New Art Show! Runs March 24 to May 21

Chance and Circumstance

Abstract paintings by Barbara McLean

Artist’s Statement

The abstract works in this exhibition are dedicated to the exploration of Chance and Circumstance. Along side broad airy spaces there often lurk mysterious entrances partially hidden or darkened. Although a sense of mystery is part of what I wish to convey, that mystery is realized spontaneously. I abandon any urge to pre-plan. My intent is to discover structure rather than to impose it. By moving quickly, making gestural marks the unexpected occurs and frequently becomes a key element in the painting. It is an exhilarating way to work, however an incomplete one. A very necessary and more introspective assessment follows initial serendipitous discoveries. The often brash marks are mediated by thoughtfully applied layers that reinforce and refine the initial mark-making. This follow up brings a contemplative aspect to the pieces that I feel finishes them.


In essence, these paintings are about trust: trust in the human desire to look beyond the familiar, a trust in one’s ability to meet the unknown and ultimately, trust and faith in life itself. I find real joy in approaching painting in such an unregulated way. It is my hope that the viewer too will be engaged by the canvases in this exhibition, canvases developed in part through chance and circumstance.

Artist’s Profile

Barbara Mclean graduated from Sheridan Collage (graphic design) and more recently from NSCAD University (BFA major in fine art) She has been a member of Peer Gallery Lunenburg for several years and also exhibits work at Art Sales and Rental Gallery in Halifax and Harvest Gallery in Wolfville.


Solo Exhibitions

2010, April, Atlantic School of Theology, Chance and Circumstance

2010, April, Art Sales and Rental, Barbara McLean, Abstract Landscapes

2009, September, Craig Gallery Dartmouth, Passages

2009, May, Peer Gallery, Lunenburg, Describing Landscape

2007, Peer Gallery, Intrinsic Worth: seeing the forest for the trees

Barbara is one of the artists featured in the recently launched book Land and Sea, Landscape Painters of Nova Scotia. She is also the South Shore representative for Visual Arts Nova Scotia.