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Craig Adair Craig Adair’s artistic aspirations began in 1973, at the age of 5, when he told his mother he would be an architect. His childhood was spent painting… and attending sporting events with his father. The spectacle of sports enthralled the young artist and he would relive these events over and over through his paintings.
The decade from age 13 to 23 was active rather than creative. If there was a competitive sport available to play, Craig Adair would play it. He loved the energy and team spirit of sports.
After completing a business degree at the University of Western Ontario in the early 1990s, Craig Adair applied to the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto. During his architectural education in the mid-90s, the world of art and ideas began to open up for him again. Art classes inspired him to revisit a childhood passion: painting. While other students drafted their architecture assignments with technical pens, Craig Adair frequently painted his. Paint texture and pigment made images more real for him. Upon completing his architectural studies, his true calling was clear. He was a painter.
His early career paintings varied in theme but each was influenced by three art movements: Futurism (for motion and speed), Pop Art (for bold color), and Abstract Expressionism (for unexpected shapes that interlock and for expression of the subconscious through art).
By 1997, one inevitable theme arose: sports. By 2005, Craig Adair created over three hundred artworks depicting events such as football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, extreme sports, horse racing, motor sports, golf, boxing, racquet sports, boating, rodeo and cycling. Serge discovered photography at the young age of 11 more out of curiosity than anything else, when he found his family’s old Yashica – what his father termed ‘La camera’. Growing up in Toronto, most of his earlier photography revolved around the old Ontario Place Forum, where he would photograph rock musicians of the day. By his late teens, he came to the realization that photography could be a medium for artistic expression. Ultimately, photography became a means for documenting his travels. He has traveled to various countries over the years: Canada, The United States, Cuba, Mexico, England, Israel, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece thus far….. In late 2004, came the arduous task of editing his images and in 2005 he began selling his prints at The Distillery Historic District’s Art Cart program. Serge is a self
taught photographer and has learned to create captivating photographs
from 25 years of experience. His photography strives to turn the
ordinary into the extraordinary through the use of strong compositions
and intriguing content. He presents each image in one of 4 distinct
styles, depending on which he feels best suits the image: full colour,
black and white, sepia or colour isolated - the latter, his favourite,
allowing him the most opportunity for artistic expression. With a BFA in fine arts, Rob has been painting professionally for over 12 years. He began as a 'Scenic Painter' for theatrical institutions including: The C.O.C., The Shaw Festival, and Opera Atelier. Soon after, Rob began painting murals all over the world for some of the largest Mural companies in Canada. In 1994, Rob opened his own studio. Finally, in 2002 - his biggest leap - 'full time Visual Artist'. After years of painting someone else's vision, Rob has his sights set on total global art domination! Rob has shown in galleries all over Toronto and in numerous outdoor art events. Alfredo DeCurtis was born in Naples, Italy in 1938. He started drawing and painting at a very young age, and at sixteen was accepted at The Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, Italy. He attended this art academy until 1958. In 1958, Alfredo was in a serious automobile accident that hospitalized him for the next two years. In 1964 Alfredo moved to Milan, Italy where he further pursued his artistic education at a local Art school, and where he had his first one-man show. From 1964 to 1967 the artist traveled Europe extensively, always exhibiting his work along the way. In 1968 the artist came into Quebec. After a brief stay there and in Florida, he settled in Toronto, Ontario. Alfredo's work expresses originality, clarity and creativity. His subtle translucent colours, as well as his interlacing compositional forms, evokes intense poetry and gives lasting richness to his classic figurations. Alfredo's technique of painting in oil on hand-made panels resembles in some cases ancient wall frescos. It is a unique and truly innovative process which allows the artist to achieve the effect of depth as well as rich and delicate texture, freeing the artist to fully express his deep poetic and spiritual emotion. Lucy has left her corporate career after 21 years to pursue life as a full time artist. She is self taught and has enjoyed painting and drawing from a young age. Lucy's work is continually evolving. She prefers a simplified style to express her vision and thoughts. Her work is applied in layers to achieve depth, with rich textured backgrounds and over-painting. Some pieces are seemingly so old world while others are graphic and rhythmic. The textured surface on her large format compositions is achieved by the use of a palette knife, resulting in a sculpture on canvas. She paints places of nature and beauty with a sense of mystery. Her goal is not to replicate nature but to create an impression through her interpretation of the beauty that surrounds her. Her work is embraced by many and is currently held in both private and corporate collections across North America and Europe. Lucy lives and paints in Toronto, Ontario with her husband and children. Elizabeth Elkin is a master of the palette
knife. She is a full-time professional award -winning artist, with over
25 years worth of experience in the field. Elizabeth's academic
training extends back to 1970 with 8 years of study at Art College and
University. She has experimented with various artistic forms,
including expressionism, cubism, impressionism, abstract and realism.
