October 06, 1995 - Glebe Report

FEATURE
Glebe artist 'takes the vei ' as subject in Nonewhere
BY ELLEN SCHOWALTER
Glebe artist takes the veil -- as
subject matter that is. Nonewhere,
a series of 40 new paintings featuring
images of nuns by Glebe artist
Ian Van Lock, opens Tuesday, October
10, at A Source of Art Gallery.
Nuns in traditional garb in a variety
of settings people these inventive,
vividly imaginative works
by the talented, young local artist
who, incidentally, is known for his
distinctive headgear and colourful
fashion statements.
Ian states that these are not religious
paintings though they contain
frequent richly symbolic references.
Gothic cathedrals and
arches point heavenward and fish,
an ancient Christian symbol make
guest appearances. Sunflowers glow
and bloom on many of the canvases.
would suggest that since Van
Gogh's famous sunflower paintings
the flower has gradually taken on
the status of a spiritual icon for the
20th century. Particularly in cold,
northern countries these mini-suns
seem to distil and radiate light and
life.
Several of the new paintings are
done in a lower key than usual.
Greys, blacks and antique golds
Conception by Ian Van Lock
create a pensive, reflective mood, a
nostalgia for traditions which are
rapidly disappearing. Many contain
visual puns which I'll let you puzzle
out.
But why nuns? Nuns are trendy
now, Ian notes. Witness the
ubiquitous IBM ads featuring nuns.
A recent trip to Newfoundland
where he met and talked with real
nuns helped focus Ian's imagery.
Sisters live in community and corn-
Photo: Ian Van Lock
munity is fundamental to Ian. A
passionate Glebite, he often paints
local landmarks like the Cattle
Castle and the Glebe Community
Centre (originally a church). Three
years ago he originated and almost
single-handedly produced the first
"Art in the "Park" an outdoor
festival organized to promote cornmunitas
among artists and residents.
He is an active member of
ASA, the artists' cooperative
gallery.
This summer Ian completed a
commission for the City of Ottawa,
decorating the wading pool at St.
Luke's Park on Elgin Street. He
enjoys painting interiors as well.
His work is found in numerous
collections in Canada, the United
States, the U.K. and Europe.
A Glebe resident since 1975, Ian
attended Mutchmor, Glebe Collegiate
and the Ottawa School of Art.
He then studied at the Ontario College
of Art for four years, three of
them spent in Toronto and one in
Florence, Italy.
Nonewhere will continue until
October 21, at A Source of Art
Gallery. Vernissage is Saturday,
October 14, from 2-6 p.m. For more
information please phone the
gallery at 238-5908.
David Rose is away.
Cryptic Crossword will
return next month
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October 6, 1995 Glebe Report-17