Poems in Pastel Exhibition and Sale
Calm After the Storm, pastel on paper, 8×10”, framed
Storm’s retreating now,
Soft waves kiss the rocky shore—
Light returns, serene
Electric Moonlight, 8×10” pastel on paper, framed
Moonlight cracks the sky,
Electrified clouds shimmer—
Waves mirror the glow
Snow on Spruce Boughs, 8 × 10” pastel on paper, framed
Spruce stand, heavy snow,
It whispers in the still air—
Mist softens the trees.
Where The Ocean Beckons, 8×10”, pastel on paper, framed
Standing in the surf,
Waves crash, his gaze fixed—
Seaweed mounds piled all around.
Poems in Pastel: A Meditative Journey Through Art and Haiku
Susan Hunter Guise, artist
Welcome to Poems in Pastel, a unique exhibition that bridges the worlds of contemporary art and traditional poetry. I’m Susan Hunter Guise, and I’m thrilled to share this deeply personal collection with you—a collection that celebrates my love of nature, Japanese culture, and the art of living in the moment.
The Inspiration Behind the Collection
Every piece in Poems in Pastel is the result of a meditative exploration of the landscapes that surround us. My practice of Zen meditation and shodo (Japanese calligraphy) has taught me the beauty of single-minded focus—a way to truly see the world. In these quiet moments, I discovered that every fleeting detail—from the gentle filtering of light through trees to the soft mist over water and the whisper of snow on branches—carries a quiet, profound significance.
I wanted to capture that essence in my art. By pairing each pastel painting with an original haiku, I invite you to pause and appreciate the delicate interplay between visual art and the succinct power of words. Haiku poetry, with its ability to distill an entire moment into just a few words, felt like the perfect companion to my paintings.
The Fusion of Art and Poetry
Poems in Pastel is more than just an art exhibition; it’s an invitation to reflect. The interplay between colour, light, and texture in my paintings echoes the themes found in haiku—transience, impermanence, and the beauty of now. Each painting is a visual meditation, capturing the natural world in its most delicate and ephemeral form. The accompanying haikus serve as lyrical annotations, guiding you to look beyond the surface and discover the stories hidden in every brushstroke.
Exhibition Details
I’m honored to present Poems in Pastel at the Barrie Art Club Gallery.
Exhibition Dates: January 27 – February 22, 2025
Opening Reception: February 2, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Barrie Art Club, 11 King St, Unit 8, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 6B5
Gallery Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
I believe that seeing the works in person is essential to truly experiencing the richness of color and the intricate details that are a hallmark of this collection.
An Invitation to Reflect and Connect
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of stillness. Poems in Pastel is my invitation to you to pause and savour the fleeting beauty that surrounds us. Whether you’re drawn to the gentle allure of pastel hues, the introspective quality of haiku, or simply the desire to reconnect with nature, I hope that this exhibition offers you a space for contemplation and inspiration.
I encourage you to visit the gallery, linger with each painting, read the accompanying haikus, and let the experience resonate with your own journey. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, and I hope that Poems in Pastel will spark conversations, evoke memories, and perhaps even inspire a new way of seeing the world.
Join Me on This Journey
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Poems in Pastel. I look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition and sharing in this intimate exploration of art and poetry. Your presence means a great deal, and I hope that you leave the gallery with a renewed sense of wonder and connection.
See you at the Barrie Art Club!
Warm regards,
Susan Hunter Guise
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences on social media using the hashtag #PoemsInPastel. Let’s start a conversation about the beauty found in every moment.
