 "Web" by Enda Bardell SCA, 24" x 24" acrylic painting The Society of Canadian Artists represents over 300 members from across Canada who benefit from a respected designation, an interactive website, and annual exhibit opportunities across the country. This weekend, on Sunday, September 30th, from 2pm to 6pm, the SCA will open an Elected Members Exhibit at the venerable Halifax Club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Enda Bardell is one of 65 SCA members whose work will be featured in the three month exhibit. Originally from Estonia, via Sweden, Enda now lives and works in Vancouver. She welcomes this opportunity to show her work on the East Coast. "To be an elected member of the highly respected Society of Canadian Artists enables me to show my work from coast to coast in other parts of Canada and connect with established artists on a very special professional level. The support and interaction is absolutely essential in the artistic community, " she explains. Studies at the Vancouver School of Art (now the Emily Carr University of Art & Design), studio courses and workshops with mentors Toni Onley and Joan Balzar have encouraged Enda to exhibit in many group and solo exhibitions. Her greatest honour to date was to have two of her abstracts included in the Estonian Art in Exile exhibition at KUMU National Art Museum of Estonia in Tallinn in 2010. The works were also selected by the curators for the museum's permanent historical collection. Talking about her work, Enda says, "In acrylic abstract, I deeply enjoy exploring the relationship between patterns and simple shapes with elements of colour to create a composition of dynamic optical impact. Some of these are purely imaginary, others are influenced by architecture." As an elected SCA member myself, I am very proud to be a fellow exhibitor with Enda and all of the other participating artists. I'd also like to express special thanks and gratitude to Andrea Pottyondy, our SCA Regional Representative for her dedication and hard work in organizing this wonderful event. Great job Andrea! Don't miss this very unique opportunity to see (and purchase!) exceptional artwork from some of Canada's finest professional artists. Everyone is welcome to attend the official opening on Sunday. Hope to see you there! 
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 My Foolish Heart by A Horsnell Wade (song inspired) Whistle while you work. Or hum. Or even sing along. How many of us listen to music while we work? Personally, I very rarely work in a quiet studio. I open my studio door and reach for the stereo. Sometimes the music inspires an actual painting, other times it simply provides the right atmosphere I need to work. Perhaps it's the melody, or the words. Perhaps it's the rhythm. I respond to the whole song in the way other artists might respond to a beautiful landscape. I am absorbed by the music. My mind shifts and the ideas and colours, texture and movement flow onto the canvas. I am not alone. Many, many artists are fueled by music. Or stories. Or movies. Or photographs in the morning paper. Artists inspiring other artists. Not all the time, but often a piece of music, or a story touches another artist and moves them to carry it even further. A chain reaction of creative response. Recently I was reminded of a long-time favourite song, "Ode to Billie Joe" written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1967. I know of few songs which tell a story so convincingly. A story so strong it further inspired a novel and movie .. and won several Grammy awards. As an artist, it doesn't get much better than that. What song or music inspires you?  Small detail of a larger painting by A Horsnell Wade Stop. There's a lot to be said for taking a break, pushing the pause button and enjoying the moment. Deep breath. Time to notice the details around you. The big stuff is bold, but there can be great power in small. Beauty often lies in the tiny details or small portions of the big picture. Take a closer look. Seeing small can be a revelation.
In painting, the artist can choose to work on a small canvas, or perhaps enlarge a small detail on a very big canvas. In this way, the artwork directs your attention. It's also fun to isolate small portions in a large artwork to notice the details - the brushstrokes, the subtle colours, or maybe the texture. Take a closer look at your favourite painting and find those special spots where either the artist took great care in mastering just the right effect, or something magical was achieved by happy accident. The National Gallery of Canada presented the exhibit, "Van Gogh: Up Close" this past summer and though I was unable to visit the show myself, I have long admired the work of this Dutch Master. I think he realized the importance and beauty of small as well. Vincent Van Gogh - "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."  SWOON - (verb) To be overwhelmed by ecstatic joy ... And, (noun) a commercial art gallery and antique shop located in a two-storey, 9-room Victorian farmhouse. Swoon - Fine Art, Antiques & Fashion is also, happily, the gallery now representing me in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As explained on the gallery website, "established in October 2010, Swoon mainly features the work of professional Nova Scotia artists, craftspeople and designers. The gallery presents new solo and group shows monthly throughout the year. Media include painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. Swoon also houses a fashion boutique, a folk art gallery and a gallery devoted to Nova Scotian Pottery. Antiques, collectibles and odditites are featured throughout, including a room with a large collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers." Swoon is located at 1410 Hammonds Plains Road (highway 213), between Bedford and Tantallon. Brandt Eisner is the highly-personable owner/director and the sincerity and passion he extends to both his artists and clients is abundantly evident. As an artist, I look for a gallery that understands my work and strives to share that appreciation with all visitors and collectors of art. For that reason, I look forward to working with Brandt and his staff at Swoon Fine Art. Swoon delivers a wonderful collage of fine art, antiques and fashion. Happily now that also includes a selection of my abstract paintings. Say "hi" to Brandt for me! Tel: (902) 444-8279 / Hours: Monday to Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-6 
Swoon - Fine Art, Antiques & Fashion, 1410 Hammonds Plains Road
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Anna Horsnell SCACanadian painter of contemporary abstract art Archives
March 2023
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