March 11, 2010
This month I’ll be parting with one of my many works of art – but it’s for a good cause. I’ll be donating a piece in support of Station Gallery’s upcoming Drawing for Art fundraising event but… I need your help!
I can’t decide which work of art would appeal to the enthusiastic crowd of over 200 individuals supporting the Gallery. “Ask the blogasphere” said Paige, the Gallery’s Marketing & Event Manager. So I’ll ask you… my loyal blog readers (and those who casually pop in from time to time) – take a vote, which one should I send?
Here’s the deal…
Leave a comment with the artwork title you think I should donate, do so by Monday March 29 and that Tuesday I’ll announce the winner. Don’t be afraid to leave a comment of why you’ve voted – it’ll be fun to see what strikes everyone’s fancy.
So here goes… I’ll let the people speak.
"Abstract"
"Leaping Diver"
"Silent Actress"
"Spitting Image"
Your thoughts?
curator by day 
104 comments
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March 11, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Paige
“Leaping Diver”
Dark and mysterious, I love the use of light – its a fresh image that strikes me in a way I can’t explain. Incredible artwork Olex – I love that your so passionate about the films and scenes in which these originate.
Whichever work is selected, I know the person who selects it the night of Drawing for Art will not be disappointed.
P.S. thanks for the “blogasphere” plug ;).
March 11, 2010 at 3:17 pm
donna raetsen kemp
Artists are the adrenalin that make Drawing for Art one of the coolest events in town. (my humble opinion of course!)
Each year close to 100 artists make the choice to donate their work to this important fundraising event. Just can’t pass up this opportunity to highlight the generosity of artists. Collectively you are the lifeblood of the gallery and make our community someplace really special.
Oh yeah, my vote–Silent Actress, neck in neck with Spitting Image…but Abstract is so enticing…and Leaping Diver just draws me right in…
March 11, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Christy
Silent Actress. her eyes pull me in.
March 11, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Todd Tremeer
“Spitting Image” gets my vote. There’s nothing like a disembodied head for over the couch.
March 12, 2010 at 10:41 am
anastasiatiller
“Silent Actress”
I like the composition and the expression on her face. It is lyric and fragile.
March 12, 2010 at 11:00 am
Sarah McDougall
Silent Actress may appeal more to the general public – but there’s nothing like a piece of art which triggers conversation and emotion, therefore, I say Spitting Image.
March 12, 2010 at 11:52 am
Bruce
“Abstract” is very strong. Intriguing drawing of a viewer ignoring a painting.
March 12, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Daniel glassford
I think “Spitting Image” is the best choice it truely feels like a moving image, captures the filmic nature of your work.
March 12, 2010 at 12:03 pm
David Schembri
“Silent Actress”
The image draws you into her eyes.
The close cropping places you very close to her.
The image prompts you to question what’s she’s thinking
about. What’s bothering her or is she daydreaming?
The rich tonal treatment is dramatic and has a 3D quality.
This artwork goes beyond being a portrait or a captured moment.
I do like how all of the artworks presented leave me questioning
what’s happening… as if I have just walked in on something underway
and I am trying to assess the immediate situation.
I do love your work Olex. Mysterious and intriguing.
Cheers
March 12, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Maralynn Cherry
What a difficulte choice. If you are going for a predictable pick for most I would think it should be Silent Actress. However I feel the gaze set up in Abstract should be the choice. There is an unconscious challenge here as the viewer’s gaze is split. The iconic notion of the face is deconstructed. One ponders how the subject faces the lens and the fractured nature of filmic montage.
March 12, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Sandra Fraser
I vote for Leaping Diver. That’s the one i would buy. It’s ambiguous narrative quality is what i really like about it.
March 12, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Gina
Leaping Diver, deliciously ambiguous, with faces turned away.
Sure to make a big splash!
