Toronto-based abstract artist Gloria Green presents a solo show and cocktail reception entitled Street Noyz, July 17th at Rue Pigalle, a Queen West destination for elegant artisan jewellery.

With a Masters of Science, Green has been working at SickKids Hospital for 18 years as a dietitian as part of the oncology team. Her work with children has reflected her artwork. Since both Green and I work in health care and have an affinity for the arts, I wanted to speak to her more about her work. She kindly spent some time chatting with me.

Green has always had an artistic side. She loves her work very much, but as she puts it, art is a “way to cope” with the stresses from work and other things. “Emotions are transferred on to the canvas, consciously or subconsciously… I get a release from painting.” Green paints not only for “self-preservation” reasons but also to further her career as an artist.

Passive Obscurity, Acrylic on Canvas

Among her influences, Green cites Rothko, Picasso, Franz Kline, Joan Miró, as well as, various Toronto and Quebec abstract artists working today. I was curious about her painting process. Living and working in the heart of Toronto, Green often paints in her studio home, or on her balcony. For this reason, Green prefers non-toxic media, and works mostly with acrylics on canvas. She likes working on larger canvases, “the bigger the better,” because it helps to “accomplish a mood or effect.” Large canvases work great, “especially for abstract art.”

Before painting directly on the canvas, Green “ruminates for a while… in terms of palette, and theme for a series.” She likes to plan in her head, and it also depends on her mood. Her mood serves as guide for her works. The actual paiting process can vary from several days or weeks, and the mood of the piece can change over time as well. Depending on how the painting is working (or not), different moods will be apparent in the piece.

Her balcony faces a graffiti tagged back alley. Inspired by the beauty and grit of the street, Street Noyz features bold and colourful splashes and strokes of acrylic paint and mixed media. Sights and sounds from the street are what influenced these recent works. Green’s pieces will be on display at Rue Pigalle from July 17th – August 17th. Stop by while on strolling on Queen West.

Fragmented Notes I, Mixed Media