​Stefan Lehmann presents
A Little Light
at Gage Gallery Arts Collective
May 7-26 2024, Opening May 9, 6:00-9:00
​In support of the Umbrella Society
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There was a time when Stefan Lehmann’s inner critic ruled his artistic life. Every time the artist sat down to begin a painting or drawing, a critical voice intervened saying things like: “You have no talent. You will never produce great artworks. Why pretend to be an artist?” The effect of these unwanted comments was immediate. The artist’s carefully arranged art supplies stayed in place, untouched. Finally, in 2018, Lehmann silenced his inner critic by replying: “This is not serious art-making, I’m just playing, moving around colours of paint on paper and enjoying myself.”
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Just Play I, acrylic on paper, 7x5 in, 2018

Just Play II, acrylic on paper, 7x5 in, 2018

​Since that important break-through, Lehmann’s art career has blossomed along with his confidence. He’s produced a variety of artworks in various media and had shows in community venues around Victoria. Works in the Just Play series were joyful experiments done on small sheets of watercolour paper. They now reside in collections. For the series, Lehmann used washes of pigment in primary colours to create flowing shapes with saturated hues. The pigments were poured on moistened paper laid flat on a table, which offered a minimum of control and many happy surprises. This sense of playfulness remains central to his artistic process.

Stefan Lehmann has a Fine Art Degree from York University. After university, his design and technical skills led to a career in marketing and web design. He still followed his muse, but from a distance. Now he finds inspiration from his creative colleagues at Gage Gallery Arts Collective. His first solo show at the gallery comes more than a year after joining the energetic group of 23 artists. “There is so much depth and breath of experience among our artists,” he says. “Members use a variety of styles and techniques - so I am always learning something new.” He is also learning how to market himself as an artist and sustain a creative lifestyle.

Window VIII, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024

Window XI, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024

Window VI Eclipse, acrylic on canvas 24x24 in, 2024

Window VI Zima Blue, acrylic on canvas, 12x12 in, 2024

The Window Series, developed in 2019, explores the concept of light and darkness. Lehmann believes that light is crucial to energizing an artwork, thereby setting emotional tone and dramatic intensity. “I’m curious about how light enters a room,” he says, “like a boisterous tourist, or a lover.” The Window Series is experimental in scope, featuring many artworks with a wealth of colours, shapes and visual effects. Washes of colour combine with clearly-defined areas, adding a three-dimensional quality to some of the paintings. Each painting is a unique voyage of visual discovery. One wall of the spacious downtown gallery will show a progression of growing light using small, medium and large paintings.

Ephemerize I, acrylic on paper, 14x11 in, 2024

Ephemerize IV, acrylic on paper, 14x11 in, 2024

Ephemerize III, acrylic on canvas, 11x14 in, 2024

Ephemerize II, acrylic on canvas, 11x14 in, 2024

The Ephemerize Series adds another dimension to Lehmann’s show. The meaning of ephemeral is something short-lived or transitory, moving from one state to another. For example, in Ephemerize I, our eyes focus on the darker area of the central box-like form. But the solidity of the form is challenged by bands of swaying colour top and bottom, which appear to tug apart the rectangle. “Here we have a solid object, evaporating, which shows the illusion of permanence,” he says. “Our lives are short as well, we are only here for a brief period.”

Light I, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024

Light II, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2024

​Light I and Light II are the culmination of Lehmann’s journey to explore and describe the phenomenon of light. These are large paintings, each 36 by 36 inches, and represent the end point of his progression from dark to light. “I have removed the structure of the window frame, with the light passing through, to focus on the radiance itself,” he says. The paintings allude to the mysterious nature of luminosity, which is formless and impermanent. The paintings are built from many layers of thin stains, each one left to dry, and completed over several days. We can look forward to more Light paintings, as the series develops.

​Lehmann’s marketing and communication skills are shown in his creative approach to fundraising for the Umbrella Society. “Directly or indirectly, addiction and mental health issues affect everyone in our community,” he says. For over 20 years, the Umbrella Society has demonstrated success as a service and housing provider for individuals on a recovery journey. To support this important cause a group of intrepid knitters will gather in the Bastion Square courtyard. They are selling one-of-a-kind designer washcloths, embossed with an expressive monogram. The Opening promises to be a lively affair, including some musical entertainment in the courtyard. Lehmann is pleased to donate 25 percent of sales to the Umbrella Society. He is also happy to be part of a dynamic and supportive arts community. Their members are welcome companions on his creative journey towards the light.

​Stefan welcomes your interest and can be reached at
[email protected]

Visit his website HERE

​Gage Gallery Arts Collective,
19 Bastion Square, Victoria BC V8W 1J1
250-592-2760, [email protected]; 
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-5:00


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​Stefan Lehmann, “Shelter Home”, limited-edition print,
​edition of 50, 2024.
Lehmann has managed to complete this edition of 50 spectacular prints in time for the show (May 7-26, 2024). All proceeds from the $50 sale price will go directly to the Umbrella Society. Visit the artist’s website for more information on purchase and delivery of paintings and prints.

​The Opening of A Little Light was a wonderful event on a sunny warm evening. Friends and colleagues mingled inside to view and discuss the artwork. Outside in the courtyard busy knitters and talented musicians enlivened the scene. Enjoy the photos!

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​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