Laura Culic Art ::: Toronto

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!

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

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

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.

Canoe Route #2, 24" x 50" - just completed commissioned painting

I’ve just completed “Canoe Route #2″ as a commission for clients who fell in love with the original “Canoe Route” at the TOAE, but as it was sold and a bit too large, decided to go with a custom sized version of their own.
Aside from this commission, I’ve been working hard creating new paintings for a show at the Academy Gallery which opens October 16, titled “Timeless”. This beautiful gallery is in the picturesque town of Bath, 15 minutes west of Kingston.

Mark Gleberzon, artist, friend, happenin’ dude and all round great guy, has opened a lovely new gallery in Toronto’s Cabbagetown area. His doors opened yesterday, August 15, and he’s pretty much ready for business. He has yet to schedule a grand opening soiree – I’ll post that information soon as I know. I have a brand new encaustic painting hanging there, along with some of Mark’s great work and work by several other local artists. MJG Gallery is located at 555 Parliament St, just north of Carlton. As soon as his website is ready, I will post the link here.

"The moon and the tide #2", brand new 36 x 48 encaustic painting - at Mark Gleberzon's MJG Gallery

Phew! The dust is starting to settle, in the aftermath of the TOAE. Overall I’d have to say I had a terrific show. I sold eight of my new encaustics, which not only lines the coffers for a while, but is extremely encouraging in terms of the more abstracted direction my work has taken.

The weather was hot – as always! – and the show was exhausting and physically demanding (as always! – artists must take home their work each night… re-hang in the a.m.) – but the crowds were fantastic, and visitors to my booth were full of wonderful comments and appreciation for my work. Many, many people were interested in a further  understanding of the encaustic process – which is truly fascinating – so I will publish a page in my blog on that shortly.

Thanks to all who attended, and to numerous friends who stopped by to say hi.

a few folks at my booth

"but does it match the carpet....?"

the happy artist

the client who purchased this large painting, "Canoe Route" told me he felt it was a cross between the work of Tony Sherman and David Bierk - a compliment that made my day!

Its down to the wire (as usual!) with art show preparations! Last minute details, final touches to paintings, wiring and framing, gathering all show materials together, making sure my canopy is waterproofed!!!…. lots left to do yet…. and all fueled with a high level of pre-show excitement/stress/anxiety/anticipation. I’m fully charged up and exhausted at the same time.

So this is my last pre-show post. This piece is one of the farthest abstracted ones I’ve done to date. Its still about the sea, time, distance and navigation… and a powerful longing to travel – not on a plane – but real-time travel, and to watch the sea and the land and the day unfurl  as they should….

navigational chart series #2, 16" x 16" encaustic, oil, image transfer and collage SOLD

Hope to see you at the show!

Cheers!

Laura

sea swallow me, 12" x 12" SOLD

This little painting was inspired by the beautiful and haunting song of the same title, by Harold Budd and the Cocteau Twins, which I love.