鈥淎t school, I loved geography, particularly geomorphology,鈥� declares artist Sharon Habib, referring to the study of earth formations.聽
Habib鈥檚 exhibit of abstract acrylics on panel, entitled Crisscross, is on display this month at the Foyer Gallery at the Squamish Public Library. Her paintings investigate the physical earth with the notion of crossing and intersection, and the representation of the division of the world into four elements: earth to the solid state, water to liquid, air to gaseous and fire to plasma.
鈥淭his series explores all of that 鈥� how different layers of soil, or currents in the ocean intersect with existing masses and shapes to form new, complex scapes,鈥� she says.
Habib鈥檚 curious and appealing paintings convey feelings of calm, connection and being grounded. They are deliberate dichotomies: science versus mythology, subtly juxtaposed to overt, circular beside linear, flat against texture, simplicity versus complexity.聽
鈥淣ature does all of this seemingly effortlessly,鈥� Habib says. 鈥淚鈥檓 inspired by formation and erosion in the earth鈥檚 crust, the intersection of different natural elements like water, lava and minerals, with weathering, decomposition, and massive disruptive events like eruptions, tectonic shifts, and the layering, intrusions and extrusions that form as a result.鈥�
Twenty years ago, Habib started working in oils, painting in a realistic style. It was only a few years ago that she decided to move to abstract painting to search for a deeper personal expression, initially using heavy texture. Now Habib creates the illusion of texture with just paint, and her ideas are developing swiftly in the combination of her two visual themes connected by a shared underlying story.聽
鈥淚 think the notion of crossing, crisscrossing and intersection will be with me for a long time, but that I will evolve further,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 think I鈥檇 like the work to be simpler, but simple is hard.鈥�
聽In the cases and on the north wall, the 10th annual Fundraiser Exhibit is also on display this month with more than 40 artworks donated by the artists of the gallery. Feast your eyes on wonders of weaving, pottery, painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture. With a specified donation, sponsors will receive an invitation to the Foyer Gallery Soiree and be entered into a draw for these pieces of handcrafted, original artwork. The artful samplings are up for grabs in the exciting art draw at the annual fundraiser gala, to be held May 2 at 6 p.m. Shhhh鈥his event is the best kept secret for art enthusiasts in Squamish!
For more information about sponsorship, inquire at the library or visit squamish.bc.libraries.coop/about-us/support-the-library/foyer-gallery-friends.
