Discover Sixty-Five: September 2023

artist. I tried everything I knew how to
do... illustration, graphic design and fine
art, with some success, but not quite
enough to comfortably keep body and
soul together. It was through work with
the Nelson Chamber of Commerce and
the Economic Development Commission
that I learned how badly the area needed
good maps, for tourists and residents
alike. I’ve always loved maps, and had
taken cartography as part of my geography
degree. I figured that if you combine a
geographer and an artist you’re going to
get a good looking map! I took it on, first
creating the Nelson & Area Map & Guide,
then the West Kootenay Vacation Guide
Map and finally the Castlegar Map which
are still an integral part of today’s template
which features Nelson & Castlegar
and the West Kootenay along with little
maps of the smaller communities in the
area. Producing these annually became
a lovely little home-based business that
kept me going for 20 years! But, it seemed
to take up all my creative energy, and I
had nothing left to pursue my artwork. It
was in my early fifties there came a year
of many deaths, close in to me, including
my mother. And then the next year I was
diagnosed with lung cancer. Immersed in
grieving my losses, while also facing my
own mortality, I awakened to a new level
of awareness of what this life is all about;
it’s about embracing life as the
wondrous gift it is, as fully as we
can; it’s about finding what gives
you deep joy and sinking yourself
into those depths.
I heard the calling to “be an artist” too
strongly to ignore. So I sold the map
business. I felt like I was jumping off a
cliff…and I was going to
need to learn how to fly. I
began reinventing myself as
an artist, exploring just what
it might be that I was being
called to create. It was an
exciting time.
D65: What has been your
favourite project so far?
BB: I have always been drawn
to nature, to trees, to the forests...
and the idea for
SYLVAN REFLECTIONS: Wanderings,
Paintings & Ponderings From the Forest
developed gradually from the daily
walks I take on my wooded land. It has
evolved into an all-consuming project.
Volume I came out in 2016, featuring
16 original paintings, poems
and observations. I also produced a 20
minute film with filmmaker Isaac Carter
and composer Noel Fudge of New
Denver to compliment the book two years
later. I am now working on Volume II, and
a second film — all about embracing the
beauty of nature, bringing it into our daily
lives. I have been thanked by readers for
‘bringing the forest to them’ as not everyone
has access to spend so much time in
the woods. Succeeding at this goal has
been very fulfilling, and I hope
to share this further still.
D65: What has been your
hardest project to create?
BB: I don’t know which
one painting has been the
hardest. I find the idea for a
painting comes fairly easily...
the subject often chosen
during my daily walk. I study
it, sit in the forest with it, contemplate
it until I can see the
finished painting clearly in my
mind. From this point every single
painting takes a massive effort
to begin and to complete.
I do not get transported into
the creative process as some
do – I don’t lose track of time – instead I
really have to work hard at it. At the end
when it actually looks the way I had
envisioned... I am so delighted and thrilled
with what has happened, despite my psychological
resistance :)
D65: Who has been your greatest
inspiration?
BB: When asked this question what
immediately comes to mind is the Saskatchewan
Museum of Natural History in
Regina, and myself as a very little girl gazing
in awe at the exhibits depicting Saskatchewan
wildlife in their natural habitats.
The artist was Fred. W. Lahrman. My
dad knew him, so I got to meet him, and I
dreamt of being just like him and creating
such wonders when I grew up.
As an adult I have been inspired by the
likes of Bev Dolittle with her wonderful
‘camouflage art’ and its hidden meanings;
and by Robert Bateman’s immense
talent at portraying the natural world.
And then of course there is Emily Carr
and her forests!
D65: Is art a calling that you can
ever see yourself retiring from?
BB: It’s hard to really figure out just what
‘retirement’ means, when you’re an artist
I think. Since turning 65 and receiving
pensions the pressure to make a living
has eased off, and I feel freed up not
having to worry about that — but I’m
nowhere near ready to stop painting and
writing and sharing.
Volume 1- Sylvan Reflections
D65: Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
BB: In 10 years I will be pushing 80. I
do imagine I will still be quite hale and
hearty and able to stay here in my home
in the Valley; and I can’t imagine not
keeping on with creative projects and undertakings.
Whatever will be, will be; and
as long as there’s a tree or two nearby I
think I’ll be alright.
D65: Meeting Barbara and spending
time with her was really lovely. Her
voice and demeanour are as calm and
soothing as a summer forest.
You can visit her website to learn more
www.barbarabrownart.com
Discover Sixty-Five, September 2023 5