Tell Me a Story: Gail Williams
October 11–November 3
Gail Williams grew up in northern Ontario where she developed a deep respect and love for the rugged landscape and the power of mighty Lake Superior. The first expression of admiration for her talent was winning the local newspaper’s Christmas colouring contest when she was 9 years old. Her ardent cheerleader was her indomitable grandmother who had travelled across the treacherous Atlantic ocean from Finland with 2 small daughters, to make a new life as have so many. She thought she was going to follow in the steps of famous artists, go to art school and lead a bohemian lifestyle. However, that was not to be and she trained as a radiation therapist, married, had 2 daughters and settled in Toronto. She returned to her artistic roots later in life than originally planned, but she realizes that her life lessons have informed her work in a way she could never have predicted.Her paintings are guided by her intuition and are colourful and striking. Mostly using acrylic and collage, they have been described as magical, irreverent, fantastical and challenging at times. She likes to push the boundaries. You may be attracted by the brightness of the colours or the unusual juxtaposition of figures, but you will always be drawn into the stories and perhaps not so hidden messages. The highlight of her career so far was being accepted into the 2019 Salt Spring National Art Prize competition. 50 artists were selected from a field of 2000.
In 2014, she presented a project that she co-led at the renowned Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital on narrative writing and art in Helsinki at the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists. Her work is collected internationally and she is active in outdoor art fairs, local galleries and online. She returns to Northern Ontario several times every year to rejuvenate her creativity
“‘What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?’ is a quote from Vincent Van Gogh that underpins my intuitive exploration with all types of media, but most especially acrylic paint. Often I start with a random layer of blacks, greys and whites. When the shapes appear it is almost like finding the figures as Michelangelo did when releasing them from their blocks of stone. I add and subtract subsequent layers until the story emerges. Sometimes I need to be very patient and other times, the images are begging to be seen. ‘Tell Me A Story’ is about the narrative between the viewer and the painting. As is evident, I embrace colour and that may be what first attracts you. But when you contemplate the magical scenes before you, you might feel as I did when I created them. Who are these people? Can you hear the whispers? Do you want to join the party? There is often an absurd juxtaposition of animals and figures in surprising surroundings.You cannot miss my sense of humour. I invite you to be entertained and delighted.The magic of Kahlo, Carr and Klimt, Vincent, Jean Michel and Joan (Miro that is) are just a few of the artists who have inspired me.”
Please join us for the opening reception of Tell Me a Story on October 12 from 1–4 pm. All are welcome!
Available Work
