By Liana Ragheb
Within the brushstrokes of an abstract painting lie the words “You are beautiful you are perfect just the way you are.”
This six-by-five-foot painting called “Hidden Around the Corner” is just one of the pieces from Ryan Keur’s recent collection.
The local artist, who prefers to be called Joa, (pronounced Joe-wah) has his paintings on display until April 30th at Shanghai restaurant on Somerset Street.
The 45-year-old artist hopes people will embark on journey of self-discovery through his paintings.
Joa says if people can relate to his art, perhaps “it [will make] them think a bit more about life values and maybe feelings of gratitude and humility.”
Joa says he drew inspiration for his collection, which is entitled Co-Creation, from a spiritual energy he calls “Deva.” Deva refers to a god or divine being.
“There’s an energy like between the soil and the seed,” he explains. “It’s the one that says to the minerals that you can connect with the seed and create this manifestation process.” That energy is called the co-creator, he says.
Co-creative science is the result of Machaelle Wright’s research. The now accomplished author began a nature research centre in Virginia in 1976.
According to Wright’s website, “Co-creative science is the study of reality and how it works by man and nature.” It applies nature’s principles of balance to the environment, health and non-conventional gardens.
“That’s my big fascination right now,” Joa says about co-creative science.
He translated his fascination into a painting called “Bunny.” This distinctive abstract piece is marked by multi-coloured, criss-crossed brushstrokes that camouflage the underlying image.
“You got to find the bunny,” Joa says.
Joa has been painting for 15 years. His abstract collection was created with a variety of materials including acrylics, gel mediums, Chinese herbs, fabrics, threads, microchips, and graffiti markers.
The family-owned and operated Shanghai restaurant has been displaying art for 10 years. Joa found it to be a welcoming environment.
“This family is very community oriented and they’re big-time supporters of the art scene in Ottawa,” he says.
Patron Lillian Hayward dined beneath a painting called “Into the Light.” The eye-catching silver leaf in this piece captures the image of light reflecting off of water.
The painting caught Hayward’s attention. “We definitely did discuss this and decided that it looks like fish,” she says with a smile. Hayward frequents the restaurant for the food and the atmosphere.
Shanghai co-owner and family member Donald Kwan says after being in business for 34 years, it’s their way of giving back to the community.
“It gives the local talent a place to display their work.” He says that the restaurant’s customers also look forward to seeing the new art.
Joa plans to incorporate photography into his future art. But inspiration for his next collection might come from a warmer climate.
“I’m hoping to go to Hawaii in the fall for an extended stay to produce another collection and to get into a gallery over there,” he says.