The true innovation of her work lies in the power of her vibrant colors,
her museum quality works of Atousa Foroohary was born in 1973 and started painting when she was 18. She spent her childhood painting environments. Her artistic focus was to create realistic paintings. She enjoys creating lifestyles on canvas because she believes that life is full of beauty and can be recorded by colours. She is an expert in different types of realistic paintings such as, figurative works, portraits, historical places and still life. She creates textured paintings inspired by Canada's magical landscapes. Artist statement - "Capturing the world through my hands by the miracle of colours." While most of us are concerned about the traffic or construction work delaying our travel across the city, David Johns is riding his bicycle searching for the hidden gems that are featured in his exhibits of road art - a collection, currently with over 180 images, that provides a unique perspective on the items we encounter in our daily travels, but often overlook. His photographs feature captivating images of crushed soft-drink and beer cans - probably the ultimate test of brand recognition. A storm grate with a little leaf that seemed determined not to fall even though it was a very windy day. Another favourite is the unusual reflection of office buildings on the engine hood of a parked car. David was born and raised in Toronto. He attended the Ontario College of Art and graduated with honours. He has worked in private and government sectors as a graphic designer. During his daily cycling to and from work in downtown Toronto, he developed an interest in road markings painted by surveyors. This interest expanded to include all types of material found on Toronto roads and sidewalks. After studying art under the legendary Doris McCarthy at Toronto’s Central Tech, Harry established Joy Studios and developed specialized screen printing techniques. In the mid-1940’s Harry's interests moved to cinematography from which came his innate ability to anticipate and capture peak moments in time as can readily be seen in the powerful images now on display at the System 4 Gallery. Limited edition archival prints are signed, dated and authenticated by the artist au verso are available for purchase and will be on display from Nov. 15, 2005 until April 30, 2006. After a lifetime of immersion in the world of art and music, which she attributes to her talented parents, Rhona Konrad, over the past 3 decades, has intentionally expanded her world view by delving deeply into the world of science and Eastern mysticism. The unexpected parallels found between philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism and high energy physics have not only impressed her on a metaphysical level but have become realized and translated into the physical with her art. Ideas like the interconnectedness of all things, synergy and spirituality have found expression in her integration of watercolour, mixed media, computer graphics and digital art. This blending of various techniques, forms and structures echo the amalgamation of mysticism, technology, and hard science. The paradox that "we are all one" and yet "we are all separate" find expression in the themes, styles and icons in her work. Konrad was steeped in music and art at home and began studying music and art from the age of three. By the age of eight, she won a full scholarship to the Conservatoire de Musique et D'Art Dramatique. Konrad has participated in prestigious art competitions and won several awards. She has also had one woman shows and exhibited during Holocaust Week seven years ago. Her father, himself a professional artist, owned an art gallery in Montreal where she regularly exhibited. Konrad has a bachelor of Arts degree with honours in art history. coming soon......
The Wadadli Watercolours Studio was the creation of Toronto artist Stephen Murphy (1962), who came to Canada in 1976. Originally born on the island of Antigua, Murphy used the name Wadadli to honour his Caribbean roots Wadadli being the indigenous Carib Indian name given to the island before Columbus. Mainly self taught, Murphy uses shape and light values to create his bold vibrant impressionist style which often makes the viewer wonder whether his work actually is a watercolour. His work has won numerous awards and has been shown throughout Canada and in the Caribbean. In the summer months you can find Stephen painting in plain air all around Southern Ontario. Valeria Mravyan portrays urban energy in her work in a distinctive manner reflective of her unique international background. The effects of musical sound and emotion have always played a large part in her work and she uses both as expressive tools. Past experiences continue to inform her work, but of utmost importance for the artist is the expressive potential of emotion. Once she has conceptualized an idea, her passion transforms the work with an uncanny physical energy.
