Where Do We Stand? is an exhibition of sculpture and two-dimensional works by Neshka Krusche. Neshka finds the driftwood, mostly cedar and fir, on the West Coast and brings it back to her studio in the Foothills, not far from Leighton Art Centre. Here, the wood is completely transformed to take on a new, sharp, thought-provoking presence. The long process of carving, charring and oiling the sculptures is an exploration of the process of change. First the wood needs to adapt to the dry and cold climate of Alberta, then it is slowly transformed to the minimal and tranquil forms that the sculptures eventually take.

Krusche graduated from the Visual Communications program at Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts, then ACAD) and has walked the fine line between art and design for the last 20 years. She is strongly influenced by the beauty and architecture of her home city of Kraków, Poland, by abstract art, contemporary architecture, and – of course – nature. Although the idea of combining contemporary design with nature is not new one, Krusche finds that there is a great sense of urgency to do so now.

During the pandemic the idea of change and adaptation took on a new, critical meaning. Neshka feels that the need to change thoughtfully is more urgent than ever. A crisis like the one in which we have found ourselves is an amazing opportunity to improve. Change can be a positive and hopeful process. Neshka’s sculptures, described as ‘soulful minimalism’, bring hope to the question: Where Do We Stand Now?

July 31 - September 5, 2021
Leighton Art Centre Main Gallery

Doug Levitt has been painting since 2002 and portraying every conceivable subject, from native portraits and wildlife to urban life and landscapes of mountain, prairie and sea. Inspired by our powerful prairie surroundings, Doug began a series devoted to painting Alberta five years ago. Along the backroads and scenic piques and valleys, Doug fell in love with the birds he inevitably encountered on his explorations. The pandemic and lengthy lockdown gave Doug more time to spend in the outdoors when he’s usually busiest with his show schedule. Daily walks and en plein air painting trips slowly revealed the vast and busy world of birdlife Doug had been taking for granted. He began to see their personalities – the tricksters, the nurturers and the curious – and also how protective they are of each other. It made him think deeply about his own relationships and the greater world. A fascination for birds and how they balance and help nature fuels his desire to learn more about nature and in so doing, learn more about himself. Doug’s hope is that, through the paintings in this show, others will be similarly inspired.

The idea for Birds Eat Mosquitoes is an appreciation that our feathered friends contribute to our well being in so many ways, none of them insignificant. This study of avian life takes an intimate look at a remarkable variety of our Alberta birds – some common and others rare. There is a deeper message about the importances of birds and how pivotal they are to our surrounding environment.

In the words of the artist, “Birds are one of the many things we can take for granted. There are many types of birds around us all the time so we rarely take true notice of them. We hear them singing and chatting all around us but we rarely pay any real attention to them. We’re just so used to them being there. Once you take notice, an astonishing world opens up.”

July 31 - September 5, 2021
Leighton Art Centre Tower Gallery