Starting Point by Lake Country Art Gallery

Starting Point An exhibiton at the Lake Country Art Gallery June 4, 2011 to July 17, 2011

he Lake Country Art Gallery is pleased to present Starting Point, an exhibition of art works by Canadian artists who are former students of George Elliot Senior Secondary School art teacher, Rick Davidson. This diverse exhibition is a landmark of sorts, for the gallery, as it represents our first foray into exhibiting art on a national scale and it includes our first catalogue, and for the community of Lake Country as it highlights the successful art careers of many of its former citizens. This exhibition is also a celebration of the highly successful teaching career of Rick Davidson, who taught at George Elliot School for twenty-seven years. The curators, former Davidson students Wanda Lock and Shauna Oddleifson, who also came up with the idea for this exhibit, worked tirelessly and enthusiastically on bringing it to fruition. To them we owe our gratitude, and I would hope that we are further graced by their efforts on future exhibitions. I have known Rick for a number of years now, although I started hearing about him long before I met him. As a college and university art instructor I had many conversations with his former students, which would invariably lead to a variation on the expression, “If it wasn’t for Rick Davidson, I wouldn’t be here!” These students would also elaborate on the encouragement “Mr. D” gave them to experiment with new ideas and to follow their own path. Reading through the statements of the contributors to this exhibition, I find that they echo that sense of respect and gratitude towards their former high school art teacher and mentor. I once had an opportunity to experience his teaching abilities when I entered the Kelowna Art Gallery while he was conducting an art field trip for his students. The work they were looking at was either non-objective or at least obscure in its meaning. Rather than interpret the work for them, Rick gently encouraged his students to find their own meaning in it. He asked them to ask themselves questions about the artists’ motivation and about their own responses to it. Although I also taught art appreciation in a similar manner, I still found his words infectious and helpful in deepening my own experiences with art. I hope that some of his deep attention, acceptance and reverence find their way through his former students’ work to enhance your art experiences as well. Jim Kalnin, Volunteer Curator, Lake Country Art Gallery 2

tarting Point is an exhibition to recognise and acknowledge art teacher Rick Davidson. Rick Davidson was the art teacher at George Elliot Secondary from 1979 to 2007 and many of his students have gone on to pursue careers in the visual arts. The exhibition will honour Rick’s contribution to education and the arts as well as recognise some amazing artists. All of the artists participating in the exhibition grew up in Lake Country and had Rick as a teacher. The participating artists are from across Canada, from Vancouver Island to NewFoundland and include film makers, video documentary artists, painters, web designers, textile and costume design, industrial design, writers, animators, plus many more, 22 artists in total. As we were both students of Rick’s, the idea of this exhibition and honouring such a big influence in our lives was very exciting. We have really enjoyed putting this exhibition together. It was an opportunity to pay tribute to Rick Davidson as well as introduce Lake Country to some home-grown talent. Although this exhibition does not include all of Rick’s former students we feel that the exhibition showcases a great cross section of artists working very diversely, as well as capturing artists from the span of Rick’s career. Thank you Mr. D! Wanda Lock & Shauna Oddleifson Guest Curators, Lake Country Art Gallery

Gym bags, Nylon/Poly fabrics, webbing, metal hardware, 2009/2010 4

Christy Caza

esigning a new object everyday was my dream and it has come true. I design with function first with a simplistic aesthetic. My dad has always been my biggest inspiration to create in as many areas in my life as possible. As a child I received toolboxes of art supplies for Christmas, was allowed to use my bedroom wall as a canvas, and worked alongside my dad in the workshop as he built our home. Growing up in a creative environment is the greatest gift.

hristy attended George Elliot Secondary School from grades eight to eleven, and then graduated from Rutland Senior Secondary in 1996. Leaving the Okanagan in 1999 to pursue her passion for design, she moved to Richmond to attend Kwantlen University Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interior Design program. After completing her first year of Interdisciplinary design studies she was accepted to Emily Carr Institute of Art and Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Industrial Design program. Christy graduated in 2003 with a degree in Applied Design, majoring in Industrial Design. Christy is currently working as an Accessories designer for lululemon athletica.

