Kincardine photographer is guest artist at Victoria Park Gallery

Eleanor “Elle” Villena of Kincardine is inspired by nature’s beauty and how amazing the local sunsets are.

That’s what she tries to capture with her camera and convey to people through her photographs.

What began as a hobby has turned into Villena’s way of expressing herself and connecting with people, especially during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Now, for the first time, she is displaying her work as the guest artist for the month of September, at Victoria Park Gallery in downtown Kincardine.

Married with three sons, Villena and her family came to Canada from the Philippines in 2003, and became Canadian citizens in early 2007. They moved to Kincardine in 2009, and she is a Registered Medical Technologist with the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.

“My style of photography is not limited to landscapes and nature,” she says. “I also do portrait photography, food photography, night photography, architectural and travel photography. There are lots of styles that I'm interested in, to broaden my portfolio.”

Villena says she enjoys taking pictures and learned more about photography on-line. Her eldest son is also a good photographer and helped her learn some new techniques as well.

The work she has on display this month includes photos taken over the summer, as well as during the past year, in Kincardine and Point Clark. Most are prints, with some photography on canvas.

“I like to be out there taking photos,” she says. “It’s my stress-reliever. It’s relaxing to be out there with nature.”

Her other hobbies are cooking, drawing and gardening.

Villena’s work can be found on her social media platforms, at EllesPhotographyCa. Besides her artwork, she also sells face-coverings and tote bags featuring her prints.

Victoria Park Gallery is located inside the Kincardine Arts Centre in downtown Kincardine, and is open daily, Noon to 4 p.m. For more information, check the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pg/victoriaparkgallerykincardine/posts/