Usually, being temporarily laid off can be a devastating blow.
For Gayann Goucher, it was an opportunity.
Goucher, a graduate of the four-year commercial and graphic arts program at Thistletown Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, and George Brown College's program for sign writing, has been employed in Toronto’s film industry as a scenic set sign writer since 1994.
Then she was laid off, and she used the free time to pursue her other passion: painting.
“I have always been able to paint, but the last two years I’ve really (fine-tuned) it,” Goucher said.
“My work is inspired by the beauty of the South Simcoe area. I fell in love with Lake Simcoe as a child, boating with my grandfather at Big Bay Point Road,” she said. “This area is so fantastic, how could you not be inspired?”
Goucher paints in acrylics, and a number of her works are now on display in the gallery on the second floor of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library.
There are paintings of sunsets over Lake Simcoe, a boat skimming across Lake Sturgeon – where she worked at a construction site last year, staying at a hunting camp with the crew – scenes of waves crashing against the shore.
Her works “have to do with the ruggedness of Canada, the northern lights, and the snow - how it sparkles,” she said.
Goucher put together her first portfolio when she was in Grade 8. As an adult, and the owner of a sign shop in Etobicoke, she filled her spare time with art.
“When things got slow in the sign shop – I was the boss, and I had to stick around – I’d have time to paint,” she said.
Since being laid off, she’s gone back to her painting, discovering acrylics, and even experimenting with a multimedia piece her children have named Bling!
“Somebody gave me a bucket of stones. Then I went to the dollar store, and got more,” Goucher said. “I just kept adding and adding to it… It’s really a labour of love.”
In two weeks, Goucher will be returning to work, called back to her job in the film industry. She acknowledged that it’s almost impossible to make a living in the arts, and advised young artists to consider working in film.
“At least you’re going to be with other artisans,” she said. It also pays well, “and they really train their staff well.”
Goucher is proud of her work on display at the library and plans to continue to capture Canada’s beauty on canvas – whenever she has the time.
Goucher has lived in Bond Head. Currently she is a resident of Bradford.
