Lori Richards | Seedbed

Feb 8 - 22

Seedlings are about becoming. Breaking from dormancy, they germinate, develop and grow into plants. They rise from a subterranean world—like our human comprehension, much of which occurs in our subconscious. Sleep allows access to the magic of our dreams and unconscious thought: I explore this in my work, distilling and interpreting images, experiences and emotions. Dots are connected, new synapses created and ideas come to light.

My paintings use symbols —beds, birds, owls, dream bubbles, moons, stars and plants—to create worlds of mystery and understanding, darkness and luminosity. My quest is to capture glimpses of joy and wonder amidst the mystery and imperfection of being alive. 

The work is a portal to the interior world of memory and desire, time and place, longing and surrender — illuminating narrative and emotion. I want my paintings to create an emotional response or connection and bring awareness to the beauty and fragility of the planet. In the end, there must be an emotional connection to the final painting, for me and ultimately for the viewer.

Lori Richards was born in Montréal, QC, and currently lives and works in Kingston, ON. She completed her education at Dawson College and The Ontario College of Art (Honours). Her intuitive painting process begins from photographs sourced from her surroundings built up in layers of glazes and colour to capture the search for that ineffable magic genius loci – literally "the spirit of a place.” She has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, Picton and Gananoque.

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