Why is my new project all about a small prairie town rather than the big city? I moved into one!

 The Drumheller valley has been giving me so much to work with as an artist. The simple buildings from the past are not demolished and covered with an infill. Instead people live in these old structures, or use them to house animals, or tools or cars. The layers of paint and patina metal with the backdrop of the hills, all inspire my current work. 
I came to Drumheller and purchased one of these old houses myself and I enjoy feeling this sense of history in the land and in the bones of the old building. The previous owners left me a few old albums with some beautiful family photos from the mid and early 1900s. I incorporate these old photos, along with images from today, paint and ink to create a dialog about the old and the new coming together. At least, that is how I see things here in my early days as a resident. 
As an artist it is important for me to reach out to the community. I want to connect with people living in and around the valley who might be interested in having their old photos incorporated into a painting.  I use a combination of photo transfer, paint and ink on wood. 
In mid-July I will be showing all the completed paintings at the Heartwood Inn. Then the work goes on to Calgary for a couple of public art showings. This is a great opportunity to really celebrate the Drumheller valley and area.

See earlier posts to view finished pieces.