Some of the places people pass everyday can hold a lifetime of memories. Kitchener artist Trevor Clare is capturing those memories in a new collection of digital paintings featuring familiar landmarks, businesses and gathering places across Kitchener-Waterloo. Clare’s second book, The Art of Nostalgia II, features 25 paintings paired with personal stories from people throughout the community. “It’s almost like a Kitchener-Waterloo journal or a time capsule,” Clare said. The book follows The Art of Nostalgia, which featured Clare’s vibrant digital paintings of local places. His latest collection includes the Kitchener Market, Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate, the ‘Twas Now’ Bridge, Mel’s Diner, Centre In The Square, the University of Waterloo’s Dana Porter Library, J&J’s Cards and Collectibles, The Princess Original, St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Rocks. Clare says the second book came together after businesses, organizations and community members began approaching him with requests. “Eventually I had 25 pieces that I realized I needed to do something with,” he said. The paintings are created on a tablet using a digital paintbrush. Clare, who has a background in traditional mediums including oils and acrylics, says working digitally allows him to capture light, atmosphere and neon in a way that helps evoke nostalgia. “It is painting, but you’re painting with a digital paintbrush rather than a physical paintbrush,” he said. Community contributions This time around, Clare has also invited the community to contribute memories and stories connected to the places featured in the book. Those stories explore where people met, grew up, fell in love and made memories, adding another layer to the paintings. “The primary theme is still nostalgia but perhaps with slightly more of a community twist, focusing on the places that connect us,” Clare said. The project also has a personal connection for Clare, who has become increasingly open about his own experience with mental health care in the region and the role art played in rebuilding his life. “I think it’s becoming more and more important to be vulnerable about that,” he said. The book will launch Nov. 4 at the Walper Hotel in Kitchener at an event held in partnership with the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation. The evening will include an art display, music, a silent auction and the unveiling of a new painting of St. Mary’s General Hospital, which Clare plans to donate to the foundation. Some proceeds from the event will also support the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation. The Art of Nostalgia II is available for preorder through Clare’s website, with signed copies available. Tickets for the Nov. 4 launch event are also available online.
