Artist Talks

Learning from other artists is a key element in any artist’s training and enlightening for those interested in learning more about the creative process. DVSA’s Artist Talk series is available to students and the general public, providing an excellent opportunity to hear from the artists themselves as they share information on their careers, process, life experiences and the work they produce. Free. Advance registration required.

Upcoming Talks

Eric Ranveau – November 14, 2025
Sandra Brewster – January 23, 2026
R. Ward Shipman – February 20, 2026

Eric Ranveau
Friday, November 14, 2025
7:00–8:00 p.m.

“I look for the common thread between figurative and abstract art. Where does the first end and where does the second begin? Over time it has been stated; “You are abstract!” or “You are figurative!” In fact, I am drawn towards both styles and inherently the combination has evolved into a unique expression of how and what I see in the world around me, through colour, shapes and refraction.”

Born in 1966 in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente near the wine district of Cognac, France, Eric Ranveau was raised in Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire and studied fine art at the National Art School of Paris. Over time, his unique style attracted the public eye and gave him the opportunity to establish a following with collections represented in France, Canada, Germany and Sweden. In 2006, he followed his wife to Canada and with a fresh perspective from his new country, continued his art career in Hamilton.

In this highly anticipated talk, Eric speaks to his creative process and the pleasure of painting.
“As an artist, I strongly believe we as a society have a social responsibility as the guardians of this planet. Today’s escalating environmental issues deepens a sense of obligation and urgency to respect, capture and share the overwhelming beauty of this planet. Artists are the eyes of the world, allowing all to see.”

Sandra Brewster 
Friday, January 23, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration link coming soon.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Sobey Art Award, this talk with Sandra Brewster is not one to miss. Based in Toronto, Sandra Brewster works in drawing, video, photo-based works and installation. Her themes focus on identity and representation, and movement in the depiction of gesture resulting in a re-presentation of the portrait. She uses specific landscapes as metaphors and manipulates old photographs to centre the people within them.

Born to Guyanese parentage, a series of her work refers to the migration of Caribbean people from the region, suggesting a formation of identity that encompasses multiple geographies and temporalities – a sense of identity that exists within the diaspora.

R. Ward Shipman 
Friday, February 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration link coming soon.

Join us for an inspiring and visually rich presentation that delves into the compelling work of R. Ward Shipman – The Hidden Photographer. A multi-disciplinary artist and dedicated educator, Ward has spent over three decades shaping the visual arts landscape in Hamilton, teaching at local high schools, Mohawk College and Dundas Valley School of Art. His expertise spans not only drawing and painting, but both traditional and digital photography, culminating in a deeply personal and evocative body of work.

This talk promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of vision, technique and artistic intent as Ward unveils a selection of his photographs – many being shown publicly for the very first time. As a conceptual photographer, he goes beyond the technical “how” to explore the deeper “why” behind each image, offering insights and techniques that fellow photographers can incorporate into their own creative process.

Ward’s artistic journey has been chronicled in Spectrum Publication, the Prix de Paris photo competition and Photo-Ed Magazine, among others. His work has earned accolades in solo and group exhibitions and has received multiple international awards.