Peony 120606-03 James Lahey

A single gorgeous peony, each petal perfectly detailed in a blush pink appears so realistic you could pick it. Canadian contemporary artist James Lahey has mastered the classic art of florals in oil on canvas. Peonies are native to China and prior to 1929 were the country’s national flower. In floral language they symbolize prosperity, good luck, honour and love. “My representational work is primarily of things elemental and temporal – landscapes, oceans, clouds, flora and the implicit motion within these. I’m interested in these as a way to know the world and phenomenal experience; that is, to know what is often referred to as fleeting experience.” James Lahey, artist statement James Lahey completed his BFA at York University (Toronto) in 1984 with studies in Art and Architecture in Italy through a joint program with York University and Lowell University in Massachusetts. Lahey went on to hold positions at The Art Gallery at Harbourfront, The Power Plant, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and Bruce Mau Design. Since 1998, he has concentrated exclusively on his own art practice. In 2001, Lahey was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy. James Lahey's work can be found in numerous private and public collections in the US and across Canada.