Ian Shatilla

Home: Montréal, Québec
Title: Lacey Jane Wilburn
Media: Oil on linen / huile sur lin
Dimensions: 160 x 110 cm

I met Lacey one year ago. I was and still am mesmerized by her strange beauty. That strangeness is of course relative. With bright neon pink hair, piercings, tattoos from head to toe and tough thug-like attire, she manages to pull-off a severe punk princess. She works retail in an art store that I manage in Westmount, here in Montreal. We quickly became friends and I wanted to give myself the challenge of painting her sweet and almost childlike preciousness, despite her decorated armor. I hoped to capture her vulnerability in a moments’ breath. I asked her to wear what she was most comfortable in and the painting began. Having had the opportunity to really get to know her, I aspired to sync the person I know well, with the exterior that others see.

EDUCATION:
2004-2007 Concordia University, MFA painting and drawing, Montreal, Quebec
2001-2003 NSCAD University, BFA print media, Halifax, Nova Scotia
1999-2001 Dawson College, DEC (fine arts) Montreal, Quebec

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2011 Warren G. Flowers Gallery, Montreal, Quebec: Consuming Defeat
2010 McClure Gallery, Montreal, Quebec: Defeating Victory
2008 Argyle Fine Art, Halifax, Nova Scotia: After the Ever After

GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2012 Marché St-Jaques, Montreal, Quebec: Les Refusés
2010 Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida: Tallahassee International
2007  Marion McCain Atlantic Art Exhibition, Beaverbrook Gallery, Fredericton, N.B

AWARDS:
2010 2nd Prize, Tallahassee International, Florida State University Museum
2004 Honourable Mention: Self-Portrait, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
2003 Special Prize: Lessedra Miniprint International 2003: Sofia, Bulgaria

EMPLOYMENT:
2013 Ian Shatilla Studio, Instructor in self-employed painting school.
2007-2013 Teacher, Visual Arts Center, Montreal, Quebec.
2008-2013 Manager, Avenue des Arts, Montreal, Quebec.