Looking for something different to do this weekend? Head to “Bessy Art at the Barber” for a cool take on the whole vernissage/salon concept. Take a step back in time and head to Sam the Barber’s shop on Bank Street and check out the amazing art of local up and coming artist Bess Fraser.
“This show is based on the word Salon/a gathering, a meeting for learning and sharing ideas. I am hosting the “Salon” at the “Barber” to dress it down a little. I want people to discuss art, what they like, what they have seen and what art they themselves may have made. My art will be on display to get the discussion going.”
Sam’s shop is the perfect spot for this kind of event and frankly, it’s an original and creative take on an art event, taking out all the stuffiness that can sometimes be associated with the art scene. “I am grateful to Sam the Barber for generously lending me his shop. I just love the space because of the setting, location, lighting and what the space has been used for in the day, where people gather, chat and at the same time. BessyArt at the Barber will be all about discussion and laughter.”
While she is a creative designer for web and print, Bess has always used painting as a personal creative outlet. “My high school had a large art focus. As a young adult I went to a number of renowned galleries in Europe viewing first hand big important art. Since then, I have studied visual arts, art history, painting and a lot of figure drawing.” But it has really been in the past year that things have really taken off for her as an artist. “I gained enough confidence to paint more. Creating art and actually showing your work is pretty raw, and you are really putting yourself out there. I think musicians must feel that way about their songs. It’s kind of like putting our heart and soul on display for everyone to see.”
Her art is fresh and it is saucy. “Composition and colour have always played a role in all of my work and my work combines the two with a certain looseness of paint.”
Come and have a laugh and while you’re there, talk some art and help support a local artist this Sunday November 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00pm at the Barber, 1096 Bank.
Check out her work at www.bessyart.ca
