Last Updated on July 23, 2018 by Nancie
Leslie Erickson is the face behind the Leslie Erickson Art Gallery, nestled on a quiet side street in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. A while back Leslie and I discovered we both have a strong bond with Asia, having spent approximately 18 years living and working there (me in Korea; Leslie in Japan.) After visiting her home gallery and browsing her gallery walls I was eager to introduce my readers to her artwork. Leslie’s artistic journey began with poetry writing at the age of ten, then photography, and, when she moved to Japan, Leslie began studying Japanese calligraphy. She eventually became bored with doing characters and turned her calligraphy into abstract art. Leslie’s artist’s statement is the perfect introduction to her paintings.
[su_box title=”Artist Statement — Leslie Erickson Art Gallery ” style=”soft” box_color=”#54f64d”]”My painting comes from shodo (Japanese calligraphy). I studied shodo in Japan before I ever started painting, and then turned my shodo into abstract art. In Japanese, the same verb is used for “to write”. “to draw”, “to paint”. Writing originally was a picture of the thing described. These pictures became increasingly abstracted over time. Writing is really abstract art! My paintings share characteristics of shodo: they are action paintings, they come from spontaneity and being in the moment, and being open to whatever happens in the moment. This way of working is highly respected in Japan and recognized as manifesting a person’s essential qualities and spirituality. The artist’s goal is to be empty and to be a pure channel for spiritual energy. I have always liked the traditional Japanese aesthetic and virtue of simplicity, and try to express this in my art. It is a concentration of essence that invites the viewer’s participation in moving to another consciousness. My work has been described in Japan as a fascinating combination of energy and calming stillness. ” [/su_box]
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery
The gallery is located in the heart of downtown Annapolis Royal at 29 Victoria Street (off of St. George). Abstract art, handmade cards, handmade paper, handmade poetry books, and jewellery are tastefully displayed.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 1
You’ll step into a long, airy, bright gallery with Leslie’s abstract artwork dotting the walls on both sides, along with displays of her exquisite handmade photo and art cards.
Take the time to browse through the large selection of Leslie’s handmade cards. Perfect for framing or gifting.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 2
The second gallery is through the French doors on the right. The first time I walked into this room and saw the five pieces displayed on the far wall I stopped in my tracks. I’ve never seen anything quite like them, and I was totally intrigued. What you’re looking at are straining nets with natural raw lacquer (“Urushi”) on them.
The nets were gifted to Leslie in 2001, and you see them here mounted on her handmade paper, produced from 100% mulberry. I have included Leslie’s story of these works below.
Here are a number of other pieces currently on display in gallery 2. There are also portfolio books of Leslie’s work scattered throughout the galleries. Do take the time to browse through.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Gallery 3
In addition to the abstract art on the walls, you’ll find yourself gazing at an explosion of colour beautifully displayed on the gallery table. The multi-coloured bead jewellery, featuring necklaces, bracelets, and earrings originate from Ghana, where Leslie lives for part of each year.
Since 1998 Leslie’s paintings have been displayed in both solo and juried group exhibitions in Canada and Japan. Her work is held in private collections in Canada, the USA, Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, Bali, Ghana, Australia, and the U.K.
Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: Hours of Operation
When visiting Annapolis Royal don’t miss the opportunity to experience the artwork, the handmade cards, and the unique African bead jewellery at the Leslie Erickson Art Gallery. Between mid-May and mid-October, the gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturday mornings between mid-May and mid-October, you’ll find Leslie displaying a selection of her handmade cards and African jewellery inside the Masonic Hall building at the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders’ Market. You can reach Leslie by phone at 902-532-1359. Browsers are welcome.
Do you visit art galleries when you travel? Have you ever purchased a piece of art during your travels? Let us know in the comments.
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46 responses to “Leslie Erickson Art Gallery: A Haven for Art Lovers in Downtown Annapolis Royal”
She has beautiful work! I tend to lean towards abstract art- leaves it up to the viewer’s imagination. I love all the colors she utilizes!
I enjoy abstract art, too. She does have a way with colour.
