Since artists never stop creating, some new exhibits are showing work made during the pandemic.
And while there is no match for looking at art in person, those of us at home who love art
can use the internet to choose from an array of interesting virtual options in locales all over the globe.
Thank you for making time in your day to view this new exhibition.
Stay safe, wear your masks, for the end of the pandemic is nigh and thank you for getting vaccinated.
Octagon Gallery Curator, Nancy Nixon Ensign, 2021
And while there is no match for looking at art in person, those of us at home who love art
can use the internet to choose from an array of interesting virtual options in locales all over the globe.
Thank you for making time in your day to view this new exhibition.
Stay safe, wear your masks, for the end of the pandemic is nigh and thank you for getting vaccinated.
Octagon Gallery Curator, Nancy Nixon Ensign, 2021
In 2002, a year after I had moved back to my hometown of Westfield, NY I was offered a solo exhibition by then retiring curator, Sharon Gollnitz. Since then, I was hired as curator in 2002. I had the recent opportunity to install my pandemic inspired works into a virtual exhibition. Before Covid19 my husband and I shared our love of travel and nature which inspired and influenced my work. This year I looked inward through my time in quarantine and my studio provided me space for reflection and daydreaming. Creative studio work is appetizing for me as I am highly introverted. Experiencing isolation and solitude during the pandemic, I found the appeal of assemblage of classical figures or decorative elements onto my sparse landscapes as a way to convey a story. I try to create serene and compelling paintings to affect mood and emotion during a time where our wellbeing is our priority. Thank you for visiting this online virtual gallery and I hope you enjoy my new body of work that I navigated through the pandemic. If you are interested in purchasing an original painting or print please contact me at [email protected]
Please stop by Portage Hill Gallery to see more of my work at 6439 Portage Rd, Westfield, NY 14787
Many Thanks,
Nancy
Please stop by Portage Hill Gallery to see more of my work at 6439 Portage Rd, Westfield, NY 14787
Many Thanks,
Nancy
My studio overlooks our backyard garden where I have the opportunity to watch the seasons unfold and observe the passage of nature.
|
|
|
|
A proper studio space is pertinent to the artist's work flow. Living with art can bring sophistication, romance and warmth to your home. Embrace time at home and create an inviting haven with art . I hope my abstract landscapes uplift the viewer to a pleasant escape from everyday life concerns. |
Curator at work
|
Art biographies, reference books, materials and technique books, inspirational images, décor magazines, 1,000 CD's of every genre of music from Puccini to French Techno, photos of family and friends, and of course my own paintings installed on the walls before the go to their new home. Five desks, three comfortable chairs, three easels, seven plants, multiple mediums, drawing and pastel papers, blank canvas of every size, frames galore, digital camera, laptop, and stereo. This room holds my most favorite things. Watching the sunrise or sunset from within, deer, turkey, bear and of course, dog, frolic the grounds looking for flora to forage. Quiet and calm or rocking and wild, my studio creations evolve in every way, day, month, and year.
My paintings call to the viewer to live the stories within.
My paintings call to the viewer to live the stories within.
Most recently I created "Dread", an assemblage art piece, for the Erie Museum Spring Show in 2021.
Gold Framed Mixed Media with moss, carved resin body, and collage on board, 15 x 18 , $700
I reflected to years living in New York City, imagining my existence as I fearfully breathed in crowded spaces during this pandemic. Now, as Covid19 numbers grow, there is no assurance that rural life will protect me. In a post- apocalyptic world that we never thought possible in this era of modern medicine, death reigns. “Dread” leaves us with the nightmare that our efforts to protect our loved ones and ourselves may be futile in the end.
