In Spring 2023, I started a series of thirteen Canadian landscape paintings – one for each province and territory in Canada. The series was completed in Summer 2024. My Canadian Landscapes are vibrant, idyllic landscapes featuring notable landmarks that every Canadian would recognize.
My goal for this series was to capture the essence of each province and territory in a painting, while wholeheartedly embracing local stereotypes. I started each painting by asking myself, “when I think of _____ [province], what do I see?”. The plan was to create a joyful, lighthearted body of work that every Canadian could connect to in a positive way.
Fostering inclusion and connection is very important to me. It feels like there is always something trying to divide us – the pandemic, politics, religious beliefs, climate change… the list goes on. I want to remind everyone that regardless of our differences, we also have a lot in common.
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. Last summer, my own family was evacuated for the wildfires, and it was an incredibly emotional experience. We grieved what may be the loss of our home, existed in total uncertainty, and finally, were overcome with gratitude when we were allowed to return home. The experience strengthened my commitment to capturing these iconic Canadian landmarks while they still exist as they are today.
Most of the paintings in my Canadian Landscapes series contain a rainbow in the sky. Rainbows symbolize hope and beauty after a storm, and they also represent inclusion. The rainbows are a subtle nod to the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
As a self-taught artist, completing this series and having the privilege to display it at a public art gallery is a great personal accomplishment for me. I hope my Canadian Landscape paintings will spark joy and nostalgia wherever they go.
