As a female Alberta artist whose work has come to focus on gender inequality that women face in our society, I have also been disappointed to learn about the lack of representation of women artists. As I recently studied several art history courses through the Alberta University of the Arts, I noticed that artwork created by women historically was less likely to be included in textbooks and in general art education and this gender inequality continues currently through fewer opportunities for exhibition and acquisition. Despite this, I have been fascinated to stumble upon women artists who were working professionally in the early 1900s in their fields in Alberta and want to create portrait paintings on cradled panel to be exhibited alongside their stories.
Though my work has focused on painting acrylic on canvas portraits for some time, my intent is to work on deep cradled panels utilizing monoprinting and watercolour while writing and sharing more about each of the women represented. With environmental allergies becoming an issue for my family in my home studio, I require a separate space to create these pieces. I am also looking for time and space to focus on a new way to represent these women by incorporating layered imagery to represent both the women and their work. My aim with this body of work is to highlight the accomplishments of the women who came before us while drawing attention to the lack of equality in representation of female artists in Alberta.
Though my work has focused on painting acrylic on canvas portraits for some time, my intent is to work on deep cradled panels utilizing monoprinting and watercolour while writing and sharing more about each of the women represented. With environmental allergies becoming an issue for my family in my home studio, I require a separate space to create these pieces. I am also looking for time and space to focus on a new way to represent these women by incorporating layered imagery to represent both the women and their work. My aim with this body of work is to highlight the accomplishments of the women who came before us while drawing attention to 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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