1959 Cadillac

A dark, dynamic exploration of form and light through an abstract view of a classic car, the 1959 Cadillac. The composition focuses on gleaming chrome accents, rendered with fluid, sweeping lines that suggest motion even in stillness. A striking palette of purples, blues, and metallic silvers defines the car’s sleek surfaces, while sharp white highlights create a luminous sheen that enhances the sense of reflection and depth.

Set against a deep, dark background, the vehicle almost appears to pulse with electric energy, the contrast amplifying its classic, yet almost futuristic and surreal presence. This blending of realism and imagination invites viewers to reconsider familiar objects through an expressive lens, revealing layers of energy and elegance beneath the surface. The result is a vivid balance between structure and fluidity, capturing both the beauty of design and the intangible quality of movement in a visually compelling statement.

Biography of Nova Scotia Artist Colin Cook

Colin Cook is a contemporary Canadian artist based in Rocklin, Nova Scotia, renowned for his vibrant, emotionally charged, and innovative approach to art. Born and raised in Pictou County, Cook has been creating art his entire life, driven by an innate passion for creativity. His work is characterized by bold colours fluid lines, and dynamic movement, aiming to inspire, uplift, and evoke positive emotions in viewers. Cook’s art spans multiple mediums and styles, including large-scale murals, graphic design, portraits, realism, abstracts, and sculptural installations, showcasing his versatility and fearless exploration of form and media.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up in a household where television was a reward for good grades, Cook often turned to drawing due to his less-than-stellar academic performance. This early habit of sketching laid the foundation for his artistic journey.

As a student at West Pictou District High, a pivotal moment occurred when he was sent to the principal’s office for misbehaving. Instead of reprimanding him, Principal Ed Doucette recognized his talent and commissioned him to paint a mural on a school wall. Doucette’s advice, “It’s just paint. If you don’t like it, paint over it,” became a lifelong mantra for Cook, encouraging fearless experimentation. This led to Cook painting murals in nine area schools, marking the beginning of his public art career.

Cook is self-taught, never having taken formal art lessons, though he occasionally sought advice from his uncle, well-known painter Dan Munro. His early creative endeavours included producing a comic book series called Callin’ It Like It Is in pre-internet times, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and love for storytelling through art.

Career and Artistic Style

Cook’s professional journey blends his artistic passion with a long-term career in graphic design. His first job was as an illustrator designing images for Sobey's flyers. He later joined the sign and design team at Eastern Sign Print and the Pictou Advocate. This technical expertise informs his ability to incorporate motion and multimedia into his work, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

His paintings, often acrylics on canvas, are known for their vibrant colours and energetic compositions, depicting subjects like lighthouses, birds in flight, fish in motion, and abstract human forms. Cook’s recent focus on fluid-form acrylic paintings has resulted in a unique style that captures the beauty of the human experience, offering viewers endless visual sensuality and aesthetic pleasure. He emphasizes emotion and movement, encouraging others to paint with the “abandon of a child,” free from criticism or fear of mistakes.

Cook’s work has gained significant recognition. At a 2023 show at Shaun’s in New Glasgow, he exhibited 56 paintings and sold 26, a notable achievement according to his partner, Katherine Chaisson, Executive Director of The Hidden Gallery. His art has been displayed at the Nova Scotia Art Gallery in connection with Halifax’s Salsa and Bachata Festival, and his commissioned pieces adorn the fabulous, Tower Hotel. Cook can often be found painting live on stage, at festivals, and events, and is not shy to broadcast his creation process for all to see.

Collaborations and Business Ventures

Cook’s partner, Katherine Chaisson, plays a crucial role in promoting his work, leveraging her business and promotional skills to increase his exposure. Together, they produce artistic banners, giclee prints, and oversized magnetic prints, murals, art shows, group and solo exhibitions, diversifying his artistic output. Chaisson’s efforts have allowed Cook to focus more on painting, with aspirations to make it his full-time career.

Cook is President of The Hidden Gallery of Westville, Nova Scotia, an Art Gallery, Studio and Micro Theatre located at 1757 North Main Street in Westville, Nova Scotia, where he holds the title of Resident Artist. There you can find his available artworks, as well as a large selection of fine art and giclee prints.

His online gallery, www.colincook.ca showcases his contemporary art for sale, while his Social Media Pages, Abstractions by Colin Cook, showcase his creation process, and updates on what is new in Colin's world.

Artistic Philosophy and Impact

Cook’s philosophy centers on creating art that speaks to the soul. Art that energizes its audience and reflects the vibrancy of life. He views his work as perpetually evolving, stating that his pieces are never truly finished but reach a natural limit where he feels there is nothing more to add. His uninhibited, motivational style and spirit of exploration keep his creations fresh and engaging, earning him a reputation as one of Nova Scotia’s most exciting and innovative artists.

Cook’s signature, simply his first name “Colin,” remains consistent from his high school murals to his current works, a nod to his roots and a recognizable mark of his identity. His ability to create art from virtually anything he touches—whether canvas, walls, or multimedia—underscores his boundless creativity and dedication to his craft.

Sources

• Abstractions by Colin Cook | www.colincook.ca
• The Hidden Gallery | www.thehiddengallery.ca
• The Giclee Gallery | www.thegicleegallery.ca

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/AbstractionsByColinCook

https://www.instagram.com/abstractionsbycolincook/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abstractionsbycolincoo...

https://www.youtube.com/@abstractionsbycolincook

https://www.tiktok.com/@the.hidden.gallery

https://twitter.com/artistcolincook