When Barry Burniston graduated from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and moved to North Bay to start his teaching career in 1965, it turned out to be a fortunate decision.
It was Widdifield Secondary School's opening year and Burniston stayed an art teacher there for 32 years until retiring in 1997.
"I have spent my entire life involved with creating visual images and enjoy dealing with a variety of subject matter," he told BayToday. "I also like to work in a variety of visual arts mediums. I switch from pen and ink drawings to watercolours and then to acrylics. I have also spent some time with various sculptural forms with wood and metal. At one point in the '70s and early '80s, I dedicated all my energy toward metal sculpture forms that I created from recycled objects."
Lately Burniston has been experimenting with adding textured materials to his canvases before adding the paint. One example is the "Lighthouse" painting which has corrugated board, applicator sticks and metal tabs from pop cans glued to the canvas.
"I also enjoy playing with shape and colour. A good example of this is my painting of the front view of a 1936 Ford.
The artist is constantly looking for subjects to paint.
"As a result I am always taking photos on my phone for my picture files. These I look at for reference material and inspiration.|"
Burniston says he paints to satisfy his need to create, to express himself and share his works with others.
As part of that plan, Burniston will be hosting a reception at the opening of his latest art show on Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. The artwork will be on display at 176 Lakeshore Drive in the former Tweedsmuir Public School.
The show will be open to the public from October 24 until November 19.