Brittany Falk

y art practice stems from a strong interest in the human form. For years my dominant subject matter has been the body, and it’s something that continues to foster my interest. This collection of work addresses my own body as the subject. The nude figure is a very conventional theme, and often comes with a set of standards. This subject being so familiar makes imperfections obvious to the viewer. I find it interesting that although the subject may be a standard female nude, there are underlying features that are unusual. I’ve depicted the form in more natural poses than the usual static postures that classical nudes draw upon. I’ve also chosen to draw attention to the skeletal structure. Each painting highlights a portion of my bone structure that diverges from the familiar skeleton. By using heavier paint bodies, this portion of the painting then becomes the focus of the portrait. Although my interest remains centered on the figure; my representations are incorporating more of the characteristics that differentiate one from another.

rittany Falk grew up in Lake Country and attended high school at George Elliot, where Rick Davidson was teaching at the time. Her experiences during those years would is what pushed her to pursue an education in the Visual Arts. In 2006 the Davidson’s chaperoned a trip of students to Europe, which was her first experience with art outside of the local galleries. These first hand experiences with classical art greatly impacted her and her artistic practice.

Spine, oil on canvas, 2010 7

Fencing, monoprint with watercolor & chine colle, 2007

Josie Grant

grew up in an ever-changing house, with Mr. D as my Dad. Our house was fairly isolated back then, and my sister and I spent a lot of time ranging around outside inventing games and watching the progress our parents made building our house. As kids, the act of making things was a constant, whether it was sculptures out of scrap wood, drawing on walls or making forts in the woods. I count myself lucky on all accounts, as my childhood was completely amazing. Through high school, my dad was my art teacher. Art became a major focus for me and thanks to the way my dad taught, I was able to explore even more ways to make things. By Grade 11 I knew that art school was what I wanted to pursue. Through my university years and now in my daily work, I have tried to stay true to the tactics of experimentation that were encouraged in us as kids. I continue to make things as much as possible, though these days that work sometimes manifests in more mundane ways. I think the best lesson I learned from my dad is that there really is no right or wrong way, and that there are no defined limits to what art can be, as long as you make it with passion and intensity. Every thing we make has the potential to form a part of ones â&#x20AC;&#x153;workâ&#x20AC;?, and that body of work is ever richer for this realization.

fter graduating from George Elliot Secondary, Josie completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at University of Victoria (1999) and a Masters of Architecture degree from UBC (2003). Since then, she has worked for several well know architecture and design firms in Vancouver. Currently, she works at Mcfarlane Green Biggar Architecture + Design in North Vancouver. Her and her family are slowly renovating a tiny old house in North Vancouver, learning as they go.

Emily Geen

y art practice involves a variety of media including photography, painting, mixed media, new media and installation. Although my focus thus far seems to be leaning towards photography, I do not like to limit myself to one particular mode of expression. I believe this is something that I learned at an early age in Mr. Davidson’s art classes. He provided us with plenty of freedom to explore, often challenging us to use non-traditional materials to create something unique. For example, Mr. Davidson enabled me to experiment with sugar sculpting, stop frame animation, and melting records, to name a few instances! The piece that I have in this show, Bones, is an example of how I have become an artist that works with an open mind. I try to not let art “rules” direct my practice as much as experimentation. Bones was a project for my third year painting class in which we were asked to explore the theme of “body.” I chose to deconstruct this theme and work quite literally with remnants of the body. I used the bones of a cow’s pelvis that were found in the forested hills of the North Okanagan behind a ranch. I treated the bones as just another material in this mixed-media painting that could be used to direct the outcome of the imagery in a formal manner. I think the resulting work evokes an abstracted sense of the body in its decaying state as part of a natural process in life.

mily Geen was born in Kelowna and grew up on the Geen family cherry orchard in Lake Country. She attended George Elliot Secondary and thoroughly enjoyed having Mr. Davidson as her art teacher for grades 10 and 11, just before he retired. After graduating from GESS she immediately began a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts at the UBC, Okanagan Campus. She has just completed her third year and will graduate with her BFA next April. Emily also plans to achieve an MFA in photography and land a career teaching art at the university level.

Bones, acrylic paint & mixed media on board, 2010

Consonance, digital image, 2010 12

Joanne Gervais

y interest in art started from a very young age, but it was in my high school classes with Mr. Davidson where this interest was really supported and fostered. The way we were encouraged by Mr. D to explore new perspectives and different mediums became an incipient part of my art practice. My work often investigates narrative constructions of the past and their associated visual imagery. This exploration of history involves the acknowledgment and accepting of its failings as well as its pleasures in order to allow for new possible meanings and understanding. By layering and masking images, both spatially and temporally, distinct elements can be combined and merged to dislocate the viewer from the normal cues used to orientate them to one specific narrative, while also depicting the multifarious nature of historical accounts. Through the creative nature of nostalgic reflection and the imaginative restructuring of events, alternative interpretations can be imagined and understood in a more comprehensive and future orientated way.

oanne Gervais is an interdisciplinary artist working in video, mixed media, installation, and photography. Her practice has included documentaries, promotional videos and performance collaborations. Her recent art explores cultural identity through nostalgic constructs of the past. Joanne holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Studies from UBC and has been the recipient of a Pacific Century Scholarship.

