My Art Exhibit With Sarah Graeme: “Moving; Through, Towards, Within.”

Deb Chaney in Free Spirit Gallery

My art exhibit with Sarah Graeme, which I mentioned in this earlier post, is off to a wonderful start. We had our opening event at Gabriola Island’s Free Spirit Gallery on Friday evening.

The Power of Collaboration

It’s been really incredible to meet Sarah and collaborate with such a young artist – and yet she’s so accomplished. She’s so focused and has won grants and awards, and has come so far so quickly, so it’s been a truly incredible experience.

Sarah and I have taken quite different paths in our art careers. I didn’t go to art school (she did) and I’ve never won a grant (she has). While I’m still kind of figuring it out, her work is so cohesive and clear, and she knows what she’s creating and why.

To be honest, I’ve always felt kind of on the “outside” of the art world. So the feeling I get from collaborating and doing a show with Sarah has given me a sense of being “inside” the art world. And in addition to that feeling of inclusiveness, one of the greatest benefits of collaborations is that you get to up your game when you work with other artists, and I love that aspect of it.

A Special Appreciation for the Gallerist

My collaboration with Sarah was arranged by Catherine Hallam, the owner of Free Spirit Gallery, and I’d just like to say how grateful I am to her. She has gone above and beyond anyone that I’ve ever worked with in terms of collaboration. 

The opening was amazing. Everyone in attendance kept saying how beautiful it looked. One comment I heard repeatedly was that it felt like light — as though energy was emitting from the walls.

There was wine — and spritzers and cherries and cheese — and it was all so tastefully done. Every time someone arrived and I could catch a few words of Catherine talking about me, I just felt so appreciated and understood and supported. It was all done in such a professional, authentic, and grounded way. There was nothing pretentious about it or anyone in attendance, and it all felt just so genuine.

I also got to learn about Catherine’s journey as an artist and gallery owner, so it’s been wonderful getting to know her and having a deeper appreciation for who she is and what she’s doing.

Catherine’s assistant Lou was also there, and she was taking photos. She took an amazing shot of my parents and me (it was amazing having them there!), as well as a pic of me with my really good friend Denise, who I was thrilled to have there.

A lot of people stopped by that, up until that point, I’d only known over the internet and never met in person. One of the other great things about having an opening is that you get to meet people face-to-face and foster these real-life connections.

Selling That First Painting

Of course, one of the purposes of an exhibit is to find a home for the artist’s work. And selling that first painting is always really exciting, and a special feeling that makes me feel truly supported.

My painting The Gold Is Deep Within was my first piece to be sold at the show. It was purchased by a collector who’s been such a support to me and my career, and I’ll write up a full blog post about her and her selection in the near future.

A Guestbook of Affirmations

Catherine put out a book for people to sign and write comments. It is full of so many kind comments about my artwork and what they felt when viewing it and what they saw in each painting. It’s fascinating to hear people’s interpretations and how deeply they understood my work — so much so, that I feel I’m on the right track. It’s such an affirmation to me as an artist and it encourages me to continue.

Exhibit Catalogue, Photos, and Video

To see all the pieces I’ve got on display in the digital catalogue. Just click the big button below to download the PDF.

For some photos from the exhibit, scroll through the slideshow below. And beneath that is a short walkthrough video of my section of the the exhibit.

Here is a short video moving; through, towards, within.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Prints of some of the pieces in the show are available in my online gallery at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.