DESIRÉE DECOSTE & JASON PARKS

STAFF WRITERS

Whether they came seeking sculpture, aiming for acrylic, obtaining works in oil or just to have connection with some of Prince Edward County’s premier artists, the point is they came.

Back after a COVID-19 induced interruption, the 2021 Prince Edward County Studio and its multitude of open studios and engaging artists helped remind us all there will be light at the end of the dark coronavirus cavern and light’s reflection on matter is where inspiration is realized.

A HAPPY RETURN
Formerly based in the County, Indra Dosanjh returned this weekend to take part in the 2021 Studio Tour. (Desirée Decoste/Gazette Staff)

Sculptor Tom Ashbourne said the inter connection between patrons this weekend helped create a collegial feel that will help sustain during a time when sunlight-and visitors- come at a premium.

“I think it’s really fantastic and really important that we had a studio tour for all of the artists and myself,” Ashbourne told the Gazette inside his Wellington area studio. “Nobody works in a vacuum and artists more than other people tend to get a lot of energy from people coming to visit so it’s really important.” “For us it’s really important, and the other thing is that traditionally during the winter months things are a little slower for artists so getting a bit of some sales and some cash infusion and I know were only suppose to do it for a few arts but everybody would like to have that affirmation and also a little extra cash at Christmas, it comes in handy.”

Indra Dosanjh was one of the guest artists featured in the 2021 edition and excited to return to Prince Edward County and see some familiar faces. Dosanjh, whose work is described as “an exploration of the familiar expressed in the abstract” lived in Prince Edward County for a few years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My studio practice was interrupted and while people moved to the country, I moved to the city and was there to support my daughters and grandchildren,” Dosanjh said. “Coming here as a guest artist is a new experience because I’ve hosted guest artists myself when I had my studio.”

Dosanjh admitted she was very reticent to be a part of the 2021 tour during this summer’s planning stages however” being here now is a joy.” “It’s connected me back with my art work, because I am now looking at my next place and getting back to the new normal, so this is just a perfect gift, and I didn’t know that’s how I would feel, but being here that’s how I feel,” she added.

Dosanjh was exhibiting her work at Heather Kerr’s Cherry Valley studio. Kerr said about being at part of the Tour “It’s been so long since we’ve been able to show our work and it was so disappointing last year to have the tour cancelled.”

“I really think people are craving art and craving to see it live so it’s just a pleasure to have people come and see my work, explain my creative process and answer their questions. There is a real thirst for creativity right now. It’s also really fun to share my studio because I built this and moved here in March 2020 when everything was in lockdown so I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to share it so that’s been really fun.”

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