#Navillus Gallery

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Janet Read has mastered the abstracted landscape through layers of oil and alkyd that are poured and moved with spatulas in a fluid gesture, embodying the ephemeral ways of clouds and water. Narrative of space and light are the visible result of Read’s engagement with the lake and seascape. Her work is intuitive, using heart, mind and memory to create a visual representation of her engagement with the world. Navillus Gallery is proud to be able to include Janet Read’s work in our Artsy Gallery.To see her wonderful pieces visit Artsy, or to make an appointment for a private viewing contact inquire@navillusgallery.com

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My name is Bianka Guna and I’m from Toronto, Canada (follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and visit my website!)

My father used to laugh telling his friends that I was born with a pencil in my hand, and in my early childhood, I never stopped drawing, on papers, on books, and when the surfaces were too small, on furniture, on the floors and on …all the rooms’ walls. He was the only father in the neighborhood painting the home walls every month, and my mom the only mother polishing the floors every week, because of that.

My love affair with watercolor started very early, when my parents realized that paper and paints should be a household-staple. Crayons, pencils, pastels, charcoal, as well as books, papers, ink and watercolors, and later on oils and acrylics, were the only toys I loved and used. I was the kid in charge with illustrations for the school newsletters, drawing for  the comics corner, and the high school choice in all art competitions in town.

The childhood play with paper and watercolor, ended up with me becoming a full time artist, an art instructor and a Certified Golden Working Artist for South Eastern Ontario and Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This allows me the freedom of painting every day, sharing my knowledge , and using one of the most amazing watercolor series of paints on the market from 2014 – QoR Watercolors by Golden.  

The new developments in watercolor formulation as well as the new watercolor mediums and grounds, are helping my nonobjective painting to flourish.

I traveled all over the world (I speak five languages), and I lived on many continents, and I am a science buff, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, one in Computer Science and one in Illustration, and I love experimenting in my studio.

I call my studio my lab, and I am planning my painting series the way a scientist prepares his research and development.

“I believe in unity, diversity, proportions, contrast, balance and the unexpected.”

My watercolor and acrylic works are looking loose and painterly, but they are the result of careful planning, from monochromatic sketches to color charts and support treatment. I am painting, printing and collaging with watercolors on paper, on YUPO, on TerraSkin, on DuraLar, on Aluminum Boards, on Canvas, on Wood Panels and on  Plexiglass.

“Bianka Guna’s paper works are potent: blossoming with passion, energy and questions. Her personal lexicon of mark making is tempered by her desire to push the boundaries of the various mediums she works in. In watercolour, Guna allows her pigments to furl outward creating an afterglow once her brush has passed. With a vivid style, Guna’s abstractions appear like photographs, to contain a sense of the past and a portentous inklin of what may come. They explore the possibility of shared symbols and myths. Guna creates dramatic abstract images that grasp at reality, but are sufficiently divorced from the material world to allow the imagination to breathe. Guna believes in unity, diversity, proportions, contrast, balance and the unexpected. Her images are dynamic, juxtaposing materials, colors and textures. Elegant in design and complex in purpose, Guna’s paper works are to be relished…”

Navillus Gallery, Toronto

For the past ten years, I am also sharing my experience and passing on the love and knowledge of watercolor as an art instructor. An elected member of prestigious Canadian art societies,  I am teaching  water media (watercolor, acrylic, mixed media and collage) in numerous art community centers, art colleges, art societies, art high schools, art supply stores, and in my studio in Toronto, Canada.

Bianka Guna Website Blog (Art Gladiator) Facebook Instagram Pinterest Saatchi Art Golden Paints (Instruction Schedule)

GUEST DOODLEWASH: A 40 Year Love Affair With Watercolor by Bianka Guna #WorldWatercolorGroup My name is Bianka Guna and I'm from Toronto, Canada (follow me on Facebook, Instagram…

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Looks like the perfect oasis for our froggy friends 🐸 'Poetry in Light' a beautiful painting by Peter Fischer

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Gloria Vanderbilt is a truly unique individual who continues to make art well into her old age. This HBO special explores the mysteries of Gloria’s past and development of her artistic career.  We are proud to have her work here at Navillus Gallery. GO HBO!!

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First Day of Spring

We made it! It is officially Spring! Behind us are the shivers, the visible breath, the -20 mornings and the -30 nights. And, assuming Canada doesn’t pull a ‘Canada’ on us, the temperatures should only go up from here! In light of this joyous occasion, we asked ourselves, what do we think of when we think of the Springtime?

Flowers!

