Ken Balmer - Balance  paintings

September 1 – 25

Opening Reception, if acceptable to COVID regulations: Friday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Sponsor: Bancroft Eye Care

Artist Statement

What is more basic than gender? 

We come into the world assigned – male or female. Our first room, our clothes, our toys all scream blue or pink.  The social illusion of what this all means is constructed and reinforced by parents, siblings, friends, teachers and ever-present marketing messages.  Most of us grow comfortably into these two clearly defined spaces; others feel a dissonance.

  The Journey

"Be patient with the change process".  Oil on acrylic, 20”x24

Jung tells us that we all have both the masculine and feminine in our psyche. Expanding, he notes that in later life we are all called to integrate the opposite energy into our being and behaviour.  A man must inevitably meet and embrace his anima (female energy).  A woman develops her animus (male energy).

   Anima Within

"Liberation of the female anima within every maturing male".  Two acrylic pours completed with oil, 24”x36”

Many, however, are most comfortable living and expressing a balanced form throughout most of their self-directed life: adopting androgynous fashions and behaviours. Meanwhile we all live in a world that subconsciously seeks and values integrated male and female energies; and is simultaneously uncomfortable being around and accommodating those who live somewhere along, rather than at the ends of the gender spectrum.

  Yin Yang

"Female and male energies held in harmony". Oil on Acrylic, 16”x24”

This art has given me the opportunity to reflect on gender balance, options and challenges.

About the Artist

Ken’s work is inspired by his search for and appreciation of spirituality in all its forms.   A previous small book/collection bears the title Orenda - an Iroquois name for a supernatural force believed to be present in varying degrees, in all persons, creatures and objects – the spiritual driver for human accomplishment.  Favourite subjects include hawks (his power animal), the essential spirit of animals, spiritual leaders/ elders, and prayer in its many forms (southwest Native American Dancers, drummers, West Coast totems) – wherever he senses the power of orenda.

Ken lives in Bancroft, on the edge of Algonquin Park, with a winter home just north of the Mexican border in Arizona and a wanderlust that takes him into nature and the wilderness by motorcycle, boat or RV for several months every year.

He has been painting for over 45 years, is self-taught, guided by a few mentors and many professionals who have willingly shared their talent and time.  Locally, his work has been shown at the Art Gallery of Bancroft, Let the Cat Go Fine Art in Bracebridge, Wildewood Gallery in Maynooth, A Place for the Arts, and The Muse.

Ken has a Ph.D. in geography/planning and has enjoyed an eclectic career as academic, manager, futurist and consultant.