What could be more appropriate for Canada Day than the symbolic art of realist Brandy Saturley, whose works explore the Canadian consciousness.
For five years in the lead-up to Canada’s 150th anniversary on July 1, Saturley sussed out the icons and settings that make us Canadian. Her works are on exhibition in Canadianisms, at Okotoks Gallery near Calgary through Sept. 2.
Saturley is also the force behind the heralded People of Canada portrait project. It’s a crowdsourcing initiative that calls on couples to take selfies, which Saturley turns into acrylic paintings. (Above: Not for Sale)
Saturley started out focused on traditional national symbols (the hockey mask, the beaver, a Tim Horton’s coffee cup and maple syrup) but soon moved into broader settings. She was inspired
by people sitting on docks, exploring the wilderness, or guiding sled dogs in the north.
Saturley, born in Victoria, B.C., is a prolific painter, travelling photographer, and multiple award-winning artist. “I don’t paint landscapes, portraits or still-life,” she says in her artist statement. “Rather I am telling stories using iconic figures, landscapes, and compositions. I am an explorer, and I am currently exploring the Canadian consciousness.”
Brandy Saturley’s website, here.
On Instagram (@icconiccanuk) here.
This is #30 in the series 150 Artists.
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[…] Park News, Canmore Leader News, Sportsnet, and in many Canadian blogs including AllHabs Magazine, Canadian Art Junkie, Puckstruck, Dennis-Kane.com, Independent Sports News, Curry’s Canada, Life As Human, and a […]
[…] This reminder of how cold it can get and how majestic the landscape can be is from Brandy Saturley, the Vancouver island artist known as ‘Iconic Canuck.’ Saturley is an internationally exhibited contemporary painter known for her striking and colorful depictions of Canadian landscapes, cultural icons, and sports figures. She was profiled previously in the 150 Artists You Should Know series, here. […]
[…] A favourite Canadian Art Blog, ‘Canadian Art Junkie’ has been shining a light on Canadian Artists this year, and I am happy to be included in this iconic list of creators. With their 150 Canadian Artists for Canada150 features, they are bringing light to a diverse group of prolific artists in the Great White North. “For five years Saturley sussed out the icons and settings that make us Canadian. Her works are on exhibition in Canadianisms, at Okotoks Gallery near Calgary through Sept. 2.” – read the full article here. […]
[…] via 30/150: Brandy Saturley – Canadian Symbols — Canadian Art Junkie […]
Though their styles are very different, her work makes me remember Doug Coupland’s “Secret Handshake” exhibit in Toronto a year or two ago… Also icons, alluded to; things only Canadians would be able to ‘read’ below the surface level.
Thanks for that reference. Wasn’t aware of Secret Handshake. And that comment about reading below the surface. So true. And appropriate for this weekend.
Yes, very Canadian! I like this a lot. Happy Canada Day!
(So I’m doing the 150 “O” kisses gown.)
Excellent! 150 O kisses is iconic!! (Meanwhile, have to catch up with your posts, been away!)
Happy Canada Day!
And to you Kitty! (Edited a couple of hours later: whoops, just remembered where you live, not Canada, but no reason not to wish you best of the day anyway!)
Beautiful artwork. GLAD you are back! Was just thinking that I had not seen a post from you in a while. You came back strong. Love that first picture with the person wrapped in Canadian flag.
Yes, the series is still going. Had to take a hiatus. But full steam ahead again. Thank you!