March 12, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Francis
I’m voting for “Silent Actress”
March 12, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Lynne
Leaping Diver for sure. It is an image (as the art critics say) of ‘great depth’. Or will be of ‘great depth’ as soon as she gets through her leap.
March 12, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Jane Eccles
“Spitting Image” I like the play of words with the image.
March 12, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Carol Feeney
Definitely Abstract.
March 12, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Paul Rolland
Leaping Diver really does it for me!
There is movement and it’s looking out. It is also very graceful as if the diver is extending her wings before springing into a jump towards the water. Will she fly and then descend on the water!
It also remids me of Swan Lake.
March 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Peter Sibbald
Great idea! Spitting image gets my vote.
March 12, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Olinda Casimiro
“Abstract” and WOW it is so haunting….
March 12, 2010 at 2:35 pm
steven laurie
Spitting Image
March 12, 2010 at 2:45 pm
helen
“Abstract”.
The woman, her back to the art, her gaze elsewhere… what is she thinking? Meanwhile, the art appears to be gazing at the woman… Rather than a mirror, the viewer [us] sees the eyes of the 2 characters in the painting, gazing upon other images…
And then there is the secondary beauty of the piece: you have 2 pieces of art for the ‘price’ of one; the art itself; the art within… Wlasenko and … is it Picasso???
March 12, 2010 at 2:46 pm
erikatakacs
They’re all captivating, so much so that I nearly forgot to pick up my kid from school! 🙂 I would go with Spitting Image because of the unusualness and playfulness with words. However if you’re looking for universal appeal, Silent Actress would be best.
March 12, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Sheri Gundry
Though my favourite of these is the intriguing and captivating eyes of the Silent Actress and her raw and real emotion, I think that Abstract is ideal as it is about “art” and their is a painting in the picture…a story within a story…what glorious potential to be able to draw for an Olex piece…Station Gallery is blessed…
Talk to you soon!
Sheri Gundry
March 12, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Sarah Chate
I vote for “Spitting Image”. I like that the movement of the water is so apparent – and this is exactly something I have done in the tub!
March 12, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Michael Tunney
Spitting Image
March 12, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Maura
Definitely a tough choice, and always a challenge to think about what other people would like. So I will just go with my personal choice…I choose Abstract. I like the composition, the subject matter, but also the memories it stirs up in me and the many references….
March 12, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Dale Barrett
Spitting Image is my choice.
March 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm
David G Hemmings
Silent Actress……..love the eyes and the thoughtful look
March 12, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Steven Frank
Abstract.
Art about art (and metaphors)
to raise money for the art community.
March 12, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Sean McQuay
Well, let’s see, if I were you I’d donate either ‘Abstract’, ‘Silent Actress’, or Spitting Image’ then give me ‘Leaping Diver’. Oh dear, what a sad and fragile veil I wear.
March 12, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Toni Hamel
I love Leaping Diver, although I think most people would prefer Silent Actress. I find the composition and conceptual content of the first more intriguing, edgy and open to interpretation. Silent Actress, although beautiful, has more of a traditional appeal which I feel would cater to more people. Dear Olex, only od and Steven Spielger really know what people really like.
I LOVE your work!!!
March 12, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Mary Ellen McQuay
My choice is “Leaping Diver”. You’ve staged a story about process with an ending yet to be determined. A little bit of a nod to evolution – do we hold fast to the familiar or do we leap forward? Do we have a choice? But, hey, maybe the guy is just her diving instructor!
March 12, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Sandra Ferreira
Abstract first choice. Silent Actress second, for it’s reflective quality.
Spitting Image seems to have many admirers. Maybe to sit in a gallery, visited on occasion. But in someone’s home, it becomes part of the atmosphere and emotion is contagious. She just doesn’t look happy. I find myself wondering, is she thinking about going under? Not sure I’d want to live with that every day.
