60” x 72” Oil 2023

My artistic journey is a reflection of my deep connection to Alberta, a place I've called home for over two decades. You might better know my work for my large scale paintings of livestock, or my series depicting the local peaks obstructed by human impact... but this exhibition is digging even more deeply in our Alberta heritage. My new series is inspired by the rich tapestry of history woven into Alberta's prairies, from the small towns nestled alongside the railroad tracks to the iconic grain elevators that once stood tall as symbols of resilience in the face of adversity. Alberta's history is not without its complexities, and I am driven by a curiosity to explore the stories of the people who have shaped this land. From those who hunted the bison to near extinction, to the displacement of its original inhabitants into reserves, these narratives are etched into the very soil beneath our feet. The grain elevators, as they fall, become a rich symbol of the lessons learned and lost in the hardships of settling and cultivating this land. As society propels itself into the future and razes buildings that used to stand tall as a marker of community, it is important to remember how we’ve arrived here.