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About Thisway Gallery original, abstract, one-of-a-kind art
Derrick and Caleb Mueller are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of this new studio and gallery, located in downtown St. Jacobs on 10 Front Street, in the Mill Shed and Studio buildings. This father-and-son endeavour stems from a thirst to promote and pursue the arts: Caleb is a professional graphic designer, recording artist and painter from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, while Derrick makes no secret of his love for the pure expression available through abstract art. The gallery is itself an art experience, showcasing original music, multimedia and paintings that flood the senses and satisfy the eye. If you are new to the arts and interested in buying original paintings, this is a place to start. Thisway Gallery keeps it simple - there are no agents or complicated paperwork, just original art made for the pure enjoyment and expression of creation available for sale directly; sales essentially go to cover expenses. Thisway Gallery strives to make high-quality original art available at an affordable price for all. Each painting is one-of-a-kind and completely unique - there are no lithographs or copies available. Works may also be commissioned by style and color palette to fit your specific needs - Contact us to learn more. A GLIMPSE OF REALITY: JUNE 24 - AUGUST 30 Whether you are an art lover, a homeowner, a designer, or just curious, Thisway Gallery has a wide selection of utterly unique paintings to complement your decor, both corporately and residentially. The gallery debut features the abstract work of Derrick Mueller from June 24 through August 30. This exhibit, entitled "A Glimpse of Reality," features over 80 paintings in a variety of media and styles, from bold and brash to delicate and contemplative. These tactile and expressive paintings cluster conceptually around roots of reality that hold our perception together, tiny moments of grounding that anchor us amidst the surrounding confusion. Derrick says about his painting, "To me, at the very least, it's simply a hobby that I hope pays for itself. I love to discuss and critique paintings with others - why they like them, why they don't. It's energizing to see people engaged in evaluation, to interact and become involved in the artistic process." ABOUT THE FEATURED ARTIST
Early in his marriage, he funneled his photography skills and passion into a small business aptly named "Mueller Photo." The home became a lab for new art effects and experiments; the darkroom and film became tools to invent, create and explore. What began as a pure hobby soon became an occupation, and he found success working for a variety of photo companies as photographer, trainer and manager. When art became too much of a job, he left the field as his official occupation to pursue other interests, all the while continuing to explore photography. He soon began to work at developing a number of unique synchronized multi-projector productions, message campaigns, and sound projects. No matter where he went, he found himself continuing to look for new ways to create. Building from the momentum of his productions, his ongoing search for the new and the interesting began to take on a different shape altogether. He began channeling his creativity into creative communication, and his flair and passion for life quickly put his gifts as a public speaker in high demand. As years went by, he continued to infuse his artistic instincts into everything he pursued, whether it was in the classroom, the pulpit, or the office. His dramatic speaking style became a new way to express himself, combining visuals, drama, personal stories and sound to create another form of extemporaneous, in-the-moment art. Ever since those very first crayon sketches and crafts, Derrick has found a way to keep grounded in the arts wherever he goes. He is a writer, speaker, trainer, educator, and artist. He is an ordained minister, teacher in communication and leadership, and has held positions and consulted with a variety of non-profit agencies and colleges in executive positions. In the last two years alone, he has written two books in completely different genres. "When I Look Back I Laugh," based on his 10-year running one-man stage show, is an inspirational comedy about the stages of life, using humour to dig into the truth about family life. "The Amaryllis Way - Growing People Who Grow People" is a leadership development book built around a gardening parable that has been used as part of his consulting business to encourage leaders. Art is still a "hobby," but deeply engrained in his DNA. In Derrick's words, "It is more than a specific artform, materials, or process, it's a state of being. I am motivated by the desire to create - that's my passion." Inspired by the abstract work of Malcolm Bray and Mark Rothko (among others), Derrick has begun a new journey into the realm of abstract painting. "There are no boundaries here. The possibilities are as wide open as you allow them to be. It's not just about experimentation: this is a place to express your inner soul in a way that is always open for interpretation. There is no 'wrong' in abstract, I paint for myself. My paintings all reflect a mood, time and a particular real-time insight. The gallery is simply a way to share those expressions with others." |
St. Jacobs' new art showcase, Thisway Gallery, has a fresh take on an abstract world. And it's exactly what the room needs.
Canadian abstract artist Derrick Mueller has a long and fruitful history in the arts. His journey in the arts started in childhood, as he continually dabbled in drawing and creative crafts. As he grew, so did his hunger for new methods and modes of expression. He began to branch out into graphic arts, woodworking, and finally found photography, where, entranced by the possibilities of the medium, he studied at the Dawson Institute of Photography in Montreal, specializing in portraiture and studio photography. He loved to experiment with different techniques and filters, always looking for the next new effect, subject, or approach.