Blog Archives

Five Artsy Activities You Can Easily Do at Home

3/29/2020

1.Check out our Westland Gallery's website. Our staff members have recently added videos of artist interviews and tours of the gallery. Hundreds of original paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics are at your fingertips and all the work from local artists.
http://www.westlandgallery.ca/

2. Get out your sketchbook. If you are having trouble finding a subject then sketch your home environment and try to illustrate your mood in the drawing whether it's relaxed, bored or frustrated.

3.Check out PBS - The Art Assignment. There are a variety of short videos; tours in major international galleries, a look at famous artists' eating habits, an exploration of art history movements and a collection of art challenges for artists and art lovers. Click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/user/theartassignment

4. Listen to a TED Talk. There is an array of art related talks so click the link below to check them out.
https://www.ted.com/talks…

5.Take an artsy quiz and test your knowledge.
https://play.howstuffworks.com/…/only-1-out-60-people-can-i…

Don't forget to check out The Art Exchange and Westland Gallery to your Facebook and Instagram to see new artworks, recent framing projects, fun posts, interviews, video tours and updates.

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Shadowboxed Heirlooms

3/29/2020

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We had the privilege of framing a collection of items from a client’s father to commemorate his service. The challenge of this project was creating a cohesive layout to provide a clear narrative. As designers, we wanted the viewer's eye to travel around the piece and gather knowledge through the different artifacts included. Balancing the number and scale of the objects and then dividing the piece into three sections created visual order. Once the layout was sorted, a grey tweed fabric mat was chosen to reference the metal while contrasting with the bronze and gold. The colours of the ribbons and the veteran’s vest were echoed by thin blue inner mat. A wide rich brown frame added an element of warmth and age with its rustic unfinished edge. This truly was a heart-warming project as communicated by the finished piece.

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Unusual Materials

3/29/2020

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Artists Eric Atkinson and Jill Price are not afraid to experiment with materials. Atkinson uses sand to add texture to painted canvases, both large and small. This added element started as a happy accident when he dropped a wet painting at the beach. Now it has become a signature element in his work. He has also has worked on unusual surfaces such as cake pans. His series of four circular paintings are a tribute to the work of folk artist and fisherman Alfred Wallis illustrating the Cornish coasts of England.

In Westland Gallery's recent Abstract Exhibition, Price worked with recycled found objects and reused or revisited old pieces to create new ones. She emphasized the importance of using items destined for landfill to create something beautiful; a collection of center pieces are available at the gallery. Also included in this show is a series of soft sculptures created out of Price's past canvas projects.

Whether making consciously sustainable art, playing with textures,or referencing a a peer, the materials chosen by an artist gives great insight into the completed work.

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Artist Feature - Eric Atkinson

3/29/2020

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The Art Exchange and Westland Gallery has recently added 42 Eric Atkinson pieces to our gallery's inventory. We are looking forward to a large exhibition of his work in June and in the meantime have a small sampling of it up on the walls at both locations. Unfortunately until we are able to let people back into the building, Karen and Al will be the only ones who get to enjoy the work in person.

We have posted all of the work on our websites www.theartexchange.ca and www.westlandgallery.ca for your viewing pleasure and for pre-purchase. Once we are allowed to carry on business as usual we would be happy to do a private showing of his work.

Stay safe and well.

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM RE: COVID-19

3/29/2020

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We are following the guidance of our community health authorities and will continue to reassess our business hours. In the meantime, stay safe and look out for one another.

Keep up to date on happenings on Facebook (The Art Exchange - Custom Framing), Instagram (@_theartexchange) and our blog web page.

Check out our gallery windows – we’ll regularly redesign our windows for you to enjoy!

To reach us, please email info@theartexchange.ca message us through social media or leave a voicemail at 519-434-0000. Any voicemails will be returned within 2 business days.

We’ll keep you posted! Stay well.

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