Gayle Kells

Based in Ottawa, artist Gayle Kells uses a variety of media to examine issues relating to identity and environment. Her “dress paintings” use the image of the dress as a starting point to reflect on identity issues such as time, place, and memory relating to the female body. Richly textured and finely nuanced, the paintings draw attention to the dress as an object of adornment and ambivalence, evoking both positive and negative emotions. Her finely penned ink drawings evoke imagery of fauna and flora, incorporating rhythmic patterns reminiscent of tapestry and other embroidery techniques. Kells’ pensive drawings evolve organically on paper, offering a meditation on the beauty and demise of the natural world. Her latest series of paintings entitled Nowhere to go was created during the coronavirus lockdown in the Spring of 2020. Vibrant, energetic, and full of life, Nowhere to go provides an uplifting counterpoint to the dread and isolation imposed by the pandemic.

Kells completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Ottawa.  She has received grants from the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Arts Council. She has exhibited in many group and solo exhibitions throughout North America and her work is held in private and public collections including the City of Ottawa’s Fine Art Collection.  She has been a member of the Enriched Bread Artists studios in Ottawa for over 20 years.

Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present GAYLE KELLS: ROOTED IN TIME in our Gallery II from May 26 to July 2, 2021.

 

 

See more works by Gayle Kells on our Virtual Gallery