We are the artists of Summer House Studio,working constantly and happily in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Victoria is just about the most tropical place in the large cold country called Canada. And yes, we can grow palm trees here, hardy ones admittedly, hence the palm tree in our logo.
We are an eclectic trio and have been friends for over 30 years. We garden together, have fun together, make art together. Although we all work quite differently, the mix of fun and viewpoints makes for great creative ideas. All of us are graduates of the Alberta College of Art (in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) where we each majored in painting for four long and enjoyable years. We've been involved for the last 28 years in graphic design, illustration and, of course, have indulged in many and various forms of fine art. So, of course it's been a natural progression when Hart joined Summer House Studio this year.
Bill is currently involved with Book Illustration and Design with requests for his work from Victoria to New York to California. His works can also be seen and purchased at Fran Willis Gallery where he is represented here in Victoria.
Helen Bushell (and Sophie)
My work is greatly inspired by gardens, flowers and interiors. My interests vary widely, often following a serendipitous course. I'm often working on three different projects at once and somehow they all cross over creatively. Besides painting in the conventional sense, I also design furniture, often decorating old pieces of furniture with organically inspired patterns and have worked in mosaic using broken tiles and dishes to change the surface of pots and vases and even a backsplash or two. I greatly enjoy creating the art cards both for our own line and for custom clients. Surfaces and color are a passion and I'm currently also working on designs for rugs and fabric.
William Bushell
My artwork is as much a description of inner struggles and feelings ast it is a portrayal of the individuals around me. Throughout my journey with art I have drifted in and out of direct human content, going at one point entirely abstract. I have explored the surface in terms of texture and line, form and color, but always returning full circle to that human face we all see in the mirror or next to us in the elevator or peering back from the printed photo. I often use photographs in my works, in part or whole applied to the surface and worked into with various media. I also have a love and talent for design. A perfectly arranged page or book cover is as beautiful as any other work..
Hart Downey
I am a collector. Everything from Found Obects for the garden, to 50s decorative wall plaques, salt and pepper shakers and jelly moulds,--- if one is good a dozen is better.---I have created lush surfaces filled with vivid color in my home and garden and artwork. I find inspiration in looking at and enjoying all of these areas. Painting. drawing, collage , photography as well as garden design and decorating are the ways I choose to express my vision.
