The Victoria Day weekend (on now) is when Canadians traditionally bring out canoes and resume their love affair with a craft that is an essential part of the country’s history. The entrancing view from the water was the impetus for Josy Britton’s Paddle and Portage exhibition at Roberts Gallery in Toronto.

“While paddling, observing the dance of light and shadow on the water lilies, I was struck by their waxy appearance and decided to paint them in wax, encaustics,” Britton says.

“I enjoy the mixture of complete control and movement when the colours are fused together.  A final layer of uncoloured wax helps create the feeling of water.” In a canoe, there is also the view straight up, after a portage.

“Carrying a canoe overhead restricts the view to just beyond one’s feet,” she says.  “When I finally lay the canoe down at the water’s edge I am free to look up and am immediately humbled by the beauty of an old growth tree. “

See more of Josy Britton’s works on exhibition at Roberts Gallery, here.  

Her website, here.

See these previous Art Junkie posts on the mythology of the canoe in Canada