Inspiration is the essence of art, and Vancouver Island delivers that in spades.
That’s what brought painter Chrissandra Unger back to Nanaimo after an absence of eight years, convinced that Island life would rekindle her artistic spirit – and it has.
Her artistic roots run deep. As well as a painter, she is an accomplished pianist who believes that art and music have close ties, elements of rhythm, harmony and texture being equally present in each creative facet. Colour represents melodic shape and tone, composition being primary in both.
After studying piano at London College of Music in Britain, Unger studied at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver.
Unger has a unique bas-relief style, which she developed over a number of years in her passion for experimenting, creating an extensive variety of textured materials and various mediums. The black lines that design the image protrude, giving the appearance that the piece is carved out of the board it is painted on.
Although she chooses specific themes and subject matters that are of personal interest to her, she believes the primary impact lies in her distinct technique. She travels to Italy on a regular basis to recharge her artistic energy.
“I like to switch back and forth from painting my admiration of the free flowing trees of British Columbia and my fascination and love of architecture: Italian and beautiful Vancouver,” she said.
Unger’s work will be on display at Gallery 223 from June 18-30. She will be in attendance to answer questions and discuss her techniques Saturday (June 18), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.gallery223.ca.