Tiziana La Melina

r.Davidson always promoted experimentation, curiosity and discovery. These values are still with me. I still use the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;investigateâ&#x20AC;? (how we were encouraged to think about our various activities, from sketching to painting to photography) when thinking about art, as well as my everyday experiences. I thank him for all his encouragement and generosity. He is an inspirational teacher.

iziana is a Vancouver based artist, with an MFA from the University of Guelph. She was born in Palermo, Italy, and was raised on an orchard in Winfield, BC. Her art practice involves several mediums including writing, painting, sculpture, and performance. Her work is featured in the current issue of Pyramid Power. In 2010, she attended the Banff Residency Figure in a Mountain Landscape (Reprise) with Silke Otto-Knapp.

Braid and Orb (young woman), oil on panel, 2010

Jachien, acrylic on canvas, 2010

Shannon Lester

his piece entitled ‘Jachien’ is representative of a recent series of acrylic paintings on canvas that Shannon created upon his return to Canada after having lived in Japan for the past six years. This piece is a portrait of his Taiwanese friend Jiachien. Though his recent work is fairly realistic he is more interested in capturing a moment through paint very much in the tradition of the Impressionists. Also relevant in his current work is an awareness of photography. Though painting and photography have been at odds for many years Shannon works primarily from original photographs for his paintings and considers photography to be simply another tool of the artist and not at all at odds with painting.

hannon studied under Rick Davidson for his final year of high school and was privileged to have been given a semi-private studio space at the school with another one of his fellow fine art students. Rick encouraged Shannon to thoroughly explore his art practice even at a young age and helped to develop a keen sense of exploration as well as a strong work ethic which led Shannon to continue to seriously pursue his career as an artist.

Shannon received his BFA at Okanagan University College in Kelowna, BC. Shannon lived in Osaka, Japan for six years and is now currently residing in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Shannon’s work ranges from large scale representational acrylic paintings to small, surrealistic and highly detailed water-colour and ink drawings. He also creates innovative electronic pop music and is part of a drag performance art duo called Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. View Shannon’s work at www.shannonlester.com

Mark Lewis

or some reason when I think back on my time at George Elliot Secondary School I imagine being in an old, decaying, tetris-like time capsule where regardless of what might have happened during the day the mechanics and momentum of the structure only ever led me right back to where I started: the school bus. Truth be told, I experienced incredibly little to indicate that a career in the arts was viable. That said, there were two spaces, ‘alternate-reality’-like, that worked hard to prove otherwise. The first was Jim Holtz’s cafeteria drama class. It was here that I learned the difference between juvenile theatrics and nearly-inspired theater amongst empty juice boxes and junk food wrappers. The second was that room at the very end of the far hall on the right: Mr. Davidson’s art class. I vividly remember the mystique and creative energy that this space possessed - and that was so overtly missing from the usual grind of day-to-day high school life (i.e. battling with peers over hierarchy and teachers over unlearned pragmatics that were measured by scores in percentages that effected GPAs and degrees). In his class, Rick led by example, with sensitivity and with genuine interest and understanding of art and artist. And I observed that following my intuition could lead me to a place in the world that I had a longing to be a part of.

ark recently completed his second feature film THE THAW, a sci-fi thriller starring Val Kilmer that was distributed in numerous countries worldwide. Mark’s first feature, ILL FATED (2005), was distributed in Canada and played at film festivals including: Toronto, Slamdance, Shanghai, Mannheim-Heidelberg, Mumbai, Vancouver and Durango. At Durango Mark received the prestigious Filmmaker’s Award and at Mannheim-Heidelberg ILL FATED won the “Award of Independent Cinema Owners”. Further, Mark was awarded top honors in Directing and Screenwriting at the 2005 Leo Awards.

