One thing’s certain, Banff artist, actor and opera singer Karen Minish knows how to make an entrance.
While noon signals the lunch hour for many, Minish skips the formality of a proper meal and serves up cake. At least, that’s what she did recently at the opening of her most recent show – Jewel Tones – an exhibit of original paintings and mixed media at Banff Town Hall.
And it’s not that she doesn’t believe in rules. But she knows, when it comes to painting, she can disregard them or mould them as she pleases.
“Why can’t the sky be turquoise? Don’t tell me it cannot be that,” she said.
“For me, when it comes to painting, there are no rules. I just paint what comes to my head.”
Minish’s exhibit is aptly named. Filled with electric jewel tones, her canvasses dance with colour. From star-speckled evening scenes to dancing sunflowers to prairie skies, Minish paints from a happy place.
“When I do a painting, I have to feel like I want to be in it,” Minish said. “I just want to knock on someone’s door and have a cup of tea. I have no desire to paint anything that’s dark.”
But there’s more to Minish than meets the eye. Unlike previous shows, she now explores the world of mixed media and muted tones. And while these pieces and shades are nothing like what viewers expect of Minish, everything seems to fall exactly where it should.
“It’s a complete departure,” she said.
But she’s a natural.
And with an accomplished career in the arts, what more could she want?
“I wish I had a maid,” she sighed. “I’m so focused when I’m painting. There’s paint on the fridge. There’s paint on the stove. I enjoy painting big, but there’s no room to paint big.
“And I’d like a studio apart from the house – a studio with a piano.”
For more information on the artist or to purchase one of the show’s offerings, please call Minish at 403-762-3188.
Jewel Tones is on display at Banff Town Hall until the end of the month.