We have been very concerned with Land and Earth art in recent weeks, in regards to our ongoing exhibit HUMAN / / NATURE (On until April 4 at Navillus Gallery, 110 Davenport Road, Toronto). But flowers specifically just scream ‘Springtime’. A sign of new life, warm weather and bright colours, they are the perfect symbol to soak up the remaining flickers of winter blues. Here we’ve compiled a short list of events, artists and floral pieces to artfully ring in the new season!

Canada Blooms

Only a few more days to see Canada Blooms, Toronto’s annual flower and garden festival at the Direct Energy Center, on until Sunday. A convention center with floral arrangements, workshops, retailers and activities as far as the eye can see - what could be better? While the temperatures may still be hovering around 0 degrees, this show will keep you hopeful and inspired for the upcoming season. More info: http://www.canadablooms.com

Royal Botanical Gardens

If you’re in the Burlington area, why not check out the RBG? One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, a day at this tranquil place will warm up your bones. Also offering workshops and special events that will bring out anyones artistic side. Or, try snapping a few photos to later sketch or paint!

Gloria Vanderbilt

Acclaimed actress, author and designer can also add ‘artist’ to her list of accomplishments. Vanderbilt’s bright and colourful paintings are said to be reflective of her childhood - and they certainly inspire some happy emotions in us! Navillus is lucky enough to have some of her pieces in our permanent collection.

Gloria Vanderbilt, Tiger Lillies

Kirk Mechar

Inspired by ‘wild tropical storms, endless ocean horizons, and overflowing flower gardens’, Mechar’s pieces are some of our favourites. His huge canvases with floral-esque imagery would brighten up any room - see for yourself! You can see some of his pieces on display at the gallery, or grab a print at the Navillus Print Shop: http://navillusstore.com/

Kirk Mechar, Cascade Green

Happy Spring, everyone!

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HUMAN / / NATURE opens today!

Today is the day! Our first themed group show of the year, HUMAN / / NATURE, opens tonight at Navillus Gallery. Featuring ten wildly talented artists, the group explores the varied and personal connections that individuals may have with the natural world around them. In light of this, we came across a wonderful article on Land Art that reinforces the theme of the show. Carmen Zella examines a number of artists who use their connection with nature to influence and supplement not only their artwork, but their outlook on life in general. Often the artwork shifts and changes in compliance to the natural elements around them, perhaps mirroring the uncertainty of life itself. She refers to Michael Heizer, Andy Goldsworthy, Patrick Daughtery, Richard Shilling and many more to emphasize the notion of how important connecting with the natural world is, and how art is a perfect vessel for doing so:

“Just as an artist who uses paints and a canvas becomes much closer to the materials they are using, so does the land artist as they use leaves, pinecones, wood and ice, thus reintroducing that long lost connection with nature that our species once had many years ago. For the viewer, a deeper connection is also offered as they are reminded of the inherent beauty that exists in nature.”

Land Art by Martin Hill & Philippa Jones

Andy Goldsworthy

Read the full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carmen-zella/creating-connections-withland-art_b_4833677.html

And remember, if you’re in the downtown Toronto area, feel free to stop by 110 Davenport Road for the opening reception of HUMAN / / NATURE. Party is from 6 -8 and there will be plenty of food, drinks and good company to accompany the artwork! Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/348745858643428/

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Nature x Art

In honour of our upcoming HUMAN / / NATURE exhibit (event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/348745858643428/), we decided to take a look at some artists that take the concept of nature in art one step further and employ natural elements in creating their pieces, rather than depicting them using conventional methods.

Andy Goldsworthy

Refering to his work as 'transient' and 'ephermeal', Scottish native Goldsworthy has been making natural sculptures and artworks out of leaves, stones, icicles, sticks - just about anything he can find - for decades. He has a desire to get underneath the surface of materials, and often does so quite literally by introducing holes or breaks to them. His arrangement of natural, sometimes imperfect elements into perfected, structured works re-purposes the material and reminds us that there is more to the natural world than initially meets the eye, and are designed to shift and decay as wind, rain and other elements interact with them.

You can see more of Goldsworthy's work at: http://www.artnet.com/artists/andy-goldsworthy/

Lorenzo Manuel Duran Silva

Originally inspired by the way caterpillars chew away at leaves, Spanish artist Silva carefully cuts tiny scenes and patterns into them, combining his love for art and nature. He believes his practice gives him an opportunity to respect the environment and how it is an essential part of life. The delicacy and intricacy of his cutouts are reflective of nature itself.

