Island Arts Spring 09 - Island Arts Magazine

Arts
Island
Magazine
One Year Anniversary - Collectorʼs Issue
Nana Cook
Feature
Artist
Spring 2009 Vol. II - Issue I
SHOWCASING
WEST COAST ARTISTS
SPECIAL FEATURE:
ISLAND POTTERS
Robin Hopper
JoVic Pottery
Visit our newly updated website:
www.youngatart.ca
"Madrona's Summer Dance", 72"x24"
"Lasqueti Summer" 72"x24"
Printed on
Recycled Paper
$2.95
Who you Know
by Robert Genn
Recent studies of more than 5,000 people by social scientists
Dr. Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler show that happiness is contagious. The happy people you know are party to
your own happiness. Moreover, the happy people you do not
know and will never meet also have an influence on your happiness. Just like the guy who catches the cold from the guy
who catches the cold, happiness (or misery) is epidemic.
It's been observed for some time that if a person has a lot of
obese friends, they themselves are at a higher risk of obesity.
Smokers hang out with smokers, glue sniffers with glue sniffers, etc. It doesn't take a big leap of faith to see that an artist
who hangs out with mediocre artists is more likely to be
mediocre.
Conversely, an artist who is attached to artists with high standards and professional ways is more likely to become one of
them. In my ideal world, all the 250,000 "friends" who read
my letters would somehow seek the higher ground, identify
with and learn from the better artists out there, and become
the truly great artists I know they can become. But I also
know this is wishful thinking. Many happy campers will always be contented to go with the comfortable crowd.
In my ideal world, artists would be rugged individualists with
impeccable standards and would not allow mediocrity to
transgress their doorsteps. They might keep the company of
their favoured greats through the miracle of books. That's the
short answer. The longer one is to establish relationships with
admired others who walk the walk. For those who desire to
put themselves on the path to growth, the wisdom to choose
true authority is the bottom line of progress.
Everybody’s Reading the
Island Arts Magazine!
On a recent trip to Denman Island, this young lady
was spotted holding an issue of “Island Arts
Magazine” while painting a hitch-hiking sign.
Shortly after, the steward approached her, asked her
what she was doing. The steward got on the speaker
and broadcasted that there was a young lady looking
for a ride to Campbell River. Within a minute or so,
she had found a connection.
A reasonable route is to know a lot of informed and gifted
mentors and to balance them against one another, as in the recently mentioned smARTist telesummit. Hanging out with informed people makes it more likely that you yourself will
become informed. But sooner or later, no matter who you
know, you have to go to your room and reinvent yourself in
your own glory. It can be a bit lonely struggling in your room,
but by that time you're less likely to catch a cold.
Best regards,
Robert
PS: "We have a collective identity that transcends individual
identity." (Dr. Nicholas Christakis)
To find our how you and your friends can subscribe to the
Twice-Weekly News Letter go to:
http://www.painterskeys.com
Arts
Island
“Daffodils in a Vase”,
watercolour, 19 x 13” by Susan Schaefer
ISSN 1918-252X Island Arts Magazine
Published By:
Spring 2009
All photographs taken by S. Schaefer
unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication including photographs
and advertisements may be
reproduced by any means for public
or private use without prior written
permission by the artist,
Susan Schaefer
(250) 757-8003
Mailing address:
#14 - 161 Horne Lake Road
Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1T9
www.youngatart.ca
email: [email protected]
Editorials
6
A Few Thoughts
7
Bronze Sculptures - Process
9
© 2009 Susan Schaefer, Artist
Magazine
4
2
16
- David Wick
- Lorne Wall
Island Potters
- Special Feature
What Art Buyers Look For
- Bill Kerr
Who You Know
- Robert Genn
Why I Choose Watercolour
- Judi Pedder
Artists
12
Feature Artist - Nana Cook
5
Advertiser’s Directory
22
Map - Finding your Way
4
21
17
8
Featuring West Coast Art
Regulars
Editor’s Message
Marketplace
Subscription
Workshops
Island ARTS
Thereʼs that dog again ...
Lookinʼ for Shade!
What if Dolly Parton
would have married
Salvador Dali?
Would she have been
Dolly Dali!
3
Happy
Anniversary
Island Arts
Magazine
F
or many years I had wanted to
start a professional artist’s magazine. I knew that the perfect place
would be the west coast of Canada at it
is oozing with creative energy. One year
later, I am very pleased to present you
with the One Year Anniversary Issue!
That deserves some cake!
Things I have learned in the
past year!
1) Never judge a book (artist) by their
cover. There is always plenty going on
behind the scenes.
2. When in doubt ... a coffee date is
Always in order.
3. Deadlines are foreign to an artist’s
vocabulary. (It has something to do with
the creative aspect I guess.)
4. Most artists are very willing to
discuss their work, their life story,
what they had for breakfast ... just about
anything you’d like to know. All you
have to do is ask!
5. It doesn’t matter what kind of work
you do .... as long as it is creative!
Lastly .... never leave Saskatchewan
without your snow shovel and snow
boots!
Thanks for all my advertisers for believing in me. Thanks to all my readers and
subscribers who look forward to each
issue. Thanks to my partner Jeff for his
website, culinary and editing skills.
Thanks to my dog Cheyenne who never
tires of driving around doing deliveries.
Thanks to the patrons who
Buy Art!
4
Island ARTS
What are art buyers
looking for? by Bill Kerr
This is a question that many artists
ponder. Dead artists don't ponder, so we
can eliminate major profit taking from
investment and speculation as a motive.
Mike Svob spoke for many when he
said, "let's be frank, paintings for the
most part are decoration”. Some people
decorate with flowers and gardens simply because they like flowers or gardening. Thus the painting's appeal is
that of the subject. Others select a
painting of a garden because it is like
one they remember from their youth
or from their travels.
People often select paintings that serve
as reminders of their past or that tell
stories. In his web site Brent Lynch
suggests that all paintings tell stories.
Peter Shostak's paintings of the prairie
life and outdoor hockey are published
in books, a package which intensifies
their story impact. Bateman's painting,
particularly in bound forms, are as
much a visit to the wild as a story.
Nonetheless hanging in a home or office all these works are primarily decoration. The last painting I sold was to a
couple who wanted to take it home to
see how it looked. They bought it. The
husband said it will look great with the
paint in the sitting room. The wife was
horrified!. " George, you shouldn't tell
an artist you bought his painting cause
it matched our paint" she admonished.
My response was "you painted that
room that colour because you like that
colour. You also like boats. So why
would you not buy a marine themed
complimentary coloured painting, particularly when it is such a large feature
in that space. It makes perfect sense to
me"! Paintings are very durable decoration, you must be comfortable with
them.
