Detail: Arcadia, by Jo-Anne Silverman. Photos on webpage by Gregg Eligh

Jo-Anne Silverman presents Orbital at the Gage Gallery's
NEW LOCATION - 19 Bastion Square
July 20 - August 8, 2021

​“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons,” says Al Hirschfeld.

Visual artist Jo-Anne Silverman agrees. In her new series, the artist creates an aura of wonderment. Each of the 24 drawings is an invitation to enter an imaginative world. With playful precision, Silverman interweaves line, colour and form in a myriad of meanderings. We see riotous colour, surprising shapes and undulating forms. Some images are densely packed and resemble cell structures or sub-atomic particles. Others lift us skyward for aerial views of rivers, country roads, lakes, streams and fields. Using enigmatic titles like String Theory and Phantasmagoria, the artist invites us to explore these micro and macro worlds.

Purple Rain, mixed-media on paper, 24x18 in, 2021

Phantasmagoria, mixed-media on paper, 30x22.5 in, 2021

Silverman’s last show at the Gage was in March of 2020. Due to Covid-19 the three-week show Lush closed after two weeks. Following a short break she launched into a regular routine of uninterrupted drawing. “Orbital, with it’s circular images, represents a time of looping emotions,” says the artist. During isolated days of artmaking, she experienced many moods, including anxiety, exhilaration, tranquility and frustration. She believes these emotions are registered in the artwork.

Silverman’s tools are paramount in her artistic process. She uses pencils, watercolour, gouache, inks (metallic and otherwise) and felt to create her images. “The sensual quality of the materials is part and parcel of the wonderful experience of putting something down,” she says. Each drawing begins with a series of patterns that develop into themes. Paper sizes have increased since the last show, with the largest being 40x26 inches. With more space, compositional challenges and possibilities presented themselves for expanding the theme.

String Theory, mixed-media on paper, 22.5x30 in, 2021

Arcadia, mixed-media on paper, 18x24 in, 2021

“A drawing gives an immediacy to an image that encourages connection,” says Silverman. Works in Orbital are without glass, allowing our eyes to wander the pathways and experience delight. Energetic markmaking adds vitality and visual interest to the artworks. Her marks take on many shapes: tear drops, spider webs, swirling vortexes and circles. Shapes become patterns that sometimes repeat, making long strings that flow and connect to other areas.

​Jo-Anne was born in Winnipeg into a family who nurtured her creativity. Her mother was a painter and sculptor; her father was a businessman who loved playing the piano. As a youth, she took art lessons and her mother kept many of her creations. These early works show her childhood delight in details and flights of fantasy. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba School of Art.

Bluesette, mixed-media on paper, 24x18 in, 2021

Tree of Life, mixed-media on paper, 40x26 in, 2021

Silverman’s career involved research and development for corporations like the CBC, and not-for-profit organizations. The artist’s altruistic nature shows in her unique approach to sales. Each of the 24 artworks at Gage Gallery is offered on a “Pay as You Can” basis. Proceeds go to the Cool Aid Community Arts Program, a weekly drop-in hosted at 755 Pandora Street. Her goal is to circulate the work and help those less fortunate. “Art-making can change a life,” says Silverman.

“I appreciate the talent and expertise of my 19 colleagues at the Gage,” says Silverman, “which serve to influence and re-examine my own work.” The last time the Gage had an official opening (remember those?) was Silverman’s previous solo show in March 2020.  She is therefore delighted to invite you to the first solo opening in the brand new location on July 20, 2:00-5:00.
Other times to visit the artist at 19 Bastion Square are:  2:00-5:00 on July 21, 23, 27, 28, 30; August 1, 4, 5 and 8.
Jo-Anne welcomes your comments and questions and can be reached at [email protected]

Arabesque, mixed-media on paper, 26x40 in, 2021

Dance, mixed-media on paper, 26x40 in, 2021

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​Gage Gallery Arts Collective, 19 Bastion Square, Victoria BC. V8W 1H9
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00. Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00.   Phone: 250 592-2760

The opening of Orbital on July 20 was a joyful event. People marvelled at Jo-Anne’s brilliant drawings while chatting without masks. Jo-Anne spoke about her art-making journey during Covid times. Wendy Stone, a Coordinator at Cool Aid, shared the importance of the art programs. Kathy Stinson, Cool Aid’s Chief Executive Officer, thanked Jo-Anne for her generosity.
​Other times to visit the artist at 19 Bastion Square are: 2:00-5:00 on July 21, 23, 27, 28, 30; August 1, 4, 5 and 8.

Jo-Anne with Kathy Stinson, Chief Executive Officer at Cool Aid.

Jo-Anne with Wendy Stone, a Coordinator at Cool Aid

Gabriela Hirt recorded the event with an Instagram post.

​​​​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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​[email protected]  250 598-4009