See more of Duran's leaf art at: http://www.lorenzomanuelduran.es/

Tim Pugh 

Each piece of Pugh's work is different - the materials he uses, the form it takes, the emotions it evokes, even the location are all dependent on nature itself. By paying respect to the available resources, and continually adapting his work style and methods out of necessity, Pugh's art is reflective of the temporality of nature and that it is constantly changing. Similar to Goldsworthy in this respect, Pugh photographs all of his not only for documentation, but out of understanding that it could be gone in an instant.

See more of Pugh's work at: http://http://www.timpugh.co.uk/

Remember: You are a guest of nature. Behave!

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Upcoming Toronto Art Events

Toronto is ripe with creators, and we are lucky to live in such a culturally rich and diverse city - from visual arts to performance and everything in between, there is always something to get those artistic juices flowing. As either a creator or spectator, we at Navillus agree that there nothing quite compares to the atmosphere that accompanies a room dedicated to art. Lucky for us, there seem to be a number of exciting public events centered around the art world in the coming weeks. Read on for our picks to chase away the cold with a paintbrush in hand:

#ArtsDayTO

Presented by TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts), today down at City Hall, dozens of arts organizations from the city and GTA will present their cases for arts funding in Ontario to over thirty councillors. The initiative has proved to be successful in preceeding years, and this years Arts Day includes a Cultural Expo, with information booths on several organizations like the Luminato Festival and Theatre Ontario. You can join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #ArtsDayTO and show your support for the arts in Toronto. Read TAPA's press release here: http://goo.gl/kCtVAI

Art in the 6ix

Going down tonight at the beautiful space at 99 Sudbury St., Art in the 6ix features a roster of young and talented artists from Toronto, as well as a silent auction, drinks and food, and feel good tunes to stimulate all of your senses. In addition, proceeds from ticket sales are going towards art-focused charities, so you can feel good about paying a cover charge. See the event here: http://goo.gl/WmJXZn

The Artist Project

Now in it's 8th year, The Artist Project showcases over 250 of the leading contemporary art-makers from Canada and beyond, down at the Better Living Center in Exhibition Place. A great opportunity to catch a glimpse of some works you may never see again, some new artists, and even pick up a piece to go home with. Opening reception is Thursday, February 19 and the expo extends until Sunday, February 22. More info here: http://www.theartistproject.com

Art Battle x The Artist Project

Crossover alert! Art Battle, a live painting competition with outposts all across the country, hosts its 228th edition during the Artist Project. Admission to one is admission to both, and all of the artists competing are also featured in the expo. What a solid night for Canadian contemporary art! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/618487378284569/

And don't forget, Navillus Gallery is always a great destination for your art fix! We are currently showing pieces from our permanent collection, and launching a new exhibit in early March, titled HUMAN / / NATURE. Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/348745858643428/

Get out there and soak up all that the Toronto art world has to offer!

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Last Minute Gift Ideas

The holidays are right around the corner, and everyone knows how easy it is to leave at least some holiday shopping to the last minute. And nobody likes to know that their gift was hastily decided upon in the last possible second and wind up with something impersonal. Thats why here at Navillus we have compiled a short list of last minute gift ideas that don't compromise quality and won't break the bank!

Notebooks and greeting cards by Gold & Ginger

Screen-printed and hand-wrapped, these unique little trinkets by Zac Kenny & Leanne Rhem are perfect for the writer and/or doodler on your list. $6 - $12

Pouches and tea-towels by Gold & Ginger

The pouches can be used to house just about anything - pencils, art supplies, world domination plans - and the towels will add a pop of colour to your friend's all-white Ikea kitchen! $16 - $24

Small Works pieces

Several pieces from our Small Works exhibit are still available for purchase, and tiny ones like the ones pictured above will add a splash of personality to any room without being overbearing. $25 - $1000

Ornaments by Light & Paper

Ornaments are always a foolproof and thoughtful gift, and these laser-cut wooden ornaments by Ali Harrison are sure to be a hit. Also available from the bran are greeting cards and coaster sets. $6 - $40

And there you have it! The gallery closes for the holidays on Saturday, December 20, so hurry down to 110 Davenport and scoop up some artful last minute gifts for everyone on your list!

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Photo of the Day

Kestin Cornwall poses with his piece 'Che Guevara: Susi Generis (1967) at Satuday's Holiday Art Market

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Featured Artist: Kestin Cornwall

"I like happy mistakes in art, ink bleeds, areas that are worn away or lifted. As well as, art work affected by age, sun, rain and natural elements. I think some mistakes, simplicity and chance are beautiful fundamentals of creating."

