Laurie Stockton of the Ariss area is the local artist currently featured in the Centre Wellington council chambers.
Through the efforts of the Elora Arts Council, the council chamber rotates artwork displays to feature the works of area artists.
Stockton appreciates living in a community which supports the arts.
Stockton and her husband have purchased a hobby farm which now operates off-the-grid – using solar power.
“I think that has influenced me as an artist.”
Stockton studied Fine Art at the University of Guelph and later taught the subject.
Since retiring, “I get to be an artist again and I think it is a really exciting thing for me.”
She added, “I think that I have been an ‘artist’ most of my life. Art was a means to express myself emotionally and to interpret the world around me. Sometimes I need to problem-solve or explore a conflict through my art, and sometimes I want to capture the world around me.”
Primarily, Stockton works with acrylic paint and enjoys the versatility of the medium.
“It allows itself to be opaque, translucent – doesn’t have a scent like oil, but has a similar richness.”
She added that she paints various types of art from abstracts to realism.
“I often paint to express myself or something I am feeling. I encourage all of you to find the artist within … to express yourself in a different voice other than words.”
Stockton’s works have appeared in many local shows and galleries in the Guelph and surrounding areas including Art in the Yard and the Kissing Bridge Trail Tour.
During the meeting, Centre Wellington councillor Mary Lloyd noted the upcoming Culture Days in the township from Sept. 25 to 27.
“Fergus Elora Tourism works very hard putting this together. We encourage you to go out and enjoy some of these wonderful events … I’m sure there’s lots of fun to be had in our community.”
