Ever since man first walked upright, he realized the burning embers
                         of a stick, once cold, could release the power of finding one’s self,
                         individualism, expression and communication. These powers once
                         unleashed on the surface of the cave wall, became sacred to be
                         viewed by those who wished to remember images so singular and
                         universal, which told the same story for all time. Today those
                         themes reoccur in varied forms, but they are still about - life, death,
                         the hunt, and the celebration. The artist became the recorder of this
                         rich existence.

                                                           

                         Granirer’s Dance figures from the “Dancers’ Suite”, are centered in
                         the essence of the gesture drawing. The connection of varied line,
                         the thrust of bodies, smell of sweat streaking down bare limbs– the
                         pounding is in my ears. Fleshy shapes escape the gestural
                         framework that give to lightened figures, flying vicariously across
                         surfaces, running with the colours of the hunt. I feel the frenzied
                         energy all around me. I want to be one with the dancers and feast
                         beneath the primeval light. Shadows merge on ochre walls cast by
                         torch light, then fall back to the black of the celestial opening.

                                                          

                         When she draws, I feel it is with her whole body. There is none of
                         that wimpy back and forth scratching of the surface. She lays the
                         charcoal or brush down on its side if she has to, even if she ruins
                         the bristles or breaks the pastel to achieve the desired line. Leans
                         on the handle and puts the figure in with authority. That’s what
                         makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I have always
                         wondered why the most powerful drawings come from smaller,
                         slighter built, even timid people. Granirer has an ability to connect
                         herself with her subject matter and become a conduit of that energy
                         for her own personal interpretation. What is unique is, she doesn’t
                         lose sight of what information is important to put down. This is
                         openly shared with those who wish to experience, learn and to
                         remember.

                                                               

                         Pnina Granirer’s accomplishments are numerous over the past 40
                         years. I encourage you to visit her web site to view more of her work
                         that we unfortunately could not include: http://www.pninagranirer.com 

                         Paul Constable is the Director of Artists In Canada. He is a
                         Painter / Printmaker and Senior Graphic Designer for an Advertising
                         and Communications company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

                         Paul Constable can be reached by email at:
                         accounts@ArtistsInCanada.com.

                         His paintings may be viewed at:
                         www.ArtistsInCanada.com/pconstable.

                          Your suggestions for future articles are welcome.
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