Phot still from Ill Fated, feature film, 2004

This is How it Started, mixed media on paper, 2011

Wanda Lock ‘And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack And you may find yourself in another part of the world And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife And you may ask yourself-Well...How did I get here?’*

he Talking Heads, music videos, lively conversations about movies, books and art with Mr Davidson, those days in art class continue to impact my work to this day.

anda Lock is a painter living in Lake Country who, according to her significant other, watches too many coming of age movies. She is also known to play the Stone Temple Pilots while working in her studio. She is not sure what her fondness of grunge music and teenage angst movies have in common with her current body of work but she is convinced that all will become clear in good time. Wanda graduated from Emily Carr College of Art and Design in 1992 and returned to the Okanagan shortly thereafter. Recent exhibitions include ‘It came from the sky’, Elevation Gallery 2010, ‘Pitching Tents’, Vernon Public Art Gallery 2009 and ‘Stacks and Piles’ Kelowna Art Gallery 2008. Wanda Lock is represented by The Gallery Project (galleryproject.com), Elevation Gallery in Canmore, Alberta and The Front Gallery in Edmonton, Alberta.

*Once in a lifetime, the Talking Heads 1984

Dave Lopes

t was in our “elective” sculpture and drawing art projects that I believe my architectural interests began to surface, projects that Mr. “D” (Rick Davidson) assigned and walked us through. I remember loving perspective drawing techniques that Mr. D taught. My favourite assignment was drawing a one point perspective with rectangles and squares shooting from the center of the page in different directions, and then transferring this image to a block print. My first sculpture consisted of gluing together a series of black PVC pipes, all cut to different lengths, standing vertically, in a triangular shape. Next project, I attempted to construct a plywood cube tilted on it’s corner with each face painted with different optical illusions that gave each surface a unique 3 dimensional depth. It proved time consuming and I almost gave up if it weren’t for a lecture on patience from Mr. D, that included - “Imagine how long it takes an Architect to see his design for a building constructed.” I think I responded with “Ya right”. My fondest memories of high school come from Mr. Davidson’s art classes. In particular, his patience and guidance that allowed each one of us to develop unique talents, skills and creativity of thought. Thank you Mr. D.

avid Lopes, graduated from GESS in 1984, and graduated from Royal Military College, Kingston in 1988. After serving four years as a Naval Engineering Officer, David realized that in addition to the technical nature of engineering, that he longed for the creativity of fine arts. Architecture promised both. In 1993, David was accepted into the Masters Architecture program at Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. After several years of experience, David founded North 46 Architecture Inc. in the heart of Charlottetown, PEI, a full service architectural firm designing Public, Commercial, Institutional, and Residential Architecture.

Extiror: The home is situated to take full advantage of the awe-inspiring ocean and countryside views Interior: Cathedral ceiling living room with Karen Gallant painting over propane fireplace

Untitled, raku ceramic, 2011 24

Gord McClure

t was with great pleasure that I recalled my experience with Rick Davidson as a teacher and mentor. Though very difficult to express how profound the impact that he had, it was easy to reflect and see his influence. Rick Davidson shared his passions and by extension made them passionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of mine and I suspect many others. Creativity, a love for the arts, an ability to see the world from many different vantage points and value that ability in others, along with an appreciation for folk music, especially Bob Dylan was fostered. Above all Rick Davidson fostered passion and the desire to pursue those passions. As a mentor Rick Davidson modeled great strength in his kind and caring demeanour and went to great lengths to encourage creative pursuits. The ability to look inside myself and find new approaches and ways to see the world has served me well in my career and life, something I am forever grateful for.

resently, Gordon workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, as the Director of the Lands Project Management Branch. The work involves finding new and creative approaches and solutions to issues facing the government. In his free time he teaches management part-time at the University of Lethbridge and pursues his passions for art and design.

Mike McKinlay

was raised in the forested areas of Winfield, B.C. for the bulk of my youth. As you take the winding roads towards Okanagan Lake, you eventually end up in Juniper Cove, which is basically the end of the road, literally. Unwillingly forced to go to school, two things inspired me most in my life at that time and kept me going, and those two things were open-minded teachers and nature. At home I was surrounded by the latter, and at school surrounding only by a select few people who happen to include Rick Davidson. As a student of his, I was always confused by how some teachers could be so strict and some so open-minded. And it was always so curious to me that I ended up learning more from the open minded ones. Mr. Davidson taught me that I think freely and be myself. To be inspired by what inspires ME personally, and to take it as far as you possibly can. As a filmmaker I’ve used these teachings and made it a career for myself. Mentors such as Mr. Davidson have taught me to keep an open mind, especially in the fields of movie making, and at the same time I’ve embraced my love of nature and made it my forte specializing as a wildlife cameraman – working for a number of different wildlife associations and broadcasters as a freelance cinematographer. I’ve got professors and mentors such as Rick Davidson to thank for this career choice and success. I thank him for his open minded thinking and I thank him for his encouragement towards following what I truly believe in.

