GAINING GROUND
Gaining Ground
A Creative Directions Exhibition facilitated by Lesley McInally at the Satellite Project Space in London, Ontario
May 4-14, 2022
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Featured Artists: Andrea DeKay, Andrea Vuletin, Ann Randeraad, Catharina Goldnau, Catherine Thomas, Chris Snedden, D'Andrea Bowie, Darlene Pratt, Jane Paterak, Judy Morris, Kathleen Verbeek, Naila Rahim and Scott Barnim.​
"As mentor for Creative Directions, I challenged the participants to let go of their inhibitions and relearn how to simply play with materials, colours, surfaces and form. My intention was to show the students how to let go of their fears and step out of their comfort zones, allow all preconceived end goals to dissipate and begin again with fresh eyes.
In the beginning, I took a risk and introduced the book “The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron. I invited the group to work their way through a 12-week program which involved journaling, examining specific topics and tapping into a creative thought process. I had hoped this experience would allow each participant to take on the insights that spoke directly to them, awaken their senses and follow their own individual journey during lockdown. It allowed the group some guided focus during an incredibly isolating time whilst opening up the possibility of delving deeper into their practice and questioning their own perspective.
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It was an incredible experience to watch each student's journey and artistic growth. With each meeting they were able to expand and develop their ideas and skill sets, gain confidence and focus on creating a body of work towards an exhibition in The Satellite Project Space gallery. I am so proud of each and every one of them.
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Thank you to FUSION for inviting me to share my skills with such a wonderful group of people. And thank you to all the students who persisted through what has been a very challenging two years of our lives. You have all bloomed." - Lesley McInally
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Lesley McInally arrived in Canada in 2004 bringing with her an honors design degree in Ceramics and Printmaking. She is a full-time professional artist, supplying galleries and delivering inspirational workshops. She has taught children and adults in various educational environments and has juried numerous exhibitions. In the time she has been in Canada, she has gained great respect and recognition as an accomplished maker and teacher.
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Lesley has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, grants, and exhibits her work nationally and internationally.
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FUSION would like to thank London Clay Art Centre for
hosting the workshops in their space.
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FUSION would like to thank Satellite Project Space for
hosting Gaining Ground, the exhibition featuring the
work of the participants in London, Ontario
​
FUSION acknowledges funding support from the Ontario Arts Council,
an agency of the Government of Ontario.
FUSION would like to thank London Clay Art Centre for
hosting the workshops in their space.
​
​
FUSION would like to thank Satellite Project Space for
hosting Gaining Ground, the exhibition featuring the
work of the participants in London, Ontario
​
​
FUSION acknowledges funding support from the Ontario Arts Council,
an agency of the Government of Ontario.