March 12, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Stephanie Pugh
I like Silent Actress… makes me feel dreamy..ahhh
March 12, 2010 at 5:20 pm
ihor Holubizky
It has to be “Abstract” — not purely as a personal choice, but the question posed, “which work would appeal to …”
And in voting for “Abstract” it is not merely my expression of a ‘common denominator.’ Rather, it is a complex work — a complex composition of three elements (guess the 3rd!), with an ‘air of detachment.’ Or to quote the Man Ray epitaph, “unconcerned but not indifferent.”
In fact, the more I think about it (it’s good that there are things that make you think), it would be my personal choice too.
March 12, 2010 at 6:16 pm
santa ruth
tough choice. ‘leaping diver’ would sustain my interest longest for the obvious reasons. ‘abstract’, because it was the first one i saw, and i like that it’s a picture within a picture and an attitude too.
March 12, 2010 at 6:03 pm
margaret Kelly
Spitting image!!
March 12, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Anne Garrett
I vote for “Abstract”. It is intriguing and leaves us with many unanswered questions – has the subject passed by the art? has she studied it and is thinking about it? does she have more pressing thoughts? Wonderful art – lucky person who has the winning ticket.
March 12, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Mykola Laluque
Leaping Diver. Very Olex-ish.
March 12, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Margaret Rodgers
They are all good, but since it’s a fundraiser I would choose Silent Actress. However I like the mystery in Leaping Diver, in particular what you have created by angling the picture plane.
March 12, 2010 at 9:00 pm
toni
Leaping Diver… that’s what I’d want. 🙂
March 12, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Catherine Mills
Wow Olexander, fabulous pieces and I’m desperately curious to actually see them.. My vote is for Abstract; I love the layering of work within work and the fact that the background piece is as intriquing as the foreground, ie I’m almost waiting for her to move out of the frame so I can see what she’s obscuring. I enjoy too, that she looks herself distracted by something beyond us, as if we are too obscuring something she wants to see… Very Hitchcockian. At the end of the day, any one of these pieces would be a delight to live with.
March 12, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Alyson Hayes
I also agree with most of the above comments–“the Leaping Diver” is VERY interesting–I absolutely love it–I might have to buy a ticket for your event–how much is it?
March 12, 2010 at 11:47 pm
felgemacher
silent actress…
she may be silent but she’s talkin to me loud and clear!
March 13, 2010 at 8:25 am
Peter Blake
Love them all Olex. Great job, as always.
I’d have to go with Silent Actress, although it’s not a clear cut, easy choice. Those eyes just pull you in and won’t let you go. I suspect it could have a pretty broad appeal too, from a fundraising perspective.
Glad to have you back, doing what you do…
March 13, 2010 at 9:20 am
Sharon E. Steinhaus
Oh dear, what a dilema!!!!! Are you sure I can only pick ONE 🙂
Well…… I guess I have to go with “Abstract”
Love the composition and the painting within a painting…. makes one think about the work.
Love
Sharon Steinhaus
March 13, 2010 at 10:05 am
tony romano
Silent Actress !!!!!!!!!!!
March 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm
darlene cole
Olex, you’ve asked a very difficult question, all of your pieces are incredible, but if I must choose only one…Abstract is my final answer…for the context of the event, the woman in the piece…her number has been called…and she is carefully selecting a work for her own collection!
March 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Walter
Olex – I personally like ‘Leaping Dive’, so my vote goes to that one.
March 13, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Danaka
Well, I have to choose Silent Actress and O knows why. Although it is so hard for me because I have the exceptional privilege of seeing the drawings from their inception through to fruition and also knowing the story behind them and where they come from. Thus, each one is special to me and I have a personal connection to them all. I’m just happy you are safe and healthy and producing work again…I love you.
March 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm
libby
HI Olex, I think most people would like the Abstract image best ( and I guess I place myself in this group) with the Silent Actress image second. Is Actress taken from the Kieslovsky film , White? How I love his work. Abstract seems familiar but I can’t place it – maybe Antonioni. Now I want to stay home and watch videos – good luck with your draw.
