Shawn O'Keefe: Islands & Inlands

October 17 - 31
Opening reception: October 17, 1 - 3 p.m
Artist in Attendance

Madrona Gallery is pleased to present the first of its Guest Exhibition series, starting with a collection of works from Victoria-based artist Shawn O'Keefe. Inspired by the Group of Seven, O'Keefe depicts the Canadian landscape by focusing on essential forms, using big brush strokes and bold colours. O'Keefe studied graphic design at Vancouver Island University and has been involved in numerous collaborations, including designing for Phillips Brewery in Victoria, B.C.

Artist Statement:

Born here on Vancouver Island I’ve spent many years painting and connecting with nature. Hiking out and sitting with my canvas in a quiet conversation with the landscape, the experience is visceral and time can disappear when all is right. At its very best the brush works like a conduit bringing out the spirit of the shorelines and mountainsides when the marks are true. I try to distill and capture its essence in my work and look to continue my exploration here and abroad.

This series of paintings represent the past two of years exploring Vancouver Island and making early fall trips out to Ontario to the south of Georgian Bay. I plan to return there and continue up the shore to Parry Sound in the coming years and to continue hiking and painting our island for the foreseeable future.