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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-06-28, Page 14Crossroads 14 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, June 28, 2006 Woodham artist looks to nature for inspiration By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF WOODHAM — For Woodham artist Geoffrey Holdsworth, being out in the elements and making art from real life is exciting. Holdsworth, who returned to art full time in 2004 after a nine-year break when he worked in construc- tion and woodworking, recently won admittance into the American Juried Art Salon's 2006 Spring/Summer show for his oil painting "Winter Side Road," his depic- tion of a local country road after a snowstorm. He received a second place merit award in the oils and acrylics category. As is common with Holdsworth, completing the paint- ing was a long process. It began with a first rendition in graphite in the early 1990s, then with a watercolour version, followed six or seven years later by the final oil painting. Holdsworth says he discovered rather late in his artistic career the method of starting with a watercolour painting, then using oil for the final prod- uct. He says he enjoys the outdoors aspect of working on a piece of art more than he enjoys studio work. The 53 -year-old Holdsworth found himself represent- ed by a professional art dealer in London and Toronto when he graduated from H.B. Beal Art School in 1971, where his art was exhibited in group and solo shows. He credits his mentor, the late `perceptual realist' painter Jack Chambers for being a big influence on him. Other influences when he was younger were Canadian artists Alex Colville, Christopher Pratt and American Andrew Wyeth. As he paints today, Holdsworth says no artist for the last couple of decades "has really enraptured him," but he adds it's important for him as an artist to know what other artists are up to. In addition to once having a gallery in St. Marys, Holdsworth has had numerous exhibitions and received several awards over his career. While he's not affiliated with a gallery now, he says he'd like to find a dealer he can trust. He has also participated in the hensall. by. design art show and Paint Ontario at the Lambton Heritage Museum. A large part of Holdsworth's artistic process is head- ing out on journeys to find subjects. When he was younger, he says he liked southwestern Ontario land- scapes. He then grew to like scenes of mountains, the plains and prairies in Alberta, Texas and the Dakotas. Woodham artist Geoffrey Holdsworth sits before his oil painting "Winter Side Road" which recenty was exhibited in the American Juried Art Salon's 2006 Spring/Summer show. His work can be viewed at www.holdsworthstudio.com (photo/Scott Nixon) He said there is "a spirit" about such scenery that he appreciates. These days, Holdsworth finds his inspiration on trips to places such as the Badlands of South Dakota and the canyon lands of Utah. Holdsworth likes complex sub- jects and works relentlessly to make sure his colours are correct and that the details "pop up." On some paintings, he knows if he's gotten everything correct; in others, it takes someone else to tell him. There was a time when Holdsworth's art was received with controversy, such as a four by eight foot oil painting called "Jerusalem," which was successful for him, but was controversial in some religious circles, although Holdsworth said his vision was one of a peaceful Jerusalem. The painting is now part of the Charles Bronfman collection. Holdsworth said he now tries to stay away from social and political issues in his art, although it's difficult for him to resist. Holdsworth, who also makes his own frames, says he has been encouraged by his association with the American Juried Art Salon and hopes to continue a relationship with them and continue to make inroads into the U.S. market. Holdsworth has lived in Woodham with his wife Kathleen and their children Lindsay and Leigh for over 20 years, and will continue gaining inspiration from nature this summer when he makes a trip to the James Bay lowlands to the muskeg flats. Holdsworth's work can be seen on his website at www.holdsworthstudio.com Elimville resident chosen for Junior Team Canada Elimville resident 22 -year-old Chad Swance was picked by Global Vision to join their Junior Team Canada Economic Mission in August. Swance will represent southwestern Ontario, promoting agriculture and rural affairs. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF ELIMVILLE — With over 800 applicants received from over 18 cities across Canada and only 32 youth ambas- sadors chosen to represent Global Vision's Team Canada's upcoming Economic Mission to the People's Republic of China, you could say the odds may have been stacked against Elimville resident Chad Swance. But indeed his creative application submitted was enough to secure Swance a spot on the team, leaving in August. "I was shocked, excited and surprised," says 22 -year-old Swance who is studying international business at the University of Ottawa and graduating next year. Swance who has been on a couple of mission trips before will be representing "southern Ontario and also the agricultural industry in Canada" as well as rural affairs. While in China, Swance will establish foreign relations and gather contacts for busi- nesses in southern Ontario. "I chose to represent this industry because I think that's important to this region and also Canada agri- culture as a whole. Diversing their market to China would have a positive impact on the industry," says Swance. Swance, who is working for the Municipality of South Huron, has never applied for Junior Team Canada before but says it made a lot of sense for him to go for it since one day he'd like to be involved in "facilitating international trade among countries" as well as possi- bly accomplishing a masters or law degree. The process of applying for Junior Team Canada compe- tition began in February. Each potential candidate had to participate in a day long leadership course at the University of Ottawa at the beginning of April. Each person was put into teams, representing a coun- try on the Asian Pacific Economic Community (APEC). They were also given the chance to mingle with gov- ernment officials, businesses leaders, and many more. Applicants also had to build a creative profile. "I did a big collage," says Swance. "I got a bunch of pictures together that represent me and put them into a power point presentation," adds Swance. Swance also mentored about 25 first year students and assisted Global Vision in promoting their one day workshop for students. He was then called a cou- ple of days prior to finding out if he'd been picked for a telephone interview. "It's sunk in that I'm going but not how much of a privi- lege it is," says Swance. Swance leaves Aug. 3 and comes home Aug. 21. His missions trip will include Hong Kong and most likely Guangzhou, Shanghai and Zhengzhou. Swance will represent any business in southern Ontario which would like to sponsor him. In return Swance will gath- er contacts for those spon- soring him, exposing each business to the Chinese mar- ket, essentially opening doors for each side. "We're meeting with top level business officials," says Swance. "It's a really cheap invest- ment if you're interested in the Chinese market," he adds. To sponsor Swance or find out more information about his upcoming missions trip, contact him at 229-6752. "The sooner they sponsor, the better representation," says Swance. "I really want to make sure businesses in this region and Canadian Agriculture bene- fits greatly from this mis- sion," he adds.