By Henry Long
This Sunday, enjoy an eclectic and diverse show titled “Stillness” in a little gallery, off the beaten path surrounded by lush scenic views and winding roads in the heart of Topanga Canyon.
One might not think of putting these two artists together; the exhibition features photographer Felice Willat and artist Paula Fagan.
“Our art is different, but we are kindred spirits,” said Willat. “Paula’s abstract paintings express what I feel when I see extraordinary landscapes like the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park or Steptoe Butte in Washington.”
The two artists are friends and members of Topanga Canyon Gallery.
Willat has been a member since 2008 and enjoys being part of the community through the gallery. Fagan joined about two years ago. Both came to the arts later in life and have pursued their dreams ever since.
Fagan began painting in 2003 after raising a family and being a teacher.
Willat started her career in her 50’s.
“After spending 15 years developing time management systems (Day Runner, Inc.), I decided I had to stop time, and that’s just what the camera did,” she said.
Willat found a respected teacher of photography, Claire Steinberg, who is still a mentor to this day.
“I began studying photography following a trip to India where I couldn’t put my camera down,” she said.
Fagan recently paired up with Willat at the Topanga Canyon Studio Tour and admits she is pleased to be working with her friend again.
“This is our second show we have done together,” Fagan said. “This show of our two apparently different styles of art works really well because of the meditative nature of both her photography and my soulful abstracts, my new Spirit Girl Collection and my glass Inspheration Vessels (hand painted blown glass vessels).”
Topanga Canyon Gallery was founded in the 1950s. The artists own and run the collective and present monthly exhibitions featuring well-known and emerging artists from the Los Angeles area. Living in Topanga is not a requirement; membership includes artists from all parts of LA.
Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 109, Topanga. The opening reception for “Stillness” will be held on Sunday, September 8 from 3-6 pm.
The event will feature poetry readings by Lark and solo guitar instrumentals by LA songwriter Calvin Banks.
The show will remain on view through Sept. 22. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
For more information, visit topangacanyongallery.com, iampaula.net, and felicewillatphotography.com.