ike McKinlay was born in North Vancouver and raised in the Okanagan. During his ten years as a cameraman, Mike’s film subjects have varied. From social and politically inspired films to wildlife and West Coast culture, Mike’s specialized in documentary work - traveling abroad as both a cameraman and a director. Mike has also had the opportunity to work within the genres of both the corporate and commercial world as a director of photography, operating under the umbrella of a vast array of big budget Vancouver based companies and broadcasters. Inspired heavily from growing up within the forested areas of Winfield, B.C., Mike is best known for his ability to capture and photograph the natural world in it’s entirety

Phot of Mike McKinlay working on location as a crane camera operator for a Vancouver based corporate documentary. 27

Photo of Sam Mckinlay using mic and cables underwater to record for the Decima Mas CD

remember my days in Mr. Davidson’s high school art class as the primary foundation of anything I’ve participated in via the arts since. One of key infrastructures of “Mr. D’s” teaching format was early student introductions to what art can be to them personally and conceptually – not simply just learning how to ‘draw good’. On any given day you’d see students running around with video cameras, hanging out on editing decks, screen printing, painting, sculpting, and even articulating performance art based acting and installation up and down the local hallways. I know that the freeform and heavily creative tendencies that were drawn from that classroom have much to do with the arts that I pursue now. It wasn’t until my first year of University that I was introduced to similar themes of total abstraction in the arts, and I always felt like I had a head start from the rest of the students in the various 1st year classes. It’s the various themes and freedoms expressed above that made it all the more credible for me to pursue new media such as audio art outside of earlier avenues of installation, landscape art, and minimalist painting. Included for this show are some of the primary implements from The Voyage of the Decima MAS, used during a 2010 live audio performance at The Western Front in Vancouver, BC. The live performance involved a large basin filled with water, a bag of rocks, a custom built Traumatone ocean contact microphone, and a vintage Aqualung diver’s knife. The source sounds from the water, rock, and knife were and amplified with analog electronic effects; everything focused on recreating the ocean based sounds from the THE RITA Troniks CD of the same title from 2009.

Sam McKinlay

am Mckinlay’s sound art project entitled THE RITA has been participating in the audio genre of ‘Harsh Noise’ since his first recorded pieces in 1996. Trained as a studio artist in installation, landscape art, and minimalist painting, Mckinlay adapted further concepts of textural sound manipulation and deconstruction in his audio art after his BFA. THE RITA has toured and played sound art festivals and exhibitions internationally, and the project’s audio releases include various vinyl LPs, CDs, cassettes, and 7” vinyl documents from international record labels. Through various live presentations and audio releases, THE RITA’s sound constantly personally evolves via different uses of field recordings and sample work that acts as a stage for McKinlay’s layers and lines of abrasive sound.

Kevin McPherson

icture this: Art Twelve, end of semester, sculpture assignment, thirteen years ago. I twisted some old wire into two faces and sat them in a poster-board shadowbox. I happily can’t recall my grade on the work, although I do remember showing it to Mr. Davidson, who said it seemed more line drawing than sculpture. As if! I tried arguing that the shadows betray its three-dimensionality, or something like that, but he couldn’t be bought with words. So, “bye-bye” sculpture and a welcome “hello” to the fun-joy of drawing lines, especially those resembling or using letters! The typewriter portraits began in different class at different school: Sociology & Feminist Theory with Paty Tomic at OUC, if you can believe it. The course readings asked me to consider intersections between text, body and identity, and somehow Woody Allen became my first test subject. I stumbled across his picture in an issue of Horizon from the ’60s and chose it because I suspected the composition would be smiles for the process, which involves turning the photo into a line drawing—that’s right—on sticker paper. The stickers are then cut out as stencils and typed over. Presto! The text of the darker shade contains fragments from Woody Allen’s biography in the article, while the lighter shade hides lines from his routine. Despite the above example, Mr. Davidson’s dedication to his students and their artistic freedom not only seriously inspired my practice as an artist, but also and now as a teacher. Thank you.

evin McPherson Eckhoff is the alleged author of a book of linedrawing-poems titled rhapsodomancy (Coach House, 2010). His words have become handful of chapbooks, including Pain Extracts from No Press, and have infiltrated issues of West Wind Review, Fact*Simile and dandelion. When not spending his time pretending to teach poetry and stuff at Okanagan College, he can be found hiding or hiking in Armstrong, BC, with his sidekick, Laurel, and rescued pit-bull, Daisy.

