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A — F

Alden Alfon +
Anthony Baker +
Beekingdom +
Mike Binzer +
Chris Bowman +
Norah Borden +
Lisa Brawn +
Maguy Carpentier +
Dave Casey +
Hugo Dubon +
Simon Fleming +
Jayson Fuerstenberg +

G — L

Edwin Herrenschmidt +
Timothy Hoey +
Caroline James +
James Jensen +
Jutta Kaiser +
Douglas Kirkland +
Ron Kostyniuk +
Lori Lukasewich +

M — Z

Audrey Mabee +
Mychael Maier +
Michael Markowsky +
Stuart McCall +
Jim Mroczkowski +
Tim Okamura +
Seka Owen +
Sara Robichaud +
TheKidbelo +
Alejandro Uzeta +
Jose Angel Vincench +
Verna Vogel +
Shirley Watson +
 

Norah Borden

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Eternal

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Light Breeze

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L'alchimiste

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Escape

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Lift

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Blush

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Between

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Storm Tide

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Passageway

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Sacred Night

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Fields of Gold

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A Golden Field

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White Water

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Channel

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With Romance

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Your Luminosity

Norah Borden

What is your artwork about (underlying concept, focus, themes, intent, etc)?

On the surface, my paintings depict land or seascapes; however on a closer investigation they articulate thoughts and emotions within oneself and others. It is as if these expressions were projected onto an interior land or seascape. While nature is the departure point, the viewer using the painting as a vantage point, can explore deeper, more complex realms within their own experiences.

What informs your artwork or what are your influences?

There are many influences and experiences in my life which come across in my landscapes. Exploring nature through traveling is a primary influence. My seascapes are reflective of the west coast of Canada with all the intricate islands and passages around the mountains. At well, I paint my memories of watching the turbulent black waves of the Irish Sea. My time spent in the wine country of the Okanagan, Alsace, Burgundy and the Barolo region of Italy, inspired me to articulate the intrinsic beauty of the countryside.

A secondary influence within my paintings would be the appreciation and understanding of the nature of thought impacting ones' personal reality. This is articulated through the expressionistic painting and titling of the work.

Do you feel you need to position your work within the context of art history and if so what's your take on that?

Although I often think of Turner, Whistler and Monet as I paint, my work is based in the contemporary art realm through use of my textures, mineralized paints and techniques.

Is there a trigger or a starting point for each piece?

The starting point for my pieces is generated around a thought or emotion. The purpose is to inspire myself and the viewer and entice them into a land of thoughts.

How has your work evolved over the last five years?

Five years ago my work was abstract based. I was focusing very closely on spatial qualities and energy. Through the years my work has drawn back in perspective and encompasses more tangible land and sea formations.

What is currently the central motivation for or conceptual concern in your work?

The central motivation for my work is to articulate thoughts and emotion by embracing landscapes. It is as if my paintings are internalized perspectives projected onto land and seascapes. For me, each work although mainly landscapes, is a depiction of the human spirit with all its' various facets and conditions.

How does your physical/geographical environment inform the work you do?

I am living in Vancouver because I am surrounded by nature. I find myself mesmerized by the magnitude of the mountains. The ocean can have such incredible fluctuations of light depending on the influences of wind and shadows on the water. I study these effects closely and they emerge in my paintings.

What mediums, techniques, or processes are involved in your art making (and why these)?

By layering mineralized paints, I create a luminescent effect that makes the painting seem alive, continually changing with the movement of light. The optical effects of shifting colours can be seen by having the viewer move from side to side around the painting.

What are your other passions in life and how have these influenced your work?

My love for music and travel has hugely influenced my work. My time spent in the wine country of the Okanagan, Alsace, Burgundy and the Barolo region of Italy, inspired me to articulate the intrinsic beauty of the countryside. In contrast, the compelling black waves of the Irish Sea and the silvery qualities of the Pacific west coast create a moody atmosphere revealing the mystical influences of wind and light on water.

Why are you an artist?

I am an artist because it is in my soul. I see the world in a visual way. I have the desire, dedication and determination to express my visions, inspiring and provoking questions within myself and the viewer.

Biography

Norah Borden is a Canadian artist currently residing in Vancouver, British Columbia. She graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1995. Norah has traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe and draws upon these experiences as inspiration for her landscapes. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is found in a number of private collections. Calona Vineyards features Norah's art on their Cabernet-Merlot 2003 in the Artist Wine Label Series.

