Distant Haze. Lindsay Keeling, artist
By Gina Malone
Through November 29, Canton’s Grateful Table hosts a solo exhibition of work by painter Lindsay Keeling that is part of Rise & Repaint’s Taking Up Space initiative encouraging women and non-binary artists globally to exhibit their work during the month of November.
“My show, Layered Light, is a registered Taking Up Space exhibit,” Keeling says. “My art is taking up space on the walls of Grateful Table, allowing me to share my story and my passion right here in my community. Over the years, I have worked to overcome self-doubt to continue to share my art and what it means to me.”
Textured Landscape. Lindsay Keeling, artist
The Taking Up Space initiative seeks to address the lower numbers for gallery representation of women artists compared to those of men in both North America and Europe. In addition, Rise & Repaint helps artists find community. “As an independent artist and entrepreneur, I think it’s important to find your community both in person and online,” Keeling says. “Community is essential for a sustainable art career, whether you want to build friendships, share skills and resources, or experience critiques.”
When she relocated to the area, Keeling says, Grateful Table, a woman-owned business that supports local artists, became one of her favorite spots to shop and have lunch. Her mini-landscape paintings and greeting cards are available for purchase year-round at the restaurant’s retail shop.
Layered Light includes Keeling’s vibrant mixed-media landscapes as well as more serene acrylic paintings. “My peaceful abstract landscapes encourage you to take the time to notice the layers of color and beauty around us,” she says. “I capture the peaceful energy of nature on canvas to help you feel a sense of calm.”
Color Study VII. Lindsay Keeling, artist
It was her move to Western North Carolina and curious exploration of how to capture nature’s colors and textures that led to her embrace of mixed media. “My process begins with expressive mark-making using ink on tissue paper,” she says. “It’s a playful pr
ocess of using unexpected tools—like toothpicks, brushes and string—dipped in ink to make marks. I also alter old magazine pages with a natural cleaner that causes the ink to smear around. I tear the hand-painted paper into strips and apply it like a collage on the canvas, then add layers of color with acrylic paint.”
It’s the peaceful energy of the mountains that she hopes to convey to those who view her work. “I hope visitors will truly take a moment to pause and sit with the artwork while enjoying their meal at Grateful Table,” Keeling says. “It’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists and feel overwhelmed by current events, so I believe taking care of our own mental health is important. My paintings encourage you to pause, feel present and notice the beauty. I hope that reminder and sense of calm will carry over into the rest of your day.”
The Grateful Table is located at 473 Main Street, Canton. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. See more of Lindsay Keeling’s artwork at LindsayKeelingArt.com.
