Robert Florian's "Elements"
November 6th - December 3rd, 2007

Earth, water, air and fire, commonly known as the four elements of nature, make up the body of work for Robert Florian's latest exhibit of paintings entitled "Elements" at Art Works Gallery. 

As a Westcoast Landscape artist, Florian travels extensively around the Province and areas of the Pacific Northwest in an effort to seek out places and subject matter that are new and fresh to him. A good portion of this show comes from areas in the northern sections of Vancouver Island, as well as the West side which Florian finds is one of his favorite areas to paint. Some of his newest work also includes a recently visited area around the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. 

"Elements" is comprised of work that focuses largely on how the elements of nature play an important role in Florian's vision of the land around him. With our ever-changing seasons and sometimes unpredictable climate, Florian has fixed his attention on how this alters the range and depth of colours of a landscape transforming the mood of the scene. The depiction of the subtleties and the complexities of light are Florian's biggest challenge. 

Florian is most pleased when he is able to have the viewer experience a feeling similar to how he felt when he visited these areas first hand. He wants the viewer to feel the rain enhancing the beautiful, luscious, deep greens as in the piece entitled "Rain at Lake Crescent", or just have them stand back and feel the warmth of the morning sun as it creeps over the mountain such as on the piece "Morning at Lake Crescent". Both of these works depict the same place, visited at different times of the year. Each exposes the viewer to different elements and therefore conveys two distinct feelings.

Florian continues to explore new avenues in his work and strives to push his style in new directions. His hope is that everyone who views his work will be inspired to take a closer look at the ever evolving elements that make up our beautiful surroundings.

Art Works Gallery is located at 225 Smithe St (corner of Cambie). Gallery hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 to 6. Call 604.688.3301, email info@artworksbc.com or visit www.artworksbc.com for more info.