Education/Professional Experience

  • Ontario College of Art and Design (Toronto Ontario) - 1995
  • Bishop Strachan School (Toronto Ontario) - 1990

Selected Solo Exhibitions

September 4 - 24 2008 Axis Contemporary Art
"Elemental Nature"
Calgary, Alberta
November 2 - 14 2006 Axis Contemporary Art
"Ode to the West Wind"
Calgary, Alberta
November 18 - December 16 2005 Galerie 47
"La vigne et la mer"
Beaune, France (Burgundy)
September 20 - October 16 2005 Winsor Gallery
"Sea Change"
Vancouver, Canada
June 4 - July 17 2005 Galerie 47
"Mots d'amour en Bourgogne"
Beaune, France (Burgundy)
June 24 2004 Winsor Gallery
"Oceans & Vineyards"
Vancouver, Canada
September 2003 Arte Nel Castello
"Dreams and Visions"
Verduno, Italy
July 2003 Boomerang
"Mémentos De Rêves"
Mulhouse, France
July 2002 Aurum Argentum
"Nocturnal Voices"
Vancouver, Canada
March 2002 Live Art Space
"Under the Sky"
Toronto Canada

Group Exhibitions

August 13 - September 14 2008 Winsor Gallery Vancouver, Canada
October 25 - 29 2007 Toronto International Art Fair Toronto, Canada
July 17 - August 11 2007 Winsor Gallery Vancouver, Canada
June 14 - July 1 2007 Galerie D'Este Montreal, Canada
October 26 - November 25 2006 Arthouse Gallery: "Regeneration" Vancouver, Canada
October 2 - 29 2006 La Galerie Artmonti Paris, France
August 18 - 26 2006 Conflu'Art: Verdun sur le Doubs France
July 4 - 31 2006 The Moore Gallery Victoria, Canada
May 23 - June 17 2006 Winsor Gallery Vancouver, Canada
December 9 - 10 2005 Artists Space
"Night of 1000 Drawings"
New York, USA
November 3 - 7 2005 Art Toronto (International Art Fair) Toronto, Canada
October 27 - November 26 2005 Moja Moja Vancouver, Canada
October 2 2005 Art For Life 2005 Silent Auction Vancouver, Canada
April 2005 Trias Gallery Toronto, Canada
February 3 2005 Room to Read Silent Auction
(Tsunami Relief Fundraiser)
 
February 2005 Winsor Gallery
"Valentines Group Exhibition"
Vancouver, Canada
December 2004 Engine Gallery
"Holiday Exhibition"
Toronto, Canada
December 2004 Winsor Gallery
"Defrost"
Vancouver, Canada
October 2004 Vancouver Art Gallery Silent Auction Vancouver, Canada
March 2004 Winsor Gallery Vancouver, Canada
2003 - 2004 Galerie Adrienne International
On-line Gallery
Desert Hot Springs, USA
February - March 2003 Winsor Gallery Vancouver, Canada
December 2002 Arts Club Theatre Silent Auction Vancouver, Canada
November 2001 Gallery 124 Edmonton, Canada
April 2001 Andre Emile Gallery Vancouver, Canada
January 2000 Harbour Center Tower
"Initium"
Vancouver, Canada

Significant Commissions and Collections

  • Norah's work has been exhibited internationally and is found in a number of private collections. Calona Vineyards features Norah's art on their Cabernet-Merlot 2003 in the Artist Wine Label Series.

Special Events

  • Splash Live Auction: Vancouver Canada, October 2, 2008
  • Unicef, Unite With Art Live Auction: Vancouver Canada, June 21, 2008
  • Art of Nature: Toronto, Canada, April 25, 2008
  • Canucks Silent Auction: "Dice & Ice", Vancouver Canada, February 12, 2008
  • OCAD: "Who Dunnit - Toronto, Canada, November 23, 2007
  • Splash Live Auction: Vancouver Canada, October 13, 2007
  • Canucks Silent Auction: "Dice & Ice", Vancouver Canada, February 12, 2007
  • OCAD: "Who Dunnit - Juried Gala Auction" Toronto, Canada, November 25, 2006
  • Splash Live Auction: "Shimmer", Vancouver Canada, October 14, 2006
  • Canucks Silent Auction: "Dice & Ice", Vancouver Canada, March 7, 2006
  • Rafiki Collingwood Fundraiser (SHERP Orphanage, Kenya): Nov. 8 - Jan. 20, 2006
  • Room to Read Silent Auction (Tsunami Relief Fundraiser): February 3, 2005
  • Vancouver Art Gallery Silent Auction: Vancouver Canada, October 2004
  • Arts Club Theatre Silent Auction: Vancouver Canada, December 2002