December’s Exhibit:

”What She Set Aside”

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Three women, three distinct voices in visual art. What She Set Aside brings together three female artists who share a commitment to the creative process as a space for intuition, freedom, and exploration.

Each artist embraces her own path: one works in intuitive abstraction, another in bold compositional abstraction, and the third in expressive interpretations of nature. Despite their varied approaches, their practice resonates with shared values-- a belief in the transformative power of art and an openness to what unfolds.

The title, “What She Set Aside”, reflects not only the external pressures and daily demands left behind but also the deeper, intangible offerings each artist pours into her work. It speaks to the emotions, ideas, and intuitions that emerge only within the act of creation.

ERIN JACKSON

Erin Jackson is a contemporary artist whose work delves deeply into the exploration of non-duality and the interplay between self and expression.

From a non-dual perspective, Erin embraces the notion that there is no fixed “self” in the act of creation. The final painting is not about representation, but about the notion that each painting reflects a moment of presence, a response to the spirit of creativity that transcends the “I.”

For Erin the process itself is the meaning, and colour is not merely a tool, but a conversation partner—alive, dynamic, and ever-shifting. Through this meditative process, the work seeks to uncover the deeper truths of our existence, offering viewers a glimpse into the boundless space of pure awareness, where the self and the world are one.

Erin’s art invites an intimate, transformative experience—one that calls the viewer to reconnect with the true essence of life itself, free from attachment and identity.

MELANIE MORRISSEY

Melanie Morrissey is an Acadian non-representational abstract artist whose work explores expressive emotions through colour, form, and texture. Her mixed media works invite viewers to engage with their emotions and personal experiences. Drawing inspiration from nature, music, and story-telling, Melanie’s art transcends the literal to delve into the intangible, encouraging introspection and emotional resonance. Melanie’s contributions to the art world include numerous solo and group exhibitions.

Melanie is also an art educator, whose teaching philosophy centers on the belief that art is a deeply personal journey, one that requires exploration, vulnerability, and the celebration of both successes and failures equally. She is currently pursuing a masters in Art Education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

When not in a studio,she can often be found hiking through the province’s rugged landscapes or kayaking along its serene coastlines, drawing inspiration from the vibrant outdoors. Her connection to nature plays a central role in her artistic practice, informing the themes and moods of her work. Melanie’s appreciation for the natural world is not only reflected in her art, but also in the time she spends exploring the diverse environments that surround her. She currently resides in Murray Siding, Nova Scotia.

CORINNE REDDEN

Corinne is a landscape painter whose work is distinguished by a deep exploration of light and its transformative effects on the natural world. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Corinne draws inspiration from the province’s diverse and picturesque landscapes.

Painting allows Corinne to venture into places and moments that offer a powerful means of connection and understanding. Her landscapes become a way to explore and express diverse emotional and physical experiences, often capturing the subtle beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

Corinne holds a Diploma in Graphic Design, which has provided her with a strong foundation in visual composition and artistic techniques. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies, a field that informs her understanding of the human relationship with the environment and how landscapes can reflect broader social and emotional landscapes.

Corinne has exhibited her work in both solo and group exhibitions. When not in the studio, she finds inspiration in the ever-changing interplay of light across Nova Scotia’s landscapes, which informs her creative process.