Relaxing power of art

As a cancer radiation therapist, Kelly Patterson endured a lot of stress. After a long day of work, he would come home, brew a hot cup of coffee, and start drawing. He just doodled on paper to clear his mind. It was a relaxation technique. 

Patterson slowly evolved as an artist, moving into the world of paintings. Eight years ago, he moved to the Prairies, retired from his job, and focused whole-heartedly on his art. Patterson started by scratching on paper and now his work is displayed at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery.

“I never expected that I would have a show,” he said. “It feels fantastic.”

Patterson’s collection, entitled “Surface and Seduction,” is one of two new exhibits at the art gallery. It opened on Sept. 14 and will close on Nov. 17. The exhibit is Patterson’s first solo showcase.

The gallery hosted a reception on Sept. 24 where the public could meet with the artists and dicuss their works.

“It’s overwhelming, but exciting,” Patterson said.

The majority of Patterson’s work in the exhibit centers on calm, oceanic paintings. Vast blue fields are dotted with gold streaks and drawings of fish. As a young adult Patterson loved aquariums and he decided to replicate them for his exhibit. 

“To sit and look at an aquarium I found extremely relazing,” he said.

Patterson created his paintings to be contemplative and peaceful.

Haley Polinsky also has an exhibit at the art gallery. Her work focuses on photography and a trip she took to the other side of the world.

Polinksky spent time in Fes, Morocco running a restaurant. She was overwhelmed by the sights and smells.

“Morocco is one of the most visceral places to ever visit,” she said. 

Polinsky captured the wide variety of Moroccan images and submitted them to the art gallery. Her exhibit is titled “Haley Polinski: Morocco!” It is her second showing at the gallery.

“I think people have been pretty curious and interested [in the exhibit] becuase Moroccan culture is different from what we’re used to,” she said.

Patterson is interested in doing another exhbit, but he has no immediate plans for one. He’s fairly exhausted from creating over 40 paintings in the last two years. For now he wants to enjoy this moment. He encourages other artists to pursue their passions.

“There’s beauty in every kind of art,” he said. “There’s always going to be somebody that really appreciates your efforts.”