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MEET Xavier Fernandes! Xavier is a talented multidisciplinary artist and long time Orillia Arts community member. I have known Xavier for several years and worked with him on various projects involving Zephyr Art Gallery, the Starry Night Studio & Gallery Tour and the Orillia Arts District. His dedication, professionalism and knowledge have always inspired me. When he commits to a project, he gives it his all. Xavier's continuing artistic evolution is amazing to follow and his recent work with metal and wood - SO beautiful! Read on to discover more about Xavier, his work and current projects!  (photo credit: Deb Halbot Photography) What is your art background and how has your artistic practice grown? I went to Sheridan College for the three-year Illustration program. While there, I took life drawing, figure drawing, printmaking, graphic design, photography, painting, computer graphics, technical illustration … it was a comprehensive course. Since then, I have expanded from mainly painting and printmaking to learning how to weld and making things out of metal, and now metal and wood, and learning how to turn wood. I have also done body painting for the last two Somniatis wearable art shows and printed the fabric for the Clocktower dress in Somniatis I. I have also been involved in Call to Action 83, a collaborative art exhibit around Truth and Reconciliation, with indigenous and non-indigenous artists. The first show, with 16 pieces by 16 artists, travelled all over Ontario. The second show has just opened at Quest Gallery in Midland and we will be doing a public sharing and talk about it on December 1 at 1 pm, free to the public.  (photo credit: Ron Hill)  You have been involved in the Orillia Arts Scene for many years – how have you experienced its evolution? When I got into the arts scene in Orillia it was at the end of high school, over 25 years ago. It was a smaller group of artists in the community who kind of did their own thing but many of them came together for meetings of the Orillia Fine Arts Association and for the community. I was one of the founding members of Zephyr Gallery which started in 2000 and that was a big catalyst for many artists for many years. It was the first gallery where any artist could show work on a regular basis here in town. Eventually Zephyr moved on to Peter Street to join with other arts businesses and organizations, including the Orillia Museum of Art & History, Tiffin’s Creative Centre, the Shadowbox … there were only a few at that time but it was a change. That was the early beginning of artists joining together to create the Orillia Arts District. Brian Tosh and Liz Schamehorn opened a gallery together, Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery & Studio, while I had my own studio upstairs at 5 Peter Street, where there is quite a group of artists now. Eventually I moved to Peter Street Fine Arts as well as several other artists. Peter Street has evolved into a hub of artists and galleries that work together and create places and happenings for people to come and enjoy great art.
 You are involved in the Underground Orillia project – can you tell me about the project and describe its development? I was approached by some friends from high school who asked if I wanted to do a documentary on the tunnels that are under Orillia, if there are any …. Having knowledge of some of the underground spaces, they felt I could be helpful to get them into some of the places. This was a two-year journey of research and exploring these spaces, seeing all kinds of amazing things…some of them no longer exist but we were able to document them before they were destroyed. Our goal is to make this documentary accessible to as many Orillians as possible, so we are doing two free shows at the Orillia Opera House on November 28, at 7 and 9 pm. We hope to get the show into Hot Docs as well. We have had a lot of positive feedback about the show and it has generated a lot of interest and questions from people here in town. It has been really fun to be part of it, and to explore filmmaking, which is a new medium for me.  What are you working on now and where may people discover your work? When I got into metal, and wood and metal work, I needed a new space to do it in. I am sharing a workshop at 64 Western Avenue, beside Charles Pachter’s place. I am making black walnut side tables with metal legs, and black walnut platters with metal stands. I recently acquired a lathe and a garage full of black walnut and butternut and am now busy learning woodturning, making bowls, and other hollow vessels. I am also making wooden tea light holders. I show my work at Peter Street Fine Arts, at 23 Peter Street South, and at my home in Orillia. I share my work on my personal Facebook page, Xavier Fernandes. I would like to do more body painting as well, just for fun. It’s a very interesting medium. It’s a challenge to make body painting look realistic and like it’s not painted, and I enjoy a challenge!  (photo credit: Peter Stranks)
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From my 'People of the Arts District' series for the Orillia Arts District facebook page!  Brian Tosh, in front of the gallery he founded in 2008. Meet Brian Tosh, Orillia Artist and owner/operator of Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery & Studio in downtown Orillia. Peter Street Fine Arts recently celebrated TEN years as an Art business in downtown Orillia and is solidly one of the anchors of the Orillia (Peter Street) Arts District. Brian opened Peter Street Fine Arts Studio & Gallery in July of 2008, along with local artist Liz Schamehorn. Over the years, the gallery has evolved into a thriving artist collective showcasing work by local artists and monthly guest artists. At the gallery, find oil paintings in a variety of subject matter, fine art photography, metal art, functional art, fibre art and more. Peter Street Fine Arts is located at 23 Peter St. S. in @DowntownOrillia (across the street form the Orillia Museum of Art & History). Follow the facebook page for events and exhibitions: @peterstreetfinearts. READ on to discover MORE about Brian and Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery & Studio. You just celebrated the 10 Year Anniversary of Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery & Studio. It’s an amazing milestone! What are some of the highlights of the past ten years? There are so many different highlights. I would say the one that means the most to me is being a part of something with such talented artists both past and present. Also meeting people when they come to the gallery for guest artist opening receptions, sidewalk sales, Starry Night or just to browse. One that stands out for me was when a two Snowbird Pilots came to the gallery recently to see a model I had carved.  Brian creates beautiful Canadian themed oil paintings - Hockey! Describe your art journey? What brought you to oil painting? For me when I wanted to try painting I happened to start with oils. I have tried most mediums but I love oil painting. It is the one that gives me the most pleasure You are often recognized for your ‘streetscapes’ and Orillia scenes, but what are your favourite subjects to paint? Over time I have become known for painting streetscapes and landmarks but I also enjoy painting many other things like cars, pets, cottages, hockey scenes, maple syrup scenes and much more.  A well worked in pallet. Where can people find your art? My work can be found at Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery as well as Mariposa Market Cafe.  The artist in his studio. Contact Brian via e-mail or call 705-321-1403. He is available for commissions and has a great selection of Orillia scenes, hockey themed paintings, landscapes and more at his studio at Peter Street Fine Arts.
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Artist InspirationInspiring ARTists & ART!
Zephyr Art & Artists
Xavier Fernandes Greg James Thomson Peter Fyfe Sylvia Tesori Christina Hartwick Kathryn Kaiser Paul Court Tanya Cunnington Nancy Jones Meg Leslie Robyn Rennie Murray Van Halem Brian Tosh Heather Price-Jones Linda Plourde Archives
January 2019
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