Modern realist painter Ann Hamm presents a multitude of landscape works establishing empathy through encounters with natural places, inviting viewers to feel as though they are part of the scene. Hamm's finished works of harmony in nature are in-depth and meticulous, so it's hard to believe that the composition starts as a fresh abstract impression that is built up in layers of restful complementary colours and textures.
"I am intrigued by light. Bright or diffuse, light reveals or obscures form. This inspires me to portray the essence and spirit of my subject," she says.
Hamm has recently relocated from South Africa to her new home in Vancouver, a transition that took almost a year as she travelled between the two very different landscapes.
Hamm describes how this shift has inspired her art: "A walk in the park is somewhat 'tongue in cheek' as it suggests a gentle and pleasant excursion. During this period of physical and emotional transition, I was reminded time and again how nature can restore body and soul.
"I celebrate this transition by exhibiting paintings reflecting both continents. The African sun reveals a dry and hot climate. Water is scarce and plants like aloes and the protea, the national flower, are hardy. This is in sharp contrast with Canada's abundance of water and the dappled light through forests of giant trees near the water's edge."
Over the past 35 years, Hamm's work has vastly evolved. She initially graduated in ceramic art and opened her first studio producing primarily functional vessels, but ultimately began to incorporate her love of drawing onto the clay surfaces as well as developing her work through sketches in watercolour.
Because of the ease of manipulating the two-dimensional media, Hamm became more focused on drawing and oil painting, which was the start of her obsession with portraying the effect of light on objects and then eventually the source and quality of light in nature.
Describing her creative process, Hamm says she visits places many times before she begins to paint and then relies on her memory to evoke feelings that impact her consciousness to capture the essence of a scene. It surely helps that she loves the outdoors and hiking, with mountain biking, camping and snow - her most recent passions.
Hamm's work is on display at the Library Foyer Gallery until April 30. For more information on Hamm's work, email [email protected].
In the cases and on the north wall, the sixth annual Fundraiser Exhibit is also on display this month with more than 30 artworks donated by artists of the gallery. Come and feast your eyes on wonders of weaving, pottery, painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture. With a $50 donation, sponsors receive an invitation to the Foyer Gallery Soir茅e on April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Your name will be entered into a draw for these pieces of original artwork. The artful samplings, valued at up to $500, are up for grabs in the exciting art draw at the gala. Shhhh This event is the best-kept secret for art enthusiasts in Squamish.
Sponsorship forms are available on-line. Visit www.squamish.bclibrary.ca/services-programs/foyer-gallery and click on "Foyer Gallery Friends" sponsorship. Forms can be mailed or dropped off at the library front desk.
Toby Jaxon is the curator of the Library Foyer Gallery. She can be reached by phone at (604) 898-1895 or by email at [email protected]
