THE SOURCE, May 1, 2002

Exhibition: The Midnight Oils

By Jennifer Maloney
Musicians, poets and artists alike have invariably been known to gain inspiration at odd times. This has been reflected in Joyce Woods' newest exhibit,"The Midnight Oils."

The exhibition will give a feel for what it is really like to see art in the dark. Armed with a flashlight, easel, canvas, and paints, Woods achieved this"nocturne look" painting between the late hours of 10pm and lam.

Some of the inspiration in her oils came from the beaches, wharves, and porches of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. There is a painting of North Vancouver's sulfur piles and another depicting the floating gas stations in Coal Harbour. Other inspiration came from a painting trip Woods took to Berlin last year, where she returned with several pictures portraying the city by day and night.

"I work very long hours. So, last year I launched into "The Midnight Oils" partly out of the convenience of the time slot and, of course, out of a curiosity of what it would be like as a challenge to try to capture something true about the subject matter," explains Woods.

Painting directly from life has forever been a pattern in Wood's work, The Vancouver artist has done numerous portraits, which she has primarily become recognized for. "I am not trying to be photographically realistic. But with portraits, still life, and the places represented in this show I am trying to convey the light, stillness or activity and mood with paint language," says Joyce.

Woods has been exhibiting her work for over 20 years throughout Canada, the USA and Europe, and has at least 20 solo exhibitions to her credit. The 46-year-old mom holds two degrees and spent 8 years with the University of British Columbia as a drawing and painting instructor.

Her travels include Europe and North Africa amongst other parts of Canada and the USA. Woods spent two years writing art reviews for the Georgia Straight and has done freelance magazine illustration as well as many private mural and portrait commissions.

Currently she has been working as a scenic artist in the film industry doing everything from scenic aging to 'trompe 1'oeil' woods and backdrop painting. This has been a main focus for Woods for the past seven years.

The opening of "The Midnight Oils" will be held this Sunday, May 5th, from 4 to 7pm, at the Havana Gallery on Commercial Drive. Two of Vancouver's gracious poets, Diane Tucker and Pam Galloway, will enhance the evening with a reading of poetry in the nocturne theme at 6pm. If you are curious to meet Joyce Woods, she will also be present at the occasion.

For further information or any questions regarding this event, you can contact Joyce at (604) 338-5587. "The Midnight Oils" is an exhibit you don't want to miss if you have a love of nature's beautiful mysteries at night. Woods' images move and capture the very essence of what is being displayed!