Sensuality is everything pleasing and fulfilling to the senses – the gratification we feel when we see, hear, taste, smell or touch and that sensation gives pleasure. Sensuality is explored by artists of all genres on Feb. 9 to 19 at One Flower One Leaf Gallery and Zocalo in Lower Gibsons. No surprise that it takes place over the day of lovers, Valentine’s.
For some, sensual pleasure is to be found in the boudoir; for others it’s the rush of a freshly picked raspberry melting on the taste buds.
For digital artist Peter R. Nicholls of Gibsons who will be showing 15 to 20 of his prints, the exhibition is a step towards a new definition of sensuality, one that is sacred rather than sexual.
“It’s not erotica, although that’s a part of it,” he said. “A picture of someone touching a tree might be a sacred, sensual moment.”
Nicholls went to art school, and although he loved the process of creativity, he became disenchanted with the traditional approach practised at the school and by his family of artists. When computer art developed, he said he knew instantly it was the future. He now has five computers for his digital art and he places a strong emphasis on the creative and on humour.
As the show was being organized, Nicholls and Shinyu Unopia from the sponsoring gallery realized that they should open it up to other artists of all genres. The idea was taken up eagerly, and the show will now present the work of 24 artists including poets, musicians and sculptors.
Artist Derek Stuart (derekstuart.com) works in his studio on Bowen Island. Many years ago he studied bronze casting with the renowned sculptor Jack Harman of Roberts Creek. He likes to explore the sensuality theme in his work and is noted for his androgynous figures in bronze and other mediums. He will be presenting many small figures from 15 cm tall to three larger pieces that are two metres tall. Some of the smaller ones are miniaturized pieces in fine silver that can be worn as jewelry, making one of his original sculptures more affordable. He has also done some interesting work using original maquettes (scale models) and a 3D printer to produce sculptures that are detail perfect.
Autumn Skye Morrison maintains her studio north of Powell River. A visionary painter, she depicts the sensuality of the spirit. She will bring recent paintings, prints and reproductions to the show (autumnskye
morrison.com). Her work is outstanding, acknowledged in the invitations she is offered to art shows around the world. She is also known as a performance artist who paints live in front of an audience, and she will be demonstrating this, starting with a blank canvas on site on Saturday, Feb. 10.
“Every piece is different,” she said, “but they do carry common threads. It’s always an evolution.”
Though artists from off the Coast are being welcomed, many of the other participants are local and have experience with putting together group shows. Local musicians will be performing to enhance our sense of sound. Writers will be organizing a reading to tap into the sensuality of the spirit. Healing arts are not forgotten – they are vital to our sense of touch and smell. Cocoa West Chocolatier from Bowen Island will pique the sense of taste in the opening reception at both locations (436 and 441 Marine Drive, Gibsons) on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
The list of participants and the dates of their special events or readings is still being firmed up. More details will be in Coast Reporter closer to the time.
