Still Lives   Silent Places   Artworks by Alvin Richard and Jon Wilkinson

Both Alvin Richard and Jon Wilkinson share a crisp and clean view of the world around them.  Their representational approach to interpreting their subjects is thought-provoking. 

As Alvin says, “From my perspective as a painter, my contribution to this exhibition centers on narrative still life paintings.  These works are deeply infused with layers of symbolism, allegory and subtle political overtones.  Rather than arranging passive objects, I use still life paintings as a stage to actively explore popular culture.  Each panel functions as a visual archive - paying homage to artists, authors, actors, cinema, and even sports teams that shape our collective consciousness, while grounding those global infuences within my own Acadian roots and broader Canadianna.”  

Jon Wilkinson was born in Hamilton Ontario where he received his early art training in high school in the late 1950's.  He began his printmaking career as a professional printer in Clark's Production Shop in Stoney Creek, Ontario.  He began developing his approach to serigraph printmaking in his 'off hours'. He exhibited paintings and drawings in Portugal from 1970-1975.  Moving to Newfoundland in 1975 he won awards for his paintings and serigraphs in 1976 and 1977.  Jon lived in Brigus, Conception Bay Newfoundland from 1975 - 1983.  Later he summered in Pike's Arm, Conception Bay area.  

Jon  Wilkinson exhibited in galleries in several Canadian cities. His work is in collections in Europe, the United States and Canada. A selected list would included the Canada Council Art Bank, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, The Art Gallery of Hamilton, The College of Cape Breton and Grenville College. His work is also included in the collections of Dominion Foundries and Steel, Air Canada, Newfoundland Telephone, Imperial Oil, Canadian National Hotels, Clarkson Gordon as well as many private collections.

Jon passed away in 2012.