Drew McRitchie

“The creative person has great clarity when there is freedom to see” - Drew McRitchie

Drew McRitchie (1954-2021) was a prolific multidisciplinary contemporary artist whose work spanned over half a century. Born in Toronto, Canada, McRitchie was introduced to art during his childhood by his mother, who studied under a group of artists involved in the expressionist art movement in the late 50s and early 60s in Toronto and New York. This early exposure to a vibrant and experimental art scene profoundly influenced McRitchie’s development and artistic sensibilities. He later moved to Vancouver, where he continued to refine his craft and expand his artistic vision in a unique articulation of his inner creative sense as he navigated through the world around him.

In Vancouver, McRitchie delved deeply into martial arts, incorporating its disciplines with meditation, poetry, music, painting, and drawing into his creative practice and technique. His lifelong martial arts practice kept him healthy and alert, with its precise movements fostering a deep memory of complex forms and sequences. He developed several unique forms of martial arts himself for teaching purposes, including his own TU Style Tai Chi and TU Kung Fu, which synthesize Yang style Tai Chi, Hsing-I, Pa Qua, Chi Gung, and integral Yogas. This ongoing practice supplemented his clarity and precision in art, energizing him for marathon 24-hour painting or drawing sessions during which he could maintain an uninterrupted flow of inspiration.

Primarily as an autodidact, McRitchie learned without formal apprenticeship in art, philosophy, photography, music, and his study of world religions and spiritual pursuits, particularly inspired by Eastern traditions and mysticism. Many of his close friends and supporters considered him a true polymath—a deeply knowledgeable intellectual and spiritual master, comfortable in many domains of study.

A prime example of McRitchie’s autodidactic abilities is evident in his early work, "An Ear for the Blues." This drawing showcases his intense focus and merging of visual art with his passion for music. "An Ear for the Blues" not only captures McRitchie’s personal journey during this formative period but also serves as a tribute to the African American Blues and Jazz musicians who inspired him to master the harmonica and guitar. This piece exemplifies McRitchie’s capacity for self-directed learning and his ability to intertwine his artistic and musical pursuits seamlessly.

McRitchie’s art transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a multifaceted approach that encourages viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of diverse fields of knowledge—the true definition of a polymath. His pieces serve as a testament to the transformative power of art, urging society towards a harmonious integration of ancient wisdom and contemporary science.

McRitchie’s varied and influential oeuvre is held in numerous corporate and private collections worldwide. His artistic journey culminated in the development of Atuva, a heuristic, exploratory, intuitive, experimental, and open stylistic art movement.

Drew McRitchie’s works are the visual culmination of years of studies in philosophy. His artistic journey reflects a deep engagement with the intellectual and metaphysical questions that shape our understanding of human existence. His aim was to create a cohesive philosophical expression of “unity out of diversity” in a simplified and integrated manner.

“My work reflects metaphorically a societal shift towards a second renaissance. Presently, there is a coming together of mystical or sacred traditions and secular scientific disciplines,” McRitchie stated during his 1991 exhibition "Forms & Voids" at Harrington Galleries, Vancouver. His ethereal images are expressed through a wide range of mediums, including paintings, drawings, digital photography, photomontage, text, sculpture, and music.

Technical Skills and Realism
McRitchie’s technical skills and profound ability to create haunting, hyperrealist paintings and drawings placed him among Canada’s top realist artists, alongside peers such as Danby, Bolt, Forrestal, Bachinski, Robertson, and Thompson. His landscape painting "Approaching Storm" was selected as the lead work for the exhibition "Canadian Realism" at Gallery Moos in 1982.

Artistic Techniques and Mediums
McRitchie’s art is a testament to his technical mastery and profound philosophical engagement. His works span a variety of styles, from haunting hyperrealism to ethereal abstract forms, all of which initiate viewers into a self-reflective and contemplative space. Utilizing a diverse range of mediums—including oils, acrylics, ink, and pencil—McRitchie explored themes of fluctuating dimensions and evolving consciousness, inviting his audience to delve into deeper existential questions through his visual expressions.

In a four-week course titled “Eclectic Orientations,” taught in his studio, McRitchie offers insight into his artistic practice in his course description: “The creative person has great clarity when there is freedom to see”. This course will provide an opportunity for students to develop an expressive cognition. The themes will explore the internal subjective side to drawing and painting along with the external objective mode. Discussion topics will include philosophy, intrinsic energy, painting, drawing techniques and principles.”

Heuristic and Exploratory Approach
McRitchie's artistic process is deeply rooted in exploration and discovery. He employed a heuristic approach, where learning and creativity emerged through self-directed trial and error. This is evident in his extensive portfolio, ranging from paintings and drawings to digital photography and sculpture. His series like Metamathica and Polymorph, created in the later phase of his artistic life, are prime examples:

Metamathica: This series explores the integration of mathematics, physics, and sacred geometry through intuitive expressions. Created using a meditative, free association technique, McRitchie's use of individual ink micro circles allowed him to explore his unique creative drive.
Polymorph: This series delves into hyper dimensional realms, offering viewers a glimpse into complex and often unseen dimensions of existence. Through Polymorph, McRitchie invites us to contemplate the nature of reality and our place within a multifaceted, ever-evolving universe.

McRitchie seamlessly transitioned between traditional mediums and digital media, crafting otherworldly images that defy conventional boundaries. McRitchie’s innovative approaches often challenged art critics, who typically favoured his more traditional realist landscape paintings over his boundary-pushing creations.

Abstract Photography
In the midst of his artistic career, McRitchie in addition to painting and drawing, crossed over to the discipline of photography with his deeply observant artistic eye. Using a unique motion-inspired photographic technique, he created sweeping images that echoed his engagement with fine art. McRitchie’s abstract photography was developed with the intent of capturing ethereal images in the moment without post photo editing adjustments to lighting, colour, or composition. His photographic work expands his palette beyond paint to include metallic and reflective elements along with surreal apperception of his images capturing ephemeral phenomena. McRitchie’s still life variations of nature photography echoed his landscape painting, echoing his spiritual and philosophical commitment to ecological engagement with the world.

Drew McRitchie’s artistic legacy is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary exploration and the pursuit of knowledge through creative expression. His ability to integrate diverse fields such as philosophy, martial arts, music, and visual arts into a cohesive body of work speaks to his unique vision and intellectual depth. McRitchie's work continues to inspire and challenge, encouraging a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. Through his art, McRitchie not only captured the essence of his time but also left a lasting impact on the art world, urging future generations to seek clarity and freedom in their creative endeavours. His journey from the vibrant art scenes of Toronto and Vancouver to the development of his unique artistic movements exemplifies a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and profound expression.

Coherence series. This series is a heuristic painted series that explores consciousness connections and various dimensions.

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Earth series. The earth series deal with an experimental reverental approach to landscapes around the world through travel.

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Portrait series. The portrait series will look at painting and drawing friends and people I have met through my journeys.

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Metamathica series. Metamathica is taking a look at integrating the myriad aspects of mathematics physics sacred geometry through intuitive expressions and intepretation.

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