Michael ManChoi Chow, Photographer news and updates
Minimalism
I’ve always been drawn to the power of minimalism in art and I am devoting more energy and practice to this approach. In December, I entered an international photographic contest from The Motif Collective with that theme and today received notice of the winners. Alas, while feeling bolstered to be shortlisted—twice, I am resolved to refine and master my craft with greater conviction. There is so much fabulous work exhibited on their website and you can see them all here. My entries are near the end of those shortlisted: “All In” and “Oak Merge”.
‘All In’ garnered a great deal of interest at a recent local art exhibition (ArtsPay Annual, Kitchener, ON) hearing from many visitors fascinating memories and stories the piece engendered. It was also included in the Homer Watson exhibition, ‘Liminal’.
‘Oak Merge’ is a composite rendered as a negative that highlights the fragile, fading beauty of nature, so commonplace it is often taken for granted.
‘All In’ shortlisted by The Motif Collective international contest Minimalism, Dec 2021
‘Oak merge’ shortlisted in Minimlism international contest by The Motif Collective, Dec 2021
Winter Solstice reflection
Light and darkness; hope and despair; sadness and joy; anticipation and disappointment; it feels like we are caught on an emotional roller coaster these days. Not easy to find balance and remain optimistic, and I say to myself: “And this too shall pass!”, as I remind myself the days will be getting longer, and life does go on, even when I’m not sure what that may mean, on this day of winter solstice.
“Liminal" will be available at Homer Watson House and Gallery, Kitchener, until January 9, 2022, that includes the following pieces, “And this too shall pass” and “Between and Betwixt”.
‘And this too shall pass’, part of exhibition “Liminal” at Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener, ON Canada
‘Between & Betwixt’, part of exhibition “Liminal” now showing at Homer Watson House and Gallery, Kitchener
Homer Watson House & Gallery - Instructors Exhibition ‘Nocturne’
‘Liminal’ can be viewed now to January 9, 2022 at Homer Watson House & Gallery
Virtual show available here
Homer Watson House & Gallery - Instructors Exhibition 2021
'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 .
