b contemporary

In his gallery, B Contemporary, David Brace takes the time to explain one of the works on display. The piece is a collection of thirty-five millimetre film frames capturing masterpieces of male-produced Renaissance art interwoven with copper plates to resemble a woman's garment, which David suggests makes a statement on patriarchy. This conceptual work is just what you'll find at B Contemporary, as David focuses his gallery on conceptual and abstract fine art. Plus, his venue combines the minimalist space of the front gallery with a custom framing studio in the rear to create a truly unique place. This creative venture was a natural progression for David, himself an artist with over 20 years of framing experience.

"I was always creative, painting at a young age. My grandfather was a painter and cabinet maker specializing in landscapes. I loved hanging out in his studio," David explains. By his teens, David knew that he was destined for art school. So he earned his B.F.A. from Queen's University and there honed his abstract and conceptual style in oil and acrylic.

However, the recession in the 1990s saw David focus on framing instead of art. This allowed him to exercise his artistic eye combining colours and materials at a national framing chain. One day, though, a call from head office asking him to become a franchisee prompted David to put his extensive experience as a preparator at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Peel Museum and Art Gallery to use at his own gallery.

"I started looking for a location immediately. I was ready," David recalls.