Sean Yelland

Home: Toronto, Ontario
Title: Flo
Media: Oil on canvas / huile sur toile
Dimensions: 81 x 71 cm

This portrait is of my friend Florian. The first time I met him I knew I wanted to paint him. He has great style and character and is a gentleman in the truest sense. As we were walking down an alley one day I spotted this caged window and had him pose in front of it. I liked the way the pattern in the bricks, the cage and his hat all echoed each other and made for an interesting composition. I have always enjoyed frames within frames and it works in this piece to concentrate the viewers gaze to the subjects face. There is a quietness to this painting that reflects Florian’s own personality yet, the hard materials surrounding him add a sense of world weariness and strength, which are also attributes I have learned about him over the two years I have known him.

EDUCATION:
1985-89

Ontario College of Art, General Studies program.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
Ingram Gallery: 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003.
Painted City Gallery: 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1996.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2003-2010 Toronto International Art Fair
2001-2010 Ingram Gallery
2000-2002 Edward Day gallery

AWARDS:
2002 Ontario Arts council exhibition grant
1998 Ontario College of Art experimental photography grant
1985-89 Imperial Oil full tuition scholarship for academic excellence

EMPLOYMENT:
1995-98 Worked with a group of artists creating large paintings for internationally known artist Frank Stella.