Plaskett Gallery @ Massey Theatre: Escape From the City by Donna Polos

May 1st to 30th
Opening Reception Thursday May 3rd 4 to 7pm

Watercolours on Paper, Canvas and Cotton

Artist Statement

In Europe, prior to the 18th Century watercolour painting was not accepted as an independent art form. It was used initially as a study for other mediums such as oil painting.

In the 1700’s, landscape painting started to become popular, as painting nature became an escape from the realities of city life.
European artists in the 1700’s found it difficult to cope with city life and to ease their stresses they started to paint landscapes in watercolour.

Artists began to visit Italy, to paint landscapes. Several artists started to paint in watercolour. The colours became more vibrant and intense. The medium began to flourish and watercolour paintings began to be hung in galleries alongside oil paintings.

In the 21st Century, I too have found city life stressful. Painting nature is an escape for me. I find inner peace by painting watercolour on paper, canvas and cotton.
As watercolour was not accepted as an art form in the past I have struggled trying to have fiber art accepted as a valid art form.

I have extended my watercolours to not just paper but watercolours on canvas and fabric.
By painting the three mediums, paper, canvas and cotton side by side, hopefully the audience will see that fibre art is art and not just craft.