Web Design, Content and Photos:

Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine.

She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.

kate-cino@shaw.ca  250 598-4009

Left: Opening by Irma Soltonovich, acrylic on canvas.

Right: Translocation by Chin Yuen, encaustic painting on wood.

As curator of Wax Poetic, Mica Marsh created a coherent flow between myriad artworks and provided a journey for the viewer. “I noticed the yin/yang and complementary elements between the two artists,” she says. For example, both created long narrow pieces for the show but Chin’s hang vertically and Irma’s horizontally. Irma’s style is dramatic and edgy, whereas Chin’s is more lyrical and stylized.

Left: Serene by Chin Yuen, encaustic collage 16” x 3”.

Above: Wax Poetic by Irma Soltonovich, acrylic on wood 18” x 3”.

Mica Marsh joined the Art Rental department at AGGV in 2008. She has a background in museum work, fashion design and fine art practice. She has lived, worked and studied in Canada, France and Trinidad. “I enjoy celebrating other artists by hanging their work,” she says. With over 100 artists in the art rental program, Mica plans group shows. Art Rental provides valuable publicity for artists and often leads to sales. Local business and corporate clients like Conference Centre and Victoria Airport participate in the popular program.

Chin’s delightful abstractions, encaustic prints and paintings reflect her joie-de-vivre, technical skills and years of experience. A world traveler and award-winning artist, Chin’s inspirations come from diverse sources: public affairs, pop-culture, urban design and tropical beaches. “My creative process involves a mix of inquiry, envisioning and problem solving,” says the gifted artist and teacher. She holds a BFA from Emily Carr and a MA from UVic. Her images jazz up local posters and are collected internationally.

www.chinyuenart.com

Left: Jewel Plant by Chin Yuen, Encaustic Monotype on Paper

Encaustic monotypes use warm wax to create a single image on a sheet of paper. Coloured wax is heated and manipulated on the top metal plate of a HotBox.The wave-like patterns are added with a rubber sculpting tool.

The multi-coloured petals of the mysterious jewel plant are stamped on using a found object. Oil pastels add finishing touches.

For Chin, to “wax poetic” means using her chosen medium of wax to create visual poetry. Her paintings embody the elements of poetry she enjoys, such as mystery, beauty and wit.

In Motion by Chin Yuen, Encaustic Painting on Wood.

The enigmatic image of a vintage vehicle adds drama to this mixed media work.

The black and white xerox of a car was transferred to the warm wax surface with vigorous rubbing. The layers of colours with a bright red accent are added and scraped back with palette knives and tools. The circular forms are xerox-transferred.

Left: Irma Soltonovich with her painting Looking Within.

Born in Saskatchewan, Irma returned to painting in 2002 after working for many years as an educator (B.Ed) and in maximum security facilities for men. She currently works part-time counselling youth in a custody centre. Irma describes her art practice as using colour, line and shape to evoke emotions and memories in herself and the viewer. “I paint what I need to, when I need to,” she says.

Sometimes, phrases from songs and poems trigger her turbulent abstract pieces. The artist favours intense tones like transparent red oxide, warm ochres and oranges. Pursuing the theme of ‘waxing poetic’, for this show Irma softened and shifted her approach. “These new works are definitely more poetic and less intense”, she says.

The artist starts with a deep ground colour then layers on acrylic with a palette knife using vigorous choppy strokes. Gel medium is used for texture and depth created by the juxtaposition of light and dark. She works sporadically in short bursts, allowing time to contemplate and rework surfaces. “The trick is knowing when to stop,” Irma says. www.soltonovich.com

                      The opening on Jan 12, 2012 was a bustling happy affair.

Thanks to all the fascinating guests who offered comments and photos for the webpage.

        Blu Smith with Irma in front of Heavy Cloud No Rain

Blu Smith’s large-scale abstractions can be viewed at the Avenue Gallery in Victoria and the Webster Galleries in Calgary. He plays an active role in Art Rental and had a solo show last April.

The BFA grad works as a boat electrician but still manages to put in about 25 hours a week painting. Blu is a long time supporter of Irma and pleasantly surprised to see the new direction in her artwork. “Her colour palette has lightened,” says Blu, “and expanding to include more blue/grays and golds.”    www.blusmithgallery.com

Valerie Elliott’s company,

ID2 Communications Inc. offers leadership in sustainable practices for public relations. An avid collector of Chin Yuen’s artwork, she’s watched the artist develop over 20 years.

“I’m a very emotive person,” says Valerie, “and find that Chin’s forms and colours trigger my memories and emotions in wonderful ways.” Chin uses complex layering techniques in her artwork, comments Valerie. “The AGGV is an appropriate place for her polished and sophisticated images.” www.ID2.ca

Trish Puckett (right) works with her husband Rick designing and building fine homes. She has recently started doing interior design consulting for Gabriel Ross.

When Trish stages a show suite, dramatic abstracts like Irma’s add sizzle.

Trish connected with Irma when the artist had a gallery on Herald Street.

“I really love her work,” says Trish, “and am excited to have purchased one this evening.

www.puckettdc.ca

Left: Glenn and Dana Romasanta.

Glenn Romasanta, a minimal abstract expressionist, has painted professionally for 20 years. When Irma ran the Gallery on Herald he exhibited with other artists in her welcoming space.

Glenn believes Wax Poetic is beautifully arranged. “The two artists show well together,” he says. “Chin’s artwork is mathematical whereas Irma’s is ‘in-the-moment’, but through careful placements everything flows.” www.glennromasanta.com

David Ferguson (right) is a dancer, choreographer and artistic co-director (with Miles Lowry) at Suddenly Dance. www.suddenlydance.ca.

Also a visual artist, David believes the Art Rental program to be a valuable service and important resource for both clients and participants.

He finds the two exhibiting artists to be an interesting juxtaposition.

“As a dancer, I see Chin’s bright images flashing around the room,” he says, “while Irma’s stay bedded in the matrix of her medium.”

From left: Irma Soltonovich, Mica Marsh, Chin Yuen and Kate Cino.

Fields of Gold by Irma Soltonovich, acrylic on canvas