Customer Reviews

Alex Colville: Return

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I am a little surprised that this book has yet to receive a review here; since it was published over 2 years ago.I must admit,I almost passed on reviewing it,but here goes anyway.Maybe it will trigger reviews by others.
I have enjoyed Colville's work for many years and thought reading this book would give me an understanding of his work.Well,after all's said and done I don't think my understanding is any greater.I guess the old adage of "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" applies to me .
If you are not familiar with his art,the cover of this book is a good example.If you like and enjoy this picture ,you'll likely enjoy more of his work.It so happens that I grew up in Kentville,just a few miles from Wolfville,where Colville lived and did much of his work.I am very familiar with the landscape around Blomindon,St.Croix,Grand Pre,Minas Basin and its tides,marshes ,warves,mudflats,etc.These are so common to people living it the area that Colville's ability to take these things and create art is amazing.
I generally tend to like realism more than impressionist art and I liked the explanation of this being "Magic Realism".
I am reminded of Andrew Wyeth,Pratt,Hooper as I look at this art.While in New Mexico, several years ago, I remember the rolling brown hills dotted with small bright green ,ball shaped bushes,that were so often portrayed in the local art.The artists created scenes more real than real.This is similar to what Colville does.
So,I may not 'understand' what he is trying to convey in his art;but I know what I like,and I like his work.
Maybe it is true of a lot of things;the smell of a rose,the
sound of a foghorn,the cry of a gull,the Northern Lights,the stars in the sky;you can enjoy it without understanding why.