On the other hand, at an opening featuring some art with a rather different approach to portraiture and abstraction I
told the artist that I was rather taken by
the portrayal of a family grouping.
Rather than "I'm pleased you like it"
the artist replied "That work is a psychological deconstruction of ....."
She lost me. I am not sure why I liked it
but I am certain it wasn't its appeal to
my interest in the distress and woes or
whatever of the depicted. Psychological
works and their ilk are for public
display, not the market.
A dear friend, Gitsan artist Doreen
Jensen, a founder of K'san, whose work
is in the Museum of Civilization and
whose late brother Walter Harris has
work displayed in prominent venues
across this continent says her mother
told them, "art should be beautiful,
because life can be so ugly". This is
almost profound, a marvelous truism
that applies to all the motives cited,
decoration, memories, emotions and
interest. www.billkerrart.com
M
y four year old son came
screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he’d
dropped his toothbrush in the toilet.
I fished it out and threw it in the
garbage. He stood there thinking for a
moment, then ran to my bathroom and
came back with my toothbrush. He
held it up and said with a charming
little smile, “We better throw this one
out too ‘cause it fell in the toilet a few
days ago.”
For your convenience you
can now reserve your
advertising space online:
www.youngatart.ca/Island-Arts
“Go Outside” by
www.saboothroyd.com
Advertiserʼs Directory
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Advertiser
Arrowsmith Potters Guild
Art 10 Gallery
Banks, Patricia
Braemar Pottery
Buckrell, Brian
Chosin Pottery
Coastal Colour
Cook, Nana
Englishman River Gallery Ltd.
Eyes on BC
Firesign Art and Design Studio
Fyson, Andrew
Glass Expressions
Jackson, Norma
JoVic Pottery
Kitty Coleman Gardens
Madison, Charlotte
Mennie, Olivia
Morgan Ann Designs
Nanaimo Arts Council
Nanoose Watercolour Group
Payne, Ruth
Pearl Ellis Gallery
Perrin, Judy & Wall, Lorne
Riera, Cindy
Saanich Arts Society
Skalenda, Linda
Strachan, Barbara
The Framing Gallery
The Pottery Store
TOSH
Turning Point Arts
Vancouver Isl. Potters Supply
WaterWorks Garden Sculpture
Young at Art Studios
Nanaimo Arts Council
• Monthly Feature Shows
• Seasonal Juried Shows
• Open to All - painting,
• photography and 3D
• Nanaimo Arts Council - Gallery
• Nanaimo North Town Centre
Visit our Website: www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca
email [email protected]
call 250.729.3947
A clean tie attracts the soup of the day.
“Creativity is all about seeing what everybody
else is seeing and thinking what nobody else
is thinking” Robin S. Sharma
Linda Skalenda
Fine Art in Acrylics and Oils
artist Marilyn Ridsdale
w w w. l i n d a s k a l e n d a . c o m
For studio viewings please call 250-741-6273
Island ARTS
5
122 Fern Road West, Qualicum Beach,
250-752-6133
www.theoldschoolhouse.org
Mondays: 12:00 Noon - 4:30 pm
Tuesdays-Saturdays: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Sundays (Summer) 12:00 Noon - 4 pm
A few thoughts
... by David Wick
When visual artists of any media intend to shape their work to
describe their intention in a certain manner or clarity oft times
unconscious controls manifest in their work. The envisioned
intention gets stuck in the quagmire of a desired technique,
style or specific approaches to the art itself.
Boredom more often than not results, as does a loss of freshness. The original zeal for completing the work can inadvertently get swallowed up in the tedium of just putting it down!
It's good that the artist is mindful of their original intention,
consistently dissolving into the meaning and topic they've
chosen to express.
Successful art results when the artist ask himself or herself:
“Am I really illustrating my meaning in a manner close to my
original thought? If not why not?” This is a great and useful
tool in the mind of the successful artist. Freshness requires a
serious letting go of much pre thought once the art work has
begun in earnest. LET GO! Allow those so called happy mistakes in your brushstrokes, that blip in the paint that you just
itch to smooth out, or that wild flick of your brush that left a
superb unplanned stroke of surprise leaving your work fresher
and unforced.
Everywhere there's art that already bares witness to several
earnest starts or attempts at freshness. By changing your
6
Island ARTS
This gallery has featured
exhibitions and sales by
established and emerging
local artists since 1977.
It is a registered non-profit
Society composed and
operated entirely by
volunteers.
Open Daily 1-4 pm.
Free Admission.
New members are
always welcome.
Lower level of 1729 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC
(250) 339-2822 • www.pearlellisgallery.com
media, surface, art-style or just being willing to tackle your
artwork in a different approach can yield a greater freshness.
The greatest beauty to achieve in your work is to manifest
yourself! Just being you to the core! Allowing the inner artist,
its full expression! Technique becomes less important in the
light of your own inner revelation and vision. This is the place
where freshness lives, and is effortless!
David Wick, a Canadian Artist, was a professor of the David
Wolcott Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids
Michigan www.davidwickcanadianartist.com
How many artists does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to change it and nine to reassure him about
how good it looks!
Summer Issue: Deadline April 21st.
Donʼt Miss Out!
www.youngatart.ca/Island-Arts
Judy Perrin Art and Design / Bronzes by Lorne Wall
www.judyperrin.com
www.lornewall.com
(250) 331-0519
1745 Webdon Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 9K6
Lorne Wall - Bronze Sculptures - The Process
Each bronze work of art starts as a creative inspiration that is
brought to life as a wax sculpture. The process of transforming a wax sculpture into a bronze sculpture can take three to
six months to finish, moving through a series of positive and
negative forms.
RUBBER MOLD:
Once the original wax sculpture is complete, it is sent to the
foundry where it is painted with an even layer of rubber and
then covered by a hard reinforced plaster shell called a
mother mold. This is done one half at a time, so when the first
half has hardened, the sculpture is turned over and the same is
done to the other half. On a large sculpture, it may be necessary to create even more molds one section at a time. When
the plaster mold is later opened, the original sculpture (positive image) is removed and the rubber is rejoined within to
create a detailed hollow cavity, or negative image of the
sculpture.
WAX POSITIVE:
Heated wax (approximately 210 degrees Fahrenheit) is
poured into the mold to evenly coat the inside. This process is
called slushing and is repeated several times, allowing time
for the wax to cool between each time until the wax wall
within the rubber mold is about 3/16th” thick. When the mold
is opened and the rubber is peeled away, a hollow wax duplicate (positive) is removed.
CHASING:
Special tools are used to rejoin all of the wax sections of the
sculpture back together and the artist works to make sure that
the likeness is accurate, the thickness of the wax is consistent,
and that all of the seams are removed.
