By Albert Lightstone and Marilyn Laidlaw
The current show, Around the World in 80 Days, is so entertainingly vast and complex in its globetrotting story that we have not one, but two artists showcasing their works as part of the Spotlight Gallery in the Janigan Studio. They are in fact, two talented sisters. Last week’s blog was on Leslie Carlin and this week on her equally talented sibling Marilyn Laidlaw.
Like all of my blogs, let’s start at the beginning. Where were you born ?
I was born in Hull, Quebec but my family moved to Montreal when I was about three years old so I grew up there. Most of those years we lived in Notre Dame de Grace although I went to school at St. Paul’s Academy in Westmount.
How did you end up in Ottawa?
My family moved back to Ottawa in the late 1950s and I moved here with them. I did my undergraduate degree (BA) at Carleton University. Later I obtained a Master’s in Health Administration and still later I went back (part-time) to obtain a Master of Arts in Anthropology. My thesis was on alternative medicine in western society, a popular subject back then.
Where did you work ?
During my working life, I held a number of different positions including Manager of Volunteer Services at the then newly opened Queensway-Carleton Hospital, assistant coordinator of continuing medical education at the Canadian Medical Association, editor of the journal of the then Canadian Hospital Association and manager of publications for the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.
How did you get into drawing and painting ?
The school did offer art classes as an “extra” but, since my mother had always wanted to learn to play the piano herself, she opted to have me take piano lessons instead (for which I am really grateful today as I am still enjoying playing music).
As soon as I was old enough to get out and about on my own, I loved exploring Montreal, especially Old Montreal with its fantastic old buildings. Unfortunately many of these have given way to the modern glass boxes that pass for architecture today?
Wow, both sisters involved in art. Was there any competition? Did you guys fight over the colored pencils ?
I’m actually 17 years older than my sister so that was never a problem.
How would you describe your work, and how would you describe your sister’s? Similarities and differences ?
I tend to be eclectic. I love nature and birds as she does and these appear in many of my paintings, but so do buildings, objects of various sorts and non-representational subjects.
You told me that you use many media available to artists today–oils, acrylics, pastels, prints, collage and mixed media. What is your preference and why ?
I had always had an interest in the arts but, other than a few evening courses over the years, never had the time to pursue it further. But as soon as I retired, I began painting and experimenting with various media. I didn’t take much to printing or watercolour but love oils and acrylics. I think I prefer oils but acrylic has the great advantage of drying quickly so that you can continue painting as long as you like in one sitting.
Have you exhibited ?
Although I have exhibited my works (for a number of years here at the Ottawa Little Theatre through the Ottawa Art Society) and will continue to do so when an opportunity arises for the pleasure of showing them, I don’t actively pursue sales. I just love to paint.
What’s your favorite piece of art currently on display ? What’s the background story ?
If I’m asked which of my paintings is my favourite I would choose Inner Light (on display but not for sale). My inspiration for this one was a candle that I bought in St. Petersburg, Florida, and used until its inner core had melted. To me it seems to suggest much more than just a burning candle.
What is your connection with OLT ?
I am so delighted to be showing my work again here at the OLT. As a long-time subscriber I have attended many marvelous plays here and one of the highlights were the exhibits that the audience could browse during intermission.
How did you feel when Venetia contacted you ?
When I learned from Venetia that I could hold an exhibit of my own I was thrilled and excited. What a wonderful venue for displaying one’s visual art in association with the fabulous theatre arts offered by OLT.
For about 10 years, I was a docent at the National Gallery. I applied as soon as I retired. It was a great experience. Docents at that time gave school tours, public tours and talks about the art in the Gallery. Today I think that the docents still give school tours but the public tours are now given by gallery staff.
Now years later, I am the one displaying and I am so touched that people are coming to see my work and what makes it even more special is that I get to showcase my work with my sister.
Please take the time to visit Marilyn’s work before the show and during intermission in the Janigan Studio.