Scott James Owles
Scott James Owles was born in 1964, in Peterborough, Ontario, where he also spent his formative years. In 1973, he and his family moved to Toronto. Initially interested in sculpture, Scott was introduced to Michael Safka in 1978 and it was at this time he began to study form and aesthetic. Later Scott furthered his studies at the Ontario College of Art. In 1987, still studying at OCA, Scott was formally introduced to acclaimed artist Michael John Angel at his studio. Scott believed that Angel's artistic sensibilities were in tune with his own and decided to become a student in his school. Michael John Angle's rich understanding of the arts' place in the tradition of Western liberal humanity helped Scott to view art at a deeper level. With this, Scott began to search even further for artistic enrichment. In 1990, he traveled to Florence, Italy for an in-depth study of painting. Since then, Scott has actively worked on his own, producing works that are uniquely his own, yet steeped with historical language.
"I see my work as the acquisition of an understanding, the most essential comprehension of art as a visual language; exploring both the techniques and practices of those who from centuries past. Like any language, to survive it must grow, and this growth comes from an understanding of its past or tradition (visual, etc.) with a firm grasp on the present and an eye forward.
The subjects I tend to gravitate towards are those of life's contrasts - neither the ideal nor the philosophical, but the experiential.
My ambition is to express my growth both as a human being and as an artist; the expression is based on ascension. Personal ascension and the ideal elevation of the community."
Tempera Grassa : Oil tempera Emulsion
Oil tempera is literally tempera (egg) mixed with oil, it allows the colour clarity and technical strength of tempera, yet permits for the immediacy of oil painting. Historically, the emergence of oil tempera can be traced back to the late sixteenth century, gaining pre-eminence with painters including Anthony Van Dyke in the early seventeenth century and more recently, Pietro Annigoni.
"Oil Tempera is my preferred medium because I am afforded a process of glazing (fat over lean) almost immediately until I have achieved my desired effect or result."
- James Scott Owles, 2006
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