By Eze-Admin 
Last Updated on July 23, 2018 by Nancie
Leslie Erickson is the face behind the Leslie Erickson Art Gallery, nestled on a quiet side street in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. A while back Leslie and I discovered we both have a strong bond with Asia, having spent approximately 18 years living and working there (me in Korea; Leslie in Japan.) After visiting her home gallery and browsing her gallery walls I was eager to introduce my readers to her artwork. Leslie’s artistic journey began with poetry writing at the age of ten, then photography, and, when she moved to Japan, Leslie began studying Japanese calligraphy. She eventually became bored with doing characters and turned her calligraphy into abstract art. Leslie’s artist’s statement is the perfect introduction to her paintings.
[su_box title=”Artist Statement — Leslie Erickson Art Gallery ” style=”soft” box_color=”#54f64d”]”My painting comes from shodo (Japanese calligraphy). I studied shodo in Japan before I ever started painting, and then turned my shodo into abstract art. In Japanese, the same verb is used for “to write”. “to draw”, “to paint”. Writing originally was a picture of the thing described. These pictures became increasingly abstracted over time. Writing is really abstract art! My paintings share characteristics of shodo: they are action paintings, they come from spontaneity and being in the moment, and being open to whatever happens in the moment. This way of working is highly respected in Japan and recognized as manifesting a person’s essential qualities and spirituality. The artist’s goal is to be empty and to be a pure channel for spiritual energy. I have always liked the traditional Japanese aesthetic and virtue of simplicity, and try to express this in my art. It is a concentration of essence that invites the viewer’s participation in moving to another consciousness. My work has been described in Japan as a fascinating combination of energy and calming stillness. ” [/su_box]
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery
The gallery is located in the heart of downtown Annapolis Royal at 29 Victoria Street (off of St. George). Abstract art, handmade cards, handmade paper, handmade poetry books, and jewellery are tastefully displayed.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 1
You’ll step into a long, airy, bright gallery with Leslie’s abstract artwork dotting the walls on both sides, along with displays of her exquisite handmade photo and art cards.
Take the time to browse through the large selection of Leslie’s handmade cards. Perfect for framing or gifting.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 2
The second gallery is through the French doors on the right. The first time I walked into this room and saw the five pieces displayed on the far wall I stopped in my tracks. I’ve never seen anything quite like them, and I was totally intrigued. What you’re looking at are straining nets with natural raw lacquer (“Urushi”) on them.
The nets were gifted to Leslie in 2001, and you see them here mounted on her handmade paper, produced from 100% mulberry. I have included Leslie’s story of these works below.
Here are a number of other pieces currently on display in gallery 2. There are also portfolio books of Leslie’s work scattered throughout the galleries. Do take the time to browse through.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 3
In addition to the abstract art on the walls, you’ll find yourself gazing at an explosion of colour beautifully displayed on the gallery table. The multi-coloured bead jewellery, featuring necklaces, bracelets, and earrings originate from Ghana, where Leslie lives for part of each year.
Since 1998 Leslie’s paintings have been displayed in both solo and juried group exhibitions in Canada and Japan. Her work is held in private collections in Canada, the USA, Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, Bali, Ghana, Australia, and the U.K.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Hours of Operation
When visiting Annapolis Royal don’t miss the opportunity to experience the artwork, the handmade cards, and the unique African bead jewellery at the Leslie Erickson Art Gallery. Between mid-May and mid-October, the gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturday mornings between mid-May and mid-October, you’ll find Leslie displaying a selection of her handmade cards and African jewellery inside the Masonic Hall building at the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders’ Market. You can reach Leslie by phone at 902-532-1359. Browsers are welcome.
Do you visit art galleries when you travel? Have you ever purchased a piece of art during your travels? Let us know in the comments.
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