Visually Speaking | Roger V. Sutherland, Denise LeBleu, Lydia Bartel-Zobarich and Jo Smoley

A painting or photograph is a visual dance of the artist’s imagination. It is a universal language of self-expression which precedes oral language, making thoughts visible. “Speaking Visually” is the collaboration of visual expression from Manitoba artists Roger V. Sutherland (acrylic painter), Denise LeBleu (photographer), Lydia Bartel-Zobarich (acrylic painter) and Jo Smoley (Mixed Media artist).

This exquisite variety of pictorial communication will evoke a memory, an emotion, a story or even challenge your perception. Experience paintings when no words can adequately describe a moment or a photo to touch your emotions where words were unable.

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way —things I had no words for—Georgia O’Keeffe

Lydia Bartels‘ creative endeavours began early in childhood with drawing and doodling. She revisited art while convalescing from a difficult surgery. She used art as a method of distraction and while doing so, she discovered that she enjoys the creative side. As she continues on her journey of learning and experimentation with abstract landscapes and animals, she drew strength and inspiration from other artists and the variety of mediums used. She continues to challenge herself to express art for the beauty it allows while faced with uncertainty such as the pandemic, climate change, or facets of social change experienced throughout our very complex world.

Jo Smoley is a multimedia artist. Her strong connection with nature is expressed in her artwork. A passionate hiker and kayaker, keeps her immersed in the places she loves to paint. Her art captures the sensations of spirit and whispers of Canada’s natural forests and waterways. She gets endless inspiration from the Chi around her. You can also find her artwork at Warehouse Artworks, Art Expo and Gwen Fox Gallery.

Denise LeBleu was born and raised in Carman, Manitoba. In 2010, I moved to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, approximately 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. In 2019 I followed my heart and returned to my prairie home. My passion started in high school when my graphic arts teacher introduced me to photography. My love of nature and the outdoors are deeply embedded in my soul, and for me, photography has the power to bring people into the moment I experienced. My work can be found in many private collections and businesses across Canada and the United States of America. I have shown in The Gwen Fox Gallery, The Golden Prairie Arts Council, Wayne Arthur Gallery, cre8ery, Manitoba Art Expo and The Home Renovation Show.

Roger Sutherland was born and raised in St. Boniface, Manitoba. He started painting wildlife and prairie landscapes. He experimented with painting on plywood, Masonite, paper and canvas using various methods of painting. Over time my painting style evolved into abstract painting, giving him the freedom to express concepts and emotion. Currently, he is self-employed as a carpenter, renovator, and abstract artist living in Winnipeg, MB. He has shown at cre8ery, Wayne Arthur Gallery, La Maison des Artistes, and other galleries within Manitoba.