Leading Tone Arts Productions

meanwhile, back in Barcelona . . . work continues. . .

To my complete surprise, I have been invited to visit South Korea — because of my painting "Persephone — Impression of Kim Bok-Dong".

Kim Bok-Dong was a Korean human rights activist and former Comfort-woman who devoted her life to raising awareness about sexual slavery worldwide.

This powerful work Escena d'interior, by Rafael Sanchis Yago, 1911, can be found at the wonderful Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. The way we see women depicted in art both describes and influences how women are treated in real life. Several years ago, concerned about increasing rates of violence against women and people of colour, I began a study of how we see women in art. I also began my project Eyeing Medusa, celebrating the power and strength of women of all ages, cultures and walks of life. I would like to see museums embracing discussions about the power of imagery, our tendency to imitate what we see, and how we can create positive change in the world.

Altar frontal from Gia, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. I love all the details here. It's a fascinating work.

Visiones fujitivas en Barcelona

The inspiration for this research trip was to trace, in person, how we see women depicted in art history and consider the impact of such imagery on the lives of women today. I believe that rather than objecting to artworks, banishing or destroying them we need to bring them out into the light to stimulate discussion and awareness. Consider this gorgeous work by Lucas Cranach III, Ill-Matched Couple, at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Beneath the gorgeous bridge in the Gothic Quarter (see yesterday's post) one sees this. Look carefully. You'll see a skull pierced by a dagger. It is said that if someone were to remove the dagger, Barcelona would crumble on its foundations.

Pont del Bisbe (Bishop's bridge) in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.

I am rather partial to odd juxtapositions I find in the streets . . .

Aquí es otra obra de MNAC que me pareció absolutemente estupendo. Here is another absolutely stunning work: Jaume Huguet. Consagració de sant Agustí, 1466-1575.
250 x 193 x 9,5 cm.

This is the original painting that inspired the street art image I posted a day or so ago. The work is by Ramon Casas i Pere Romeu en un Tàndem, 1897, and can be found at the fabulous Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.

This is the Apse of El Burgal, a gorgeous work at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, from the church of the old monastery of Sant Pere del Burgal (La Guingueta d'Àneu, Pallars Sobirà), created between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century.

Interestingly, the work includes a depiction of the sponsor for the work: the Countess Llúcia de Pallars, seen bottom right with her hand on a candle, which may indicate that the work was completed after her death.

Some of the local graffiti of Barcelona.

Mira esta obra increíble. Check out this amazing artwork at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya: Retaule de sant Miquel i sant Pere ; Altarpiece of St. Michael and St. Peter by Jaume Cirera and Bernat Despuig, 1432-1433, w3360 x h2875 x d370 cm !!! Tempera, gold leaf and metal plate on wood.

fugitive visions Barcelona

Juxtapositions intrigue me. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" and yet ... there he is, in shadow: Poseidon, god of storms, seas, and earthquakes, and ra**st of Medusa....

I am pleased to announce that my encaustic painting "Raven - Impression of Paul Shilling" is now in the permanent collection of the Orillia Museum of Art & History.

I'm told that the painting has now been framed but I've yet to see it, so if any of you happen to be in the area, do pop by and let me know how it looks!

This is the fabulous Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, the reason I came to Barcelona! The second photo is the fabulous view from MNAC. This is the start of my research trip . . . Many thanks to my friends for all your help!

El Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, el "por qué" vine a Barcelona! Aquí comencé mi viaje búsqueda. Mil gracias a mis amigos por toda su ayuda!

view from plane approaching Barcelona harbour

Today is the last day for my encaustic painting exhibition in the gallery at Holy Blossom Temple!

Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals.
Today’s feature:
Gaia’s Guardian — Impression of Sônia Bone Guajajara
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel,
40 x 40”,�2019
“Fighting for the climate today is fighting for Indigenous people to be heard. It is fighting for the right to consultation. It is fighting for existence on the planet!”
— Sônia Bone Guajajara
Indigenous, Brazilian environmental activist and politician, Sônia Bone Guajajara has been in the forefront of her country’s environmental movement against deforestation and land grabbing.
Gaia is the ancient Goddess of the Earth, Mother of all the universe.
https://www.amantascott.com/guardian-sonia-guajajara













Randolph Croft

Tuesday June 4th is the last day to see my encaustic painting exhibition Channah's Fire at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. I'll be in the gallery in the morning and possibly also in the afternoon -- depending on when the last minute crowd shows up!

You don't want to miss this show. The stories of each of these amazing women combined with the paintings... packs a punch I'm told.
Today’s feature:
Hypatia’s Joy — Impression of Katie Bouman

encaustic on canvas on cradled panel,
36” x 36”,�2019

“No one of us could have done it alone, it came together because of lots of different people from many backgrounds.” — Katie Bouman

Dr. Katie Bouman is an American computer scientist and member of the Event Horizon Telescope team that captured the first direct image of a black hole. Katie Bouman led the development of an algorithm known as Continuous High-resolution Image Reconstruction using Patch priors, or CHIRP inspired image validation procedures.
Hypatia was an Alexandrian mathematician, astronomer, educator and philosopher of international reputation who was ultimately accused of witchcraft, assassinated and dismembered by an hysterical anti-pagan mob incited by the archbishop.
www.amantascott.com/katie-bouman

I'll be at the gallery today
if you want to pop by!

