As a female artist in Alberta, I have been disappointed by the historical lack of representation of women artists and the gender inequality they face in our society. During recent university art history courses, I noticed that the artwork created by women historically received less attention in textbooks and in general art education, and this gender inequality persists today with fewer opportunities for exhibition and acquisition.
Despite this, I was fascinated to discover women artists who were working professionally in Alberta in the early 1900s and I wanted to create portrait paintings on deep cradled panels to exhibit alongside their stories. Although I have focused on painting acrylic on canvas portraits for some time, for this body of work I am using watercolour on prepared panels while also writing and sharing more about each of the women represented.
My intention is to experiment with a new way to represent these women by incorporating imagery that represents both the women and their work. My aim with this body of work is to celebrate the accomplishments of the women who came before us while also raising awareness of the lack of equality in representation of female artists in Alberta.
Despite this, I was fascinated to discover women artists who were working professionally in Alberta in the early 1900s and I wanted to create portrait paintings on deep cradled panels to exhibit alongside their stories. Although I have focused on painting acrylic on canvas portraits for some time, for this body of work I am using watercolour on prepared panels while also writing and sharing more about each of the women represented.
My intention is to experiment with a new way to represent these women by incorporating imagery that represents both the women and their work. My aim with this body of work is to celebrate the accomplishments of the women who came before us while also raising awareness of the lack of equality in representation of female artists in Alberta.
Inspiration:
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Margaret Shelton
I was first introduced to Margaret's work at the Collectors Gallery in Calgary a number of years ago. She lived in the Rosebud region and rode her bike to Banff each summer with a canvas tent and art supplies. She painted her bike orange to be seen as she had been hit on the highway. Her work and her dedication to her craft is inspirational. To learn more, visit the website dedicated to her and her work: MargaretShelton.ca |
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Mary Schaeffer Warren
Mary created botanical illustrations of the wildflowers in Banff and Jasper National Park, visiting the backcountry in order to document the wildflowers in existence. She was one of the first women to explore off the beaten track. One of the highlights of my many trips to Banff is viewing her pochade at the Whyte Museum. To learn more, please visit the Banff Jasper Collection. |
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