Why we need art

It's not breaking news to say we are living in difficult times. There is a lot to process: an uncertain economy, the devastating effects of climate change, divisive politics, war in Ukraine, executions in Iran, a housing shortage, homelessness, drug addiction, the lingering pandemic, to name a few. Many would think that in times like these art is irrelevant and unnecessary. Food and shelter are the basic needs of all humans and a healthy environment is essential for the longevity of the planet. But as humans we need more. Our love of art is what makes us unique as a species. Art of some form has always helped us through dark times.

 Art opens our minds to the world of the imagination. Art offers us a space to reflect and consider what it means to be human and how we have the ability to go beyond the everyday reality through the use of our imagination. This iconic painting by the German painter Caspar David Friedrich draws attention to our desire to contemplate the great unknown. Many contemporary painters have been inspired by Freidrich and his use of nature to represent man's ability to reflect beyond the confines of his own ego. The figure in this painting is looking out into nature and contemplating the immensity of the world beyond himself. As a young person this painting gave me great solace in that it allowed me to realize that being alone is a natural state and one can be alone without feeling lonely. Often in these states of solitude or disconnectedness, our imagination is our greatest solace.

April Gornik is a contemporary artist whose practice is inspired by Friedrch in that her work goes beyond revealing the beauty of nature and into expressing the immensity of the world outside of ourselves. Gornik's paintings are often based on several images that she integrates together to create a dramatic and often other worldly viewpoint. On first glance her monumental landscapes appear to be a reflection of nature as it is, but with deeper reflection on the work, things aren't as straightforward as they appear. The viewer's position is uncertain. Are we in the clouds? On a mountain peak? Art makes us shift our perspective so we learn that things might not be as they appear at first glance. We learn to combine our visual perceptions with our imaginative speculations to create a fascinating interpretation of reality..

Shara Hughes' landscapes are vaguely based on memory, but come almost entirely from her own imagination. Her works show a freedom not to be confined by the tyranny of reality. While she follows the convention of Renaissance perspective in her work, everything in her work is made-up. She uses the colours to create an other-worldly effect so while we can recognize forms such as tree trunks and branches, little else reminds us of the world as we know it. These are the landscapes of fairy tales, dreams and a vivid imaginary world.

Peter Doig's landscapes are also familiar and unfamiliar. Another thing that art does is it makes us see the world differently. Often when I am walking out at night and there is a clear indigo sky against a backdrop of trees, I am reminded of a Peter Doig landscape. While Doig's source material is often based on film stills and photographs, he adds his own sense of the magical to the images he produces. His work draws attention to the everyday sense of magic we might see when we look at nature.

We need art more than ever in today's world. I understand there are many urgent needs that are more important than art. During difficult times the arts sector is the first to experience dramatic budget cuts. People ask "how can we support the arts when people need to food to eat and a place to live?"

This is not an either or situation. I would like to suggest that humans have a innate ability to hold more than one thought at the same time. As a community we can support those that require their basic needs met and we can also support the arts. As a community we need to support both the body and the soul of people who live here.

VISA is the only place in Downtown Victoria where people can take art courses or workshops. In addition to courses and workshops we also have online drop-in drawing and watercolour monday sessions as well as sliding-scale in-person monthly drop-in Sunday drawing sessions. VISA also hosts an on-site art gallery called the Slide Room Gallery where members of the public can see art exhibition by local Victoria artists. Most art exhibitions are accompanied by free hands on engagement sessions at the end of the exhibition (sponsored by the CRD).

Please consider making a one-time donation or a monthly donation. For more information: YOUR DONATION HELPS.

Perhaps you aren't in the position to donate money to the school. An alternate gift you can give is to write a review on Google if you have had a good experience at the school: SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR VISA

Wendy Welch

Executive Director

Are you curious about what goes on at the Vancouver Island School of Art? Come check out the work make by our students during the Fall 2022 semester.

Winter Workshops

For a full list of all our Winter Workshops from January-April:

WINTER 2023 WORKSHOPS

Winter Courses

Online Drop-in

In-Person Drop-in

Exhibitions

Victoria based artist Jo-Anne Silverman has generously designated that proceeds from her exhibition will go to the Vancouver Island School of Art. You will be supporting the artist, the arts and the Vancouver Island School of Art by attending this event.

For more information & gallery hours: Gage Gallery

Make somebody's life a little better by giving them the gift of art: Gift Certificate

Choose from any of the suggested amounts below (or your own amount):

$20- drop-in drawing (in-person or online)
$25 drop-in watercolour (online)

$75 (3 hr workshop, supplies not included)
$95 (3 hr workshop, supplies included)

Vancouver Island School of Art Gift Certificate