New worlds await at the Revelstoke Art Gallery’s October 3 Opening

By Natelle Fitzgerald

The charred remains of an old cedar cradling the slender trunk of a young tree; the dreamlike image of a woman emerging from a rock face; the evening light on a snow-covered mountain; the joyful bloom of a rose mallow: There are worlds waiting to be explored at the Revelstoke Art Gallery this Friday. The gallery’s October 3 opening will feature new work by local artists Kip Wiley, Jennefer Rogers, Donna Naprstek and Theresa Browning.

Photographer Kip Wiley’s exhibit Sense of Time (Relationships) takes you on a tour of an old cedar forest. The black and white, 3D images of trees scarred by time invite a deeper look at relationships; between elements in the forest, between the old and the new, between the many relationships in our lives. In Wiley’s introduction to the work, he says he would often pause and stare at the old remnants of the trees along the trails where he rides his bike. “An arresting uniqueness along with an immediate sense of their history were the compelling elements that drew me in,” he writes.

Sense of Time (Relationships) is the result of countless expeditions over the course of four summers. Using an infrared camera, Wiley took thousands of images, often going back multiple times to capture his subjects in the best light. The majority of the photos on display have the added layer of being three-dimensional; when seen through a 3D viewer, the trees leap forward and the depth of the forest opens up behind them.

Artist Jennefer Rogers exhibit Myriad-Myth Conceptions explores myths, legends and fables using illustrations, masks, sculptures, paintings, as well as a fantastical and haunting blend of digital imagery and personal photography. “It is a personal journey or visual tour through my imagination as I share my interpretations of collective mythologies that have inspired me through the years,” she writes in her synopsis.

In her exhibit Light and Shadows, Artist Donna Naprstek looks at the ways in which light changes our moods and perspectives. Using watercolours and acrylics, her paintings capture landscapes aglow in their many colours and attitudes. Naprstek, an experienced painter, will share her knowledge of watercolours in a series of classes this October. The classes run over six weeks beginning on Tuesday, October 7. They are open to beginners or those interested in reacquainting themselves with the medium. Contact the Revelstoke Art Gallery for more details.

Artist Theresa Browning’s exhibit It’s Only Natural features paintings and drawings in a variety of mediums and styles. Using pastels, watercolours and acrylics, Browning offers multiple perspectives on the natural world, from large close-ups of flowers bursting with colour to a detailed, black and white pencil drawing of a townscape. Browning teaches art at Revelstoke Secondary School.

Come and explore on October 3, 6 pm to 9 pm at the Revelstoke Art Gallery, located at 320 Wilson Street behind the Days Inn. All are welcome. Admission is by donation.

Please click here to view the poster for this event.

Here are photos of a selection of the great images you can see, in person, at Friday’s opening: