I recently took a little trip to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island and, while there, visited the gallery of First Nations contemporary artist,
Roy Henry Vickers. The gallery itself is built along the idea of a traditional long house, with cedar walls and low lighting that beautifully showcase his colourful original prints. His
website is a treat to view, and I encourage you to click on the link to pay it a virtual visit.
In the gallery, this tall bird looks like he's hiding behind a corner, ready to jump out and scare the visitors with a loud squawk! Or maybe he's just self-conscious about his unusual height and is trying to be inconspicuous.
An eagle's eye view.
Here's a "posterized" (with Photoshop Elements) version of a photo that I took while in the area.
Ocean View, Ucluelet BC
I don't pretend for one second that it's anything like Vickers' work, but maybe it was inpired by it. I do think it would work as a real print, if I was a printmaker and knew how. In art school I usually made a mess with silk-screening so I think it's best I stick to Photoshopping at this point in my artist's life.
thanks for introducing me to vickers, who is pretty amazingly talented and in such different styles. And to Torfino which I didnt know of. Sounds like you had an enriching trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link.......this is really interesting work.I've always loved the indigenous people's sculpture,it's so direct and powerful.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will return home inspired and energised!
Enjoy your weekend. Rx
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFunny: the same day you posted this, I got a Vickers card in the mail! Am a little disappointed you didn't return to the Mainland with a $10 wig.
ReplyDeletesukipoet,
ReplyDeleteIt's such fun to discover an artist's work isn't it. Vickers manages to maintain his very distinct style through all sorts of subject matter. I love how the traditional is brought into the contemporary (or should that be the other way around?) I'm posting photos of the Tofino area on Decollete for the next little while if you'd like a glimpse of the area.
Forest Dream Weaver,
ReplyDeleteI can see how the energy and connection with the elements in indigenous art would resonate with you as you have such energy in your own work. I'm happy that you enjoyed seeing Vickers' work.
Driftwood,
ReplyDeleteImagine using any one of those images to inspire a rug hooking!
c,
ReplyDeleteWow, that was Speedy Delivery! Now you mention it, I too am disappointed that I didn't return with a $10 wig. What was I thinking?! Too many choices, I guess. I have a feeling that this may not have been my last visit to that store, though. I will definitely want to go back when the goats are on the roof eating grass! Excellent reasons to move to the west coast, don't you think?
What a treat! Mr. Vicker's artwork has such a soothing effect. I especially love his snow scenes. He is definitely a man after my own heart. Thanks for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteStickup Artist,
ReplyDeleteI particularly love his snow scenes, too--in spite of myself! I had a feeling you'd relate to his work.