The methods Gene Solomon and Kathy Browning use as artists couldn't be further apart, yet they both manage to create art “imbued with spirit.”
Solomon works with saws and other raw tools to carve wood and soapstone, while Browning uses a computer to digitally manipulate photos.
Their work is currently set up in a display at Artists on Elgin.
When Browning asked to set up an exhibit at the studio, she was encouraged to pair her two-dimensional photography with a three-dimensional medium.
“I looked at Gene's work, and his work spoke to me right away,” Browning said. “I understood him and his work. There was something about Gene that I thought would be a kindred spirit.”
While both artists come from different backgrounds, the spirit world is present for both of them.
“Being Ojibwa — it has lots to do with the Spirit world,” Solomon said. “You take something, say a wood walking stick for instance, and as you're working with it, you can feel the life in it, although it's no longer living, so it's kind of a spirit thing. It's the same with soapstone — it's a natural stone, and when you're working with it, it feels alive. It feels good. You can feel a spirit in it.”
Browning was also exposed to Ojibwa legends as she grew up in in Thunder Bay.
“We're destined to have this show together,” she said.
While neither of the artists set to work with intentions of creating pieces that embodied “spirit,” they both ended up doing so.
“I retired and I had to find something to fill in my time,” Solomon said. “I got more into walking sticks, and more into soapstone. It frees you — it frees your spirit. You get right into your work. Everything else, it's gone. It's a good feeling when you accomplish something.”
Browning said “spirit” has been an undertone in her work in the past, “a common thread, not always the main thread, but its always been a common thread.”
Although Solomon has been carving wood since he was a teenager, this is the first time his work has been displayed in a gallery setting.
Browning, who has been involved in “tons” of art shows before, encouraged him to showcase his work.
“When I met Gene, (it) was time for him to step out,” Browning said.
Solomon, who said he doesn't even own a computer, can still relate to the natural elements of Brownings work. And Browning, who has sculpted before, said Solomon's work is also displays natural elements, since it is made from the Earth's ingredients.
Spirit is on display at Artists on Elgin until Aug. 27. The opening reception is scheduled for Aug. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.  For more information, visit www.artistsonelgin.ca.