Only two more days!!! On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — a solo exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals.
Today’s feature: three encaustic paintings from Channah’s Fire at Holy Blossom Temple.
www.amantascott.com












iyer

Just so you know: I'll be at the gallery tomorrow. Only four more days to see it before it's gone, gone and moving on....

On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — a solo exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Today’s feature:
Visitor contemplating one of the encaustic paintings in my exhibition













Randolph Croft

For those of you who have yet to see my exhibition: we are entering the final week! If you would like a personalized tour with me, the artist, do let me know. I will be available and would be delighted to see you and discuss the work with you.

On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Today’s feature: a glimpse of 10 encaustic paintings in the gallery.













Randolph Croft

The painting yesterday was of my great great grandfather... Today's painting is of his granddaughter, my granny, Rose Allatini. You can see these works if you haven't already in the gorgeous gallery at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.

On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals.
Today’s feature:
Shyamatara — Impression of Rose Laure Allatini
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel,
30” x 30”,�2023
“We want more light, more breathing-space, more tolerance and understanding: not this narrow-minded wholesale condemnation and covering-up; this instinctive shuddering and turning away from a side of nature that, like every other side, has its right to a hearing, its right to open discussion.” ― Rose Allatini
Rose Allatini, my granny, was an Austrian-British novelist who wrote under a range of pseudonyms. Her best known novel Despised and Rejected, initially banned by the government for her opposition to war and acceptance of homosexuality and Judaism, has been hailed as a landmark in pacifism, gay and le***an literature; and most recently has been reprinted by Persephone Books— receiving a resurgence of attention, particularly amongst LGBTQ+ circles.
In the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon, Tara is the most compassionate, enlightened being, the essence of awakened love, compassion and wisdom, a spiritual guide on the path to enlightenment.
www.amantascott.com/rose-allatini













Randolph Croft

Music and art, music and art: my two great loves.
On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Today’s feature: my encaustic painting The Angel of Salonica — Impression of Moise Allatini, with me, his great great granddaughter, at the piano.
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel
36” x 36”�2023
Moïse Allatini (1809–1882), was an entrepreneur and philanthropist who was lauded as “The Angel of Salonica” by Jews and Muslims alike for his philanthropic and social work, significantly the education of women as a means to improve society as a whole.
www.amantascott.com/moise-allatini













Randolph Croft

I don't know, but I think she would be heartbroken about the situation in the world right now. Today let us think about love, respect and kindness towards all living beings.

And if you have a moment, check out my solo exhibition, on now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Angel of Toronto — Impression of Julia Koschitzky
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel,
36” x 36”,�
2023 - 2024
“You never know what a ‘yes’ can lead to.”�— Julia Koschitzky
Described as “an angel” by all who knew her, Julia Koschitzky was a person with tremendous grace, humility, compassion and wisdom. An activist, philanthropist, and leader of Canadian and world Jewry, she was a prominent member in the Jewish community, both locally in Toronto, and nationally in both Canada and Israel. Julia and Henry Koschitzky have been recognized as an extraordinary example of a family that has been reborn from exile and suffering to success in the world of business and generosity in assuming communal responsibility.
In various theistic religious traditions, an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves as a messenger of the supreme deity, often depicted in human form with wings.
www.amantascott.com/julia-koschitzky

The clock is ticking, let me know if you've seen this show yet: on now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Today’s feature: Rabbi Yael Splansky and Amanta Scott with encaustic portrait:
Huldah — Impression of Rabbi Yael Splansky
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel 30” x 30”�2024
“Those who plant themselves in the House of God shall blossom." (Psalm 92: 14) — RabbiYael Splansky
Rabbi Yael Splansky, Senior Rabbi of Holy Blossom Temple, serves as President of the Toronto Board of Rabbis, on the Beit Din of the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto, and on the President’s Rabbinic Council of HUC-JIR. She is a Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute and editor of Siddur Pirchei Kodesh, and received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for her commitment to refugee relief, support and advocacy for the unhoused, and building bridges among faith communities. She is a fourth- generation Reform Rabbi.
Huldah was a prophetic oracle and preacher who acted as a conduit between G-d and King Josiah, and reinforced Judaic Laws. Priests and kings listened to Huldah.
www.amantascott.com/huldah-rabbi-yael-splansky

On now until June 4, 2024 . . .
Amanta Scott: Channah’s Fire — an exhibition of encaustic paintings celebrating outstanding contemporary individuals at Holy Blossom Temple.
Today’s feature:
Deborah — Impression of Rosalie Abella
encaustic on canvas on cradled panel
36 x 36 inches�2022
“Justice is the application of law to life, not just the application of laws to facts. Compassion is a better interpretive tool than passion [but] passion is better than indifference.”
— Former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella
Born in a displaced persons camp in Germany, Rosalie Abella became the first Jewish woman and refugee to sit on the Canadian Supreme Court bench. Justice Abella is an authority on constitutional law and human rights law.
Deborah was a prophetess whose strength and intelligence enabled her to deliver her people from the hands of their oppressors. Her story is from the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible.
www.amantascott.com/rosalie-abella-as-deborah