Montreal artist Susan Pepler loves Cuba. She originally travelled to Havana in pursuit of artistic subject matter, vintage automobiles. There she hit the mother lode! And more.
“In 2000, I had just done my first solo show in Montreal, the start of my painting career, and had included a couple of vintage cars that I had seen around Montreal. They were a hit. I had always been fascinated with the appearance of cars, with every little visual detail. I found that the ones from the 50′s were particularly attractive. Post- war glee had produced pretty cool designs.
“Someone at my show suggested that I should visit Havana, as there were a plethora of vintage cars on the streets there. In 2002, I took heed and went in search of cars to paint. I was blown away. I came home to Montreal and painted up a storm. And went back again in 2004 and again last year, when all of the 40 or so cars I’d painted were totally sold out.”
Instead of finding only cars to paint however, Pepler found the various aspects of Cuban life equally fascinating and inspiring.
“I love the way the musicians belt out their tunes and play their instruments wholeheartedly. They give it their all! There’s no holding back. I love that! It’s very un-Canadian”
Pepler is also attracted to “the people, the colors, the sun, the palm trees, the warmth, the history, the architecture, the music, the art, the ballet and the talent …there’s so much talent there! I love the local art markets and have purchased several original paintings for my own collection back home.”
In the spring of 2012 Pepler returned to Havana once again, this time with her nephew. “We had a ball”.
Pepler is showing her latest ‘Cuban car paintings’ in two exhibitions in Montreal including one at Georges Laoun Opticien at 4012 St Denis St, Montreal February 4 – 28th 2013 with a vernissage to be held on Tuesday February 12th from 6 – 8 pm and then another in the lobby of the Meridien Versailles Hotel at 1808 Sherbrooke St W in April, May & June. Susan Pepler’s art collection can also be seen at www.studiosusanpepler.com
Article courtesy of www.visitcuba.com