Artist: Richard Zazulak
Medium: Oil on linen
Dimensions: 30''x 45''

Bidding on this artwork will take place at the Live Auction event, Friday, April 4. Tickets available at the link at dvsa.ca. Absentee bids can also be placed in advance – request a form at the school office or email bid@dvsa.ca.

About This Piece
Ramea Island is located off the southwest coast of Newfoundland, accessible only by ferry. Once a thriving community relying on cod fishing, it has since become a haven for kayakers exploring the many surrounding islands. As in many of my paintings, my inspiration comes from being in the location and having a memorable experience. Our travels are designed to visit places of culture, geography/geology and history with the intention of photographing the journey and to immortalize the experience through my art.

Artist Statement 
My life’s journey is experienced through relationships, physical activity, and creative aspirations. I live vicariously, whether through family and friends, drawing and painting, or through the lens of a camera.    The process of drawing, painting, and photography evokes curiosity, a sense of challenge, exploration, and identity. Painting has been a turning point in my life, becoming an emotional and intuitive process. This journey has an infinite destination. 

Biography 
I am a native Hamiltonian presently living in Dundas, Ontario. After graduating from Central Secondary School in Hamilton in 1964, I attended the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD), graduating in 1968 with a diploma in Advertising Design. My employment experience has been in the Hamilton area. After a short duration working in the community, in 1970 I started a career at McMaster University where I spent 28 years until retirement in 1998 as supervisor of the graphic art department in Audio Visual Services. After retirement, I continued my career as a private consultant as a Graphic Artist, Illustrator, and photographer with greater exploration through painting.    My art interests include drawing and painting in a variety of media with subject matter based on personal experiences and observation. My participation at Dundas Valley School of Art started in the 70’s when I was enrolled in life painting classes and then switched interests to portraiture. For four years I had been enrolled in the Advanced Study Program while preserving my art interests in graphic design for illustration and expanding my interests in photography. Emphasis is primarily sports-related yet balancing this through event and travel photo experiences. My artwork conveys themes experienced in my personal life, past and present. I continue to develop my art through observation and experimentation. I also continue to support DVSA programs through volunteering.