The Look of Love: Art as a Love Language
Welcome to Metchosin ArtPod's online gallery for the juried show The Look of Love: Art as a Love Language. Our guest jurors for this show was Wilma Millette.
For this show artists were tasked with making love visible. This was what we wrote to inspire them:
Love is everywhere. Sometimes it is grandiose, obvious, visible; other times, love is tiny, nearly invisible, implied, elusive, or unrequited. Sometimes it seems altogether lost. So what does it look like?
It is said that love starts with the self and only then can move outwards, so love reveals inner values and softness, hurts and connections. Love shares what is important. Ask yourself: Is Art truly a “love language”? If so, then in what ways is this language expressed? How would you represent or portray love? If you were writing a letter about the things that move you the most, but did not have words, what would that look like?
Think beyond the obvious of pink hearts and red lace. Think of the skip of a heartbeat when hearing a favourite piece of music… the held breath at the sight of the curve of a loved one’s cheek… the whole-body tingle watching a vista unfold at daybreak. That feeling of connection and “zing!” In this show, we are interested in exploring all manifestations of love: for and between people, for places, for objects, for activities, for concepts monumental and microscopic... As our world dances along knife edges, share with us your zing! Let your art be your message of love to the world, It might be what saves us all.
The juror for this show is collage artist Wilma Millette . Check out her lovely work: on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crea...
Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. -Rumi
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
For this show we added an audio component and created a playlist of songs that are linked to the pieces on display. Were you to attend this show in person, you might hear the love-related music that inspired the art! We hope to make the playlist available through regular music-streaming platforms.
The online gallery is where you can vote for your favourite piece in the show. At the end of the show's run, votes are tallied and a People's Choice Award is presented to the deserving winner!
This show also exists in real life in Metchosin, BC, Canada, at Metchosin ArtPod. We highly encourage you to come see it in person during its run from 2 February- 31 March 2024. People are always happy to have seen the show in person-- it is quite a different experience from seeing it on line. **Note that ArtPod is open from 11am-4pm from Fri-Sun.**
We welcome everyone to our Opening Celebration on 3 February between 2-4. Meet our juror, Wilman Millette, and hear how she chose the works in this show, listen to accepted artists in attendance speak about their works and process, and celebrate the 3 Juror's Choice Winners!
More information about workshops and evens associated with this show, and upcoming shows, on our website: MetchosinArtPod.ca.
Enjoy the show!
All Categories
I Know You Know
Dimensions: 132 x 36
Artist statement: Probing a relationship between plastic watering cans, perhaps not exactly love, perhaps a confluence of penetrating materials offering the dangerous as safe and as an emblematic intercourse on our conflicted love in compromised relationships. I know you love it, whispered the rapist, advertised loudly and allied to ephemeral performance installations staging plastic objects in big box stores as temporary art with timeless materials. I know, you know, plastic is ubiquitous, convenient and forever, playing at the Canadian Tire store, aisle 47. There is also inquiry into the same immediate functional, the domestic watering can for hand watering gardens: the mud-making, back-bending, careful experience to plant and nurture a seed, for the love of it, for love, we do it all for love.
Are you with me?
Dimensions: 20 x 24
Artist statement: I sometimes feel like we put too many rules around love. We try to define it, and trap it in picture post card moments, flash card memories. Is it true that to properly love someone else it is first necessary to be able to love oneself? When we look in the mirror do we do so with a critical eye or one of love. Do we love the person we are or the person we wish to be? Or perhaps our love is only directed towards creatures that are not ourselves.
Love Dumps the Truck
Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 1
Artist statement: "Love Dumps the Truck" invites the observer to witness a poignant moment steeped in the language of love. At the heart of the composition is a 2-year-old boy, basking in the glow of childhood play, captivated by the sheer delight of his toy truck. The scene unfolds in a sunlit driveway, and boundless energy and curiosity radiates from the youngster. Surrounded by an unseen yet palpable family, our focus remains steadfast on the boy and his cherished plaything. Moments before, the warmth and tenderness of his Mother's voice echo in the air, having redirected the young lad’s attention. "Love Dumps the Truck" attempts to visually capture the essence of family bonds and the prevalent power of love. The title itself speaks to the whimsical nature of childhood, where love manifests in the simple joys of play and discovery. The invisible family members become guardians of this precious moment, guiding and nurturing the boy in his exploration. As part of "The Look of Love: Art as a Love Language," this painting delves into the threads of love that connect us. It celebrates the beauty of innocence, the profound impact of motherly love, and the enduring imprint these moments leave on our hearts. For me, this work represents a priceless opportunity to savour time with my great nephew and family, who live far away.
Love Runs in The Family
Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 1
Artist statement: This painting invites the viewer to a playground where family love reverberates through the laughter and shared joy of two siblings. At the heart of this scene are a 10-year-old brother and his 5-year-old sister, partners in play, collaborators in a game of “freeze tag”. Here I try to capture a moment of pure delight as the siblings work in tandem to evade their playful mother, the designated "it" in their game. As the two siblings weave through the park, their smiles gleam with the shared delight of childhood, and their eyes sparkle with the excitement of the chase. Each glance and gesture become a testament to the protective love they share, a love that runs deep in the fabric of their family. "Love Runs in the Family" seeks to celebrate the resilience and strength found in family connections. The collaboration between the siblings in the game of freeze tag becomes a metaphor for the ways in which love binds us together, encouraging cooperation, and fostering shared joy. As part of "The Look of Love: Art as a Love Language," this painting invites us to consider the diverse expressions of love within a family unit. It is a visual ode to the enduring power of sibling bonds, the playful spirit of childhood, and the unspoken language of love that unites us all. Most importantly, this time of play with our niece and nephew was a gift and a lovely opportunity to build deeper connections with their entire family.
