordable prices. Proceeds from the event support the not-for-profit gallery and its exhibition and educational programming.
The work is on display for preview from Tuesday November 22 until December 1 and gallery patrons are invited to pre-bid or purchase during that time.
I have three lovely new 8″ x 8″ encaustic paintings in the show.

It promises to be an enjoyable evening! Hope to see you there.
The John B. Aird Gallery is located in the Macdonald Block, 900 Bay Street, Toronto.
Tel: 416-928-6772

Encaustic demonstration November 9th at MJG Gallery

Laura Culic — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:01:50 +0000

On Wednesday November 9th, I will be giving a talk and demonstration on encaustic painting at the MJG Gallery in Toronto. I will talk about the history of encaustic; about my technique and what motivates my artistic practice. For those curious or interested in the technique, this would be a great way to get an understanding of encaustic painting. MJG Gallery is located at 555 Parliament St. The event runs from 7 to 10 pm. This event is is a limited to 20 people so please RSVP – $20 per person. To RSVP, please contact Mark Gleberzon at the MJG Gallery, 416.923.4031, or markaloo@yahoo.com.
Or please feel free to contact me.

Soundings #1 12" x 12" encaustic and oil on wood panel SOLD

Soundings #2 12" x 12" encaustic and oil on wood panel SOLD

Five new encaustic paintings

Laura Culic — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:32:33 +0000

I’m posting a series of a few recent paintings that will be delivered this week to two of my galleries in Toronto; XC Art Restorations and MJG Gallery. To compliment each painting here, I’ve written a couple of lines as a statement to establish a context for each piece. I feel my work is still very “accessible”, but my recent encaustics are certainly not as straight forward as my oil landscapes. I love having the chance to share my thoughts on my paintings and I do think the mini-statements add to the understanding and appreciation of the work.

Topographic, 24" x 52" triptych, encaustic, oil, image transfer on wood

This painting, “Topographic” is very much about the land with its combination of a traditional landscape in the centre panel and a specific topographical geography suggested in the outer panels. The appearance, uses and meanings of maps have always fascinated me, and I’m very excited to have found a means of incorporating them into my work. In the outer panels of this painting, I had a sense of being geologist, explorer and archeologist in one; excavating through dense layers of opaque and translucent wax to discover or reveal lakes and rivers; and in the centre, depicting the nascent scene for future navigators….

Pocahontas, 20" x 20" encaustic, oil and image transfer on wood

“Pocahontas” was inspired by the Neil Young song of the same name, the lyrics of which I’ve hand written, and hidden under layers and layers of wax. Barely discernible, but present, nevertheless. While creating this painting, I thought of the traditional native American sense of respect and unity with the land, and its contrast with the common need to control, maintain and delineate.

Laura Culic — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:36:50 +0000

In “Love Letter“ I’ve used my own handwriting and fragments of collaged handwriting from other sources, layered and obscured in wax. I’ve tried to maintain a poetic and organic feel, and also a suggestion of horizon, for a piece that is reminiscent of personal connection – perhaps with the land, perhaps with a person, and conveys a sense of loss coupled with a sense of hopefulness.

: Love Letter, 16″ x 16″ encaustic, oil and image transfer on wood