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I have always been fascinated with the simplicity of line, colour and light and how the spontaneity and randomness of a pencil mark or a brush stroke, or how colours interact on a surface, can evoke a wide array of experiences and feelings.
My works usually start out as quick gestures of line, colour and form on the paper or canvas that portray the simple essence of the landscape or subject I am experiencing. At times this essence comes through quite quickly, with minimal effort. At other times the layers of colour, line and form build upon each other, sometimes losing what I originally began, at times becoming increasingly abstract, but always creating something much more evocative and visually stimulating.
I am continually drawn to the simplicity and expressive potential of line, colour, and light. A spontaneous pencil mark, a bold brushstroke, or the unpredictable meeting of colours on a surface can evoke a powerful range of emotions and responses. This spontaneity—the unexpected harmony or tension—is where my creative process begins.
Each piece typically starts with quick gestures—loose lines, bursts of colour, and abstract forms that aim to capture the raw essence of a landscape or subject. Sometimes this essence reveals itself effortlessly in a few deliberate moves. Other times, the work evolves through many layers—colour upon colour, line upon line—transforming the image into something more abstract, immersive, and emotionally charged.
I embrace the impulsive act of mark-making: colour over colour, squiggles and splashes, drips and splotches. These spontaneous moments are gradually refined, yet I allow them to retain a certain unruly energy. The interplay of bold, contrasting colours creates deliberate visual tension, drawing the viewer in, inviting them to move through the work and feel its pulse.
Light plays a central role—sometimes subtle and atmospheric, other times luminous and almost spiritual. It emerges through the final layers, illuminating the piece and encouraging deeper exploration.
In recent years, my focus has been a series of paintings and drawings that explore the relationship between water, land, and sky. Through dynamic compositions and explosive colour, I seek to express the visceral connection between these elements. Each work becomes a layered meditation on nature—an abstracted, emotional response to the lakes, skies, and landscapes that continue to inspire me.
Gary
Gary attended York University from 1979 – 1983 where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree, with majors in painting and sculpture. His professors included Canadian artists, Ron Bloore, Paul Sloggett and Claude Breeze.
After University, Gary worked as a graphic artist at Southam Inc. while he pursued his painting. He had his first one man show in 1986 at Nancy Poole’s Studio in Yorkville, followed by another show in Yorkville at Gallery Hittite. He showed in numerous group shows in Toronto and is represented in private and public collections.
We Are not Alone, pastel on paper, 10x10in, 1996
As a practicing artist with a BFA degree from York University, Gary Crawford has brought a unique perspective and vision to Toronto City Council on the importance of arts and creativity in building a vibrant and world class city. Gary has an impressive scope of experience supporting the arts, sitting on numerous Boards, including the Toronto Arts Council, Vice Chair, TOLive, Vice Chair of the Film Board, Young People’s Theatre, Artscape, the Gardiner Museum, Canadian Stage, Harbourfront Centre for the Arts and the PAIS Board of Directors, Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts. Gary has also chaired the Mayor’s Task Force on the Arts and Theatres, the Theaters Working Group and was Chair of the Exhibition Board of Governors.
During his tenure as City Councillor, including being Chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on the Arts and Theatres, member of the Economic Development and Culture Committee and as Budget Chair, Gary successfully brought forward recommendations to support historic increases to arts funding over many years.
As a practicing artist and politician Gary Crawford has brought a unique and important perspective to the important role the arts and artists play in a creative world class city like Toronto.
Gary retired from Toronto City Council in 2023 and is now pursuing his art full time.