Hey! Loved everything about it. Very well written. Great work 🙂
Thank you! I hope you get to Annapolis Royal someday to enjoy Leslie’s artwork.
What a beautiful art gallery! I love the post cards she has for sale
Beautiful artwork displayed in the gallery house. I love the colorful beads and the handmade cards. Love how uniques these masterpiece are.
None of Leslie’s work is ever the same.
To be honest, I haven’t been to an art gallery EVER. I don’t know but I just haven’t had the interest back then. But now, my mind is open to almost anything and I wish I can visit an art gallery soon!
What a beautiful work! Love her abstract painting! The handmade cards are also beautiful. Lovely work!
The cards are gorgeous and a great gift idea.
Awesome! This is such a great art gallery. Loved the combination of different art to a one stop gallery to see and be amaze.
I think the different media available is one of the reasons I like this gallery so much.
Indeed a haven for art lovers and even for those first timers. The arts are so lovely to look at.
Everyone is welcome. It’s always fun to browse.
What an absolute talented artist. Her work is truly amazing and colourful. And having a look it seems she caters for everyones taste.
Her creations are exquisite! I love the handmade cards! 🙂
She’s a very talented artist and I like how she works with a lot of different materials.
Oh wow, I love all the textures and gorgeous colors! I haven’t visited many art museums, but the ones I have, I definitely enjoyed. I’d love to check this one out someday!
Beautiful artwork. So very creative and I love the way they are displayed. Thanks for sharing
There is some gorgeous artwork showcased here. It looks like such a lovely place to visit for art lovers.
What a beautiful gallery art! Those pictures are so unique and the material of them are diversity. Love this!
Good work. I loved everything about it. The shots are really well captured too
Thanks, Daniele. It was a pleasure taking the photos for this post.
Such a cool place to explore, I love the paintings! Wish we had a small gallery like this close to me.
What lovely art! Thank you so much for sharing, this looks like an absolutely beautiful exhibition.
Leslie’s gallery and the artwork are lovely. If you are ever in Annapolis Royal, do drop by.
Loved that abstract art … She is so much talented . Even loved all these photos that you clicked . She seems to be a creative artist loved all such colour combinations . Great work…
Hi Aditi. Thanks for your lovely comment. Happy to read you like Leslie’s work and my photos of her work.
Hidden gems are typically found at places like this!! <3
I love the simplicity of the wall pieces! Totally my style for the art I have in my home.
Thank you for showcasing a lesser known artist. Reading from the little background that you have provided – it seems like she’s genuinely a creative and kind soul. I would have loved to check out her art gallery if I were in Anapolis!
Wow, there’s so really beautiful things in the gallery. The straining nets with natural raw lacquer look so intriguing. So sad that it’s becoming a lost “art”. What a pity
Love all the different forms of art! And that it’s in such a beautiful building. I’ll definitely add this to my busker list!
Wow, such a really great place to see. I do love seeing others creation and putting it into an art gallery. I like how pretty and beautiful those paper cards, the necklaces and the bracelets and other things that she made for her art gallery.
She has amazing talent, love all of the jewelry pieces. I would love to visit this cozy art studio.
I not only prefer abstract but paint abstract too. Her work is lovely. I love everything she made for her gallery.
All art works portrayed in your post are the testimony of the rich treasure this art gallery has to offer.
Wow, this is such a pretty art gallery and I love everything that they put into it most especially those beads necklaces and bracelets.
What a fun and great experience you had. The place is such a great spot.This is such a great place to visit
I love art galleries! And the painting in the first picture is so pretty!! I also love the art gallery house. This is so my style!!
I seldom visit art galleries when I travel, but I used to visit a lot in my home country. The work of Leslie looks amazing!
What a wonderful time you had. I would love to visit this place one day. I wish i had a gallery like this at my home.
Ladies, Can i just say your bond and friendship is amazing! Can I come to nova scotia and meet you both? I love Asia too haha
Hi Anna. Please come and visit whenever you want. We’d have a lot of fun exploring the town and the entire area.
That’s a great post..interesting and liked the pictures..
Beautiful artwork. l love the variety of mediums and works. I really like the print cards — the sign is right — a beautiful card is a gift in itself.