Gone Forever: Solo Exhibit by Carol Walthers
Carol works primarily in watercolour, pastels, and oils, creating pieces that explore humanity's connection with the natural world and each other.
Overview
The public is invited to the opening reception on October 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to meet the artist and experience her work firsthand. Artist's remarks will be delivered at 2:30 pm. This event is generously supported by Château des Charmes, providing an assortment of fine wines.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Gone Forever" reflects the irrevocable loss of prime farmland, wetlands, and wildlife habitats due to the relentless encroachment of industry and urban expansion. Can we still protect our clean groundwater and ensure our air remains safe to breathe? I believe we possess an inherent awareness that our essential resources, crucial for our survival, must be preserved for future generations.
In my work, I envision the crisp, clean taste of water, ponds teeming with life, burrowing creatures in their dens, and fruitful working farms. I celebrate the bountiful harvests that sustain us and marvel at the fragile wetland ecosystems with their diverse inhabitants. This beauty stands in stark contrast to the stark reality of destruction caused by industrial activities.
Eight paintings depict the critical flow of groundwater in a chronological narrative of degradation. A series of paintings on our bountiful harvests evoke a sense of abundance. Additionally, several paintings highlight wetlands, seen simultaneously from above and below, linking two worlds and emphasizing the idea that our existence is intrinsically connected to these ecosystems. Colourful, whimsically abstract works are created on mulberry paper using a wax resist method. Soft watercolour washes blend seamlessly with bright, contrasting shapes to craft vivid scenes. I explore various planes of existence—whether underground, underwater, or from above as if flying. Fruit hangs in the air, defying gravity, and crops reach up to the sky, inviting viewers to abandon preconceived notions of appearance in favour of essence.
As a descendant of pioneers, artists, and farmers from Southern Ontario, I share a deep connection with the province. Each piece in this collection is inspired by my personal experiences, capturing scenes from the Waterloo region, Kawartha Lakes, and rural Ontario. The narratives are shaped by my interactions with neighbors, farmers, and environmental advocates. The works evoke memories from of enjoying leisurely Sunday drives through the countryside, and spending contemplative moments appreciating the beauty of our lakes, ponds, plants, and wildlife.