Woody, ink on paper (typewriter), 2005 31

Paris Interlude, photograph, 2006

Janelle Morcombe

rom an early age, I loved to be creative. Whether it was sitting down to color a blank piece of paper, or banding together with my siblings performing dramatic renditions of Phantom of the Opera for our parents. Not only was I supported in my home, I was given the gift of amazing teachers. Mr. Davidson was my art teacher throughout high school, and it was in that classroom that I grew deeper into my creativity and passions. He encouraged us to try new mediums to express ourselves and to hone in on the ones that felt most natural. It was grade 10, that I discovered my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old Pentax camera, and it was then that Mr. Davidson opened my eyes to the beauty of photography. All the while, I was an avid figure skater, and as the years passed, I began to learn to be more and more expressive and creative on the ice with my performance. I chased after my passions of becoming an ice dancer and was able to turn that passion into a career as a coach. I now bide my time between the two; creating portraits of people using f-stops and depth of field, and also as a coach to young skaters who have a passion not only for the sport of skating, but for the creative performance that it provides. I cannot say how thankful I am to have grown up with such amazing role models and teachers who gave me the tools to know that I can follow my heart and follow my dreams.

anelle Morcombe is a professional photographer, living and working in the Okanagan Valley. Janelle was born and raised in Winfield, BC. After graduation, she left Winfield in pursuit of a Photojournalism Diploma from SAIT in Calgary, followed by a three-month venture to Europe. Janelle has since traveled to the most northern towns in B.C., living in Fort Nelson, working her way down through Prince George, and now residing in Princeton, B.C. Janelle currently runs her own photography business focusing on wedding and lifestyle photography throughout the Okanagan.

Karen Nightengale

eing asked to be a part of this exhibition is a thrill! Some of my very fondest memories from my GESS days are from hanging out in the Art room, not only because the experience was enjoyable but I really felt like I was expanding my skills and knowledge and encouraged to explore creatively. This piece entitled “Obvious” in homage to the oft-heard mantra “Go Beyond the Obvious” encouraging us not to settle on the first idea that popped into our heads. My current students would credit that phrase to me, but I know differently. It is a time tested ‘Davidsonism’. To his students, Mr. D represented the best of what an artist could be; someone who cared passionately about the process of making art and who encouraged others to achieve their own artist vision. Undoubtedly, he has influenced my career choice in a profound way. I now see the education I received from Rick in a whole new light. His enthusiasm was boundless, his brainstorming capabilities were epic. His ability to help draw an idea out of a pile of doodles and scrap paper was nothing short of magical. I regularly ask myself “What would Mr. D do?” His philosophy guides my everyday practice both in the classroom and in the studio. It is a pleasure to help honour his contributions in this way.

aren Nightingale was born and raised in Winfield. Her love of clay, paint, colour, textures and imagery led her into the Art room at GESS where she discovered a place for that passion to grow. Karen now teaches Art to grades 7 to 9 students at Dr Knox Middle School in Glenmore and holds a Masters degree in Art Education from the University of Victoria. Still passionate about clay, paint, colour, texture and imagery, Karen now makes time for her own art whenever possible.

Obvious, acrylic on canvas, 2010

Axe, acrylic and ink on paper, 2009

Shauna Oddleifson

know for me, the encouragement of Rick Davidson was what helped me in the decision to apply to art school. As I think many students are, I was unsure of what I was doing with my art, but there was no pressure or judgment in our art class. Mr. D just helped you to follow your own path, to push yourself in a way that to see the good in what you were doing. I remember he used to always say, “there are no mistakes in art, only mis-takes”. That is something that I always think about when I’m in my studio, and even in other areas of my life. I don’t have to start with a big idea of meaning about what I am creating, I can just work through the process, make art without stifling my creativity. Art school was such a great experience for me, it definitely helped shape who I am today, and for that I am thankful for having such a fantastic teacher like Mr. D! The instructors that I had in university were also very supportive. I was encouraged by a few of my instructors to look into my “dark side” and so for several years I have been focused on an ongoing body of work using drawing and printmaking involving a little girl who does bad things. The narratives in this body of work are not based on real life experiences, but on a fictional child who has no conscience. My work is subversive in nature, containing deranged visuals and a schizophrenic sense of humour, appropriating from our childhood desires and patterns of thought. I am interested in the strange things that people do to themselves, and to others.

hauna Oddleifson graduated from Okanagan University College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, graduating with distinction. Since graduating, Shauna has been involved with the arts community in Kelowna working in galleries as well as volunteering with various organizations and special events. Shauna has a studio practice, both art and craft-based, and has exhibited work throughout the Okanagan as well as in various artist run centres and galleries across Canada. Her work can be viewed on her web site, www.shauna-o-designs.com. 37

