Art lovers will want to embrace the new exhibit 'Animus' by artist Adin Teufel, which is showing now at the third floor Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Gallery.
It features pieces of various sizes in the mediums of oils, pastels, and acrylics.
"Since this is a retrospective show, the number of pieces is still evolving," said Teufel. "I’ve been rediscovering earlier works and deciding which ones best fit the exhibit. I’m particularly drawn to organic forms and patterns. Much of my work is intuitive and often surprises me during the process. Entering a flow state while creating brings me immense joy, and it’s in those moments that a rush of new ideas emerges."
Teufel, who was raised in a large family at Shawnigan Lake, wears many hats as he is also a chef and horticulturalist. He prides himself on being a self-taught artist and one who is easily distracted. Drawing inspiration from Jung, Joseph Campbell and Stéphane Blanquette, his art has always given Teufel something to focus on. While he jokes he feels that he almost lied his way to get to where he is now, he shares that his truth is that everything has a consciousness, and what seems material, is actually mental.
"From my perspective, we are all born artists, but many of us lose our natural creative intuition as we grow older and adopt material concepts," said Teufel. "Some however, choose to reconnect with their inner artist later in life."
"The gallery is pleased to support this show that explores deep, unconscious truths of the human experience," said Laura Stephenson of the CVRD Arts and Culture Division. "I’m looking forward to seeing the rich colours of these works lit up in the gallery and set against the darkness of the winter season.
Adin draws his inspiration from life experience, the study of metaphysics and psychology, as well as the mysteries of what the human eye is unable to see."
Through Teufel's earthy, primitive, and organic art, which incorporates myths, monsters, plants and animals, he tries to tell stories in a single image, juxtaposing organic patterns while incorporating mixed feelings and emotions. Each idea is a spirit child, worked with care until they tell him they’re big enough to be out in the world on their own. He shares that everyone has characteristics of classic monster archetypes and that often it is healing to paint out negative feelings.
"My journey began as a child when I started drawing monsters — a passion I never stopped pursuing. I believe maintaining that connection has been deeply enriching for me," said Teufel.
Art aficionados will have the chance to pick Teufel's brain about his style and what inspires him at the artist meet and greet which will be held inside the third floor gallery on Jan. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
"I’ve always grappled with social anxiety, which I believe is something many artists can relate to," said Teufel. "Art itself often becomes a way to process those feelings. That’s why I tend to push myself into challenging situations like this. For example, I once overcame a fear of heights by becoming a roofer. While the idea of the meet-and-greet is intimidating, I’m also excited about the opportunity to connect with others and embrace the challenge.
"January is often the time for self-reflection and setting the tone for the upcoming year," said Stephenson. "This exhibit asks the viewer to think about their narrative by exploring myth and monsters through a lens of unconscious archetypes. This show prompts the feeling there is both awe, and wonder in what is not always easily seen."
'Animus' will run until Feb. 25.
"My hope is that viewers are as captivated by my work as I am during its creation," said Teufel. "I have a formula for keeping things interesting that I try to stick with. I try to subtly incorporate scary, humorous and romantic ideas and not overdo them. If I can get those ideas in while creating something that looks aged or at the edge of falling apart I’m usually pretty happy with it."