Libby
March 13, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Nicole Vogelzang
I’m having trouble deciding. They’re all great. If I have to choose one then I guess it would be the Leaping Diver. But that’s just based on what i feel like right now.. last night I really liked Abstract.
Yay Olex! Nice work
March 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Ingrid Ruthig
ABSTRACT. It’s a moment of story captured but not frozen. It wouldn’t stop reclaiming my attention. The movement/tension of her simultaneous ‘belonging to’ and ‘escaping from or exiting’ the background painting really engages. Combined with its contrasts, mood, layers of mystery, and sense of iconic beauty from 60s culture (e.g. in film, on book covers, etc.), it’s difficult to pull away. The other images, for me, impose limits–backs turned, eyes shut, face soooo close there’s room for nothing else. “Abstract” doesn’t limit the viewer’s connection, despite apparent distance–she’s not looking out, but the background painting is! It’s as though we are (or she is) watched as we watch. Cool.
March 13, 2010 at 4:00 pm
d merritt
abstract cuz it aint
March 13, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Lotti Thomas
Hi Olex,
My choice would be Spitting Image . It,s not romantic , but can be interpreted in different ways, coming up for air or drowning?
Have not seen your work since a City Hall show years ago, looks great!
Lotti
March 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Kathe Merilovich
Olex, they are all amazing. I like Spitting Image. It’s up close. It’s personal. I can hear the splash and smell the lavender. In the next moment does she submerge or open her eyes and smile at you? For the fundraiser its Silent Actress.
March 13, 2010 at 7:10 pm
David Wysotski
I’ve got it narrowed down to 3! hehehe.
Maybe 2 – ‘Leaping Diver’ and ‘Spitting Image’. You just might have to enter them both!
It’s a tough call Olex, they’re all gorgeous.
OK, I’ll choose. My vote goes to ‘Leaping Diver’. There’s an intriguing story going on there. It makes me wonder, and imagine, and think…
March 13, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Brendan
spitting image is the best mainly because it looks like olex if he was 8
March 14, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Barbara Suen
They are all excellent pieces. “Abstract” is my favorite based upon personal biases.
March 14, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Tyler Tilley
“Abstract”! For obvious reasons Olex! 😉
I truly appreciate all four of these pieces. “Spitting Image” was going to be my first choice, but I let it sit with me and I came back to your images today. And today it was clear for me. “Abstract” calls to me. I get to see an element I have yet to see in your work. So I am just keeping it simple.
Love the figurative piece that she is somewhat repulsed by. I am also attracted to this woman more than any of the the other women in your pieces.
Keep Changing,
Tyler Tilley
March 14, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Catharine Tunney
Cannot wait until April 29, Drawing for Art. I have more fun at that event than any other event I attend during the year.
My choice- Spitting Image, It reminded me of happy childhood days playing in the bath. Simple times; when your imagination knew no boundries.
Olex, I am always moved by all of your pieces and it was a difficult choice.
March 14, 2010 at 7:17 pm
M McGeean
I’m thinking Abstract.
March 14, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Kalyna
The composition and simplicity of the “Silent Actress” captured my attention. It made me want to observe it longer than the other pieces. It also made me wonder what she could have been thinking about…
March 15, 2010 at 7:10 am
Andrea Carvalho
My vote goes to ‘Leaping Diver’
I like the movement that the diver creates. The man in the image is the mysterious element, I appreciate his eerie contribution. Plus, I find the ‘Leaping Diver’ drawing the most reflective of photography and cinema. Nice work!
March 15, 2010 at 7:39 am
Jeanie Tummon
Difficult – makes me want to see the real images!
Ultimately, I have to go for the direct gaze of Silent Actress.
March 15, 2010 at 9:14 am
Anthony Randall
Great work Olex! It is a tough choice and I keep going back and forth between “Abstract” and “Silent Actress”. If I had to choose only one my vote is for “Silent Actress”. She is looking right into me.
