About

"There is no other place in the world that I would rather be than in my hometown province, Newfoundland. The rugged coastline and views of the ocean all around me, the hospitality and spirit of the people remind me every day that I am so lucky to live here." - Geraldine Gillingham

Artist Statement

"My paintings are inspired by my surroundings and memories of growing up in rural Newfoundland.  Using organic shapes, lively vibrant colours and subtle line work, I respond to my environment and experiences.  My work is always intuitive. I approach the canvas with no plan or ideas. What follows is a rush of mark marking, scribbling and drawing then layers of transparent glazes are added. Layers are added and removed, marks are veiled then obliterated. Finally, bold lines, drawn shapes and delicate brush strokes are eventually added to the canvas. Each step in the process informs the next and it is through this process that I develop a history of richly textured paintings that viewers can enjoy and relate to. My artwork provides the viewer with a bold graphic image from a distance, but up close they’re rewarded with rich organic details and texture."

Biography

After a long and rewarding career as a teacher and guidance counselor, Geraldine returned to her true passion for colour and self-expression. Geraldine has taken many courses and private lessons from a diverse group of professional artists in Ontario. Painting is an intuitive process for Geraldine, where she lays down marks with pastel, charcoal, and acrylic dips and pours, then adds layers of luscious acrylics to reveal that which cannot be communicated with words. Geraldine's work is constantly evolving, inspired and influenced by her surroundings, nature, and memories of her childhood home in Newfoundland.

Her work is in private collections throughout Canada, US and West Indies.

CV

Education
Memorial University. B. ED, 1986
Memorial University. M. ED, 1997
Julia Veenstra Gallery, Group Workshop, 2015
Private Study, Sharon Barr, 2016
Studio Six, Group Workshops, 2016
Oakville Art Society, Group Workshops, 2003-2015
Burlington Art Society, Group Workshops, 2003-2015
Studio Journey, Private Study, 2018
Carol Bajen-Gahm, Workshop, 2019
Advanced Abstract Residency, Atlantic Center For The Arts, 2018 
Advanced Abstract Residency, Atlantic Center For The Arts, 2019
2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects: Residency, Duntara, NL, 2019
Advanced Individual Study, Steve Aimone, 2021

Select Shows
2015
William's Mill Gallery, Geraldine Gillingham "Violet's Garden," Solo Show, Glen Williams, Ontario
Festival of Friends,  “Collective Show,” Hamilton, Ontario
CJ’s, “Exhibition,” Oakville, Ontario
Paula White-Diamond, “Square Foot Show,” Waterloo, Ontario
Paula White-Diamond, “Big Ideas Show,” Waterloo, Ontario

2016-2017
Oakville Art Society, “Pop up Show,” Oakville, Ontario
William’s Mill Gallery, “Colour, Texture, Vision,” Glen Williams, Ontario
Imagemaker Gallery, “Flower Power,” Port Credit, Ontario
Savvy Art, Group Show, Oakville, Ontario
Red Ochre Gallery, “Significant Works,” St. John’s, Newfoundland

2018-2019
Kraken Art Gallery, “Collective Show,” St. John’s, Newfoundland
Kraken Art Gallery, “Wintertide,” St. John’s, Newfoundland
McMaster Innovation Park, Juried Show, Hamilton, Ontario
Thomas Dean Fine Arts, “Summer Pleasures” Atlanta, Georgia
Shane Norris Contemporary Gallery

2021
Solo Show, Corazon Contemporary Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Publications and Media
Snap South, April 2016
The Heroine's Journey of Geraldine Gillingham, Wordpress, August 2018
Marilyn Denis Show, 2019
Marilyn Denis Show, 2019
Sarah Richardson, Red Brick Re-Do, 2021

Organizations
Visual Artist Newfoundland and Labrador, Joined 2017 - present
Mentors and Mentoring Circle, Founding Member, 2014 - present

Gallery Representation
Canvas Gallery Toronto, Ontario 
Corazon Contemporary, Santa Fe, New Mexico
In2Art Gallery, Oakville, Ontario
Savvy Art Gallery, Oakville, Ontario