Joanne Tod (b. 1953) is a renowned Canadian painter acclaimed for her unwavering approach to realism, technical precision, and critical wit. She is also one of the country's most celebrated living portrait artists.
During Covid, Tod (re)discovered watercolors. Despite the challenges of this period, Tod had an incredibly fruitful experience as she enthusiastically embraced the medium. This unforgiving and difficult material ironically enabled the artist to be more spontaneous and playful, without compromising the technical mastery she is known for.
Tod's interest in the decorative arts and historical objects has remained constant throughout her career. Whether humble depression glass or antique porcelain, the artist treats each subject with equal care and precision.
"5 O'Clock EST" depicts an ornate black vase with gold detailing. Tod revels in the details: shadowed curves and reflections across the surface mingle with the vessel's figurative elements. Like the best of her work, this vase is realized in Tod's signature version of soft realism. The source image here comes from an Ebay listing that Tod came across; she noted the blue sky reflected in the vessel, and estimated the time to be around 5PM...hence the work's title.
Tod's images of "precious" (or banal) decorative objects stem from her interest in the paradoxes surrounding collecting, whether privately or institutionally. In artworks such as this Tod explores the fascination in foreign or exotic materials and motifs, and how we value, whether aesthetically or monetarily, objects like this ginger jar. Perhaps the most intriguing element of this vessel is whether it is historically important or a 20th century knock-off.
Joanne Tod's works can be found in most major public institutions across Canada, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"5 O'Clock EST"
Canada, 2025
Watercolor on paper
Very good condition
Note: The price is $3,000 CAD
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