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.
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
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/
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