Mandalas, Docks & Boats
Nick Jennings
Acrylic & Oil
Bowen-based artist Nick Jennings combines two deeply therapeutic artforms:the geometric symmetry of hand painted mandalas in acrylic, and the calmness of boats and docks as they interact with the soothing rhythm of Pacific Ocean waves, painted in oil. Nick’s work highlights the value of art as a means of processing and healing from trauma.
Artist Party: Sat July 30th from 6 to 8 pm
Bar, refreshments & DJ Yeshe
Snug Cove on Bowen Island
Show Dates: July 27th to Aug 15th
Gallery Hours: Open daily 11 - 5 pm (Closed Tuesdays)
ARTIST STATEMENT:
This exhibition consists of 24 pieces: twelve oil paintings in varying dimensions depicting boats and docks around Bowen Island, and twelve mandalas painted in acrylic on 3 foot by 3 foot canvas, as well as one that is 4 foot by 4 foot; the Howe Sound Biosphere Mandala. Regarding the mandalas, I spent five years working in the Middle East, and I was inspired by the devotional filigree of mosque tile art, whose patterning can be extremely intricate and concentrated, instilling a sense of awe in those viewing it. The oil paintings were inspired by the challenge to simulate the effect of movement and reflections in water, as well as by the raw beauty of weather-worn, barnacle-encrusted utilitarian structures.
Regarding the mandalas, they are all done by hand, using rulers, and yard sticks that are taped together to allow for the considerable dimensions needed. This may surprise people, given our growing dependence on computer software. I know nothing about what it will look like until it’s finished – it’s an extremely experimental process. I also use a variety of hand-crafted cardboard pieces as well as household detritus such as jam jar lids as shapes to trace.
With the landscapes, I felt that I had hit a plateau with the process I followed, and there was a point toward the end of 2021 when I felt that it wasn’t fun anymore to do the same things, and that I wasn’t learning anything. This was my motivation to break into oils. The process related to this show was born out of a need to find a fresh new aesthetic. I feel that I have achieved this in spades, through a combination of projector tracing and color saturation.
With this show, I aim to draw attention to the role that art can play in helping to process and heal from trauma. Painting functions in my life as a key therapeutic practice in my healing journey from traumatic narcissistic abuse that was protracted and debilitating. The process of creativity itself is the most meaningful element of it for me. I expect to learn something new with each painting – about the subject matter, about my technique, and about myself.
Learn more: HERE