Brunch with John Ferrie at L’Abattoir

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

John Ferrie

For my Sixty Sixth brunch in this series, I was joined by John Ferrie who is a renown painter over Brunch at L’Abattoir in Gastown.

Born and raised in Vancouver, John studied art at Emily Carr College of Art and Design, and graduated in 1988. He has been fortunate enough to exhibit his work in many wonderful places including Seattle, Hong Kong, Miami, New York and San Francisco, and he has had more than 100 self-produced exhibitions in Vancouver.

John has participated in Artist Residencies in Paris, Hong Kong, and New York City. Corporate collections include Robert Mondavi Winery, Intrawest, Earl’s, Sugoi, Skate Canada, Kiwanis, Umberto, The Canadian Fund, AIDS Vancouver, The Robson Street Banners, Vancouver Children’s Hospital and the Surrey Memorial Children’s Health Centre.

John operates his own gallery at the Main Space Building near downtown Vancouver. He also keeps a job on the side as a server at The Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park, a position which he loves and he has been working there for over the past 10 years.

You can follow John Ferrie on Twitter @JohnFerrieArt

Growing up did you always have an interest in becoming an Artist?

Since the word go, I was an artist in Kindergarten. I am severely dyslexic, at a very young age I remember having had an interest in always getting art supplies. In Grade 7, I spent most of the time in the art department at school. I was also looking at art schools that same year. My parents were encouraging all the way through.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Starting a project can take me into madness, I then have to sit back and choose a direction and thought, and these defining moments puts it all into perspective.

What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your paintings?

Joyous and fun

How would you describe your style of painting?

A whimsical quality to my work has to go through my tumbler (in my brain) to see if it is coherent with the rest of my collection. There is always a sense of whimsy to my work.

How did your latest exhibition “Admire” come about?

I was thinking about what I admire, places, history of Vancouver, as of the skyline and buildings in Vancouver before they are gone.

Tell our readers about colour, and the use of bold colours in your paintings

They are bold and there are 3 primary colours, I then make use of 1000 different colours that I use with the other colours. Painting light into the work, the 10,000 hour equation face to canvas and brush to hand.

Is there a gallery or city you have always wanted to have an exhibition but have yet to do so?

Barcelona

What foods do you like and dislike?

Don’t like food with a lot of bones. I like everything from mac & cheese to a gourmet meal.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver outside of where you work?

La Taqueria
Chutney Villa
Glowbal
Via Tevere Pizzeria
Fritz on Davie
Chambar

pastry basket

jelly filled donut

cinnamon bun and blueberry cheese Danish.

Eggs with Pork belly

Mushroom Quiche

Potato Rosti.

John and Richard both enjoyed some treats from the pastry basket sharing the delicious jelly filled donut, cinnamon bun and blueberry cheese Danish. John then had the Eggs with Pork belly along with a French press coffee. Richard had the Mushroom Quiche and Potato Rosti.

What do you do in your off time?