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Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, and Reva Stone\u2019s Together Apart | Under One Roof exhibition at JNAAG. (Handout) jpg, SO, apsmc<\/p>\nArticle content<\/p>\n
Mark Stebbins\u2019s paintings tend to be small, and with good reason.<\/p>\n
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The Point Edward native, now London-based artist, who has exhibited internationally and several times in Sarnia, estimated at least 100 hours goes into every work he creates, each a meticulously hand-crafted and detailed conglomeration of paint dollops, and sometimes ink.<\/p>\n
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There are 27 works in his recently opened The Lingering Instant exhibition at the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery in Sarnia,.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt represents a few years worth of work,\u201d Stebbins said.<\/p>\n
That labour intensity is part of the point, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn some ways, it is a push-back . . . against the faster pace of digital culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lingering Instant includes syringe-extruded paint on burlap, and wood panels coloured with ink and acrylic, using dip pens and very small brushes, he said.<\/p>\n
Paintings, sometimes methodically planned, other times improvised, are layered with multiple meanings, as is the exhibition title, he said.<\/p>\n
Titles are meant to suggest a way into the work, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome kind of interpretation, but to leave enough openness so the person can bring their own thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
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His process always has been slow, Stebbins said.<\/p>\n
He enjoys the detail, and drawing people who reflect on the work \u201cinto a different sort of world that asks you to slow down, look, stop, think,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Stebbins\u2019s is one of two exhibitions at the gallery exploring how people connect to each other, nature and the systems shaping our world, said curator Sonya Blazek.<\/p>\n
Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, and Reva Stone\u2019s Together Apart | Under One Roof exhibition at JNAAG. (Handout) jpg, SO, apsmc<\/p>\n
Together Apart | Under One Roof features works by Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, and Reva Stone, studio neighbours in Winnipeg for 30 years.<\/p>\n
Focuses include feminist art practice, collaboration, and the relationship between human and non-human worlds, Blazek said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an exhibition about friendship as much as it is about art . . . and their interest in connections between people, nature, and other forms of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both exhibitions opened April 17 and run until Aug. 30.<\/p>\n
Connecting with old friends from the community at a recent opening reception was welcome, Stebbins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love the chance to return to Sarnia to do an exhibition like this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also hosting a free artist talk on the exhibition on June 6 at 11:30 a.m. at the gallery \u2013 people can register at jnaag.ca \u2013 and teaching an acrylic ink painting workshop at the gallery the following day. Workshop spots cost $75.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really just about community engagement,\u201d he said. \u201cLike making art, something that people can develop a relationship around and connect and get to know each other.\u201d<\/p>\n