SHORT PROGRAM (Cassiar Cannery) September 5 - 15, 2023
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Originally from Prince Rupert, Alison Newth moved with her family to Fort St. John in the 1980s and has resided there ever since, except for a short stint in the Okanagan in the 90s. Located in northeastern British Columbia, Fort St. John is known for its outstanding sunsets and northern lights. Alison has been showing her work steadily over the last few years and her original paintings reside with collectors across Canada and the US. Some of Alison’s achievements include having her artwork selected as the cover art for the novel Raft Baby, by Bonnie Dunlop, and being selected for a public art display in FSJ’s new festival plaza. Alison uses acrylic and oil paints to capture the spirit and vibrance of landscapes that hold special meaning–the beautiful Peace River is one of her most beloved and popular subjects |
North Pacific Cannery Artist-in-Residence Program
AIR Dates: July 19-29, 2023
CAT SIVERTSEN
Residency: a sense of place: artists book-making workshop at the North Pacific Cannery
4hrs – start @ 10 break for lunch @ noon and finish by 2:30 pm.
20 participants - no experience necessary
20 participants - no experience necessary
Join Cat Sivertsen for her Artist in Residence workshop: learn how to create an artists book. No experience necessary, just an open heart to play with materials and methods to create your own artists book.
An artists book is a book created by an artist and not a biography about an artist. It is experimental in the media and methods, it could tell a story - or maybe not. It is always beautiful, unique and relevant to the maker and, of course, the viewer.
The workshop will begin at the hardest part and that is, getting started and, as such Cat is delighted to share some of her ‘tricks of the trade’. These are based in simple drawing, printmaking, collage and writing processes to help you get your pencil, pen, brush and materials onto paper. You will then combine those into a take away as an artists book. The best part is you take home these tricks and exercises as part of your creative making practice.
Join Cat for an enjoyable morning of playing with materials and methods to create an artists book. No experience necessary, all materials are included and pre-registration is required as there are limited seats. You DO need to bring a packed lunch and an open heart for play.
For the North Pacific Cannery AiR I am excited to reawaken a project I began in 2010 called ‘The Storyteller’. This work is about my maternal relationships – the histories, the stories and the mysteries. My intention for the PRCAC AiR is to combine the original concepts from 2010 with my current practice looking at the concept of ‘place’. I am thrilled to be able to return to this project in Prince Rupert because this place really matters to me.
Prince Rupert is my birthplace, my mother was born there, and my grandmother died there. My love affair with Rupert runs deep because of seminal experiences in childhood, as a young - energetic teen working for the very first time at Nelson Bros cannery, as a young mom visiting with my son, and through being family nurtured by many immediate and extended relations. In some ways I feel like I’m going home.
I am excited at the prospect of being on site, in Rupert and Port Ed, to reopen this project by integrating into my current sensibilities of place. The concept ‘sense of place’ has been a common thread within my art making practice for 3 decades. In particular I refer to two projects that concentrated on my grandmothers’ experiences - one in Belfast and the other in Alberta.
● At the turn of the millennium I was living In England and became interested in my paternal grandmother’s experience: growing up in Belfast in an orphanage and later on in one of the linen factory workhouses. In response to that I created work called ‘airing it’ - 200 white Irish linen t-towels installed, just like laundry would be, in various sites throughout southwest England, and then later in western Australia and, more recently at Two Rivers Gallery.
● In 2010/11, during my masters studies, I researched my maternal grandmother’s settler experience in Alberta to find similar, yet very different, stories. The Storyteller project emerged from that initial research. Explorations to capture this story emerged as mapping, museum relics, photography and video. There were artists books created to hold the work but essentially the work remains in draft form.
I can’t predict what the outcome might be, but I can assure you I am excited to be coming to Prince Rupert. To be able to work on site, for 10 days, in the North Pacific Cannery Museum in Port Edward. To take time to walk and sit with the land, stare out at the water, explore the neighbourhood, listen to the sounds so I can hear the stories as they’re whispered to me. I am honoured to be the inaugural artist in residence for Prince Rupert Community Arts Council.
Prince Rupert is my birthplace, my mother was born there, and my grandmother died there. My love affair with Rupert runs deep because of seminal experiences in childhood, as a young - energetic teen working for the very first time at Nelson Bros cannery, as a young mom visiting with my son, and through being family nurtured by many immediate and extended relations. In some ways I feel like I’m going home.
I am excited at the prospect of being on site, in Rupert and Port Ed, to reopen this project by integrating into my current sensibilities of place. The concept ‘sense of place’ has been a common thread within my art making practice for 3 decades. In particular I refer to two projects that concentrated on my grandmothers’ experiences - one in Belfast and the other in Alberta.
● At the turn of the millennium I was living In England and became interested in my paternal grandmother’s experience: growing up in Belfast in an orphanage and later on in one of the linen factory workhouses. In response to that I created work called ‘airing it’ - 200 white Irish linen t-towels installed, just like laundry would be, in various sites throughout southwest England, and then later in western Australia and, more recently at Two Rivers Gallery.
● In 2010/11, during my masters studies, I researched my maternal grandmother’s settler experience in Alberta to find similar, yet very different, stories. The Storyteller project emerged from that initial research. Explorations to capture this story emerged as mapping, museum relics, photography and video. There were artists books created to hold the work but essentially the work remains in draft form.
I can’t predict what the outcome might be, but I can assure you I am excited to be coming to Prince Rupert. To be able to work on site, for 10 days, in the North Pacific Cannery Museum in Port Edward. To take time to walk and sit with the land, stare out at the water, explore the neighbourhood, listen to the sounds so I can hear the stories as they’re whispered to me. I am honoured to be the inaugural artist in residence for Prince Rupert Community Arts Council.
