Composition, Colour and Cloth- Aaron Hagan, Sheila Shaw and Pamela Vera

January 15th, February 22nd, 2025

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This exhibition is an exploration of the mediums of paint and textiles and how each medium informs or influences one another.  Texture, pattern, and composition are huge components of the way each of the artists work.  Abstraction is the continuity within the theme of the visual creations.  

Sheila is a Cree Metis artist who works in acrylic and explores abstraction through loose geometric compositions, drawing from personal narratives.  Identity expressed through symbolism is an important aspect of Sheila’s work.  Pamela is a textile artist who works in many mediums such as weaving, knitting, crochet, quilting and embroidery.  Pattern and colour are the main elements of art that permeate through her work. Aaron began his abstract art practice through traditional materials of acrylic on canvas.  However, in recent years, he has introduced patterned fabric into his acrylic works; finding endless inspiration to add to and embellish the
various fabrics.

As colour, pattern, shape and line are common threads that influence the compositions of all three artists, they decided to have a joint show.  This exhibit includes paint on blank material, paint on patterned material and textile creations influenced by the other artists’ acrylic abstractions.

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Aaron Hagan  - Artist Statement

My approach with abstract painting is to explore the elements of line, shape and colour.  My goal is to create uniquely balanced and harmonious imagery that is aesthetically pleasing to a broad audience.  I have made a recent transition into works on patterned fabric.  I have been enjoying this shift and am now thinking of using fabric in future works as it opens up a world of possibilities. This new approach to painting for me involves so many more complexities regarding colour and composition.  The paintings evolve through this process, and I am never certain of the results.  

Aaron Hagan is a Lethbridge-based artist who received his BFA from the University of Lethbridge (2006), majoring in painting. He has had an active studio practice since graduating, with a focus on painting colourful abstraction in acrylic.

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Sheila Shaw  - Artist Statement 

For the past few years, I have been focusing on abstract painting and symbolism and these recent works have been heavily influenced by memories of my late mother's quilt-making and embroidery. Childhood memories and my Metis and Cree culture often inspire certain themes but much of my process is left to intuition and spontaneity. Colours are mostly chosen according to my current emotional state but are also drawn from elements of nature such as the sky.

 

This body of work is an experiment with paint staining using washes of acrylic paint on raw canvas. I then cut them into strips and weave them and sew them to keep them together. They are then embellished with sequins, beads and thread. The terrain in my hometown of Gift Lake is heavily wooded and foliage sometimes finds its way into my work, which is referenced here by the embroidery. The woven canvas symbolically references the generational connection between my mother’s art and my own. With abstract works, I am always curious to see the final results and was quite satisfied with the outcome of these particular pieces.
 

Sheila Shaw is a Cree Metis artist from Gift Lake Metis Settlement.  She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native American Art Studio.  Her preferred medium is acrylic on canvas painted in abstract geometric forms but she enjoys finding new ways to express herself with art.  She is currently based in Lethbridge, Alberta.

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Pamela Vera  - Artist Statement

I am a Lethbridge based artist with a passion for textile work.  My interests are in weaving, quilting, sewing, embroidery, felting, knitting, and crocheting.  I also dabble in 2D arts practices such as drawing and painting; as well as 3D arts, such as sculpture and woodworking. 

 

Since moving to Lethbridge in 2010, I have found many opportunities to participate in the Arts in Lethbridge. I have made murals for previous employers and exhibited paintings in local shows and fundraisers.  My works have appeared at the Helen Christou Gallery, Casa, The Potemkin Gallery, The Owl Acoustic Lounge, Blueprint Records, and Live Better Café. 

 

I served in the Lethbridge Weaver’s Guild as secretary for two years, gaining valuable experience in operating and maintaining a weaving loom.  In my textile work, pattern and colour are sources of inspiration for me and I have moved into the genre of abstraction to create a new body of work for this show.  

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Pamela Vera is a Lethbridge-based artist who began drawing as a hobby since she can remember. She developed an interest in textile art as a child and made her first quilt in high school. Her interests and practice include a variety of 2D and 3D arts as well as the performing arts. When she is not quilting or spending time with her dog, Ruby, she can be found Salsa dancing on a Friday night.

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