Jim Tubb (1948) is originally from Toronto, though he has lived in Waterloo since 1980. He is known for his large scale visual music works, traditional landscapes, several “peg board paintings”, and the “environmental tragedy” series.
He is primarily an expressionist working with oilsticks and acrylics on canvas and various wood and synthetic surfaces. After many years he is able to show work that is a depiction of his times and what “life feels like”. Music of many genres and notation, introspection and the observation of his times are his main inspirations these days. He believes that the artists role is to “show to the audience” not tell the observer what to think. Regardless, he has always stated that his main goal is to to make work that is unique and challenging and ever evolving. More of Jim’s work can be found on his website.
“My art making is driven by the urge to create what has not come before me. It is based on observation of contemporary issues, the struggles of friends, creative energy and emotion, rather than detailed systematic predesign work. I like to think that in many works I am portraying what life feels like in the twenty-first century.
I am always trying to grow as an artist in such a way that I can produce more relevant visions of the world. I think that good art enlivens that part of us that is in the world, and that it somehow matters.”
Tubb has a studio in a former bicycle shop (Schipplings) on Duke Street, in downtown Kitchener, that he refers to as the Dry Ice Gallery. Over 200 people own his work across the country. He is considered somewhat unique in that he donates many paintings every year to charity, and is open to donating more.
Please join us at kwartzlab on Tuesday, July 8th when Jim will deliver a short talk on his work. Presentation starts at 8 pm.
A few snapshots of Jim’s work currently installed at kwartzlab, on display til the end of July.
Art Wall installation showing Jim Tubb’s peg board paintings
Urban Hymn
Rhapsody Not in Blue
A Walk to the Paradise Garden (Delius)