Are you ready to explore the depths of water and earth by diving into the newest exhibit curated by us, at Twist Gallery? As the name suggests, ‘Water and Earth’ is a stunning concept that brings together an array of earthy greeny, blue tones with pink and orange hues on never ending landscapes from eight Toronto-based artists. Each artist uniquely encapsulates their interpretation of the beauty of nature, water and earth.

Running until September 29th, this free exhibit will transport your mind and soul to a new unseen destination in a time where travel is scarce. Lose yourself in the rolling waves and find peace in the tranquil sky.

Each artist has spoken about the inspiration they have drawn from Canadian landscapes, like that of the Hudson and Georgian Bays, expressing strong emotional attachment when they are at one with nature. During this time of social and physical isolation from friends, peers and loved ones - the artists speak about the comfort and solace that they find in nature.

We had a chat with one of our artists, Celina Melo, to explain these concepts through a more personal lens.

How do you use colour to express emotion in your work?

Well, because I’m also working from photographs, that’s my jumping-off point--but while I’m painting, based on how, I guess, how I’m feeling intrinsically, colours will become more vibrant or more subdued and I feel that we start to learn a bit more about ourselves and the state we were in while we were painting. Even when we’re just letting it go and letting it flow, it doesn’t have to be necessarily such a cerebral process where I’m really thinking about, “Well, I want to give this feeling or this one”, because sometimes you get to just… show what’s happening in our mind without us actually knowing which is part of the interesting psychology of, of working with art.

Can you describe your interpretation of the symbiosis between Art & Nature?

Well, they’re both very symbiotic, art and nature--the symbiosis between the two of them has to do with that… there’s the rhythms in nature and the lifeforce and everything that we’re all so connected with. And so, even just the act of painting is so rhythmic that it’s the same feeling as, like, the breathing in nature and so, one of the things I really like to replicate is that sensation of being there in that moment and I find that water especially, in nature, is so calming to me. And hearing the rhythm is so meditative. When you’re there by the water, you can’t help but be calm when you’re listening to the waves come in and out, and I try to… give that type of sensation through my artwork by using pouring medium to replicate the gestures and the movement, the vibration as well as the sheen. I’m trying to really… play with that idea of a symbiosis, which is actually--that’s what I’m trying to achieve.

Do you have any advice for artists starting out?

I would say… don’t be afraid of criticism. Be given a critique as a gift to you. So really consider that when somebody gives you constructive criticism, don’t take it as an affront of who you are or what you achieved, or that, you know, “I’m terrible” or “Who is that person who would say that to me?” Take every piece of critique as a gift for you to improve.

A big thank you to Celina Melo for talking to us about emotional themes, the relationship between art and nature, and her advice for new artists. Come by the Water & Earth exhibition here at Twist Gallery from September 2nd to September 29th to see the earth tones and calm natural themes by local artists for yourself!

Thank you to all our featured artists for being a part of this exhibition. Artworks by: Hayoung Jung, Marina May Raike, Neerja Trehan, Robyn Carmago, Carolyn Sharp, Celina Melo, Janet Christie, and Jacques Descoteaux.

Icescape VII, Winter’s Breath: Celina Melo