Michael ManChoi Chow, Photographer news and updates
'Liminal' at Homer Watson House & Gallery opens Dec 4
Being in the liminal space between familiar and uncharted territory can provoke fear of the unknown. Or it may lead to new possibilities otherwise overlooked. Two years of uncertainty, chaos, and the stress of reorienting, coping with a pandemic have brought this home. Being face to face with our inner fears about who we are, our strengths and vulnerabilities, even survival, can cause us to question the core of our identities, and doubt life’s meaning and purpose. Having time to be retrospective about my art from the past few years, liminality emerges as a unifying theme, congruent with my personal conviction to cross thresholds that lead to life beyond what is familiar.
‘Acceptance’, 10.5x34.5 framed (on canvas), $395
‘The Other Side’, 20x25 framed, $550
Homer Watson House & Gallery Exhibition: Liminal
Just brought all my art to Homer Watson Gallery to be exhibited in the upcoming special year end show. ‘Liminal’ is my solo exhibition, and I am honoured to be a guest artist among the talented instructors at Homer Watson. Exhibition opens Saturday, Dec 4 and will continue until Jan 9, 2022. Will post more as the show is ready for visitors. Appreciation to Tabatha Watson, Director & Curator, and Ralf Wall, artist and staff, for their support to make this exhibition possible.
‘Rooted’, 18x23 framed, $475
Being in person at a show is so lifegiving
For the first time in almost 2 years, the ArtsPay Annual Show was an in person experience that was memorable and exciting. Thanks to all those who stopped by, chatted and showed appreciation for my art. Especially appreciative to those who took home cards, prints and framed art.
Of particular interest was ‘All In’, telling the story of ice fishers at Bannister Lake, between Ayr and Paris, ON off Highway 24A. I learned a lot about the patient art of ice fishing, and someone told me that the scene reminded her of home in Newfoundland so she wanted to send a print to her mom who is “away”.
If I doubted the power of art, I was reassured of the way art connects.
‘All In’ - the art of ice fishing at Bannister Lake, Paris ON, Canada
ArtsPay Annual Show Nov 12-14
Come by this weekend to 660 Belmont Ave West, Belmont Village, for a wonderful exhibition from 26 local artists, and stop by shops and villages with special vouchers. Chef D will also provide seasonal beverages and special treats.
"Vision" Uptown Gallery Waterloo Begins August 17
Uptown Gallery Waterloo, Tuesday to Sunday, 12 - 4 pm
“Vision” is a new exhibition at UpTown Gallery featuring recent works by ManChoi Chow, Mary Lou Hiller and Julie Krahule.
Tuesday, August 17 until Sunday, September 19
‘My art is my vision of life, incorporating photography and my experiences as a spiritual care and therapy practitioner.”
In this exhibition, “Vision”, he offers glimpses of his efforts to make sense of life, especially during liminal moments of uncertainty, and to connect with fellow sojourners in life who seek meaning, purpose and fulfillment.
Celebraing Earth Day 2021
In the midst of chaos, disorder and unpredictability, I find it difficult to see the wonder and beauty of what is right in front of me, so I am grateful for Earth Day to make me pause, think and appreciate nature’s wondrous embrace, and know I am part of this awesome wonder!
"Look at the World"
Look at what’s beautiful around us, especially now that Spring has sprung, untouched by a pandemic. In fact, perhaps the “pause” in our usual routines have opened our eyes wider!
Look at the World is a labour of love by Kim Nikkel, a friend and choral director, created in the depths of a pandemic, pulling together months of recording, editing and toil that features music by John Rutter, performed (remotely and apart) by choirs she conducts. Rutter’s music is enhanced by video images from her nephew, Caden, and stills by ManChoi Chow. A few minutes of refreshment and lightness for you .
Homage to resilience
On the 3rd anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in Saskatchewan, Canada, when 16 young hockey players died, I post this dedication to the resilience, courage and strength of the human spirit, “Shine through the Darkness”.
Shine through the Darkness
For Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
Dwelling Place
Dwelling Place
To feel at home, to know one belongs, to have a place of refuge is central to human well-being. Without a sense of "home", most of us feel restless, perhaps even unsafe. Our “dwelling place” needs not be physical; often it is a treasured memory, or a picture that brings on that feeling of being “at home”, or someone you love, or …..
Treasure your dwelling place!
Liminal
“What is that, ‘liminal’?”, Bonnie asked.
Well, it’s a good word to describe where we are at in this fight for survival against Covid 19. Feeling uncertain, even panicky, yearning safety, pulling back, feeling trapped, out of control, powerless, reaching for something to hold on to. That’s liminal!
‘Afterward’