CRISS Canning has a way of seeing the elements of a flower – or a vase – in a way that few of us ever could.
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Instead of simply being intoxicated by the smell or colour of the bloom, Canning uses her eye to analyse the object in terms of balance, form and harmony – the tools of her artistic trade.
The celebrated Ascot artist has turned the art of still life into a lifestyle as she continuously creates and perfects concepts of beauty both in her home and on the canvas.
Surrounded by her 1860s farmhouse home, connected to the renowned Lambley Gardens, Canning is about to exhibit 18 new works in Melbourne this month, with the exhibition to be opened by Art Gallery of Ballarat director Gordon Morrison.
She said each piece requires up to several days of arranging her flowers or vases – of which she has collected literally hundreds over the years – to create the perfect energy or harmony between pieces.
In a room full of glass vases from all over the world, gorgeous pieces of material and other objects of beauty, Canning explained that even though each painting was “physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding”, she was able to relinquish them to their purchasers when the time came.
“There’s something in the letting go that helps in the process of re-creating,” she said.
“As I get older, I do have a bit of an ache seeing them go.
“I see it as a gift and I think if you have a gift, you have a responsibility to it. I’m not just interested in painting things I know I can do easily. I’m always looking to improve as an artist and see how far I can take it.”
Canning said still life had become her “voice”. She used to paint many landscapes and portraits, but became haunted by still life imagery – seeing visions both in her waking life and her dreams.
“I say that’s when I met and fell in love with still life. It almost chose me, in a strange way,” she said.
“Still life has been important all through difference cultures and it’s having a resurgence. It teaches you about colour, form, balance, harmony – everything is there.”
Canning’s exhibition will open on May 28 at Mossgreen Gallery in Armadale.
Canning is also the latest addition to The Courier’s What’s Art Got to do With It? video project. To see more, visit www.thecourier.com.au/news/whats-art-got-to-do-with-it
