REGAN X CHRISTA

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REGAN X CHRISTA, 2021

REGAN X CHRISTA

New works by Regan Johnston and Christa Rijneveld

All paintings subject to pre-sale. Opening reception, Saturday, September 25 from 1 - 3 pm. Artists' in attendance.

REGAN JOHNSTON

My paintings begin with a moment that inspires me, whether I'm climbing a mountain to a dramatic landscape or when I see interesting light coming through the trees. Nature is my main inspiration. I love how, if you look for it, you can find the most beautiful abstract lines and shapes that flow together so perfectly. Once I'm inspired I create the composition, and this is the most important aspect of my process. I'll spend time detailing my composition by doing different sketches of the idea, always thinking of the light source and how I'll bring depth to the painting. If the composition isn't right then it doesn't matter what I do to the painting; it won't work.

I try to convey a mood or feeling with my work. I'm not trying to showcase any particular animal or landscape but a moment that is special to me. Although my works are detailed, I find the detail is the least important aspect of my painting. I want people to see my pieces and feel like they are seeing something for the first time. I want to create something I feel is different while being true to what exists in nature.

Conservation is important to me and this is another aspect I bring to my work. Through my paintings, I’m trying to raise awareness with my art to protect wildlife and the places they call home. Our planet is changing and there are so many small changes happening alongside the obvious ones that I'm trying to capture with my work.

It hasn't been that long since I first picked up a paint brush and decided to pursue my fine art career, and I've never been happier. With every piece I'm finding out more about the direction I want to pursue. I find myself drawn to creating big pieces. Every painting is a challenge and I will continue to keep pushing myself and my ideas.

CHRISTA RIJNEVELD

I grew up on a Dutch dairy farm drawing at the kitchen table. From early on, I loved spending most of my time creating new realities. At the age of eighteen I applied to art school, and didn't get in. Young as I was, I felt defeated and gave up on the idea of becoming an artist. I wouldn't touch any art supplies for years after that. I studied literature and started travelling because of my modelling job. In 2015 I decided to leave my life in Europe behind and move to a small town in British Columbia, Canada. The hustle and bustle was replaced by the beauty and stillness of the scenery: the Rocky Mountains. It was something I had never experienced before.

Not long after the move I started drawing again. Only after I started I realized how much I had missed it. Doodling was something I could do to get out of my own head. A meditative hobby soon turned into something I wanted to do all the time.

I never considered myself to be creatively gifted, but I’m meticulous and patient, so I work with that. I trust that discipline can be just as an important tool as talent, and over time, with consistant work, I’ll acquire the skills to get better and better at what I do. For me, creating art is as much about the process as the end result. I don’t care about the quickest way to make something; I put in the work, and lose myself in it, until I get to the desired, but imperfect, end result. 

I’m greatly inspired by the mountains I see around me. They have soft curves and sharp edges. The layers and shapes intrigue me. On the one hand a mountain can take me to the most beautiful place imaginable, while on the other hand possibly causing danger. I like the metaphor of the mountain; how hard it is to get up it, and how rewarding the journey can be. In a simplistic way I try to convey how I see mountains. With lines and dots I create movement and intricacy in these contemporary landscapes.