Artist: Grace Afonso
Medium: Oil
Dimensions: 24''x 24''

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
This still life painting is inspired by the joys of simple celebrations. It brings everyday objects to life – cupcakes, tea and a patterned tablecloth – arranged in anticipation for the viewer to come and enjoy.

Artist Statement
I am an observational artist. I focus on capturing the fleeting energy of the moment. I am influenced by the vibrancy of modern colours and the fluidity of oil paints rather than expressly copy the information I see. I let the spirit of the subject matter guide me.

Biography
Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Grace Afonso lived in many small towns across Ontario and a few years in Portugal before finally settling in Hamilton where she lives today.

By good fortune, Afonso attended a specialty arts high school where she was introduced to a variety of mediums and her passion for art was sparked. Although she would complete her undergrad in Nursing from McMaster University, Afonso always had an interest in capturing the world around her and continued her art's education at Dundas Valley School of Art, OCAD University, Haliburton School of Art + Design, and completed residencies in Umbria, Italy and Cerèt, France.

The subject matter of Afonso's work is the celebration of colour shown in her exploration of the domestic scene and landscape. It is colour's power to effect mood that works as the driving principle behind Afonso's translation of her life to the canvas.