SPRUING AND GATING:
Special channels, which are made of wax, are strategically
placed so that the bronze will be able to reach all of the recesses within the mold when it is poured. Wax sticks of different dimensions called vents and gates are also affixed with
heated tools that will become the pathways through which
trapped gas will escape from the mold as the hot bronze
cools.
... continued page 15
THE E.J. HUGHES CELEBRATION
A Celebration of Art and the Artist
An Event of National & Historic Significance
While demolishing Nanaimo, B.C’s historic Malaspina Hotel
as part of the city’s downtown revitalization, workmen
removing a false wall in the lobby uncovered a fantastic
mural. Like some sort of buried treasure, they had discovered
the lost 1938 masterpiece of Canadian E.J. Hughes entitled
“Lieutenant Malaspina Sketching the Malaspina Gallery”.
Nanaimo Community Archives identified the mural as one of
the last examples of that era’s Canadian artistry and took
possession and care of this historic treasure. Nanaimo City
Council voted to commit up to $200,000 for its restoration
with the new Port of Nanaimo Centre designated as a
permanent location for this public art legacy.
A local film and video production company proposed a
feature length documentary on the restoration project. In the
course of their research, it became apparent that the mural’s
story was a saga of significant cultural and historic importance. Support and encouragement was quickly forthcoming
for the local art community to plan an event to celebrate the
unveiling of the mural in a fashion suiting this significance.
The Nanaimo Art Gallery and their community partners are
planning a cultural event that will attract national and international attention highlighting E.J. Hughes’ art and life, the
incredible scope and importance of this restoration project,
and the collaboration of community effort.
Events include:
March 26 - 29: Mural Unveiling Ceremony, reception and
public viewing
March 26 – 29: Documentary Premiere and Public Screenings
March 26 – April 19: E.J. Hughes Exhibition, a private
opening, 25 days of exhibit viewing by admission
March 27 – April 5: Workshops, Lectures and Presentations
For more information: 250-754-1750
www.nanaimoartgallery.com
email: [email protected]
Island ARTS
7
Workshops
Art is Your Business
October 14 - 18th, 2009
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, BC
Presenter: Ruth Payne
If you are ready to make a living from your
artwork, then this workshop is for you!
Ruth brings 25 years of experience as a gallery curator,
visual artist, stress management consultant and teacher. Past
students of Ruth’s have made Quantum Leaps in their art
careers. Experience Hollyhock - “A refuge for your soul”
Register: www.hollyhock.ca • 1-800-933-6339
Sometimes I think I understand everything ...
then I regain consciousness.
Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Society
Sidney - Workshops by the Sea
DONNA BASPALY - Mixed Media
April 6 - 10, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
TOM LYNCH - Watercolour
November 16 - 20, 2009 • Waiting list being taken
FRANK WEBB - Watercolour • May 2010
CHARLES HARRINGTON - Acrylic • October 2010
All of the workshops are held at the Saanich Fairgrounds on
Stelly’s Cross Road, Central Saanich, BC.
Register Please Contact: Ruth Steinfatt (250)-655-4836
email: [email protected]
Oli vi a M enn ie
- Art ist
• WORKSHOPS
• Classes
• Private & Group
Lessons Parksville
Pastel & Mixed Media
Portraiture &
Life Drawings
to register please call
Olivia
“Beauty Adorned” soft pastel
8
“Reflections” soft pastel
Island ARTS
“I Remember When” soft pastel
250-954-3432
Special Feature - Island Potters
Creating A Theme Or Mood With Pottery
Author: Victor Epand
Interior decorating can be challenging. If you are trying to create
a certain theme or mood, it may be difficult to find the right items
to include in the space. Pottery is an excellent option when you
are decorating a room for a holiday, an old time period, or a rural
country.
Pottery can create a warm, earthy feeling on Thanksgiving. Using
dishes that are actually finished pottery is a wonderful idea. If
you don't want to use the dishes, you can display them in a cabinet with glass doors in the dining room. You can have cups or
mugs, plates, tea pots, and platters that are all decorative pottery.
The unique and hand-made touch of pottery can make the holiday
meal special.
Suppose you own a restaurant, and you want your customers to
feel like they are in Africa, Italy, or Japan. There are certain
styles of dish pottery were, and still may be, common in these
countries. Having pottery of similar design can create the mood
of being in that place of the world. Also, having vases, plant pots,
and other pottery items around the dining area can help enhance
the theme you are looking to create.
If you want your home to feel like a unique and cozy place, having unglazed pottery pieces for potted plants, vases, ash trays,
coasters, and other items can do the trick. If you display small,
glazed pottery pieces that are abstract or shaped like something
familiar, on a shelf or coffee table, it can truly add some character
to the room. If the shape and size of the pottery allows for it, you
may even want to hang it on the wall.
Very large pieces of pottery can create a certain mood as well.
These are probably more difficult to find. Antique pottery can be
expensive as well, especially if it is large and well kept. On the
other hand, a pottery item that is scratched or has a small crack
might be valuable as well, because that might indicate its very
old age.
If you want to be artistic, you may even paint your pottery or add
designs to it. Part of using pottery for decorative purposes might
include filling it with something like stones, water or flowers.
Finishing an unfinished piece of pottery can make it look newer
and shinier. This will also help it to last longer.
Be creative and have fun with your pottery.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/creating-a-theme-or-mood-with-pottery-520149.html
About the Author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines. When shopping for pottery, antiques
and figurines, we recommend these online stores for pottery,
antiques, and figurines.
Pottery
Pottery is the ceramic ware made from clay. Pottery is one of
the oldest human technologies and art-forms, and remains a
major industry today.
Pottery is made by forming a clay body into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln
to induce reactions that lead to permanent changes, including
increasing their strength and hardening and setting their
shape. There are wide regional variations in the properties of
clays used by potters and this often helps to produce wares
that are unique in character to a locality.
The typical customer is either someone purchasing a handmade gift for a friend/relative, or someone who is interested
in owning unusual everyday dish ware. A couple of things to
be aware of when buying pottery.
Check the bottom - Is it completely dry (called dry-footing,
usually found in stoneware, raku and commercially produced
pottery) or completely glazed A dry foot is raw clay and hard
as a rock, and will easily mar any sort of fine wooden furniture you put it on, unless of course it has been sanded perfectly smooth. When a foot is glazed, it will not mar furniture,
but it may have things called stilt-sharps that can. A glazed
foot can crack or chip and even melt to a very hot surface.
Check the inside - Some glazes are toxic and can contain lead
or other toxic substances. If you want a piece that you want to
eat off of, MAKE SURE it's dinnerware safe. If you are thinking of having the piece hold water for whatever reason, drinking, a vase, a teapot, whatever; if you want it to hold water, it
MUST have the inside glazed.
When you visit a potter's studio, don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of questions. You'll learn something about the piece
and about the potter. Have fun searching out your next pottery
piece.