March 15, 2010 at 9:29 am
Angela
I go with “Abstract” – I love both the painting on the wall and the painting itself!
March 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Vivian
I love the Silent Actress most. I would pick the Abstract second.
The Silent Actress piece has so much depth in all areas of the picture. It’s one of those pieces you can look at for a long time, studying the expression. It’s also a piece you would probably see as interesting or intriguing each time you gaze at it. It’s full of possibility and not so standard looking ~ more then one emtion comes to mind.
March 15, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Bruce
Not changing my vote, just wanted to add to my comment on “Abstract”. The spectator ignoring the painting really has made me reflect on the relationship of Neorealistic film to abstract painting. It also brings to mind not only how Olex’s graphite works relate to film but also to current abstract painting.
March 15, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Sheila Delaney
I prefer the Leaping diver. It captures the moment of learning to dive perfectly. It brings back fond memories for me too
March 15, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Lynn Strachan
Silent Actress has my vote.
March 15, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Christopher Grimston
Abstract.
I can’t entirely explain why but there’s something about the contrast between human subject and the abstract subject that I just love.
March 15, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Anna yuschuk
“Spitting image” is my pick. All the best.
Anna
March 15, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Erin Gendron
Leaping Diver is my favourite, Olex… (although it is incredibly difficult to pick just one – I love your work!!!!)
Why did I pick that one?
I think it is the sense of anticipation…it has a different kind of “energy”; a sense of motion and emotion that draws me in. I also like the “anonymous” feeling to it – it could be anyone in any moment in time.
I LOVE Drawing for Art – such a great event and raises funds for such a great cause! 😉 I’m sure whichever one you choose – it will be a hit!
March 15, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Sally Thurlow
“Spitting Image” provocative, fresh, and I like Todd’s comment!
March 15, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Rozanna
Silent Actress…looks like Rita Hayworth
March 15, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Rose Mary Mason
I was drawn to Leaping Diver as it draws me in and its the only one where the subjects are facing the other way.
However, Mike votes for Abstract as he likes the eyes in the painting following her.
Both our hypotenuses are askewed!
March 15, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Rose Mary Mason
Mike adds, Abstract, seems to infer people talking behind your back (society). He’s not paranoid, I swear.
March 16, 2010 at 8:29 am
Susan Wood
I’d choose the diver. I spent my childhood summers at the beach and have always loved the ocean so the drawing brings back memories of those wonderful endless days spent at the cottage. I also like how the drawing pulls the viewer along with the diver…about to leap…it is always a bit like diving into the unknown.
March 16, 2010 at 9:08 am
Agnes Guzs
Hello Olex:)
I love them all, but my favourite is the Silent Actress. I might have to buy a ticket now so I would have a chance to take her home:)
March 16, 2010 at 10:37 am
Barb
Hi Olex
My pick is Silent Actress. This one engaged me and generated an emotional response. As she is gazing outwardly and contemplating inwardly, so did I. I could sit in a room with this work and my eyes would always return to it. Her hands framing her face draw me to look at her eyes.
March 16, 2010 at 3:12 pm
carin
A lovely blog, Olex; so happy to have discoverd it while looking for details on this year’s Drawing for Art.
My choice is “Abstract” — I love the 60’s look and feel, as well as the woman’s ‘non-expression’, which has me wondering if she’s merely been captured in a moment between ‘ecstacies’ as she moves from one painting to the next, or whether she’s looking for an Exit sign so she can pop out for a quick smoke before she dies of boredom.
(p.s. Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad to know you’re recovering well…!)
March 16, 2010 at 4:44 pm
David
“Spitting Image”
March 16, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Tani
I like “Leaping Diver” for similar reasons as those expressed already. It’s most intriguing. All the best with the Station Gallery event!