Gold Framed Mixed Media with moss, carved resin body, and collage on board, 15 x 18 , $700
I reflected to years living in New York City, imagining my existence as I fearfully breathed in crowded spaces during this pandemic. Now, as Covid19 numbers grow, there is no assurance that rural life will protect me. In a post- apocalyptic world that we never thought possible in this era of modern medicine, death reigns. “Dread” leaves us with the nightmare that our efforts to protect our loved ones and ourselves may be futile in the end.
|
A Balance of Carefulness and Craziness
15" x 18" x 3" Gold Framed Mixed Media assemblage under glass, $700 In 1994, I studied Byzantine iconography at the School of Sacred Arts in New York City and became enthralled with divine representations. Using art techniques of the 14th century, I sought to create works that reflected my emotional response to global suffering utilizing religious imagery in a personal plea for spiritual help. Covid 19 (has crept its way across the globe for just over a year, resulting in 92.3 million cases and 1.98 million deaths as of January 14, 2021. It) touches everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, race, gender differences, or sexual orientations. Leaders of world religions have altered long-standing religious practices to avoid its spread. The loss of lives requires more effort than prayers. We have to find a balance between carelessness and madness. We know how to keep the virus from spreading. We also need to ensure that we prevent fear from infecting our minds. Acts of kindness, meditation, staying connected, and encouraging goodness can help us survive this pandemic and find peace in our mind, body, and spirit. Today, I received my first MODERNA Vaccination, what a private thrilling experience. May the rest of the public get their vaccination, so we can all rest in comfort knowing our family and friends will be safe from further exposure and sickness. |
|
The Next Step in Human Evolution
Mixed media, moss, gas base, carved resin body, 24" tall, $700. This sculpture was in the Annual Erie Spring Show, 2020. I had a chance to live on Chautauqua Lake over many summers, and when I moved back to the area I couldn't help but notice the changes in our beautiful two lakes. I have watched both lakes suffer biological effects from massive algae, invasive species, and waterborne micro plastics. Man-made damage to our magical lakes is evident today as we try to protect what's left. Eventually we have to make changes in our lifestyles before it is all lost to us. This sculpture is dedicated to the increasing numbers of invasive plants taking over our "lakesapes". |
|
Blue Couch Therapy
Framed 18 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas with Collage, $500 I feel our attention and connection to our lakes is impertinent to rectify their failing health. To enjoy their beauty is not just assurance that they will flourish, but education and awareness of the biological harms prevents further damage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar9C2PA9-Bo&ab_channel=RelaxingWhiteNoise |
Social Distancing with the Neighbors
Framed under glass, acrylic, ink and collage on canvas, 8 x 12, $450
I once loved the idea of socializing with friends and neighbors, but immense fear of contracting COVID19 as an asthmatic brought the communal gathering to a complete halt. This piece represents my fear of socializing with friends or neighbors.
Framed under glass, acrylic, ink and collage on canvas, 8 x 12, $450
I once loved the idea of socializing with friends and neighbors, but immense fear of contracting COVID19 as an asthmatic brought the communal gathering to a complete halt. This piece represents my fear of socializing with friends or neighbors.
|
Talk me Off the Cliff
Framed acrylic and collage on canvas, 11 x 17, $450 I felt at odds with the world during this time. People refusing to wear masks against better judgment and WHO advice. It took a long time for me to leave my home without my nerves shaking me to the core. Even those who have never experienced anxiety or depression may see a change in their emotions during this time. There are increased feelings of anxiety resulting from the unknown. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5iD3mdLDo&ab_channel=RelaxingRecords-StudyMusicforConcentration |
Taking the Last Boat Out
Framed acrylic on canvas with collage, 11 x 14, $450
One of my favorite novels is Boccaccio's "Decameron" composed around 1350. When reading it for the first time in 1988 I tried to imagine just how horrible my world would have to become where I would want to shelter in seclusion. This book tells a story of a group of ten young people who flee the plague-ravaged city for the Tuscan countryside, where they bide the time telling 100 short tales over the course of their pastoral retreat. Yet in the light of the Covid19 pandemic, I realize how frightening feasible the notion is today. My painting depicts the feeling of flight from my surroundings for a wonderful and safe retreat filled with heavy drinking and merry-making.