Vancouver Island
Potters Supply
#2 - 1009 Herring Gull Way
Parksville, BC V9P 2N1
Phone: (250) 248-2314
Fax: (250) 248-2318
Open: Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Email: [email protected]
Island ARTS
9
W
hen you come through the door at The Pottery
Store in Chemainus you're always greeted with a
warm welcome and your initial reaction will probably be 'Wow! What a great variety of work!' The Pottery Store
opened in Chemainus in 1996 when a group of potters got
together with a shared dream to provide a place to sell their
work. Now, many years later, five of the original partners are
still very much involved in the store, the work has evolved
and they've added some other fine crafts to broaden the
experience of their return visitors. In the heart of downtown
Chemainus, it's a 'must-see' when touring the Little Town
That Did'!
Barbara Strachan • 250-752-0223
"Functional pottery....meant to be used everyday”
Work can be viewed at:
- The Station Gallery, Parksville
Located in the Parksville Train Station
- Pyromania Pottery Gallery
Behind the goats in Coombs
ARROWSMITH POTTERS GUILD &
STATION GALLERY
Visit our Gallery • Inquire about a Membership
Throwing & Handbuilding Classes start April 1st
Painting Pottery Workshops for all ages
April 25th, June 6th, Nov. 14th
Inquire about our Raku workshops.
Mother's Day Sale 15-50 % Off
May 1st to 10th
Located at the Parksville Train Station,
600 Alberni Hwy. 250-954-1872
B
rother John entered the "Monastery of Silence" and the
Abbott said, "Brother, this is a silent monastery; you
are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not
speak until I direct you to do so."
Brother John lived in the monastery for five years before the
Abbott said to him, "Brother John, you have been here five
years now; you may speak two words."
Brother John said, "Hard bed." "I'm sorry to hear that," the
Abbot said. "We will get you a better bed."
After another five years, Brother John was called by the Abbott. "You may say another two words, Brother John."
"Cold food," said Brother John, and the Abbott assured him
that the food would be better in the future.
On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Abbott again
call Brother John into his office. "Two words you may say
today."
"I quit," said Brother John.
10
Island ARTS
"It is probably best, you've done nothing but complain since
you got here."
JoVic Pottery
Combines the talent of two
Island Artists, husband and wife
team, Jo and Vic Duffhues
4781 Shell Beach Rd.,
Ladysmith, BC,V9G 1L7
250-245-8728
www.jovicpottery.com
How To Make A Mug
(I'm So Glad You Asked)
1. Drive to supplier and pick up the clay.
2. Unload clay (approximately 1000 lbs!!).
3. Weigh out amount needed for the mug, approx. 1 1/2 lbs.
4. Wedge (knead) clay.
5. Centre clay on wheel and throw the mug shape.
6. Remove from wheel and let dry 24 - 48 hours.
7. Put mug back on wheel and trim.
8. Hand create handle.
9. Let handle dry 1 to 5 hours; depending on humidity.
10. Attach handle to trimmed mug. Add thumb rest and any
3D decorative elements.
11. Sign bottom of mug with chop or name.
12. Cover handle in hot wax to slow drying on very dry days.
13. Let mug dry 1 week minimum. If mug cracks at this point,
re-cycle clay and start over at step 3.
14. Place mug in kiln and fire to 1850 F - about 15-18 hours.
15. Unload mug from the kiln. If mug has cracked during first
firing, discard, write-off and start over at step 1.
16. Mix glaze(s). Each glaze requires approx. 3 hours to mix
and sieve.
17. Put hot wax on the bottom of mug so it will not stick to
kiln shelf.
18. Choose design and glaze mug.
19. Let mug dry thoroughly.
20. Load glazed mug back into kiln. If glaze scratches or gets
bumped, wash with hot water and start back at step 13.
20A. Scrape & kiln wash shelves as needed
21. Fire glazed mug to 2150 F. This takes 14 - 18 hours
depending on dryness of wood, etc.
22. Hold at 2150 F for approximately 20 minutes.
Make sure all shelves reach the exact same temperature.
23. Wait approximately 14 hours for kiln to cool to under
350 F before opening.
24. Remove and check mug.
If cracked, discard, write-off and start over at step 1.
25. If mug has miraculously survived to this point, clean sharp
bits off bottom with grinding stone by hand, and price & put
out for sale.
26. Last, but certainly not least instruction; try not to attack
the person who innocently asks "Why does this mug cost
so much?"
Contemporary Works in Clay
On the last weekend in May the members of Fired-Up!
Contemporary Works in Clay, will be celebrating, with great
excitement, 25 continuous years of exhibiting together.
The first Fired-Up! pottery show was hosted by Robin Hopper
and Judy Dyelle in their garden at Chosin’ pottery in
Metchosin, BC. In subsequent years it moved down the road
to the Metchosin Hall, where it continues to this day.
With over 750 combined years of experience Fired-Up!
members have earned a reputation for displaying excellence
and innovation in the ceramic arts.
You are invited to come meet the artists, see the outstanding
art and join in the festivities at the special 25th anniversary
extravaganza of Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay,
Metchosin Community Hall, Metchosin BC
Friday night opening, May 29, 6:30 pm-9 pm
Saturday, May 30, 10 am-4 pm
Sunday, May 31, 10 am-4 pm
Did you hear about the potters apprentice that melted a
whole kiln load of ware? He got fired!
Braemar
Pottery
Award Winning works of Raku & Wood Fired Pottery
View the
Gallery Art
while enjoying
their new
Espresso
Bar.
Unit 3 - 3125 Van Horne Rd. Qualicum Beach, BC
Ph/Fax: 250-752-4245 email: [email protected]
Island ARTS
11
NANA
COOK
going there since I can remember. It is
part of who I am. It resonates deep in
my soul.
Why do you work primarily with acrylic
paints?
I use acrylic for the ease of use, their
quick results, and they travel well.
How do you start a painting?
Most of my canvases are primed with
black gesso. I like to bring the colors
forward, or I simply splash the colour
down, just to get rid of the whiteness.
Your mother is also an accomplished
artist. How has she influenced your
work?
Painting & Travellling
the Pacific Northwest
to the American
Southwest
I had the privilege of meeting Nana
Cook a couple of years ago when she
was a resident artist at The Old School
House (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach on
Vancouver Island. I was instantly attracted to her use of colour as she paints
her love of the American Southwest.
It’s common for her and her husband
Gary to grab some canvas, pack the van
and head south to the desert for a painting excursion. Her mother, Charlotte
Madison, an accomplished artist, and
Nana spend at least a month each year
painting and travelling. Sometimes
Nana’s daughter, Morgan A. Cook, also
an artist joins them.
