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The art of , REALITY lan Bodnaryk’s art forms are constantly evolving You really can’t miss the giant elephant eye. It is an amazing painting — one of those ones that make you wonder if it is a painting — hanging behind the counter at Port Perry’s Fram- er’s Gallery. The elephant with its thick folds of dusty, leathery skin is watching you, and it’s a bit unsettling. “Genesis — Elephant” is one of five Ian Bod- naryk’s originals hanging in the downtown store, and, it turns out, Bodnaryk is a bit of a Port Perry original himself. Not born here, but raised from grade five to college days. The Port Perry years were important for Bodnaryk’s formation as an artist, years that included a very supportive Lane Prentice, Bod- naryk’s now retired art teacher at Port Perry High School. Bodnaryk, now 34, graduated from Port Perry High in 1996. Lane Prentice was a teacher who saw the gift in the student in front of him. “He really did push me to succeed as an Please turn to page 28 The talents of young gifted artist lan Bodnaryk were honed while attending Port Perry High School. Photo by J. Peter Hvidsten FOCUS - DECEMBER 2011 27 DECEMBER FOCUS.56.indd 27 41/21/11 9:27:16 AM