Susan Tamkin took up painting five years ago at the age of 60.
She had just retired from a long career in the federal government; she had raised two boys, and she wanted to do more with her “doodling.”
“It was quite thrilling to start, a bit nerve wracking at first,” the long-time New West resident told the Record. “When you’re putting paint onto a canvas, you’re committing yourself.”
After taking some classes and building a studio in her garage, Tamkin’s media of choice now includes water colours, acrylics and the traditional sketching pencil. A majority of her inspiration, she said, comes from her vegetable and flower garden.
“I just love plants and seeing how beautiful they are, and then you try to capture them,” she added.
There’s also her love of trees, specifically the ones along St. Patrick Street.
“I’ve got names for some of them,” Tamkin jokingly said. “I just see them as different people. They look like they’ve got their arms raised and they’re singing to nature.”
Those paintings, and others, are currently on display in Queen’s Park. Tamkin is one of 13 Century House artists who are part of a group exhibit at Centennial Lodge.
The others are Barbara Hilstad, Phyllis Anthony, Hermine Weiss, Silvana McNulty, Arlene Curtin, Sharon Delorenzi, Eileen Pick, Linda Kober, Linda Cant, Lorna Hargreaves, Merril Hall and Candice James.
“Everyone has a visual story to tell and we’re proud to provide a venue for those stories to be on display,” said Stephen O’Shea, executive director of the Arts Council of New Westminster, in a press release. “The collaboration with Century House has been very successful and the quality of art on display is second-to-none.”
Tamkin said her hobby has allowed her to see her surroundings – like when she’s out for a walk – in a different light.
“You’re learning about colours and composition and how things work together. … It broadened my life and it makes me happy.”
The exhibit runs Tuesday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. until Sept. 11. There is an opening reception on Aug. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
