September 7, 2022
-by John Gillis
There was an excellent turnout Saturday for the opening of June Leaf in Mabou since 1969, now showing at the Inverness County Centre of the Arts.
Leaf was pleased with the turnout, chatting with patrons briefly at the reception and adding: “I think the works look better with people in it,” referring to seeing the gallery visitors.
Now in her early 90s, still very active and creating art on a regular basis, a spectator noted aptly how she is a wonderful inspiration to artists – especially female artists.
It was great to see the main room of the gallery and the hallway entry filled with her works – many of them drawings and sketches in various media – much of which was created here in her home or studio in Mabou.
One visitor commented how they loved how Leaf included some rough sketches, impressions or collages, as well as many of her more intricate and detailed expressions, in addition to the creative way she incorporates various materials such as copper, wood, or wire into her works.
It didn’t take long for the exhibit room to be filled after the doors opened and it was exciting to see so many people from near and afar taking such interest in the 60 or so pieces on display.
It was exciting, too, to see many of the family members or friends of people who appeared in her portraits over the decades remarking, greeting, meeting, and sharing stories about the subjects – many of whom were or are neighbours or friends of Leaf’s over the years.
Many, as well, were friends who had met Leaf’s late husband Robert’s daughter, Andrea, who passed away tragically in a plane crash at the age of 20. How does one cope with such grief? Many can relate and perhaps finding, pursuing, or discovering a creative outlet is one way of moving forward after such loss.
Many of the works were drawings, sketches, or paintings in colour, on paper, canvas, or other materials and often incorporated found objects or a photograph, such as in the piece, Robert Carrying Wood.
Leaf had an intimacy with many of the subjects that are reflected in many of the portraits. She has such talent with line, knowing when to provide more detail and where to leave just a few quick gestures of expression to suggest a figure as well as a fine sensibility for colour.
There were some more complete and exquisite portraits as well, including a lovely painting of Sally “Central” Beaton and a portrait of Catherine and Johnny “Little Dougald” Beaton – though that is not to suggest that all the works in the show are portraits.
There were a few fine examples of the mechanical pieces which have been a theme of Leaf’s works at various times including an intriguing small piece called Charge. Another small sculpture, Woman Coming out of the Book, was striking as well as a larger work which incorporated an antique sewing machine and suggested a more abstract figure.
Visitors to Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, over the years, may also recall seeing a lovely sketch of the late fiddler Peter MacPhee (1975) on the walls – a work which is included in the show.
Leaf continues to split her time between New York and Nova Scotia since arriving here and taking up residence in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Leaf has exhibited works in some of the world’s larger and most prominent galleries and museums and her work is included in many permanent public and private collections as well.
It is a credit to curator Emily Falencki, the board of directors, ICCA volunteers, and to Leaf and friends for taking the time and effort to create and assemble this display.
You are invited and encouraged by the Centre for the Arts to see and explore this show before its November 10th closing.
Gallery patrons also had the opportunity at the opening to relax and enjoy beverages or snacks in the bar and concert room of the Centre with instrumental music provided by guitarist Brian Doyle.
Inverness County Centre for the Arts is located at 16080 Highway 19, Inverness, and gallery and shop hours are Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; telephone: 902-258-2533.
Bravo again to the Centre and to all of those creative spirits who continue to create and provide art, music, song, dance, theatre, writing, and more to nourish our spirits through these times.
