by Glodeane Brown
Waterloo based mixed media artist Carolyn Dix has only been a full-time artist for a little over two years, but she says that the artistic gene is in her DNA. Her mother dabbled in painting and flower arranging, one of her aunts was a newspaper writer, and her sister Marilyn Gardiner is a jewellery designer who specializes in teaching, and writing books about chain maille. Her mother’s love of gardening rubbed off on her and earlier in life Dix spent time creating floral compositions using oil paints and acrylics.
She officially retired in 2017 and spent the two years leading up to retirement thinking about time and how she was going to spend the rest of her life. Inspired by American sculptor Louise Nevelson (known for her large wooden mixed media pieces), she began her journey into assemblage when enrolled in the creative wood working and design program at Conestoga College. In 2015 she took a year-long online course taught by various international teachers where she learned a lot of fundamentals and developed her own style.
“Time” is a major theme for Dix’s art. She wants to spend her time wisely while on earth, and help to make people happy by treating everyone with kindness. She didn’t waste any time starting her professional artistic career. She participated in two art shows, including her first big group show with Art$Pay at The Walper Hotel in November 2017. She also joined The Central Ontario Art Association (COAA), and the Kitchener Waterloo Society of Artists. UpTown Gallery membership had been mentioned to her by several local artists and after attending an open house, she knew right away that it was somewhere she wanted to be. She applied and was honoured to be accepted as a member.
She’s heavily inspired by nature, especially trees and water, also by many local and international artists. Her mind is always wandering and wondering about new ideas. Like most of us, her challenge is that she has too many ideas and not enough time to follow through on each one. Each time she starts something new, she expects to learn something different about herself, her materials, and how she is going to move her art to a higher level.
Dix also does custom work. Her next goals are to increase gallery representation, experiment with adding new media to her art and to also work on larger panels. Going back to the theme of time and leaving a positive impact on the world, she wants to bring into her art her hope for a cleaner, better environment and is contemplating what she can do with her art to make a difference in that area.
Currently, two of her pieces are hanging in the COAA “Point of View” juried show at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The show runs until April 21, 2018. Additionally, one of her pieces has been accepted in the juried show of the Society of Canadian Artists which will be online from March 15 to June 15, 2018. You can also view her art in the gallery space at Frames by Verne on Manitou Drive in Kitchener.
From March 27 to May 27, 2018 she will be one of the featured artists as part of the “Chain Reaction” show at UpTown Gallery. The opening reception will be held on Saturday March 31, 2018 from 2 to 4 pm. Guests will be able to view a wide array of fine art and meet and mingle with Dix and other artists.
Mark these Upcoming Events on your Calendar:
KW Weavers’ & Spinners’ Guild Show & Sale
April 13 – 15
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
Spring sale of unique, hand crafted and hand spun items created locally. There will be demonstrations of weaving and spinning throughout the sale. Free admission.
The Brush Off / 6th Junior Edition
April 27th, 2018 7:30 p.m.
THEMUSEUM, Downtown Kitchener
At this fundraiser for THEMUSEUM, ‘Junior’ artists are invited to participate in a friendly painting competition, creating art live in front of an audience. Young artists will be able to showcase their talent on a community stage and network with the local arts scene.
Open Ears Festival
May 30 – June 3rd, 2018
Various venues throughout Waterloo Region
The Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound uses unusual venues to present a very eclectic range of musics from new classical music to electroacoustic, musique actuelle and sound installation. Innovative and collaborative, the Festival works closely with other organizations to co-present activities or to include activities within our schedule.
Colour Our Community: A Community Art Project
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month, now through August 2018
Kitchener Public Library
Mennonite Central Committee Ontario’s Circle of Friends Program and the Kitchener Public Library are hosting a fun bi-monthly crafting event for people of all ages! Art supplies and snacks will be provided. Come help them create a beautiful work of art that represents our wonderfully diverse community!
CHECK OUT OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING IN WATERLOO REGION!