Visitors to a new show at the Kelowna Art Gallery who are fond of loons, paddling on lakes and spending time at a cottage, will find the imagery of this exhibition appealing.
Jane Everett is a highly skilled artist, and accomplished at her craft, of rendering naturalistic loons, and the fleeting effects of light on water, and ripples and waves as they form and dissipate.
The exhibition is entitled Raft and is a tribute to the loon, an iconic Canadian animal. An installation of 10 wooden canoe paddles that have been beautifully painted with images of loons provides the central element of this exhibition.
The paddles are mounted together on a raised platform, as though on a raft, which is the collective term for a group of loons. In the surrounding windows are suspended large-scale waterscapes in oil on drafting film, while fragile wings constructed of rice paper and willow hang from the ceiling. Finally, a video by filmmaker Daniel Cameron documents the movement of light on the surface of a lake anticipating the loon’s appearance. Together these elements celebrate an experience of Canada’s woodland that is fast disappearing.
Jane Everett has a fine arts degree from Queen’s University. Her work has been exhibited across the country and is held in both private and public collections. The artist divides her time between her home in Kelowna and her cottage on the north shore of the Shuswap.
An opening reception to celebrate this exhibition will be held on Friday, October 23, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Kelowna Art Gallery. This free event is open to gallery members and guests, by invitation. The artist will be in attendance.
Raft: An Installation by Jane Everett will be on view at the Kelowna Art Gallery until Nov. 1.
The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water St. in downtown Kelowna. For more information visit www.kelownaartgallery.com or call 250-762-2226.
