Bob Vandermey

In 1992 I moved to Vancouver and needed a place to live and paint. At 310 Water St., Vandermey showed me a studio next to sculptor Don Catton and artist Maggie Quinn. The only washroom was shared with cockroaches; the artists washed brushes, tools, dishes, selves in the bathtub. I took it. Bliss. The door to Vandermey's space was usually open a...more

Artist statement-from Surrey Art Gallery Show 1978 Direct, deliberate application of paint serves as a literal depiction of ph

In 1982, at thestart of my painting career, I moved to Gastown and into 310 Water St. I lived and worked there for 15 years or so and they were someof the best.. During those years,Bob and I became great friends and I loved nothing more than to sit at his table and share stories and a laugh with him.. During these visits I would invariably learn 20...more

Bob was the first real artist I met. He had a studio in Gastown that smelled of paint and linseed oil, played jazz records, drank scotch, cooked spagetti, and made big bold paintings. All very impressive. And inspiring. You could knock on his door at any time and be invited in. I always admired his committment to la va boheme, and to making art.

Bob had a European sensibility and loved beauty. His curiosity and openness about people led to unique friendships. Creative to the core he expressed feelings vividly with art and music. James Brown reminds me of him-- the edgy quality to his work. Brought up in a Dutch immigrant family (born during a bombing raid on WWII), his practical sid...more