Leaf Modern Gallery presents
Energy by Sandra Froher
Nov 19 - Dec10, 2022.  Opening Nov 19, 11:00-6:00PM
2624 Bridge Street, at Rock Bay Square.
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Detail: Into the Light by Sandra Froher, mixed media on canvas, 40x30 in, 2022.

Rande Cook and Mona Elliott launched Leaf Modern Gallery in June 2021. The gallery features Cook’s original paintings and sculptures, as well as designer-quality clothing, prints and floor coverings. The business partners are committed to innovative programming and diversity at Leaf Modern. In May 2022, Cook’s The Apology exhibition riveted audiences and received critical acclaim. In Nov 2022, the excitement continues with a dynamic show and sale called Energy. The show spotlights the eco-dyed clothing and abstract paintings of Indigenous artist Sandra Froher.

​The Opening day of Energy coincides with Rock Bay Square’s annual Open House - Saturday November 19, 11:00-6:00PM. Leaf Modern’s street-level gallery at 2624 Bridge Street fits in well with the vitality of Rock Bay Square. The Square’s eclectic hive of creatives work from studios on three levels, and includes painters, potters, jewelry-makers, producers of ecological products, artisan food and beverages. “The Open House is an all-day fun event,” says Gallery Director Mona Elliott. “Visitors are welcomed into the festive milieu offering many sensory delights.”

Energy, mixed media on canvas, 36x36 in, 2022.

Break These Chains, mixed media on canvas, 36x36 in, 2022.

Sensory delights abound at Sandra Froher’s Energy exhibition. Froher’s bright abstractions sing with vibrant colour and expressive linework. Confident in size and palette, they suggest other-worldly spaces through washes of vibrating colour and intermingling shapes and forms. Froher is also a fashion designer, who uses botanical dyes to eco-print natural fabrics like silk. During long walks by her seaside home, she gathers plant material and found objects. These outings connect her with the natural world and her Indigenous heritage.

Wasting Time, mixed media on canvas, 36x48 in, 2022.

Into the Light, mixed media on canvas, 30x40 in, 2022.

Sandra Froher is a member of the Sqwa First Nation in the Fraser Valley, her Stó:lõ ancestry dates back to the late 1800s. Recently, she reconnected with her home reserve and found a fleet of long-lost cousins. She received teachings from an elder and learned how to speak her name in her native tongue. Froher explains that she now operates in two worlds: one modern and one traditional. “I use contemporary mediums and materials in my paintings,” she says, “and am guided by ancestral wisdoms and teachings during my botanical collections and eco-dyeing.”

Fashion by Froher, earrings by Giggy's Beads Boutique.

Red Dress for Ellen, in New York, fashion by Froher.

​Sandra Froher met modeling agent Kim Coltman of Fashion Speaks International while doing a fashion shoot in Vancouver. Coltman is an Indigenous woman who supports designers and models, believing that fashion and clothing are a pathway to healing and revitalization of culture. In August of 2022, Froher joined with five other talented Indigenous designers to present a fashion show at Moccasin Square Gardens in Kamloops. The event was filmed as part of a documentary produced by Telus Storyhive. “It was a beautiful fashion show,” she says, “I showed 10 styles (outfits) and used my traditional language to introduce myself.” The designer found the location touching, as it was close to the notorious Kamloops Residential School. Unmarked graves, believed to hold the remains of Indigenous children, were discovered on this site in May 2021.

Red Dress for Ellen is made to honour her paternal grandmother, Ellen. After giving birth to Froher’s father at age 17, she disappeared to become a sad statistic within the missing and murdered Indigenous women legacy. The 17 hand-prints on the dress mark Ellen’s age. The red dress has two shades of red. One hue symbolizes the blood shed from a people in mourning. The other red signifies the life-blood of a living connection activated by her granddaughter’s remembrance. “I am giving life to Ellen’s voice for myself and the greater community,” says Froher.

Cannabis Suit, In New York, fashion by Froher. (Photo: Emma Ruben)

Model Courtney-Dawn Anaquod, in New York, fashion by Froher. (Photo: Emma Ruben)

In September 2022, Froher spent 6 days in New York City. She was invited to show her collection at the International Indigenous Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. Froher and her fashion stylist stayed at the glamorous Hotel Edison in Times Square. “I felt over-the-top excitement being part of the New York fashion scene,” she says. During the one-hour program, Froher presented 15 fashion outfits on the glittering walkway, from her collection Mother Earth - the Rooted One. ​

​The yellow dress is dyed from dandelions and marigolds from the designer’s eco-garden. The models' accessories included Froher’s unique eco-jewelry made from seed pods and plant material gathered in Victoria. For Froher, including her jewelry felt like bringing a piece of Vancouver Island to New York. “I was doing this for all of us,” she says, “raising up the models, honouring my ancestors, bringing forward an elder’s blessing and walking proud within my own living heritage.”
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Eco-jewelry and silk scarves by Froher.

Sandra Froher in her home/studio, Oct 2022.

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​Gallery Director Mona Elliott feels renewed and inspired after an October visit to the 59th Biannule in Venice, Italy.
She spent three full days experiencing thousands of artworks by international artists, then travelled to Florence.
Elliott is delighted to host Energy at Leaf Modern.
“I am so proud of Sandra for presenting her Indigenous collection at New York Fashion Week,” she says.
​The Director is delighted that Victoria can now experience Energy. Froher’s dynamic paintings, luxurious fabrics and original jewelry are available at Leaf Modern from November 19 until December 10. “They make perfect gifts for someone special,” she says, “including yourself.”

Leaf Modern Gallery is located at 2624 Bridge Street in Victoria, V8T 4S9.   Visit their website HERE
Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00-5:00, Sat, 11:00-5:00.  Leaf Modern Gallery (778) 432-3228. info@leafmodern.ca

The Opening at Leaf Modern Gallery on Nov 19, 1:00-6:00 was great fun and well attended. Two charming models strolled the floor in Sandra's exquisite fashions, adding beautiful compliments to her artworks. Photos below.
Visit 2624 Bridge Street, at Rock Bay Square soon!  Show and sale continues until December 10, 2022. 

​​Web Design and Content by Kate Cino
Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. 
History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from 
​the University of Victoria
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​kate-cino@shaw.ca  250 598-4009