Nana and her husband Gary live in a log
home that they built by hand over 20
years ago. I recently has a chance to sit
down with Nana in her studio over
coffee and jaw with her about her art.
What attracts you to the American
Southwest?
It’s a second home to me. I have been
12
Island ARTS
Art has always been a part of my life.
Her love of the desert has influenced
me greatly over the years. The reasons
are too vast to determine.
What are your other passions?
Travel and exploring the Southwest.
How has your work changed?
We all evolve. It has more depth, more
imagination and more passion.
Is there anything you would you have
done differently in your career?
Oh yes, I would have started painting
much earlier in my life. I started in
1997 and have never looked back.
Which artists present or past do you
admire?
The artists that I admire are the artists
that I know right now as I am getting a
first hand example of the struggles and
joys of everything that they are going
through. Those are the ones that I admire the most.
Advice to other artists?
Paint with passion, paint the things that
you love, and break the rules along the
way.
- Thanks Nana -
Charlotte Madison
Southwest Artist
www.cmstudio.ca
[email protected]
Nana’s work can be seen at:
Qualicum Frameworks Gallery - Qualicum Beach, BC
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - (sales and rental program)
Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo, BC
Upcoming Exhibitions
The Old School House (Qualicum Beach)
• Spring Flowers - May 4 - 17 • Autumn Views - Sept. 21 - Oct. 11
• Nov. 2 - Dec. 5 - “Women on the Loose: Three Generations”
group show with Charlotte Madison - Morgan A. Cook
Island ARTS
13
Smiles for Children
Summer Robertson is one artist
who is changing the world by
"creating art to inspire hope in
children". Summer has
produced a booklet called
"Smiles for Children" that she
is distributing to children in
Africa and around the world
to help ease their emotional
burden. She distributes these
booklets free of charge.
Summer was born in New York City and raised in
Montreal. She has had a varied career as a medical professional, assistant camp director, speaker, Bible teacher,
counselor and business owner. A professional watercolour
artist since 1996, she suffered a stroke in 1998 which paralyzed her painting hand. As Summer recovered the use of
her hand, she directed her talents into a celebration of her
renewed lease on life. In 2007, she became aware that she
needed to redirect her gift and to use it to comfort the
vulnerable children of the world. After reading a true
story about a boy named Bruno, in a July 2007 Grassroots
Newsletter produced by the Stephen Lewis Foundation,
she was heart broken and wondered how she could lift his
spirits, extend hope, healing and comfort.
What evolved was "Smiles for Children". If you or someone you know is going to an area where they will see or
meet vulnerable children, visit a hospital, orphanage or
school, you can take these booklets with you to distribute.
These beautiful and uplifting 5-1/2 inch square 8 page
booklets can be sent to you by X-Press Post free of
charge, please give Summer a weeks notice.
About Norma Jackson:
Norma devoted many years pioneering and managing a professional marionette theatre company that became nationally
known. The company was set up as a non-profit society to
serve the community. She is known as a Master puppeteer,
skilled as a performer,
director and producer.
As the Company’s artist,
Norma further developed
her artistic skills in
acrylics, sculpting, set
design and prop building.
Norma has over 300
marionettes in her
personal collection.
14
Island ARTS
Summer lives in Chemainus, BC.
Her work hangs in private collections in Canada, USA, Kenya
and England. You can contact
Summer Robertson at
250-246-8818 or
email her at
[email protected]
Did You Know?
Thanks to Welcome Wagon,
newcomers to the Parksville - Qualicum
Beach area receive the latest issue of the
Island Arts Magazine.
Just one of the many ways that we
showcase our advertisers!
Stained Glass
Gifts
Courses
Tools
Books
Repairs
Art Glass
w w w. g l a s s e x p . c o m
SUSAN SCHAEFER
Young at Art Studios
Canadian Artist
BOLD
2925 Comox Rd.
Courtenay, BC
250-339-7739
Colourful
Whimsical
Lorne Wall - Bronze Sculptures - The Process
continued from page 7
INVESTING:
The hollow wax sculpture is then dipped into a vat of “slurry”
and immediately submerged in fine silicon sand. This is done
repeatedly, allowing cooling time between each dip, until the
ceramic shell formed around it is about ½” thick. Different
colours of sand are sometimes used to in this process to provide a visual reference for the artist so that they can gauge the
thickness of the mold. Depending on what the shell has been
made of, either plaster or ceramic, it is either placed in a
steam chamber or baked in a kiln to melt the wax which is
then “lost”, and poured out leaving a negative space to fill
with bronze.
POURING:
The mold is again heated to a temperature of 1100 degrees to
prepare it to receive the hot bronze which only begins to melt
at 1700 degrees and is poured when it reaches 2200 degrees.
Bronze is intentionally coloured because it has many of the
same characteristics as gold and it would be possible to confuse the two.
DEVESTING:
Once it has cooled, the mold is broken off with hammers and
power chisel leaving only the hardened bronze sculpture. It is
then “chased” using a variety of tools, which depending on
the size of the piece can range from large electric grinders to
small pencil size polishing tools to restore the detail and remove any marks left behind by the mold.
Kitty Coleman Woodland
Gardens, Courtenay, BC
7th Annual Art & Bloom
Festival May, 16, 17 & 18
www.woodlandgardens.ca • 250-338-6901
Stroll the gardens while admiring
original works by artists, potters,
sculptors, glass blowers, stained
glass designers, garden art and
other unique art forms.
Fun for the whole family.
Love what
you do ...
and do what
you Love.
(250) 757-8003
Qualicum Beach, BC
w w w. y o u n g a t a r t . c a
New artists blog:
http://susanschaefer.blogspot.com
Resident Artist at TOSH
Island ARTS
15
Why is Watercolour My
Medium of Choice?
by Judi Pedder
Answer: because it is so versatile! I can and do
paint on several different watercolour papers and
on canvas, Yupo (synthetic paper, actually
polypropylene) and Masa paper. Each offers a
variety of results, which adds to my selection of
subject matter and style – multi-choice!
• Would it work better in a vertical format?
Change the season to add more colour……
• Do a small sketch with coloured pencils or markers (dress rehearsals work!)
Here is an example of changes I made from my
reference photo of “Kagawong Anchorage”.
I’ve often heard “but watercolour is so hard!”
While there is no magic brush, it is no harder than
learning to cook – but you do need to spend time
to learn about the “ingredients” (tubes of paint)
and “utensils” (brushes, paper etc), and reading
cook (art) books, watching videos and taking
workshops. When cooking, most people adapt
recipes to suit their family’s taste buds or dietary
restrictions. In watercolour painting you translate
these skills into understanding which pigments and
paper will give the results (or taste) you are aiming
for. Another myth is “you can’t change watercolour!” False! A too-pale colour can be glazed
over to deepen it, an area that is too bright can be
subdued with a complimentary glaze, and a part
that is much to dark can be ‘lifted’ with water, a
gentle scrubbing and mopping with paper towel.
