The Visual Arts at Christ Church Deer Park

“I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs (19th century American Naturalist and essayist).

Having experienced the healing power of Nature personally, I am delighted to share this experience with you through my photographic art. Most of my experiences of Nature, so far, have been while hiking on the Bruce Trail and during my visits to the Haliburton area. This is where I re-ignited my passion for photography after a twenty five year hiatus.

Albert Einstein said: “Look deep into Nature, and then you’ll understand everything.” And Hal Borland (20th century, American author and journalist) articulated: “Knowing trees, I understand patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.” Through these pictures, I wish to share what I currently understand.

Welcome to my exhibition, and I hope you enjoy this work and the beauty of Nature. Your feedback is appreciated. Thank you!

As a self-taught artist/photographer, I continue to learn through experimentation, the process of self-discovery and feedback. As an artist, photography is a tool to express my emotions, perceptions and spirituality – from the whole gamut of beauty and ugliness I see in the world. Photography enables me to connect with the world and to share who I am. Thomas Merton said: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Perhaps I can offer a certain breathing room in the hectic lives of others through my photographic art?!

I believe, as an artist, that not only do I creatively express myself through photography, but also by being innovative in all aspects of my life. For me, being an artist is synonymous with living!

Nature photography is my first love but now I’m developing a love for portrait and event photography also. I hope to express my fascination/love of people and the things we organize and do.

I have had one solo exhibition and numerous group art shows at various places. Toronto Image Works has generously supported my development as a photographer artist through printing my works for display and mounting at all the shows and also printing some of my portfolios; Ted Yarwood (a professional photographer) and numerous other people in my life have also been supportive of my passion of photography. I’m grateful to all of them.

The Art Gallery is a part of our Art and Spiritualilty program which strives towards building a wider community. Our Vision statement is: " CCDP is a place where genuine spirituality, like art is open and dynamic .... both are the hope of a world so badly in need of transformation."

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist" - Robert Schumann

The Art and Spirituality program picked up steam in the New Year. In January and February, our very own Bob Reeves had a very successful show themed: Epiphany - the moment of Awakening/Realization. The paintings showed paintings in interesting light, perhaps give us that "aha" experience.Gallery visitors were touched by it and loved it - three people went home with Bob's paintings. Bob had the unenviable position of having 5 viewers who wanted to go home with the same painting, but only one could do that. Also Bob might be commissioned to paint something for somebody.

Currently our Carol Dority has an exhibition themed: One in Spirit. Carol's paintings challenge us to see that we (all of humanity) are all one in spirit and encourages us to reflect on the attitudes that separate us and hence our behaviour toward each other?! This show runs through May 1st.

Following Carol's show, we have our Ramesh Kamath scheduled for a photographic art show themed: Nature: Its Healing power. In this exhibit Ramesh displays photographic art of Nature and shares with us the healing he has felt and continues to experience from being in the middle of Nature. The printing of his images has been generously sponsored by Toronto Image Works - a professional printing service bureau.

As far as the Gallery is concerned, we're earnestly seeking sponsors, patrons and donors to help us with the purchase and installation of a professional track lighting system to make the viewing of the art more enjoyable and impactful. We need about $7,000 towards this. Any help is appreciated. Please speak to either Ramesh Kamath or Walter Blackwell if you've any questions. The checks should be made payable to CCDP and earmarked for the ASR Enhancement Fund. Thank you!

We look forward to bringing you a year full of engaging, awe-inspiring Art that will lead to reflection.

Our mission is inherent in CCDP’s Mission Statement and builds on the strategic plan, GROWS.. Specifically:

To provide an opportunity for the community at large to share in the enriching experience of art;
To engage the community and artists within and beyond CCDP;
To create a gallery space where artists can exhibit their work for the appreciation of the community;
To create a programme that is self-sustaining and ongoing through sponsorships, patronages, donations and commissions on art sales.