James Gordaneer at Winchester Modern in October, 2012.
www.winchestergalleriesltd.com.
James Gordaneer is an well-respected Canadian artist, living in Victoria.
His career as an expressionist painter and art teacher spans over five decades.
Rebound, an exhibition of 20 recent artworks chronicles the artist’s remarkable productivity following a three month hospital stay in the summer of 2011. James resumed painting in November 2011, in a light filled corner of his spacious house in the Rockland area. “It was a Hallelujah moment for me,” says the artist, “being back at the easel in my own home." With the outstanding support of family, friends and home care workers,
James now works comfortably from home.
"Alice" by James Gordaneer, Oil on Board, 18.5” x 14.5”, 2012.
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"Journey to Copa" by James Gordaneer, Oil on Panel, 30” x 36”, 2012.
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Simplifying forms and shapesWhile in hospital, recovering from a stroke, Jim spent many hours ruminating about his painting practice. “I made a vow that I wasn’t going to paint the same way,” he says.
He decided to focus his compositions by simplifying the forms and shapes. James also brightened his palette, adding visual impact and a celebratory mood to his paintings. James’ artistic process begins with his appreciation of the natural world and the human figure. “I have a predilection for figures,” says James, “this comes from many years of life drawing.” Everything he experiences, through memory and sensory input, is grist for his creative mill. “You have to just work away and do it,” he says, “and find your own voice.” |
Paintings must be both interesting and beautiful,explains the artist. James is inspired by Francis Bacon, Arshile Gorky and Philip Guston, plus Canadian artists David Milne and Fred Varley. “I need to look at my favourites less and less these days” he says, “my inner world of envisioning is so strong.”
James paints intuitively without a preconceived image in mind. He starts each painting with mark-making, breaking up the surface of the canvas with a felt-tipped pen. Next, he sketches out shapes with a round bristle brush and burnt umber paint. The unfolding shapes are gradually filled with colour. “This takes focus and concentration,” he says, “the colours speak and I’m led on by the unfolding composition.” Jim paints for two or three hours each morning and completes a painting in about three days. |
growing up in the depression meant no luxuries in the home. But always on the dining room table was a pad of white paper which he filled with his drawings.
James left school half-way through grade nine to work in a grocery store. He took night classes, then enrolled in the Doon School of Fine Arts, starting as a summer student and ending up as faculty. For several winters in the 1950’s James painted with other artists in San Miguel d’Allende, Mexico. In 1957 he spent several months in Ibiza, Spain, then traveled to Paris, and visited major art museums around Europe. “This was an important part of my education,” he says. |
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Peter Redpath (above) manages Winchester Modern at 758 Humboldt Street.
Winchester Galleries Ltd., has three locations in Victoria. Owners Gunter Heinrich and Anthony Sam opened their first gallery in 1994.
The fine art dealers of historical and contemporary Canadian have an international clientele.
Peter Redpath's research and writing skills on Canadian artists, past and present, is evident on the Galleries’ promotional material.
Peter spent many enjoyable hours with James Gordaneer sorting through paintings for the exhibition.
“We are so lucky to have an artist of this stature in Victoria,” says Peter.
Peter Redpath comments on two artworks:
The fine art dealers of historical and contemporary Canadian have an international clientele.
Peter Redpath's research and writing skills on Canadian artists, past and present, is evident on the Galleries’ promotional material.
Peter spent many enjoyable hours with James Gordaneer sorting through paintings for the exhibition.
“We are so lucky to have an artist of this stature in Victoria,” says Peter.
Peter Redpath comments on two artworks:
"This optimistic, confident painting would
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"Complementary colours of purple/yellow
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Winchester Modern, 758 Humboldt Street (beside the Marriott Hotel) welcomes inquiries about James Gordaneer at 250.386.2773 or peter@winchestergalleriesltd.com
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