Audree Mabee
AXIS Contemporary Art presents Audrey Mabee: Snapshots of Forgotten Friends
September 15 – October 7, 2011
Opening Reception with the artist Thursday, September 15th, 5 – 8 pm
Artists Statement
"There are certain mysteries, certain secrets in my own work that even I don't understand, nor do I try to do so." — Georges Braque
After years of experimentation with colour and space, stirred memories and forgotten secrets, my work keeps evolving. The experiments go on, the learning continues, the style moves on.
The paintings, oil on canvas, are usually figurative....people enjoying life, pursuing their passions. The image develops out of the process and is not fully conceived at the outset. The multiple changes each canvas is subjected to during that process is the challenge, joy and often a surprise for me. I am intrigued by the negative spaces.
My work has been influenced primarily by artists like Modigliani, with a unique drawing style. The strong colours of Hundertwasser and Matisse, the fantasies of Chagall and the exquisite patterns of Klimt have also been a major influence for me.
The subjects and colours I use are chosen to make you feel good and smile when you first look at my work….if you find something in them that also makes you think and wonder, all the better.
Biography
Audrey Mabee is an alumnus of the Alberta College of Art and Design and a former Acting President of the institution. She has served on several boards, juries, committees and foundations, including a six year term as a member of the Board of Governors at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Audrey taught art in Calgary for many years. Venues include the Calgary Creative School, Strathcona Boys School, ACAD and the City of Calgary.
In 1974 Audrey and her business partner, Betty Anne Graves, opened the Croft in Calgary AB. For more than 23 years, they focused on the promotion and sale of Alberta pottery and other fine quality handmade Canadian items.
Audrey has won numerous awards including the Woman of Distinction for the Arts and the Pinnacle Award for business.
She has illustrated several books and has created artwork for instructional videos for the University of Calgary and the Holy Cross Hospital.
Audrey has done significant commissions for the private sector and for commercial corporations including A&W, Starbucks, the Alberta Children's Hospital and the Calgary Foundation. Her paintings have been purchased by collectors internationally and across Canada.
She has exhibited her work in San Francisco CA, Vancouver BC and Calgary.
It can also be viewed on her website, www.audreymabee.com.