Connected
Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 1.5
Artist statement: 'Connected' reflects on many aspects of love that can be experienced as a human. Themes of internal and external love are explored through the connections made by the person in the painting within themself, with others, and with the viewer. Self-love is a sacred, special type of love that is often overlooked. It was important to keep the individual’s face out of the art to symbolize the inner thoughts and feelings that are not evident at face value. Removing the face also forces the viewer to face their own psyche reflected back upon them. External love is another complex love that involves connections with other people and our environment. The person in the painting is holding hands with someone at the edge of the painting to illustrate this human need for love and connection. In this painting the background seems to engulf the person, making them part of the abstracted background. This emulates the psychological feeling of love that is more complex and abstract than the physical body. It also shows the connections that every person has with the environment that they are in and how important these are for establishing love with ourselves and others.
Divine Valentine
Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 1.5
Artist statement: The forest is the great healer. It has held me in its spell; its beauty. But it’s in the wind I hear the voice of my beloved. Together we sing off key to no one but the cedars. In the wind the mighty forest clap their hands. To you I sing! My Divine Valentine!
Gazing at the Art
Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 1.5
Artist statement: This couple is in an art gallery. While she looked forward at the art, he turned to gaze at her. As she adjusts her hair, there is a sense that she knows that she is the art in his eyes. I took the shot and simplified the presentation to focus more on the light as it illuminated this relationship. price, Unframed print $150.00 As framed in opus frame with fine art glass $450.00
Harriet
Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 1.5
Artist statement: Puppies, especially soft eyed cannot help but elicit feelings of love. Harriet was peaking rather uncertainly over a board when photographed. She was then transformed her to become more of a graphic and thus less specific. The image may be printed up to 25 times, with variations as my interpretation changes or to suit a different medium or size.
January Hymn
Dimensions: 20 x 24 x 1.5
Artist statement: If I didn't laugh and try try try again I would honestly give up on love. But surprisingly I don't have much say in the matter as my heart catches fire with it again and again. I love those special moments of laughter when my heart melts and all my cares drift away.
more and more: been so long (diptych)
Dimensions: 10.5 x 21 x 1.5
Artist statement: This diptych illustrates my love language: evocative text, abstraction, minimal colour palette.
here was once a very different story (triptych)
Dimensions: 8 x 24 x 0.75
Artist statement: This triptych illustrates my love language: evocative text, abstraction, minimal palette with a touch of colour, loos gestures.
Love Letter to my 7 Year Old Self
Dimensions: 21.5 x 21.5
Artist statement: When you need to, imagine you are back in one of your blanket forts. Surrounded by stuffy's and pillows. The sunlight is passing through your vinyl pink roll down blind, everything is bathed in a warm pink glow. You are loved. You are safe.
Love Leans In
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 1
Artist statement: "Love Leans In" captures a tranquil supportive moment in a desert landscape. Two camels, likely siblings or a devoted mother and daughter, have just completed a long morning journey together. One weary camel, lowers its head, inviting the other to lean in. The act of support and comfort is evident and instinctive, and their bond is unspoken but steadfast. Their resilience and companionship are marked by their footprints in the sand. As the first sun shines, the camels embody the beauty of love, reminding us that even in the vast desert, hearts can find a sanctuary in each other. "Love Leans In" invites viewers to witness the intimacy of these shared moments, where the quiet strength of ties brings a peaceful rest. In the heart of the desert, where the sun rises anew, these camels embody the enduring spirit found in the touch of a loved one after a journey's end.
Innocence
Dimensions: 14 x 17 x 1.5
Artist statement: Spending time around wild animals I have been a witness to caring tender moments between individuals and on occasion between species.
Contented Cats
Dimensions: 14 x 17 x 1.5
Artist statement: These lion cubs briefly looked up when they heard my camera beep, then quickly settled back to sleep in a comfortable cuddle huddle.
Camaraderie
Dimensions: 14 x 17 x 1.5
Artist statement: Elephants live in herds bonded by love and respect and their interactions with each other are wonderful to observe. Absolute magic happens when a wild elephant or indeed several elephants choose to interact with you!
Eyes Of The Ocean
Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 1.5
Artist statement: “Eyes of the Ocean” is a visual symphony of emotion and nature, an acrylic on canvas painting that captures the dance of love in nature and harmony. Inspired by the mesmerizing waters of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, every stroke and hue is a tribute to the fluidity and depth of love. The waves, painted in the color reminiscent of my fiancé's eyes, crash with passion. Amidst this natural spectacle, two cloud whales emerge – their gazes intertwined.They embody the silent sonnet of souls meeting, and becoming one amidst the vastness of the ocean.
Gotta love the bees
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 1.5
Artist statement: I have held sleeping bees and felt them buzz wake up in the warmth of my hands- a miracle. I have seen bees carrying so much yellow pollen that they look like they are wearing golden pantaloons, and then fly as though they are punch drunk- a giggle. I have watched bees as they tirelessly search ever tiny flower on a lilac bush... just slowly and steadily getting. the. job. done- an inspiration. Bees are da bomb.
Gotta love the birds
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 1.5
Artist statement: I have watched red-winged blackbirds rejoice in cattail-filled wetlands as bulldozers fill them in. I have listened to nightjars swoop through the night air under starlit skies. I have awaited the dawn chorus after a sleepless night and found peace. I have hear the owls hoot their location to each other and known all is well in the world. Gotta love the birds.
How to fall in love
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 1.5
Artist statement: Black rhino are endangered for all the same ol' reasons everything bad happens: poverty, famine, ignorance, greed, misinformation, lack of funding. Why is it that scarcity breeds love? Why can't we just love the world and protect everything in it, well before before things are almost extinct?
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