- Kestin Cornwall, Artist Statement, October 2014

Windsor native Kestin Cornwall incorporates images of that have been popular in mass culture for years, from images of skulls to ones of Che Guevara, and combines the methods of screen-printing and hand-drawing to create unique pieces that are both reflective of 21st century mass production and the 'happy mistakes' he mentions in his artist statement.

Kestin Cornwall

Che Guevara: Susi Generis (1967)

Ink & Acrylic on Wood Panel

30 IN x 36 IN

Cornwall is inspired by popular culture, but also old comics, street art, and Asian, Egyptian and Sri Lankan cultural items, creating work on both a larger scale (above) and small, like in his Block Series, in which images are screen printed onto small blocks of wood.

Pieces by Cornwall are on display and available for purchase during Navillus Gallery's 'Small Works' exhibit, now until December 31 2014.

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Visit Navillus Gallery for an afternoon of art, crafts, music, and fun! Please join us for SMALL WORKS' Holiday Art Market on Saturday 13 December from 12pm - 5pm. All artwork is 3' x 3' and smaller and priced under $1000! Light & Paper and Gold & Ginger products will also be available! Perfect for Holiday gifts! SMALL WORKS runs from 8 November - 31 December 2014. SMALL WORKS is a group exhibit of smaller-scale, affordable works of art.

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Photo of the Day

An assortment of pieces by Ali Harrison - laser-cut wooden map of Toronto, laser-cut paper heart, Christmas ornaments, greeting cards and coasters. All available at Navillus Gallery's Holiday Art Market on December 13, 2014!

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Featured Artist: Becca Wallace

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? From Ottawa based photographer Becca Wallace comes a collection of snaps of vintage toys, both reflective of her childhood and hopeful to redefine pieces whose meaning may have been lost. These photographs are attentive to detail and do not discriminate flaws or damages, each one telling a story of its own.

Becca Wallace Smith on Blue Photograph and Resin on Wood Board 6 X 8 IN

Becca Wallace Mr. Softee on Pink Photograph and Resin on Wood Board 6 X 12 IN

Becca Wallace Purple Stack No. 3 Photograph and Resin on Wood Board 12 X 12 IN

Wallace's work is featured in Navillus Gallery's 'Small Works' exhibit, on now until December 31st, 2014.

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Art for the Holidays

With the holiday season fast approaching, shopping is something on many people's minds. We, at Navillus, are trying something new this year to help Toronto find unique gifts for loved-ones interested in kicking-off (or adding to) their art collections. We will be hosting two Holiday Art Markets for our upcoming Small Works exhibit. They will be held on 29 November and 13 December from 12-5. Each incredible piece on exhibit will be smaller than 3 x 3 feet and priced under $1000!

Becca Wallace Caravan on Blue Photograph and Resin on Wood Board 12 x 6 IN

Giving art can be a great way to get someone a unique gift.  Thinking of the right piece to give can be tough, but art can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give!

ANTHONY SMEREK Fox Acrylic and Ink on Canvas 30 x 24 IN

For someone who's looking to get started on an art collection, smaller pieces are a great jump-off point. These pieces will be easier to fit into smaller spaces, and the lower price tag doesn't hurt either!

ELLY SMALLWOOD Heat Acrylic on Canvas 10 x 16 IN

Check out Small Works at Navillus Gallery for some great pieces that will make great gifts this holiday season! On from 8 November - 31 December 2014!

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Navillus Gallery Presents: Elly Smallwood

Navillus Gallery is excited to be hosting Small Works, an upcoming group exhibition of small-scale, affordable art.  One of the artists that will be showing at Small Works is Toronto-based painter, Elly Smallwood.  Elly's work is inspired by the human body, and its ability to both attract and repulse us.

ELLY SMALLWOOD Close-Up Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 IN

Elly describes her work as "intensely personal", exploring her own mind and body, and also those of the people around her.  Her paintings juxtapose the delicate and grotesque, characterized by raw brush strokes and stark colours smeared across the skin of her subjects.  Elly's work attempts to bring physical form to her rough, visceral interpretation of humanity.

ELLY SMALLWOOD Still Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30 IN

Elly is originally from Ottawa, but now lives and works in Toronto.  She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from OCAD University.  She has exhibited in Toronto since 2010, with the OCAD Student Gallery, as well as at Nuit Blanche (Double Rainbow, Xpace, 2010), Propeller Gallery (2011), Hashtag Gallery (2012), and at the Cube Gallery in Ottawa (2013).

ELLY SMALLWOOD Petals Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30 IN

Elly's work will be on display as part of Small Works from 8 November - 31 December 2014. 

For more information on Elly's work, please visit her site at: www.elly.ca