30-year detour leads painter back to the studio
For abstract painter Scott Gilmore, the opening of his solo exhibition In the Realm of Dreams at Lagom Gallery isn’t just another show – it marks a powerful return to the passion that’s been quietly calling him back for over three decades.
Gilmore’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s one of rediscovery.
“Early on as a young guy I was always drawing and sketching,” Gilmore recalls. “There are pictures of me at two and three years old standing in front of an easel. My first abstract painting!”
That early love for visual art carried through his teenage years, supported by encouraging parents and a pivotal two-week high school art trip to Italy visiting galleries.
“That trip really inspired me and got me going,” said Gilmore.
After high school, he made a bold choice. While he applied to the University of Toronto Business School (and was accepted), he also submitted a portfolio to the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD). Turning down business school he pursued his interests.
“I wanted to be a painter or sculptor,” Gilmore shared.
By his third year, his interests shifted to film and video — a move that launched him into a world of corporate communications, training and development, evolving into part ownership of a prominent sales training company in Toronto and a career in sales and consulting.
Looking for financial stability and consistency, “I put my paintbrushes down.
Looking back now, it feels like a 30- year detour from what I was always meant to do: create art.”
The turning point back to his love and skill as an artist came when his wife, Paige, introduced him to painter Jonathan Dunkelman. Gilmore painted weekly in Dunkelman’s studio for six years while managing his work demands. The experience rekindled his passion.
“The first couple of years were a struggle – but a good kind of struggle,” said Gilmore. “In some ways, I felt like I was starting from scratch but with Dunkelman’s guidance and support, I was able to knock the rust off and explore my creativity. Some really interesting work emerged from that period but above all, I had rediscovered my love of creating art.”
That experimental period under Dunkelman’s mentorship laid the groundwork for what would become Gilmore’s re-entry into the abstract art world and since then, Gilmore’s career has steadily gained traction. A Toronto art consultant discovered his website and placed his work in Toronto’s Waterfront Innovation Centre, where over 20 pieces remain on rotating display. That connection led to further exposure, including an installation at the Art Gallery of Ontario and his work being rented for use in film and television productions.
“One of the most significant pivotal points in my career was when my wife and I moved to Creemore six years ago,” said Gilmore.
Converting their garage into a studio complete with excellent lighting and a “kick ass stereo,” Gilmore created the space he always needed and wanted to make a full return to creating art.
“It was a major breakthrough. I finally had the space – and the time – to focus fully on painting,” he said.
Leaving the corporate life behind for good and instead choosing to pursue exploring what truly ignites him, he has fully thrown himself back into perhaps what he should have been doing all along.
In the Realm of Dreams is showing at Gallery Lagom, 178 Mill St., Creemore, until Sept. 29, and showcases 27 paintings. The artist will be giving a talk at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.
For more information see Scottgilmoreart.com or @ scottgilmoreart or call 416-417-7136.