Pam
Niman's work is a captivating blend of the profoundly true and the
fantastic. She offers viewers a place to visit, a place that
on the surface may seem unreal or even surreal, but on another level
is universally familiar and inviting. Her work speaks to the
imagination in all of us, triggering in us the pull of the magical.
Fantasy defines her most recent work; a place of innocent magic with broad appeal to children and to the child in all of us. Inspired by the form of classic European architecture, the shape of billowing clouds and hues created by a setting sun, Ms. Niman uses a mix of different media including acrylic and crystals. Her distinctive style pays tribute to rainbows with their myriad of colours playfully enhanced by rays of light created from drops of rain. Pam has studied art throughout her life in both Canada and Italy and has participated in art fundraisers and group exhibitions in Toronto. Her work is included in private collections in Canada, U.S.A., France, Australia, England, Switzerland and Israel. She lives and works in Toronto, Ont.
Herbert Pryke Herbert’s background is as diverse as his artwork has been throughout the years. Self-taught in his endeavours, the subject matter of Herbert’s artwork varies as he paints what inspires him, which is often the landscapes of Northern Ontario. Land, rocks, trees, water, sky-are all universal images. The combinations of these five ingredients are infinite. The elements of landscape offer a life-enhancing enrichment as well as the opportunities for the development of style. The major characteristic of Herbert’s artwork is his distinct use of colour and abstraction through his interpretation of the natural world. “I am grateful to be able to pick up a brush and preserve with paint a moment in our ever-changing environment”. Herbert works from his studio in Aurora and welcomes guests to his gallery. He also encourages photos for commissioned paintings. Howard is a painter based in Toronto. He completed a degree in history and political science at Carleton University in Ottawa. He then returned to Toronto where he attended the Ontario College of Art. His last year at the college was spent in Florence, Italy. Inspired by this experience, Howard returned to Italy where he lived and painted for several more years. He also travelled extensively during this time, visiting North Africa, the Middle East and much of Europe. For the last 10 years Howard has been based in Toronto. Howard's philosophy is simple. Art is an exploration into the mysteries and beauty of life, a voyage of discovery as to who we are.
Myrna Stein has been producing a variety of art works over the
past 40 years. She attended the New School of Art in
Toronto from 1972-1976. She has shown her work in many
venues, including several one man shows in Ottawa and Toronto.
She has worked with minute detail in pencil, egg tempera and
mixed media. She is presently working mostly with
oil on large canvases. She also produced many egg tempera
works on boards applying the ancient techniques used in the
Renaissance period.
As a self-taught photographer, I've been capturing images from an early age. Several years ago I left a corporate work life to concentrate on photography on a full-time basis. Positive response to my work has led to a busy schedule exhibiting in juried art shows and in galleries. My work has also been well received in retail locations across Toronto and I will be expanding the availability of my work, particularly through my line of greeting cards. My library of images consists of thousands of photographs captured over the last twenty five years and continues to expand as I experiment with new subject matter and techniques. I particularly enjoy shooting with black & white infrared film, and have also been working with Polaroid Image Transfers and Emulsion lifts. If you enjoy the style of my work, but have a particular need for an image that my current body of work does not meet I will accept commissions and assignments. Born and raised in Beijing China, Ruby attended school at the Beijing Art & Design College and later at the Central Academy of Art & Design. Finishing her schooling an obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ruby obtained work as a designer and later returned to Beijing Art & Design College as an instructor. Since her arrival to Canada in 1997, Ruby has resided in Toronto. In the years she has made Toronto her home, Ruby has come to have an appreciation for her new city and country. Adopting Ontario as her subject as much as it has adopted her. Bringing the city of Toronto and the surrounding areas to life for the viewer as much as it appears to her, vibrant and beautiful. Ruby continues to show publicly in the Greater Toronto area, her works have been made a part of the City of Toronto's collection and also given as gifts to visiting dignitaries. Her works have received awards from various Art Societies; such as the CSWCP and the TOAE as well as being widely purchased for private collections.
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