You can also lift out specific shapes…..
Historically watercolours were used to sketch a
scene outdoors for reference before starting on a
larger piece in the studio. Very rapidly it became a
recognized medium, although usually somewhat
pale and wishy-washy. For decades now it has
been used in countless brilliant ways – and that is
its joy.
Tips on painting from photographs:
• Use your own photographs; your work will have
more emotion and more meaning. Why? Because
you experienced the scene, smelled the smells, felt
the breeze, and the surroundings.
• Print it or colour-copy it to at least 8.5 x 11” - the
larger size will show more; shadows will be less
black. It will now be closer to the size you need.
• Before you start to draw or paint, decide what to
leave out (less is more). Will the composition improve if the photo is cropped?
16
Island ARTS
Judi Pedder • 250-339-7081
www.judipedder.com
Upcoming Workshops:
March 21. One-day workshop: Preparing and
Painting on Masa paper in my Comox studio
March 27-29 Preparing and Painting on Masa
paper. Firesign Art & Design, Quadra Island
Just when I was getting used to
yesterday, along came today.
Book Reviews:
Dances with
Dependency
Keeping an eye out for the Next Issue!
by Calvin Helin
A book of history, culture,
future visions and solutions to generations of
poverty and humiliation,
it opened my eyes, my
mind and my heart. I
came to a new understanding as Calvin Helin describes his experiences, observations and thoughts on the plight of the
Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Liberally sprinkled with images of the past, native art,
charts and graphs, this book discusses the social, cultural
and economic conditions of our indigenous peoples.
Calvin points out that his ancestors had a self-reliant,
socially coherent and healthy society without welfare,
government schools or artificially imposed lifestyles. He
then goes on to show the impact of the arrival of the Europeans and the decline of these once self-sufficient and
proud people. A deplorable fact of our history.
Calvin has described the problems facing the First Nations people and provided real and workable solutions to
take his people and other developing nations around the
world into the future. Calvin has made use of history,
statistics and beautiful artwork to educate and inspire his
readers. His insights are remarkable.
Originally from a small coastal community in northern
BC, Calvin Helin embarked on a quest – "to make a difference" – initiated by his father and grandmother (both
hereditary Chiefs) at the age of 12. He is a brilliant,
driven and educated man, a lawyer, a karate instructor
and business man. He has produced a thought-provoking
book with his impassioned words that offers real turnaround solutions.
Orca Spirit Publishing & Communications Inc.
ISBN 0-9782107-0-0
Trivia!
Charles Dickens, an insomniac believed he had the best
chance of getting some sleep if he positioned himself exactly
in the middle of the bed, and the head of the bed had to be
aligned with the North Pole. He believed that the earth’s magnetic field would pass longitudinal through his body and ensure him a good night’s rest. Dickens also had to be facing
north before he could write a word.
Never Miss an Issue
One Year Subscription
The Island Arts Magazine is published quarterly
and will be mailed within a week of publication.
Cost: $20.00 - year (Canada)
- includes the cost of shipping and handling
Order online and pay by credit card
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or fill out the subscription form below and mail
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Island ARTS
17
Sculpted
Copper
Garden Art
by Douglas Walker
WaterWorks copper water
fountains & water features
are whimsical, eclectic and
unique additions to your
patio and garden decor.
photo by: Sarah Kerr
Fused from recycled copper, brass, silver and glass,
our water fountains, bird
feeders, garden gates and
more bring charm and joy
to a garden or patio.
Canadian Artist Douglas Walker is well known for creating
unique water fountains and kinetic garden art sculptures
using, among other things, discarded musical instruments,
recycled copper, silver, brass and glass collectables.
His garden fountains and bird feeders are best described as
whimsical, eclectic, humorous and certainly one-of-a-kind.
A closed mind is a good thing to lose.
WaterWorks Garden Sculpture
by Douglas Walker
eclectic elegance
- Fountains - Birdbaths - Dreams
www.waterworksgardenart.com
8138 Island Highway,
Black Creek BC
250-337-8417 • Gallery hours 9 - 5
Tapestry and Fabric Art
On January 14th, we attended the opening of the Fabric Arts
Exhibition that ran from January 10th to 30th at The Old
School House (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach. The exhibition
included works by Susan McLennan, Mid Island Surface
Design, and TAPIS and Las Aranas.
Susan McLennan displayed her fabric art that
were as beautiful as they were functional.
Many of the ladies enjoying the show consented to being walking mannequins with
Susan's felt and silk scarves around their
necks. The colours, textures and designs used
in Susan's artwork were spectacular.
Mid Island Surface Design also
exhibited a collection of their
works. shown here: artist Flo Peel
The art that caught my eye were
the tapestries exhibited by TAPIS and Las Aranas. These two
groups established an exchange program in 2006 that is the
basis for this show. TAPIS was formed in 1993 to bring tapestry weavers from Vancouver Island together to share ideas,
partake in group projects and exhibit their work. Las Aranas is
an Albuquerque, New Mexico tapestry group.
18
#3 - 125 MCCARTER STREET
PARKSVILLE • 250-248-8740
Island ARTS
The theme of their exchange
program was "Doors, Gates
and Windows". This collaborative exhibition are the result of 13 weavers from each
group creating a tapestry that
represented a door, a gate or window. They exchanged it with
their randomly selected partner, who then wove a response
tapestry. The response tapestry was defined as a "recognizable
complement" to the original. It could be a view looking in instead of out, a view further away or an abstract variation. Very
few restrictions were placed on the response other than it had
to contain the basic beige and purple yarns.
These small format tapestries, shown in respective pairs, were
a delightful variety of interpretations, colour palettes and
themes as these tapestries conversed with each other and to
the viewer.
This land of Canada. Vast.
Never-ending. Ever giving
Barbara Botham
For the second time in 4 years, my husband Richard and I set off to explore
Canada in our VW Eurovan. Our intention this time was to explore all the way
across, instead of rushing to the east.
We also wanted to explore Labrador,
which we missed last time.
Spring never sprung until we reached
the far shore, so there was little opportunity to sit outside and paint. The creative urge won’t be suppressed,
however. Besides a few sketches and a
watercolour, which I managed to do
before being driven inside with frozen
fingers, I let my pen be my outlet.
My camera was a good accompaniment
to my notebook and there was much to
record. I thought I had a fair idea of the
fabric of our fair land, having flown to
each of the major cities, and made a return journey by road from coast to
coast. Had we not decided to take ourselves across this great land again, our
view of Canada would have remained
coloured by the superficial experiences
of our first speedy journey through the
mid and western provinces. We saw the
true Canada; but only in landscape, and
only along two narrow corridors. Our
in-depth exploring left the canvas of
our souls far richer.
