ART
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| above: Michelle by Lisa Murphy; below: Empty Vessel by Sandi Kowalik |
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A dual exhibition by sculptor Sandi Kowalik and painter Lisa Murphy called “Identities” is at the Gallery @ The Guild in Charlottetown from August 22 to 30. The show features human and animal portraits by Lisa of familiar and family faces, and sculpture by Sandi that interprets familiar faces and stances of women’s lives and experience.
Sandi Kowalik says she sculpted most of the small terracotta figures featured in “Identities” over the long winter of 2008. “I tried to work intuitively, allowing the forms to guide me,” she says. “Themes of creativity, change and the malleability of idenyity emerged.”
Sandi studied art at Holland College School of Visual Art and the Ontarion College of Art. Her work is in private and public collections, and has been part of numerous group shows and publications in recent years. “Identities” is her first featured exhibition in 14 years.
“Identities” is Lisa Murphy’s first full-scale exhibition of her paintings. Lisa returned to painting this past year after ten years away from portraiture while she parented young children and studied graphic design at Holland College. “I have also painted landscapes and still lifesss this past year, but portraits are my passion,” says Lisa. “I am very drawn to the diversity and individuality of human faces and human forms, and also the characters of animals.”
Lisa’s portraits include public figures such as Senator Catherine Callbeck, MP Shawn Murphy, Judge Jeff Lantz, former PC leader Pat Mella, and social justice advocate Marie Burge, but also less-known but equally striking Islanders such as Murphy’s family, and colleagues Michelle Harris-Genge and Roseanne Sark.
“Identities” will displayed until Augusts 30 during regular gallery ours, Monday noon to 5 pm, and Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 8:30 pm.