Framed acrylic on canvas with collage, 11 x 14, $450
One of my favorite novels is Boccaccio's "Decameron" composed around 1350. When reading it for the first time in 1988 I tried to imagine just how horrible my world would have to become where I would want to shelter in seclusion. This book tells a story of a group of ten young people who flee the plague-ravaged city for the Tuscan countryside, where they bide the time telling 100 short tales over the course of their pastoral retreat. Yet in the light of the Covid19 pandemic, I realize how frightening feasible the notion is today. My painting depicts the feeling of flight from my surroundings for a wonderful and safe retreat filled with heavy drinking and merry-making.
|
The Moroccan Horse Bride
Framed acrylic and ink on canvas with collage,14 x 17, $500 Growing up in a family of six we had many horses to keep us busy and responsible. I had my first horse when I was five and went to a horse camp at nine. For a young girl especially, there is a mystical bond with a horse. Caring for this large lovely beast creates a wonderful bond. There were days over this year when I especially missed the opportunity to ride away from it all. |
The Picnic
Framed Acrylic, ink and collage on canvas, 11 x 14, $450
Eating alone during the pandemic has become the norm for most of us. Moreover sharing a meal with a beloved pet is a wonderful way to experience nature in remote areas to relieve Covid19 tension.
Framed Acrylic, ink and collage on canvas, 11 x 14, $450
Eating alone during the pandemic has become the norm for most of us. Moreover sharing a meal with a beloved pet is a wonderful way to experience nature in remote areas to relieve Covid19 tension.
They Came Without their Riders
Acrylic on Canvas, 18 x 24, $600
"We had all these crazy ways to get back to the United States and every single one of them canceled. The World Health Organization had just announced that Europe had become the epicenter of the pandemic, and with more than 3,600 cases reported in France, the prime minister ordered all nonessential public places to close the following day at midnight. “Every day things were shutting down … you could feel it coming. It was unnerving.” www.washingtonpost.com
Acrylic on Canvas, 18 x 24, $600
"We had all these crazy ways to get back to the United States and every single one of them canceled. The World Health Organization had just announced that Europe had become the epicenter of the pandemic, and with more than 3,600 cases reported in France, the prime minister ordered all nonessential public places to close the following day at midnight. “Every day things were shutting down … you could feel it coming. It was unnerving.” www.washingtonpost.com
The Funeral Procession
Framed acrylic with ink and collage on canvas, 11 x 18, $450
The pandemic is changing how we say goodbye. Burials without funerals, grief without hugs, limited mourners, private service excluding friends, community members, colleagues, and postponing the celebrations of life. While some people are choosing to wait until the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down to hold their celebrations of life, other people are embracing alternative ceremonies, including live-streamed, and drive-by services. https://www.gwic.com/
Framed acrylic with ink and collage on canvas, 11 x 18, $450
The pandemic is changing how we say goodbye. Burials without funerals, grief without hugs, limited mourners, private service excluding friends, community members, colleagues, and postponing the celebrations of life. While some people are choosing to wait until the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down to hold their celebrations of life, other people are embracing alternative ceremonies, including live-streamed, and drive-by services. https://www.gwic.com/
The Weaving Maiden
Acrylic on canvas with collage, 18 x 24, $600
We have all experienced that phenomenon when we completely lose track of time and our awareness of what’s going on around us diminishes. Being engrossed in a creative project temporarily allows us to stop worrying about the future or dwell on the past. Creating something for others and ourselves also helps our sense of self-efficacy, or the belief in our own abilities. https://www.cnbc.com/
Acrylic on canvas with collage, 18 x 24, $600
We have all experienced that phenomenon when we completely lose track of time and our awareness of what’s going on around us diminishes. Being engrossed in a creative project temporarily allows us to stop worrying about the future or dwell on the past. Creating something for others and ourselves also helps our sense of self-efficacy, or the belief in our own abilities. https://www.cnbc.com/
Mowing Season
unframed Acrylic, ink on canvas with collage, 11 x 14, $450