The first and only wildflowers of west
and mid-Canada that we experienced
on the outbound trip were in Waterton
Lakes National Park in the extreme SW
of Alberta – a Mountain Gentian - few
flowered shooting star and early buttercups. This was more than compensated
for in the east and everywhere on the
return trip a continuous show of spectacular colour and texture accompanied
us all the long way home.
In the Prairies, we saw the well preserved deep ruts made by the wagon
trains of the first pioneers. We saw their
photos and their accoutrements in museums. We spoke to their descendents
and saw their legacy in the fields.
In the remote areas of the northeast
everywhere is the evidence of good
hard work.
For winter, the longest season, komatiks (high-sided sledges) are fashioned by hand using available materials
– mostly wood. Although looking
slightly askew, they are built sturdily
enough to withstand heavy loads being
pulled across rough terrain by powerful
snowmobiles. For summer, the handcrafted fishing dinghys may seem
crude, but the rope burns in the gunwale indicate many seasons of use in
the rough waters. In the outdoors,
crooked, uneven much-repaired jetties
and rough hand hewn wooden boats
belie the modern conveniences in the
clapboard homes powered by generators. In the wilds of Labrador I could
have been in any kitchen in Canada.
“Early Snowfall Albert Edward”
Acrylic on Canvas 20 x 30
Comox Artist
Brian Buckrell
Landscape, Portraiture and Figurative
In my notebook I have written “What
are Canadians? We are sensible,
friendly, helpful, stand-no-nonsense,
good humoured and good sense of humour”. At times, the long absence
from painting became frustrating.
However, the reward of making daily
connections to our fellow Canadians
has gone deep within and provides a
rich resource for page and canvas.
“Shoreline Grasses”
Acrylic On Canvas 16 x 20
Landscapes inspired by the
beauty of the Comox Valley,
the BC coastline, Strathcona
Park and Mount Washington
Viewings by Appointment
250-890-0404
If more of us would undertake this
journey with an honest, open heart, all
semblance of intolerance would dissipate.
[email protected]
Barbara Botham - (250) 752-1231
Keep an eye on the Arrowsmith
Chapter of the Federation of Canadian
Artists website (artists.ca) for a visual
unfolding of my journey.
“Fragrance”
Acrylic on Board 16 x 20
www.BrianBuckrell.com
Island ARTS
19
Outstanding Agent
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What’s New:
Successfully Serving our Oceanside
Communities for over 15 Years
Marketplace - Because YOU asked for it!
A cost efficient way of advertising - order online:
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752-2466
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
Order subscriptions online at:
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You can now view back issues on our website:
www.youngatart.ca/Island-Arts
1-800-668-3622
250-951-1386
Editorial Wanted:
Send us your stories, unique techniques, poems, why
you became an artist ... jokes, etc. We are always
looking for informative and entertaining content.
Upcoming Events:
If you have a special event that you would like us to
attend and review, please email us the details and we
will do our best to attend. [email protected]
Next Deadline:
Summer 2009 — Advertising deadline April 21
NEED H E LP W ITH
YOU R We b Si te?
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Web Development
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Our team has over 50 years experience to
ensure your website is FOUND by the search
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250-757-8003
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20
Island ARTS
[email protected]
www.pq-realestate.com
Patron of the Arts
“I asked my instructor how I could cut ten strokes
off my golf score. He told me to quit on hole 17.”
Arlen Powers
Sweet Potatoe Casserole for Easter
2 pounds sweet potatoes
1/3 cup cream or milk
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ounces butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Cut the sweet potato into chunks and boil in lightly salted
water for about 15 minutes or until the pieces are tender.
Drain and return to the saucepan.
Mash potatoes with a potato masher, adding the butter, milk
and cinnamon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon mashed sweet potatoes into a shallow 1 quart casserole
and smooth the top. Add either of the toppings listed below.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Crumb Topping:
2 cups prepared bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Remove crusts from the bread and break it into small pieces.
Mix in the parmesan cheese and thyme. Spread evenly over
the top of the sweet potatoes.
Marshmallow Topping:
Top with miniature marshmallows, spread evenly over top.
ACCOMMODATIONS
MARKET PLACE
Furnished Condo for Rent for
May & June. Two bdrms, two
baths, large covered balcony right
beside Rathtrevor Park. Also
weekly summer rentals.
403-507-0311.
DINING
Amazing Thai Restaurant
Best Thai food on Vancouver
Island 486A Franklyn Street,
Nanaimo (In the Old City Quarter)
(250) 754-7818
EXHIBITIONS
Chantecler Guest Cottage and
B&B - An Oasis In The Woods
features a deluxe 2 bdrm cottage
surrounded by trees, relax and
discover the sights and sounds of
the Oceanside area. 250-752-9566
www.chanteclerbb.ca
Pearl Ellis Gallery - 1729 Comox
Ave. Comox - 250-339-2822
Mar 11- 30 Sharon Lennox &
Bev Johnston • Apr 1- 20 Comox
Life Drawing Group • Apr 22- May
11 Monday Bunch
May 13-June 1 F.C.A.
Wanted Wooden Boat Doesnʼt Need to Float - 10 - 12ʼ
Wanted for funky art project.
email: [email protected]
Bev Doolittle 2 More Indian Horse
Prints for Sale $850. 250-757-8016
ART SUPPLIES
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Kitty Coleman Annual Art & Bloom
Festival May 16-18, Courtenay BC
250-338-6901
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
Deep Forest Gallery & Log
Furniture Designed by master
crafter William Hynes.
www.deepforestgallery.com
or call us at 250-927-7080.
SERVICES
Originals Only Fine Art Show &
Sale - Vancouver Island's biggest
annual art exhibition. Aug 8-9,
Comox Marina
www.originalsonly.ca
Coastal Colour Printing - Your
Complete Local Printing Source
250-248-4424 - see ad in. fr. cover
E.J. HUGHES CELEBRATION
A Celebration of Art and the Artist
Mar. 26 - Apr. 5 call 250-754-1750
www.nanaimoartgallery.com
Web Design & Hosting
call Jeff 250-757-8003
http://dev.youngatart.ca
COMING EVENTS
For Rent: Lighthouse Community
Hall, available for group events,
reunions, weddings, art shows and
exhibitions. Call 250-757-9938
Nanoose Watercolour Group Art
Show & Sale - April 25 - April 26
Nanoose Place - 2925 NW Bay Rd.
see our ad pg 5
Photography - Landscape &
Nature www.fyson.smugmug.com
Welcome Wagon - Since 1930
Welcome Wagon Hostesses call on
Friends and Neighbours.
Call Sharon Beedle 250-335-0354
Sheʼll be sure to give them a West
Coast Welcome!
