A new exhibit at The Old School House (TOSH ) Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach features colourful work by some award winning artists.
Christer Ekstrom’s abstract pieces make a statement. The artist was born in Sweden in 1943 and moved to B.C. in 1982. He spent the next 25 years on Read Island where he was the founder and co-director of Silent Ground Retreat Center which was focused on residential eight month courses in meditative, healing and fine arts.
Through meditative work a very deep relationship with Taoist practices developed and he became a Healing Tao instructor. In 2008 he moved to Cortes Island and now dedicates himself to focus on his work as a painter. His direction as a painter is inspired by Goethe’s theory of colours and Rudolf Steiner’s artistic impulse. In his work he attempts to unify impressionism and expressionism.
Parksville artist Therese Johnston holds a Bachelor of Education Degree (Arts Major); is an Associate of the Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) and is a member of both the American Watercolour Society and the Northwest Watercolour Society.
She has participated in numerous juried shows and has received many awards. A Signature Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Johnston has established herself as a committed artist and after 40 years of painting she still has a passion for exploring all aspects of painting and experimenting with colour and design.
She said her paintings have evolved over the years and she likes to lose herself in the colour, textures and the emotions each piece generates.
Eunmi Conacher is a Nanaimo artist who works primarily with oils and acrylics. She attended Hong-Ik University in Seoul, South Korea, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in ceramics and art history. She came to Canada in 1996 and moved to Nanaimo in 2004, where she renewed her interest in art, inspired by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
The current art exhibition at TOSH is on until June 2.