Artist Tahedl having the time of her life

Vaughan Weekly
March 19, 2014
By Mark Pavilons

Ernestine Tahedl thinks big.

She has to - the average canvas simply isn’t big enough to contain her enthusiasm and soulful creations.

“I’m not doing small," she said with a smile.

From her mind’s eye - mental snapshots taken during her extensive world travels - she paints, drawing inspiration from nature itself. Her studio work is pure, not unlike our unspoiled landscapes and arctic tundra, as when the earth was new.

She doesn’t imitate nature, but rather uses colour itself to convey emotion.

Currently, the world renowned artist is doing abstracts with classical music as her guide.

She describes her work as a dialogue between herself and her painting. Even though Tahedl has been at it for 50 years, she’s still free, honest and true to her style.

But that style has undergone a natural evolution, and organic progression of sorts.

She begins each work anew with no preconceived plan or sketch. She simply takes it where it’s destined to go. The biggest challenge, she admits, is actually knowing or feeling, when the piece is complete.

“It’s all so intuitive and emotional," she said. "I take it as far as I can push it."

Her work is unique and while she has certain feelings about each painting, it’s not necessary that viewers take away the same impression. But it’s important that "everyone gets something out of it.

"As long as they feel something," she remarked, adding many clients have said her work gives them serenity and is a positive catalyst in their homes. Some even say the work evolves, or offers up some new insights, as time goes on.

Her paintings have to be hung a certain way, even though some may be inclined to turn them this way or that.

She’s literally having the best time of her life and doesn’t want it to end.

"Waterscapes: Paintings by Ernestine Tahedl," the second annual exhibition in the Planet Earth Series, is now on display in the Vaughan City Hall Atrium Gallery.

The exhibition coincides with two dates dedicated to championing international awareness of global conservation and environmental sustainability - Earth Hour on March 29 and Earth Day on April 22.

Tahedl’s depictions of an idyllic natural world are conveyed masterfully through her signature control of colour saturation, intensity and luminosity.

Tahedl’s tranquil compositions are lyrical in mood. Paint and music converge to interpret the artist’s spiritual reverence for water. The transcendental beauty of nature is her inspiration.

Tahedl’s work hangs at Southlake Regional Health Care Centre in Newmarket, in office buildings, galleries and homes. Her large, sectional panels often change the look and feel of interior settings. There’s a depth that simply opens up any room.

Some of Tahedl’s early successes came from corporate commissions and glass works, large pieces that have added emotion to offices and lobbies.

She was well received at solo shows in Austria and Croatia in 2012. She’s also been featured in a Bravo television series: "The Artist’s Life: Ernestine Tahedl."

Tahedl was born and educated in Austria and received a master’s degree in graphic art from the Vienna Academy of Applied Arts. Following graduation in 1961, she collaborated with her father, Professor Heinrich Tahedl, in the design and execution of stained glass commissions until she immigrated to Canada in 1963.

It was in the Prairies, with the large expanses and endless skies, that her connection with nature flourished.

As Tahedl lets the symphonies flow through her and into her works, she’s free. And she’s been blessed that she’s been able to express herself without any limitations.

For her, it’s often sheer pleasure and a therapeutic artistic freedom that continues to drive her. There’s a part of her in every original piece. She doesn’t sell prints, so each piece is one of a kind, almost priceless.

She’s blessed because she can continue to find passion in her work. You can see it in each new creation.

She’s already enjoyed a long career, but she’s still quite busy and will return to her native Austria this summer for a show.

The exhibition at Vaughan City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. until April 25. City Hall is located at 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive W.

To find out more about Tahedl and her work, visit her website at http://www.interlog.com/etahedl/