Renowned London Ontario artist Rosemary Sloot reflects on her life and career in this in-depth conversation with fellow artist and Centred.ca Senior Correspondent Tami Kegley.

For over 150 years photography has transformed how artists capture and render images of the world around us. From Ansel Adams to O. Winston Link to Henri-Cartier Bresson, the photographic image not only documents, but also reimagines reality around us. Canadian landscape photographer Scott Conarroe delivers both majestic and slightly off-kilter or disturbing images in the tradition of Canada’s acclaimed photographers Edward Burtynsky and Jeff Wall.

Conarroe’s camera delivers the magic of the natural and manufactured landscapes we encounter every day in a new show, About Trees, at Stephen Bulger Gallery in Toronto until October 26th.

Currently based in the evocative landscape of the Alps in Bern, Switzerland, the photographer joins us from, well, Japan of all places. In conversation, Conarroe explains how this homage to tree’s place of splendour in our lives derives almost by chance in his photographic journeys or “safaris” as he calls them.

The inspirational image for this show, Big Tree, Small Tree* was taken in London, ON during a working stint in the, ahem, Forest City.** If you’ve ever had to go to St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency room, you have likely seen these very trees across from the hospital’s parking garage.

Vincent Cherniak has lived his entire life in a complicated relationship with a not-so-huggable Black Walnut in his front yard in London, ON

Welcome to our podcast!

In this episode, acclaimed London-born artist Doug Kirton is interviewed by London arts writer Vincent Cherniak.

If you’re expecting a polished interview like Tom Power’s on CBC Radio’s Q, this, it is not! Yes, it’s an hour and a half long, with moments of the artist and interviewer interrupting each other and talking at the same time, and then there’s the really awkward ending. But trust me, if you tune out after the first 15 minutes, you’ll miss out on so much.

Join Vincent Cherniak, whose background speaks from the heart of London, Southwestern Ontario, as he interlaces his extensive knowledge of art and deep familiarity with Doug Kirton’s work, to deliver an intense and informative interview.

In this episode, Vincent and Doug cover a wide range of fascinating topics, including the evolution of an artist within the Western Art dominated art world, memories of London and its vibrant art scene of the 60s, regionalism, a sense of place, love for the regional landscape, awareness of environmental issues and urban challenges, art appreciation, and practical tips on being an artist and a painter.

Stay listening through the entire episode, even though the awkward ending. You won’t regret it!


Also read Vincent Cherniak's review of Doug Kirton's paintings at Michael Gibson Gallery, on Centred.ca

Community Portraits is a series of some 40 portraits of people from all walks of life that are part of Geleynse’s walk of life in the London area. The first of the portraits is now on display at Milos Craft Beer Emporium. It’s not really a show of all his portraits hanging at the same time in a gallery, in other words. His plan is to change the portraits on display every month at Milos’ until January, when the display moves to The Arts Project, which is just around the corner from Milo’s, where more of the series will hang with monthly swap-ins until the end May, 2025.  
I sat down at a table in Milo’s fine establishment with Wyn for a beer and to discuss the origins of this series of portraits, why he chose some of the people he did as his subjects, and more. It’s an enjoyable informative listen.  

Terry Graff, a Galt (Cambridge) native and longtime London-based visual artist, sits down with me to discuss his arts background, his relationship to nature and technology, ambitious sculptural works and paintings, and so much more. Join us as he shares various experiences that span his decades long art practice. You can find Terry’s work at terrygraff.com, and Andrés work at andresgarzon.ca, or @studioandresgarzon. Music provided by Artificial.Music.

While artists and art galleries often garner the majority of public attention and acclaim, there are pivotal figures operating behind the scenes who play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of visual arts in a city or region. One such individual is Madeline Lennon. Her enduring passion for visual arts has had a profound and lasting impact on the art scene in London. Her influence, though subtle, is deeply and widely felt and passionately expressed.

Brian Meehan, the former Executive Director of Museum London, had the opportunity to interview Madeline Lennon, a retired professor from Western University, a noted author, and a champion of regional visual arts. Their discussion delved into the breadth and depth of Madeline's work, examining her contributions at an organizational level and in her interactions with the artists themselves. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the tireless efforts of Madeline's work behind the scenes to bring visual arts to life and to the place that she calls home. 

Kim Wilkie, an energetic and innovative artist, draws upon everything around her for inspiration. Whether we're discussing nature, materials, space, Kim is limitless in her vision and abundant in her approach to art making. With decades of experience in drawing, painting, sewing and sculpture, Kim continues to explore and articulate her dedicated passion to visual art, without fear and full of optimism and possibility. You can find Kim's work at kdwfineart.com, and Andrés work at andresgarzon.ca, or @studioandresgarzon. Music provided by Artificial.Music.

Craig Guthrie, a seasoned scenic artist and fine art painter, joins me for this episode to discuss his love of painting, his time in London, and his passion for the arts community and his practice. Craig has a tongue-and-cheek approach to his recent work, and does not shy away from personal stories and queer identity when creating his realistic paintings. You can find Craig's work at craigguthrie.ca, and Andrés work at andresgarzon.ca, or @studioandresgarzon. Music provided by Artificial.Music.

Jason McLean, a London-raised and now Brooklyn-based Canadian artist, joins me for this episode to discuss his long and resilient relationship to art, his education, his varied creative projects, collaborations, and more. Infused with humor and honestly, this episode gives a glimpse into the many adventures Jason has been on while building his career as a visual artist. You can find Jason's work at jasonmclean.org, and Andrés work at andresgarzon.ca, or @studioandresgarzon. Music provided by Artificial.Music.