Curtis Oland

henever we had trouble thinking of an idea for an art project, or had difficulty writing our artist statements, Mr. Davidson would tell us, “Start with, ‘I am interested in...’”. These have been the most influential words of advice that I have taken with me thus far through the early stages of my artistic career. Looking at my work now, I would say that I am interested in objects of desire, of indulgence, of status, and excess, and in the intimate relationships between the interiors and exteriors of things, both literally and figuratively. I am self-indulgent with my medium, and create sculptures that speak to the body. Through material I seduce; through form I evoke absence. Together, I create an appetite and present an invitation to sensual enjoyment. In some sinful way, I value vanity, narcissism, exclusivity and intimacy. The pomposity of an aristocratic attitude and the frivolity of the Rococo period are the greatest influences in the way that I approach my praxis. I exercise gluttony while monitoring the balance and tension between self-control and overindulgence. I am fascinated by the idea of the façade that of which presents an outward appearance that is sustained to conceal a less pleasant or commendable nature. I have love for both the pleasing, concealing exterior, as well as the sensitive, insecure interior, of all things. I cherish my days spent in Mr. Davidson’s art class, and value his artistic spirit that I have been imbued with.

urtis was born in Calgary, AB, on July 12th, 1989. He was raised in Lake Country and attended George Elliot Secondary School from grades 8 to 12. After graduating in 2007, he attended the University of British Columbia Okanagan, enrolled in the visual arts program. After his second year, he transferred to Emily Carr University of Art and Design to study sculpture, and moved to Vancouver in September of 2009. Currently attending Emily Carr, he will graduate with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in the spring of 2011. He is looking east and considering grad school.

Incubus, Silk Dupioni (gold and rose), sugar-based stiffening agent, metal armature

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit, mixed medai collage with string, 2010 40

Amber Powell

“R

abbit rabbit white rabbit” is a common British superstition. The most common modern version states that a person should say “rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit” or simply “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” upon waking on the first day of each new month, and on doing so will receive good luck for the duration of that month. This series of collages is based on this superstition. Luck and the idea of lady luck,or being in someone else’s shoes. The hand that is dealt to you and the chances that we take based on superstition of Luck. Stepping outside the norm of life, circus side shows. Tempting fate, Lucky rabbits feet. The kind of beer you like. Maps to get somewhere. Basically chance and happenstance. Looking at Joan Miro’s collages was the basis for starting this series. Miro often used string and interesting images in his pieces and then using contrast, balance and juxtaposition built strong finished pieces.

mber Powell grew up in Winfield, BC. She studied art at Okanagan College in 1987-88, and continued her education at the University of Victoria where she studied printmaking and drawing. Amber graduated from University of Victoria in 1991 with a BFA, majoring in printmaking. She went on to do commercial art and design for 10 years and continued to produce her own work as a member of a Vancouver studio and gallery. After returning to the Okanagan in the year 2000, Amber became a founding member of Gallery Vertigo, an artist run gallery and studio

Jordy Starling

adly, I did not actually attend art classes under Rick Davidson’s instruction. In my day, you could pick art, drama, or music to study. That was a really hard choice … I chose music. But that does not mean that Mr. Davidson didn’t have an impactful presence in my creative life. In fact, I had homeroom in Rick’s art room every morning, where I loved asking him questions about what his classes were working on as well as his opinions on art. Rick knew that I was always creating videos for my other classes (if they would have let me make a video about math calculations, instead of writing a math test, I would have) and he was always very encouraging. Later, after high school, I went to film school and started sharpening my skills with short films. Whenever I had a showing in Lake Country, there was always a great turn out from local art supporters, including Rick Davidson. I have always felt that growing up in a rural area like Oyama was a great place to explore my creativity, and over the years, I have always found myself returning here for inspiration, perspective, and family. It’s for these reasons that I, once again, live in Oyama with my wife Andrea and daughter Emma.

proud “Oyamite,” Jordy Starling has enjoyed a successful career in the motion picture, animation, and interactive web industries. He has an extensive background in producing, directing, editing and assistant directing for live action film as well as 3D animated feature films and video games in Vancouver. With his own production company, he has created hundreds of productions as well as creatively managed the post production of a television series, comedy pilot and documentaries. Currently, Jordy is the Creative Director for a Kelowna based online interactive video company creating conversational video applications for clients all over the world.