For small farms surviving the pandemic, coops are a lifeline. Restaurants and farmer's markets shut down. Since the pandemic disrupted agriculture supply chains and changed how most Americans eat, a number of small farms around the country have been working collaboratively. The co-op knows what farmers are going to need to survive, and they want the farmers to survive—because they are the farmers. https://civileats.com/
unframed Acrylic, ink on canvas with collage, 11 x 14, $450
For small farms surviving the pandemic, coops are a lifeline. Restaurants and farmer's markets shut down. Since the pandemic disrupted agriculture supply chains and changed how most Americans eat, a number of small farms around the country have been working collaboratively. The co-op knows what farmers are going to need to survive, and they want the farmers to survive—because they are the farmers. https://civileats.com/
|
She Left without Notice
Framed acrylic on canvas with collage, $450 The gender effects of the COVID-19 crisis highlight the uneven progress toward gender equality. Women are more vulnerable to Covid19 related economic effects. Women have 54 percent of global jobs in accommodations and food service, which are among the sectors worst affected by the crisis; 43 percent of jobs in retail and wholesale trade; and 46 percent in other services, including the arts, recreation, and public administration. https://www.mckinsey.com |
It's all Gone, SOLD
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide. It presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year. https://www.who.int/ |
Bride of the Beekeeper, SOLD
Here are a few easy ways you can help #BeeTheSolution. Plant a Bee Garden, Go Chemical-Free for Bees, Become a Citizen Scientist, Provide Trees for Bees, Create a Bee Bath, Build Homes for Native Bees, Give Beehives and Native Bee Homes, Teach Tomorrow's Bee Stewards. |
The Summer Guests Framed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, 11 x 14, $450 Keep it small, stay outdoors, and keep your distance |
Lord Byron on the Moor
Matted archival print with collage, 14 x 11 , $180 I watched thee when the fever glazed thine eyes, Yielding my couch and stretched me on the ground When overworn with watching, ne’er to rise From thence if thou an early grave hadst found. http://www.mykeep.com/lordbyron/loveanddeath.html |
Return of the Beekeeper Bride
Matted archival print with ink and collage, $180 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiiDT_XoZls&ab_channel=RelaxingSoundsOfNature |
Emma
Framed acrylic on canvas with collage, 15 x 18, $450 "Without music, life would be a blank to me." https://bookroo.com/ |
Moving Day
Framed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, $450 A quarter (25%) of Americans who moved in 2020 did it because of the pandemic Around 35% of COVID-forced moves were out of financial hardship Nearly one-third of those who moved because of COVID did so to look after family As the pandemic hit in the spring and summer, 30% more Americans moved in the fall in 2019 https://www.hireahelper.com/ |
Days of Turmoil, Portage Hill Gallery, 8 x 8, 326-4478
A total of 36% of respondents moved to somewhere with fewer COVID-19 cases 35% were forced to move due to loss of job or income due to COVID-19 31% moved to either shelter-in-place with family or to care for family members 28% moved because they started working from home https://www.hireahelper.com/ |
The Blue Nest
Framed canvas with ink and collage, $450 During quarantine I was my able to enjoy full days to paint, read and garden. Mindful meditation to nature and all it has to offer. https://www.youtube.com/ |
The Beach Sisters
NFS, this painting is dedicated to my nieces Alexandra Policay O'Donnell and Rachel Policay. All beach lovers watch the white capped waves crash on the sand bringing a great sense of during these tumultuous times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHPEKLQID4U&ab_channel=RelaxingWhiteNoise |
Canyon Princess
Archival matted print with ink and collage, 11 x 14, $180 The UK Royals typical duties of visiting charities, opening bridges, and greeting the public was strictly off-limits given current social distancing recommendations, so they were creative with how they connect with the public. Her Majesty The Queen addressed the UK and the Commonwealth in a special broadcast recorded at Windsor Castle with a poignant message. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/ |
The Last Crop before the Storm
Archival matted print, 11 x 14, with ink and collage, $180 The widespread destruction of fresh food — at a time when many Americans are hurting financially and millions are suddenly out of work — is an especially dystopian turn of events, even by the standards of a global pandemic. In Wisconsin and Ohio, farmers are dumping thousands of gallons of fresh milk into lagoons and manure pits. An Idaho farmer has dug huge ditches to bury 1 million pounds of onions. The closing of restaurants, hotels and schools has left some farmers with no buyers for more than half their crops. https://www.nytimes.com/ |
Jane Eyre