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The Prince Rupert Community Arts Council and the Cassiar Cannery are excited to announce
the 2022 Artists in Residence
Two Canadian artists – Prince Rupert’s Chris Fraser and Vancouver artist Jeff Wilson – will take up residence at Cassiar Cannery in the spring and fall
of 2022. During their residencies, the artists will develop new work inspired by the location and the experience, and, should Covid-19 protocols allow, conduct workshops for local artists and residents.
Jeff Wilson grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland and trained as a structural geologist. He worked in mineral exploration around the world, settling in Vancouver in 2004, and took art classes at Emily Carr University, kick-starting a hobby that transitioned to a full-time art practice in 2013. He says “I love
producing acrylic paintings with immediately recognizable subjects, in a distinctive in style, defined by a combination of dynamic composition, subject and vibrant colour. In terms of process, I always keep my camera close and typically compile a large photographic record of chance encounters. Such
photos are a great foundation to work from, as they are able to capture the particular spontaneity and movement of a specific time and place.
the 2022 Artists in Residence
Two Canadian artists – Prince Rupert’s Chris Fraser and Vancouver artist Jeff Wilson – will take up residence at Cassiar Cannery in the spring and fall
of 2022. During their residencies, the artists will develop new work inspired by the location and the experience, and, should Covid-19 protocols allow, conduct workshops for local artists and residents.
Jeff Wilson grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland and trained as a structural geologist. He worked in mineral exploration around the world, settling in Vancouver in 2004, and took art classes at Emily Carr University, kick-starting a hobby that transitioned to a full-time art practice in 2013. He says “I love
producing acrylic paintings with immediately recognizable subjects, in a distinctive in style, defined by a combination of dynamic composition, subject and vibrant colour. In terms of process, I always keep my camera close and typically compile a large photographic record of chance encounters. Such
photos are a great foundation to work from, as they are able to capture the particular spontaneity and movement of a specific time and place.
Chris Fraser says “Working with clay has always been a freeing and tactile way of being able to translate a vision of exploring organic structures within the Pacific Northwest”. Chris is a multi-disciplinary, non- binary artist residing in Prince Rupert, BC. Moving from Edmonton to Vancouver, they studied graphic design at BCIT. Chris draws inspiration from the flora and fauna sweeping throughout rain forest floors and everything else that survives and scavenges within it. In future projects, Chris hopes to bring focus towards Northern communities through creating a visual dialogue as to what it is like living in the Pacific Northwest through conceptual interpretations and natural connections, helping translate the intricate ecosystems within their artwork.
Long residency recipient - September 9 to 29, 2021 - Laara Cerman
Laara Cerman’s work explores the intersection of art, science, and history through investigating patches of wildness that survive within suburban and urban landscapes. With an ongoing practice of collecting wild plant specimens, Laara is creating a digital herbarium documenting the life cycle of plants while learning about different aspects and uses of flora growing in Canada’s most biodiverse province. Through learning about the role of plants in the ecosystem and the gifts they offer us, Laara has become more conscious of the mutual connections of life and the importance of reciprocity between humans and the Earth. Her 3-week residency will begin in the fall 2021.
www.laaracerman.com
Laara Cerman’s work explores the intersection of art, science, and history through investigating patches of wildness that survive within suburban and urban landscapes. With an ongoing practice of collecting wild plant specimens, Laara is creating a digital herbarium documenting the life cycle of plants while learning about different aspects and uses of flora growing in Canada’s most biodiverse province. Through learning about the role of plants in the ecosystem and the gifts they offer us, Laara has become more conscious of the mutual connections of life and the importance of reciprocity between humans and the Earth. Her 3-week residency will begin in the fall 2021.
www.laaracerman.com
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Short Residency Recipient - May 7 to 17, 2021 - Suzo Hickey
Suzo Hickey is a painter living in Prince Rupert, BC. She migrated from coast (Prince Rupert) to desert (Kamloops) and back to coast (Vancouver) in 1991, attending Emily Carr College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 1994, Suzo exhibited in BC and the US on themes of queer mothering, urban landscapes, and death in the family. Her work has always been informed by the specifics of her life: the death of her 24-year-old son in Mirificus, stereotyping in You Fucking Fruit, queer motherhood in Let Me Go Down in the Mud.
In 2008 her work became urban landscape. After constructing shows around issues, she began examining the formal, enigmatic power of what was around her: the ordinariness of rainy intersections and leafless trees in her East Vancouver neighbourhood.
In 2016 Suzo moved back to her hometown of Prince Rupert. Continuing her exploration of urban surroundings, Suzo’s work has turned another corner. In addition to layers of light and weather, circles and ovals permeate these new Northern landscapes. At first subdued, and then with a forceful confidence, giving the paintings an energetic newness.
https://www.suzohickey.com/
In 2008 her work became urban landscape. After constructing shows around issues, she began examining the formal, enigmatic power of what was around her: the ordinariness of rainy intersections and leafless trees in her East Vancouver neighbourhood.
In 2016 Suzo moved back to her hometown of Prince Rupert. Continuing her exploration of urban surroundings, Suzo’s work has turned another corner. In addition to layers of light and weather, circles and ovals permeate these new Northern landscapes. At first subdued, and then with a forceful confidence, giving the paintings an energetic newness.
https://www.suzohickey.com/
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Short Residency Recipient - September 20 to 30, 2020 - Mark Tworow
Mark is a visual artist living and painting in beautiful Smithers, BC. A graduate of Alberta College of Art, his work is represented in private collections in the UK, Canada, United States and New Zealand. Mark works in landscapes, abstracts and still life paintings. His paintings are known for their strong formal structure and lush painterly colours.
www.marktworow.com
www.marktworow.com