Toronto artist brings her "good.dog." show to Victoria Park Gallery

Nadia Crisante Rochon tries to answer the question, "What makes a good dog, good?" with her new show, featured at the Victoria Park Gallery in downtown Kincardine, through the month of April.

Titled "good.dog." the exhibit is a series of drawings of a dog, but the animal's face is never fully visible.

"The work becomes somewhat metaphysical, an exercise in volume and perspective," says Rochon. "The works are each titled rather ironically, and the viewer can judge for himself whether this 'good.dog.' is truly good."

She says the inspiration for the show came from the very ordinary experience of having a pet.

"This dog has a particularly 'drawable' coat - highly linear and textured - it was very visually appealing," she says. "This dog also had a mind of its own; it was a reluctant model at best and wouldn't take instruction well. The drawings, and their titles, reflect this."

Rochon lives in Toronto and has been a cottager in the Kingsbridge area for the past 10 years, This is her second show at the Victoria Park Gallery. Previously, she showed a series of photographs in August, 2013. "This is a beautiful, stately building and a great space."

She has always been interested in fine art and was fortunate to have two very inspiring art teachers in high school. Artists themselves, their program was exceptional, she says, "They nominated me for the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) Studio School program and I was there for two years."

Rochon went on to study at the University of Toronto, Trinity College; a varied course of study that included fine arts. She is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School.

"I'm motivated and inspired as an artist by my surroundings," she says. "So much of all that is around us is simply ordinary, and lovely. And beyond our own immediate little worlds, we live in an extraordinarily beautiful country."

She says the creative process has always been refreshing and relaxing for her, a form of active rest. "I have worked in almost all the different media, but pencil drawing is my favourite. It's classic, timeless, completely portable."

Rochon describes her style as "modern realism." "My goal as an artist is to stay active and relevant in the creative process. I believe every artist wants to connect with the viewer, and eventually offer a challenge."

Also new to the Victoria Park Gallery, is a display of wearable art by Lise Pomeroy.

The gallery is located in the Kincardine Arts Centre in downtown Kincardine, Its summer hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Noon to 3 p.m.

For more information, check the website at www.vpgallerykincardine.com