March 16, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Kim Lee Kho
I’m fond of Spitting Image, but Silent Actress strikes me as almost universally appealing, while Leaping Diver has an entrancing ambiguity (a la Colville). So take from that what you will! Always nice to see your work Olex 🙂
March 16, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Kal Honey
Hey Olex!
An embarrassment of riches — there isn’t a bad choice in the bunch. The more populist choice I think would be Silent Actress — beauty, scale… but I’ve gotta cast my vote for Leaping Diver for it’s offbeat intrigue.
March 17, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Vera Jacyk
I have to go with Abstract, because I love the contrast of types of drawing/representations playing off each other in the piece, that is, the abstracted, graphic face in the background against the so-called realism of the whole. This mix is intriguing.
March 17, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Michael Marcotte
I am split between “Spitting image” and “Silent actress”. I feel that silent actress is very well executed with a striking composition and wonderful sensitivity to light. I am leaning toward Spitting image as my favorite, for reasons yet unknown perhaps I must ponder this more and explore my own emotions. Perhaps it leaves more to question about what is below the surface of the water. Perhaps I will never know but I choose spitting image. Thank you OLex for sharing these. Good luck dude. and rock on!
March 18, 2010 at 8:44 am
Shannon Bowdring
“Silent Actress” – There is an allure to her eyes. The cropping and the posture of the painting makes me ask what else is going on in her world. Great piece, great lighting.
March 18, 2010 at 9:25 am
jasmine green
I choose ABSTRACT….the painting in the background is creepy.
March 18, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Joel Campbell
ABSTRACT
It’s very sexy in a 60’s kind of way.
March 19, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Jean-Michel Komarnicki
“Leaping Diver”
…and I would set a stage for Sean and Mary-Ellen to fight over it while I abscond with it!
Of the four images you chose this one asks me the most questions: what is the line separating the two figures telling me, and so many more…
March 19, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Ihor
Hi Olexa, my choice would be “Leaping Diver”. The excitement of connecting with, moving into, experiencing another element is what I find appealing about the work.
March 21, 2010 at 10:02 am
Bonnie Devine
It’s a tough choice, they are all so well executed. But I like Spitting Image best because of its playfulness.
March 22, 2010 at 9:12 am
Linda Jansma
Abstract — with our collection, how could I not vote for that one!
March 22, 2010 at 9:07 pm
katya kissoon
hi alex, I mean olex…ander.
A difficult choice…(you know why)… but I would have to say “Abstract” because it masquerades as a glimpse of reality with reference to artwork, when in fact IT IS ITSELF AN ARTWORK. It blows my mind. Looking forward to your fundraiser.
March 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Eve
“Spitting Image”. It’s about a certain meditative state that one can reach when swimming. And if one takes in too much water, it has to be spat out. Therefore a spitting image. I could live with this one.
A spitting image is also an exact double . Is this a play on words?
March 23, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Richard
“Spitting Image”. I like the idea of the dual nature of water and air and the woman suspended between them. I can taste the water…
March 23, 2010 at 11:09 pm
simon
Spitting image speaks to me on a higher plane of existence
March 24, 2010 at 8:27 am
Lynn
I love Silent Actress. I spend alot of time alone working at home. She’s a friend I could be with in comfortable silence, keeping each other company. Something about her understands me… or maybe I need to get out more!
March 29, 2010 at 10:23 am
Sue
“Leaping Diver” Wonderful contrasts of light & dark, the man & the woman, the sky & the water, all contribute to this great tension in what is happening – a portentousness that is intriguing. I’d love to own it!
March 29, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Anne Louise Currie
I love Silent Actress. The close up framing of it is dramatic, intense and beautiful.
March 29, 2010 at 12:20 pm
marigay
Silent Actress – I love close-ups that are framed that way and she looks like she has a story to tell . ..
March 29, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Liz Parkinson
I’d pick Abstract because of all the ways it speaks about art and film.