Fierce Art Project

Serendipitously, the Fierce Art Project began simply as a drawing class, the members coming together to expand their skills as artists. But what has held them together is more complex; a bond based on a deep respect for, and interest in, the uniqueness of each other’s artistic voice. Over the years at their regular weekly meetings, they urged each other to stretch their boundaries, provided positive critique, and helped each other find solutions to creative problems.

The Fierce Art Project was showing past and present work at the Revelstoke Library. Much of the work comes from their exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, entitled "Roots, Stumped, Growth", which was a visual story of the group’s formation and their growth as artists. The group continued working together having several more exhibits.

Intensified, unbroken, and determined are good descriptors of the Fierce Art Project. The group was intensified by the creative energy of each member. Because members are openly encouraged to seek out new methods of creative expression, they are unbroken by the weight of cultural expectation. And they are determined to find perfection in creative expression no matter what form it takes. 

The cornerstone of the Fierce Art Project was the diversity of its members. Our individual statements reflect our varied approaches to artistic expression and our unofficial motto, “Many voices, like minds”.

Artist Statements

CATHERINE CRAIG Acrylic/graphite. My work has a strong sense of colour and movement and I blend organic flowing lines with more concrete geometric designs. This reflects both my background as an abstract painter and my knowledge of the natural world.

DEBBIE LOEWEN Graphite/watercolours. Art is an experience like life itself. 
Growth comes as I keep working on my painting. The more I push myself, even challenge myself to see, the outcome is amazing! I personally like to know more of what I am capable of doing, so challenge is growth as an artist. 

KAREN MILLARD Watercolours/various media. My inspiration comes from what is around me. I love flowers because they dance. Eclectic would be the best way to describe my art. Always trying to learn something new.

ELAINE BAIRD Watercolour and ink.  My previous main medium of expression, photography, requires physically adjusting the position of the camera to obtain optimal image arrangement. My new medium of painting requires mentally using ‘Artistic Licence’ to arrange the image before committing it to paper. This is my big challenge. My favourite subject matter is the charm and humour of living in small town Revelstoke. 

JO C WILLEMS Gouache/graphite/watercolour and ink. My entire life has been dedicated to my art. It has taken me a long time to learn what I needed to learn to gain a clear visual statement. Painting and teaching others ‘how to see’ is fulfilment of that long journey of personal learning. I am now at a stage in life of looking back as well as onward. My work is focused on the insights gleaned from this place. I currently work in gouache.

LEAH ALLISON Glass/mixed media. Molten glass is in a constant state of change and
requires complete attention and focus while you work. Glass is so fluid and magical to work with that it indulges my constant desire for perfection, and at the same time, allows me the flexibility to sometimes go with the flow to see what happens.

MARI OZERO Acrylic/graphite/watercolours. I retired two years ago and found that I finally had time to try and develop my interest in expressing myself through art. My search for instruction luckily led me to Jo Willems and her wonderful drawing classes.  These evolved naturally into the wonderful group of supportive, like minded artists who make up the Fierce Art Project.  Like a work of art... it all started with a line, the first line I drew in class.
SUSAN LIND Acrylic on canvas. I am in awe of the mountains which surround us. I love the mountains, they just intrigue me. In my work, brushstroke is more significant than line, it is about the movement of my arm as the brush travels the canvas. I have had lots of practice painting but I feel like I am always learning.

TRISH HARTWICK Printmaking/acrylic/graphics. I am an illustrator working in print media, mainly screen printing and lino cuts.  My ideas often come from studying relationships found in nature and my work is whimsical and playful.  Many of my prints eventually make their way on to my clothing line, loveMaking Designs. 

CHARISE FULNOVIC Sculpture/photography/mixed media. I am inspired by deconstructing the everyday object and repurposing it into something unique and beautiful. I adore colour and juxtaposition, and swoon over beautiful lighting. I hold a Bachelor of Design.