Another art exhibition has opened in Revelstoke with vibrant colours entrenched in deep meaning lining the gallery's walls.
The exhibition opened on Sept. 5, at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.
The Late Season
When you enter the exhibition, you'll be enchanted by the flow of the artwork that pulls you in for a psychological narrative. "The Late Season" comes from artist, Meg Shaw. Her artist statement explains that her work explores "the psychological forces in relationships" and sifts "power dynamics based on physical relationships with ourselves, others and the environment."
Shaw's work reflects on what it means to be clothed and how this concept varies based on the power dynamics that come with gender, age, and body type.
"There is an uncomfortable interchange between exposure, expectation and being observed."
Shaw draws inspiration for her work from a moment of introspection which saw her reflecting on her questioning feeling wrong for being "at home in her own body."
"It's an untangling of the experience and consequence of growing up female, and a late realization that there is identity beyond the body."
Inner Rainforest
From being pulled into Shaw's psychological narratives, to the calming effect of taking in the "Inner Rainforest," Shelley L. Ross's work reminds viewers of the vast beauty found in the Inland Temperate Rainforest in Kaslo and the North Kootenay Lake area.
In her artist statement, Ross explained that sitting in temperate rainforests has become a favourite pastime of hers. During these times, Ross is able to reflect and envision her artwork.
"When the sun's rays stream down through the canopy, there is a dynamic colour feast that changes by the second as the sun moves on its way," said Ross.
The result of these reflections is seen through the artist's painting tree with every colour of the rainbow. Ross also uses the French curve when she draws and a "simplified design of the forests" with ovals of light.
The Neon Gargoyle
From the swirly wonders of Ross's watercolour interpretations of temperature rainforests to an eclectic arrangement that celebrates all that is "other," Taylor Sandell's "The Neon Gargoyle"
Sandell's work embraces a wide range of salvaged materials and styles, with an overarching theme of finding joy and beauty in things that are often overlooked.
In her artist statement, Sandell explains that her work draws inspiration from her childhood. Sandell explained that she was raised by a single father which often meant that she and her brother had to get creative as their finances were tight.
"I learned to be creative with materials found in construction site dumpsters and objects lying around the house."
Sandell hopes to inspire onlookers by reconsidering the purpose and beauty in items that may have otherwise been discarded, and she hopes that this reflection will also lead onlookers to extend this consideration to those in society who have been 'othered.'
"I believe those who are 'othered' by society deserve their rightful celebration. The Neon gargoyle champions femininity, queer identities, sexual empowerment, and fun."
Canadian Landscapes
The exhibition continues with another vibrant body of work that showcases the diverse and beautiful landscape that makes up Canada.
Danielle Harshenin's artwork features landscapes from all of Canada's provinces and territories. She began this series in the spring of 2023 and finished it just in time for the exhibition.
Harshenin leaned into the stereotypes of provinces and territories.
"My goal for this series was to capture the essence of each province and territory in a painting, while wholeheartedly embracing local stereotypes."
Harshenin also felt committed to creating artwork that celebrates Canada's magnificent landscape as she noted that the devastating consequences of climate change have led to drastic changes in Canada's landscape.
"The effects of climate change have already ravaged a few spectacular places in Canada, including parts of the Okanagan Valley (my home) and picturesque Jasper."
