A Group of Seven – Artist’s Statement
A Group of Seven is a body of seven large scale figurative paintings. In a style of heightened realism, each of these works presents a specific couple engaged in acts of exchange in seven different West Coast (British Columbia) landscapes. Consistently, my partner and myself act/model as the characters in my work. In each, we play roles in scenes that reference both historical and pop culture.
My paintings explore issues of intimacy within contemporary relationships. The title of this exhibition, the work’s reference to Renaissance painting and the specific landscape sites fuse to create an identity within the influences of Canadian art history, personal heritage and pop culture. I wonder, can contemporary painting with historical references exist as a viable option for creative exploration at the end of a millennium? I believe luxury and the pleasure awarded by voyeuristic art is still engaging. The elements of painting, being its subject, aesthetic and concept will always be personal acts of integrity; a struggle of faith and a search for truth.