Photo of Jordy directing an interactive video in Phoenix, Arizona

Blake Soneff tearing up Knox Mtn, photograph, 2010

Brad Tomlinson

met Mr. D. before I entered high school. I remember hanging out at his house in the forest with my parents. My mom, being one of his previous students, was learning some Raku kiln techniques. That day it felt like I met a true artist, seeing his creative surroundings inspired me to follow in similar footsteps. I wanted the house in the forest. Since I graduated from GESS I have pushed on with my photography. As I look back, I realize that the guidance and teachings of Mr. D helped spur my path to creating images. Through my years at school I tried to get a lot out of the arts programs, taking every single class available. I think I might have even taken one twice. Mr. D was always behind the students, helping to push our creativity yet always mindful that creativity canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be forced. For that, I thank you Mr. D, cheers.

rad Tomlinson was raised in Winfield and the mountainous, patchquilted landscape of the Okanagan remains a major inspiration for Bradâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographs. Brad works with many different cameras, from digital to large format. His focus is extreme sports and landscape photography; however, he is experienced in many other photographic aspects. His photos have been published in Skate Slate magazine and recognized throughout the downhill skateboarding community. He is studying photography and film at Western Academy of Photography and runs his own business, Fixed Frame Media. Brad currently lives with his wife Dania in Victoria, BC.

Anna Vouladakis

y parents were equally talented and creative people, and they both held creative interaction as the highest virtue in our respective relationships. Perhaps it is those who offer this love beyond the parent dynamic, which is worth celebrating today. Embellishing the good luck I experienced having Rick Davidson as my instructor, is unnecessary. His gifts as an educator allowed me the joy of learning broadly and produced a buffet of wonderful memories, stemming mostly from the personification of his wisdom and more generally, his wonderful style of teaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Dâ&#x20AC;? helped me to build a strong foundation and instilled in me the need to expand upon the creative leanings in my life, even if those leanings seemed fleeting. The Industrial Design Program at Emily Carr, sparked my passion for sewing. I also realized that the only way I would be satisfied by putting more products on this earth would be if it were helping people and perhaps even the planet itself. At Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, my colleagues and I work directly with children with disabilities and their families or caregivers. These children require highly specialized equipment that cannot be found commercially such as a car seat for craniopagus-conjoined twins (joined at the head). Not all projects are this complex. Often there is only a two-hour time frame to generate solutions to several issues.

uring her youth, Anna was captivated by a myriad of creative outlets, many of which culminated in her chosen path of Industrial Design. While completing her degree in Industrial Design at Emily Carr University, she met her husband, a fellow artist. Together they enjoy making props and costumes for their experimental art shows. Upon completion of her degree in 2005 she began working at Sunny Hill Health Center for Children designing and building custom positioning devices for children with special needs. Anna spends most of her time working closely with other techs, occupational and physiotherapists, and of course, children! 46

Car Seat for Craniopagus Conjoined Twins, Mixed Media, 2009 47

Photo of tatoo work by Gwendolyn Williams

Gwendolyn Williams

’ve been part of tattoo industry for about 7 years now, and will probably retire in the grave! It’s the most interesting career I could imagine in the field of art-making. I’m sure every artist feels this way about their calling. One of the things I love about my job is I’m actually getting paid what an artist, who puts as much work as I do into each piece, should get paid (most of the time)! All too often in this industry, artists go without food to continue their craft, and some end up trading or selling their masterpieces just to continue producing art. Mr. Davidson always stressed the importance of getting what you deserve. People who don’t do art don’t realize how much each piece becomes a part of you, and how much time goes into creation. Mr. D made sure each of his students understood that, no matter how much people barter, you should get the recognition you deserve. Thanks, Mr. D, for helping me stand up for the integrity of art, and especially MY art!

wendolyn started a tattoo apprenticeship in Kelowna, after three years of Fine Arts at UBCO (then, OUC). After working locally for 4 years, she moved to Medicine Hat, to work with a nationally renowned tattoo artist, Monty Ricken. She has since opened her own studio in Victoria, BC, Painted Lotus Studios, and has three artists who work with her, as well as a piercer. www.paintedlotus.com.

The Mission of the Lake Country Art Gallery is: To celebrate art as an essential part of the human experience, enhancing our community through art and art experiences.

The Lake Country Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the District of Lake Country and Councillor Geoff Greenwell.

ÂŠ 2011 Lake Country Art Gallery 10356A Bottom Wood Lake Rd Lake Country BC, V4V 1T9

Designed by Shauna Oddleifson Cover image by Natalie Rampado Printed by Woodlake Publishing All photos courtesy of the artists

left to right: Jim Kalnin, Wanda Lock, Shauna Oddleifson, Rick Davidson, April 2011