The art of South Okanagan
artist Kathryn Gibson
Kathryn’s artwork is about the qualities of light, atmosphere, colour and form, not always a specific place, person or thing. She describes herself as a markmaker, inspired by the challenge to create alternative ways to speak with others.
The light in her work may remind you of a time spent lying on a forest floor watching daylight filtering through autumn leaves. Or, a particular line or form reminiscent of the Rodin sculpture you saw in Paris. It may be the recognition of harmony in a painting that can exist between people within their natural and cultural surroundings.
While in London, she recalls the magic of experiencing the work of Joseph Turner (Romantic Painter), his rendering of light. Later in Paris she was fascinated with the palette and brush strokes of colour found in the work of Impressionist Claude Monet. The work of these artists continues to nurture her processes. Her appreciation of the abstract and colour stems from studies at ECUAD with master colourist and sculptor Marcus Bowcott. Under Marcus’ direction she prepared sheets of colour gradients from the primaries, mixing and matching colours, replicating the hues seen in fresh fruit and vegetables.
Kathryn is one of a very few artists to have been the recipient of a BC Arts Grant for Education and Travel. This opportunity arose shortly after her work was featured on the cover of the international Australian Arts and Perception Magazine. The BCAC grant allowed her to accept invitations from universities in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand to speak and work with their post graduate students.
“
Not sure about the Kathryn….steps,
Kathryn started the workshop with tentative steps, exploring pastels, layering affects, exploring new concepts…and completed the two days with a beautiful landscape filled with hard to create emotion.
”
— JULY 2022. CHERIE WASYLIW SISLEY
Education, Exhibitions, Affiliations and Grants
EXHIBITIONS
2022 | Under 500 - Penticton Art Gallery
2020 | Beauty Is In – Federation of Canadian Artists Exhibition Osoyoos
2019 | Captured Images – Peachland Art Gallery
2015 | Essence - Emelia Douglas Gallery, New Westminster BC – Collaborative: R. Shiozaki & K. Gibson O’Regan
2014 | Cascadia - Surrey Art Gallery, Surrey BC
2014 | Union Gospel Mission Coast Salish Territories - Rotating Gallery Vancouver, BC – Collaborative: S. Waters & K. Gibson O’Regan
2014 | Bloom, Port Moody Arts Centre, Port Moody BC – Collaborative: R. Shiozaki & K. Gibson O’Regan
2014 | Art in the Garden, NVCAC, North Vancouver BC
2014 | Envisioning Women, Sidney & Gertrude Zack Gallery Van. BC
2013 | Drawn to India – A Message from Jaisalmer & Beyond, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield AUZ
2012 | The Edge of Here, Medicine Hat Cultural Centre, Alta.
2012 | Frank Scott Gallery, Seattle WA
2010 | Black Holes and Other Transformations, ECUAD, Vancouver
2008 | Three Realms, Port Moody Arts Centre, Port Moody
2005 | Convergence, Studio 2 Gallery, Vancouver
2003 | The Fine Craft Show, Art Resources Gallery, St. Paul MN
2003 | University of Tasmania
2001 | Stretch National invitational Exhibition, NCECA Conference Charlotte NC
2000 | The Maslow Gallery, Bellingham, WA
1999 | Beyond the Millennium, Gallery of BC Ceramics, Vancouver
1999 | Seattle Art Museum, Seattle WA
1999 | Sylvia Ullman American Crafts Gallery, Cleveland OH
1998 | Pacific Northwest Art Fair, Bellevue WA
1998 | Foster White Gallery, Bellevue, WA
1998 | Clay 98 Our Finest Work, Community Arts Council, Vancouver
1997 | Asian Pacific Economic Conference Exhibition Vancouver
EDUCATION
2011 | BFA (Visual Arts), Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Vancouver
1995 | Capilano College, Vancouver
1983 | University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
1980 | Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ont
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
2019-2022 | Active Member, Federation of Canadian Artists
2018-2022 | Penticton Arts Council
2019-2022 | Summerland community Arts Council
2018-2021 | Member, Art Council Osoyoos
2014 | Member, Surrey Arts Council
2011-14 | Member, Contemporary Art Society of Vancouver
2014 | Member, North Vancouver Community Arts Council
2014 | Member, Seymour Art Gallery Society
2013 | Volunteer, Contemporary Art Gallery
2008-09 | Chairperson, BC in a Box: FingerPlay Exhibition (PGBC)
2007-09 | Co-Chairperson, Craft Council of BC: Contemporary Craft in BC: Excellence Within Diversity Exhibition
2007-09 | Vice President, Craft Association of British Columbia
2007-10 | Board Member, Potters Guild of British Columbia
1998-2008 | Creative Empowerment Programming (Therapeutic Art) – Consultant/Owner
GRANTS/AWARDS
2003 | Recipient of BC Arts Council Project Assistance Grant for Visual Artists: Australia/New Zealand/Tasmania Residency and Tour
2002 | Recipient of Maureen Wright Scholarship - Metchosin Summer School of the Arts