A Snowy New Year: William Kurelek
Editor’s Note: These paintings are a tiny portion of Kurelek’s body of work. He was remarkable and troubled, a major force in Canadian art who produced some of the country’s most iconic modern works. If you want more, dive into the superb online version of a major exhibit of his life and works, here. Also have a look at the image gallery at the bottom of this post, with some of his other art.
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Happy New Year everyone. I’m looking forward to exploring more Canadian art with you this year, starting with William Kurelek, one of my favorite artists. The bitter cold and snow that enveloped the country through the holidays made me think of his exuberant winter scenes. (Above: Balsam Avenue After Heavy Snowfall, 1972)
The guys with snowblowers – and children headed for the snowbanks – have been out in force, communing with winter in my neighborhood these last few weeks, reminding us there can be fun and camaraderie even in the bone-chilling cold. Kurelek, who grew up on the prairies, captures how it’s done. (Top of post: Balsam Avenue After Heavy Snowfall, 1972 / Above: Fox and Geese, 1973)
Eskimo Children Playing – Cape Dorset, 1968 (click on any image to go to original source)
Prairie Children Building a Snow Fort, 1975
King of the Mountain, 1973
Heavy Snowfall on Balsam Avenue – Looking the Other Way, 1972
These paintings are a tiny portion of Kurelek’s body of work. He was remarkable and troubled, a major force in Canadian art who produced some of the country’s most iconic modern works. To learn more, dive into the superb online version of a major exhibit of his life and works, here.
21 Comments
gem
though I’m far away, these captured the canadian winter for me, and brought back good memories. Thanks 🙂
anngrafics
I really like this stuff – very playful, childlike. Does he/did he illustrate children’s books ever? The first one and last one make me want to move into the neighborhood and live on one of those streets.
boomerontario
He did indeed do books – the most famous called A Prairie Boy’s Winter, but lots of others too. http://bit.ly/1cJzIsS I did live on one of those streets – although not as well-heeled as Balsam Avenue. It’s in the Beach district of Toronto, where I landed when I first came to Toronto as a young reporter. Beautiful area, even in winter.
anngrafics
That is so cool. Thanks for the link!
Resa McConaghy
I was raised in the prairies, and he certainly captures winter in a cozy way! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
boomerontario
That’s a great word for it, cozy. Happy New Year to you as well.
sherylmcdougald
Snowy Canada!! Except in the PNW, which is why it is so fun to look at these, then go for a scoot on a beachside walk.. 🙂
Happy New Year, Boomer..
boomerontario
Ha! Well the PNW is a l-o-o-o-o-ng way from here! Nevertheless, I’m glad somebody is having a temperate New Year. Best of 2014 to you as well.
boomerontario
So glad you enjoyed, and stay warm.
Brett
I love all these — thanks for sharing them and the background about this artist.
boomerontario
Yeah, these really are amazing works, such detail and I love his colors. Thanks.
drawandshoot
His work is fantastic.
Happy New Year!
boomerontario
Couldn’t agree more. Best to you as well for 2014.
Kitty
Just love these; thanks for the introduction!
boomerontario
Glad to have introduced. He’s such an interesting artist, so hope you explore.
zookyworld
These are fun! They make me wish snow would start falling outside my house, so I could rush out there with my daughters and go sledding.
boomerontario
Well then I don’t know if I wish you snow or not! But I agree they make you feel like tramping outside.
suzannetevlin
Well, this is a lovely New Year’s post. It’s nice to see poor old Bill Kurelek thinking pleasant thoughts. He was a troubled man, but not always. I remember him dropping by OCA when I was still a student. Let’s hope that there is a healthy & happy 2014 waiting just around the corner for all of us.
boomerontario
I so agree with how he jack-knifed between stable artistry and bleak despair. I was blown away with his dark works in The Messenger exhibit, because I really only had known his Prairie Parable series, his book illustrations and his other, brighter works. But you know, the dark stuff is far, far more powerful and I could have stood in front of it for hours.
suzannetevlin
Schizophrenia does that…poor fellow…