How Sky Glabush Conjures Atmospheric Landscapes in Sand and Oil Paint

Sky Glabush creates immersive landscapes that evoke a sense of the natural world using oil paint combined with sand. Born on the west coast of British Columbia and currently residing in rural Ontario, Glabush draws inspiration from his surroundings. He identifies feelings associated with specific places, translating them into his art through careful color choices and interpretations of terrain.

His signature style relies on limited color palettes, often limited to a single or two colors, aided by the addition of granular particles such as sand or crushed quartz to the oil paint. Glabush's technique involves layering thin stains of paint and turpentine, creating a relief-like effect. He begins each painting with an architectural structure, whether a grid or radial arrangement, which serves as the foundation for the subsequent layers.

Color is the unifying principle in his work, providing the energy and dynamism that captivates the viewer's attention. Although Glabush has experimented with other mediums, he ultimately returns to painting due to its limitations and conventions that allow him to refine his expressive language. Several of his works will be on display in his solo exhibition, "If the Wild Bird Could Speak," at Alison Jacques Gallery in London from November 20 to January 9.