Framed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, 18 x 24, $450 Jayne Eyre is a strong feminist symbol, arguing through the whole novel that women should be free to fulfill their desires, express their true natures, and chart their own destinies. https://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/ |
To the Lighthouse
unframed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, 8 x 10, $300 “So fine was the morning except for a streak of wind here and there that the sea and sky looked all one fabric, as if sails were stuck high up in the sky, or the clouds had dropped down into the sea.” Virginia Woolf |
|
The Virtual Classroom
Framed acrylic, ink and collage on canvas, 11 x 17, $450 Harvard University opened up their digital course library to aid improvement during the lockdown. Over 180 courses are available, ranging from disciplines such as humanities to health and medicine. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ |
|
Home Alone Acrylic on Canvas, 36 x 36, $600 Humans are social animals who absolutely depend on connection for emotional health. Talking with friends and family about your fears can help put them in perspective and help relieve your worries. It is important to stay informed but limit your exposure to the 24-hour news cycle and social media. Take the initiative to reach out to friends and family daily, be deliberate about what you eat and how you’re moving, throw yourself into meaningful activities, and speak with a therapist if needed. https://www.verywellmind.com/ |
I am one of the last people that went on vacation
Framed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, 11 x 14, $450
"The U.S. Embassy kept saying, ‘If you don’t get on this flight, we don’t know when the next one will be and you will be stuck here. " www.washingtonpost.com
Framed acrylic on canvas with ink and collage, 11 x 14, $450
"The U.S. Embassy kept saying, ‘If you don’t get on this flight, we don’t know when the next one will be and you will be stuck here. " www.washingtonpost.com
|
Social Distancing Beach Vacation
Framed acrylic , ink, and collage on canvas, 11 x 14, $450 U.S. vacation destinations were announcing unprecedented closures .Travelers all over the world were forced to abandon vacations, honeymoons, bachelor parties and study abroad programs the week the novel coronavirus shut the world down. Trips that started with whispers of a faraway threat came to a sudden end as countries went into lockdown; airlines canceled flights and borders closed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ |
|
There aren’t any other people that I’d rather be with at the end of the world than you.
Acrylic on WC paper with collage, 11 x 17, $250 Quality of time is so different from quantity of time. Couples who want a deeper, richer connection need to invest in getting curious about one another. Not only in how their partner is spending their day, but truly searching for what makes them smile, blossom, feel moved, or hungry for life. We get lost in just moving through life and, in turn, our relationship without the ability to slow down and have deep intentionality about the 'how' we are connecting gets lost in the shuffle. www.verywellmind.com |
Upcoming Annual Art Trail and Hubs
Memorial Day Weekend May 29 & 30 at Kniti Griti Works, 42 Rosalyn Ct, Fredonia, NY
Labor Day Weekend September 4 & 5 at Kniti Griti Works, 42 Rosalyn Ct., Fredonia, NY
Upcoming novelties during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends
Art book and EBook with prose and artwork TBD
Laminated placemats 11" x 17 "
Art pillows, art cards sets, hand painted scarves
Solo EXHIBITIONS
1991/1992/1993 Hodge School, Cleveland, OH
1994 Cuban Sandwich Show, Tampa, FL
1994 Bettina's Gallery, Tampa, FL
1997 Nude Nite, Orlando, FL
1998 Florida Artists Gallery, Orlando, FL
2001 Octagon Gallery, Westfield, NY
2006 Olean Art Center, Olean, NY
2008 Wine and Art Trail, Quincy Cellars, Ripley, NY
2009 Intermezzo, Fredonia, NY
2010 EBC , Fredonia, NY
2021 Octagon Gallery, Westfield, NY
2021 Edgewood Gallery, Syracuse NY
Group Exhibitions and Art Trails
2007 - 2019 Erie/ Fredonia/ Jamestown/ Ripley/ Westfield
White Inn, EBC, Gable House
Quincy Wine Cellars
Sensory Wine and Art Gallery
Kasia Coffee House
Octagon Gallery NSAA Art Trail Artists and Members Exhibition2007-2021
Erie Museum Spring Shows- 5 years accepted
Glass Growers
Women Create exhibitions 2017/2018
LSCFA
Adams Art Gallery 2010 & 2018
Wild America Art Show
Art Trail Artist 2008, 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013, 2016,2017,2018, 2019,2020,2021
Collections
Sandra Hurd and Dr. Joel Potash, Syracuse, NY
Cherie and Troy Smith, Dewittville, NY
Peter and Janet Nixon, Cornelius, NC
Gallery Representation
Portage Hill Gallery, Westfield, NY
Memberships
North Shore Arts Alliance Founding member since 2008
North Shore Arts Alliance Art Trail Coordinator 20016/2017
North Shore Arts Alliance Exhibition Chair 2017-2021
North Shore Arts Alliance Vice President 2017-2021
website and videos
http://www.https://nixonensign.weebly.com
