“A Day in the Life” with: Calgary Visual Artist Rhys Douglas Farrell

Rhys Douglas Farrell is an artist deeply immersed in his practice. His paintings dazzle the eye, vibrate the mind, and make you wonder at what point these static forms of bold colour came to life with movement. Each piece is a thoughtful experiment in colour theory, leaving us with an emotive experience of colour relationships—what he aptly calls “sensationships,” a word he has coined to encapsulate his artistic pursuit. Some artists out there might not make the work they make if it was only for themselves. What makes Farrell particularly compelling is that he would—he’d be doing the exact same thing whether or not anyone was paying attention.

-Written by Alex Kwong

Rhys Douglas Farrell
Everyday I start with water, coffee and a small breakfast.
Rhys Douglas Farrell
Hang out with my best buddy Romeo!
Off to the studio where I create my work, write proposals, document work and search for new projects.
Everyday is different for me. Sometimes I paint with a small brush and other times it’s a sixty foot lift with spray cans.
Exercise is key to staying in shape as an artist. If I dont burn my calories running up and down ladders or working on a mural I’ll hit a quick run or bike session.
Dinner is the most important for me. It feels like a reward for a hard-working day. I also love to spend this life with loved ones.
Rhys Douglas Farrell
I am always thinking about travelling, new projects and future adventures.
Rhys Douglas Farrell
As much painting as I do I still dream about it frequently! Title: Aura Of Luminance. Aerosol and acrylic on wood panel, 48 inch diameter, 2024. Available at Herringer Kiss Gallery.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I have lived in every quadrant of Calgary. I moved a lot during my twenties. Now I reside in Capitol Hill.

What do you do?

I am a full-time artist. My career is constructed of my studio practice, public art, speaking and writing proposals and applications.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new body of work for an upcoming exhibition. This exhibition will be all paintings. I am very excited but it is still top secret!

Where can we find your work?

My work is all over the place. In Calgary you will find my murals mostly downtown. I have several pieces on centre street, fourteenth street, bankview, forest lawn and many more. You can find three pieces at the Telus Spark Science Center as well. I am represented by the Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary. Therefore if you are eager pop in and see what is new!

 

About Emilea Semancik 189 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: