It’s difficult to keep his work on their walls.
When A.J. VanDrie creates new paintings his fans want to know about it.
One of 96 member artists at the Ethel Curry Gallery, VanDrie is arguably the most popular, with a call list of 27 names, according to gallery employee Tiffany Howe.
“When his new work comes in we have to call these people to let them know he’s brought new work in,” said Howe.
VanDrie’s most recent collection, Spirit Journey, is a vibrant exhibit filled with symbolic inspired artwork, on display from now until July 27.
The artist visited the gallery during one of his recent trips to the Highlands, a place he has come to love.
A graduate of the visual arts diploma program at the Haliburton School of the Arts, VanDrie, 26, studied painting and drawing and received the highest honours.
The Canadian aboriginal artist first began exhibiting at the local gallery three years ago and has been painting for the past seven years.
A resident of Stockdale, VanDrie created the pieces in his most recent collection at his private home-based studio.
“I get my inspiration from the earth and from people,” he said of the acrylic paintings.
Featuring stark shades of blues and oranges, Spirit Journey is about something that is never permanent, said VanDrie.
Colours chosen by the artist represent deeper themes, each one important in its own way.
“I associate the blue with the spirit and the foundation of being a child. The purple is the richness of the earth. There’s multiple layers to what I think about each colour.”
The symbolic themes are repeated in the paintings, as are moments important to the artist.
VanDrie tries to create new work every couple of months. He is a member of the Quinte Arts Council and Brighton Arts Council.
For more information on the exhibit or the gallery visit www.theethelcurrygallery.com or call 704-457-9687.