WORKSHOPS
Arrowsmith Potters Guild, Painting
Pottery Workshops (all ages)
Apr. 25th, Jun. 6th, Nov. 14th.
250-954-1872 see ad pg 10
Art Is Your Business - How to
Make a Living from your Artwork
with Ruth Payne - Oct. 14-18th.
Hollyhock, Cortes Island
- see ad page 8
Introductory Course to 5 mediums
with Lynn Orriss • Drawing, Soft
and Oil Pastel, Watercolour, Acrylic
and Mixed Media - Mar 12 - May 2
Register call TOSH, Qualicum
Beach, 250-752-6133
Painting the Clothed Figure
Workshop with Karen Martin
Sampson; Mt. H'Kusam Art Studio
Portraiture, Still Life, Nature in oil
or pastel April 21-23.
Call 250-282-0134 or email
[email protected]
Spring and Summer Workshops
Art Studio, Gallery, Bed &
Breakfast, on Quadra Island, BC
www.firesignartanddesign.com
Workshops: Portraiture & Life
Drawings by Olivia Mennie, Pastel
and Mixed Media - Parksville
call Olivia 250-954-3432
Workshops by the Sea, Saanich
Peninsula Arts & Crafts Society 250-655-4836, see ad pg 8
How Market Place Works?
Market place is an affordable way
to place a word ad. Simply go
online at:
www.youngatart.ca/Island-Arts
Click on Marketplace - fill out the
online form, select a category, pay
by credit card and your ad will
appear in the next issue.
Simple as that!
Because you Asked for It!
For MARKET PLACE advertising go online
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Island ARTS
21
11
Travelling
up and
down the
Island
3
29
32
Courtenay
Comox
Qualicum Beach
1-26 18
Lantzville
20
2
16
5-13-22
23
Island
Bowser
Map #
3
4
5
3
1
8
3
5
3
2
1
2
1
7
6
1
5
3
7
4
5
1
1
8
4
3
3
6
3
6
3
1
10
Parksville
27
Whiskey Cr.
Finding Your Way
Around
12 Denman
Black
Creek
4
25
1
Quadra
Island
4
9
31 - 7
8, 17
3
Nanoose
5
21
Nanaimo
2
Artist
1. Arrowsmith Potters Guild
2. Art 10 Gallery
3. Banks, Patricia
4. Braemar Pottery
5. Buckrell, Brian
6. Chosin Pottery
7. Coastal Colour
8. Cook, Nana
9. Englishman River Gallery Ltd.
10. Eyes on BC
11. Firesign Art & Design Studio
12. Fyson, Andrew
13. Glass Expressions
14. Jackson, Norma
15. JoVic Pottery
16. Kitty Coleman Gardens
17. Madison, Charlotte
18. Mennie, Olivia
19. Morgan Ann Designs
20. Nanaimo Arts Council
21. Nanoose Watercolour Group
22. Pearl Ellis Gallery
23. Perrin, Judy & Wall, Lorne
24. Saanich Arts Society
25. Skalenda, Linda
26. Strachan, Barbara
27. The Framing Gallery
28. The Pottery Store
29. TOSH
30. Turning Point Arts
31. Vancouver Potters Supply
32. WaterWorks Sculpture
14
15
7
Duncan
6
Chemanius
19
30
28
22
Island ARTS
8
24
Saanich
Victoria
6
Inspiration in the North breeds
Vision in the South
by Stan Gauthier
In comfortable old sweat shirt and blue jeans that belie his
world renowned achievements in art, Ken Kirkby recently
joined a small group of fellow artists in Parksville to share
a personal life story and the latest of his visionary
achievements.
With pride, the Bowser artist revealed that he and his working
group have cobled together an international agreement to reestablish the once proliferous kelp beds of the Gerogia Basin
and Puget Sound. He said it is the kelp beds that are at the
base of a healthy coastal environment, with their myriad of
organisms and their interplay of predator and prey, habitat
and breeding place--the econoligical rainforest of the sea.
With science and learning in their tool kit, Kirkby and his
group proved their ability to re-establish kelp beds during
their effort to rehabilitate the Nile Creek to its original pristine
salmon-spawning condition.
Now after thousands of salmon have returned and the visiting
fishermen have boosted the local economy, the Nile Creek
project is looked up to as a model of habitat enhancement
among the dozen of such projects along the coast. It took
years of perseverance, a lot of effort and the input of considerable expertise.
Having learned the vital benefits of healthy kelp beds, the son
of a successful industrialist and childhood playmate of princes
moved with confidence to bring together volunteers from
Canada and the US to revitalize our coastal habitat.
We had kelp beds in great abundance at one time, he said.
"I remember years ago rowing my punt out and tying up to
the kelp when I went fishing.”
Kirkby, like so many a child prodigy, was a failure in school
but a success in the world. Bearing the lashes of his headmaster, a young Kirkby was removed from class to be homeschooled. At the age of eight he began to draw on "every
piece of paper I could get my hands on." At 16, his first show
sold out immediately.
A local fisherman befriended an impressionable young
Kirkby, the boy, and filled his head with dreams of the
Canadian Arctic as seen from the gunnels of a whaling boat.
He landed in Vancouver as a young man, made his way to the
north, lived amongst the Inuit, and learned the ways of this
frozen desert of hardships and beauty. Eventually he was
photo by: Jack Hill
adopted by his native "grandmother" who taught him their
language and unimaginable customs.
She asked him for one thing: that he tell the story of the north
to the world. With his art hanging in board rooms and palaces
around the world, Ken Kirkby changed peoples' perception of
the inukshuk from a pile of rocks to an elegant but striking
symbol of the Canadian north.
With his considerable renown rapidly building, Kirkby went
to Ottawa and demanded an audience with then prime minister Brian Mulroney and inspired him to "do the right thing"
for the native people of the north. Mulroney subsequently
signed the l993 Nunavut Land Claim Agreement which gave
the Inuit their own parliament and their own land, the Arctic
islands and mainland Eastern Arctic and their adjacent marine
areas. It was the biggest aboriginal land claim agreement in
North America and possibly the world.
Thus Canadians suddenly learned words like Inuit, Nunavut
and Inuktitut and the Canadian Arctic was on the world map.
Under the terms of the agreement, jurisdiction over some territorial matters was transferred to the new government, among
them wildlife management, land use planning and development, property taxation, and natural resource management.
As the sponsoring members of the De Cosmos Fine Arts
Society slowly digested Ken Kirkby’s revelations of the
evening, the man, whose paintings have sold for up to $22
million, quietly departed in his beat up old pick up truck.
Stan Gauthier is the winner of the
Western Magazine Writers Award.
THE ART OF DIANE McCARTEN
Working in mixed
media, Diane
expresses her
thoughts
and feelings
about life and
spirit.
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