Artist Kristy Hansen of Scandinavia Wolf Designs is a self-described natural minimalist utilizing graceful elements, such as wood, stone, wool and leather, in their innate, ecological and unassuming colour palette.
At The Foyer Gallery until May 1, Hansen’s exhibit, “A Peace of Calm,” mingles gemstone precious metal with handmade wooden beads, acrylic/hand-stitched yarn canvases and decorated foraged wood transformed into jewelry for your walls.
“My creative stimulation from this series comes largely from the world around us. With all the controversy in the news, natural disasters and digital noise in general, I wanted to create a departure for people. A peace piece of calm. Something that can, perhaps, send you into a daydream and soothe the busy mind,” says Hansen, who is broadly inspired by nature, architecture and design that combines natural elements, raw materials and textiles.
This exhibit projects tranquillity and harmony, connecting the viewer with those moments where one can breathe in nature’s beauty. The paintings involve smooth colour gradients amidst stark contrasting shades along with subtle embroidered embellishments.
Although Hansen has been creating since she was young, it wasn’t until a few years ago that she started to turn her artful designs into a business and then after her recent move to Squamish her inspiration became stronger.
“I think that this peaceful, calming place has given me the ability to hear my thoughts more clearly and help pass along the feeling that this beautiful place inspires in me… My creative process comes from something I need in my own life at the time I am creating the work. I’m not generally conscious of exactly what it is until I am well into it. I need to dig deep to truly figure out the meaning behind my art. After doing so it clicks and all makes sense,” Hansen says.
She also loves exploring and is passionate about anything to do with the outdoors, especially if it means a chance to find a special branch or stone.
Utilizing her fashion design background, Hansen also has dreams of creating her own artistic textiles incorporated into her own clothing line or to collaborate with other designers.
30 pieces donated
In two of the cases and on the north wall, the 11th Annual Fundraiser Exhibit is on display this month with more than 30 artworks donated by the Artists of the Gallery. Come and feast your eyes on wonders of weaving, pottery, painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture.
With a $50 donation, sponsors receive an invitation to the Foyer Gallery Soirée, where your name is entered into a draw for these pieces of handcrafted original artwork. The artful samplings, valued at hundreds of dollars, are up for grabs in the exciting art draw at the Foyer Fundraiser Gala held on May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. Shhhh… this event is the best kept secret for art enthusiasts in Squamish.
Sponsorship forms are available at squamish.bc.libraries.coop/about-us/support-the-library/foyer-gallery-friends or mail forms to the Squamish Public Library or drop-off at the library front desk. Forms received by April 30 get into a special early-bird draw.
Questions? Contact the curator, Toby Jaxon at 604-898-1895 or tobyjaxon@shaw.ca.
