By Karla Pearce
The Kootenays and their artists are separated by
geographical obstacles and boundaries. Mostly Kootenay artists live in small
communities with their families and pursue their art with a sense of autonomy.
Some artists who live here have already established themselves in the world of
art and have moved here for a peaceful place to create, others have developed
here in a nest of supportive love and many grew up here, pursued money in the
cities but were drawn back to the place that they love.
People in the Kootenays love art and their artists. I think
this is what makes us different. This is why I wanted to make this book. This
book is not a simple catalogue of art, but a collective of artists coming
together despite geographical and regional obstacles. Art of the Kootenays is a
collaborative effort of professional artists who live and work in the
Kootenays. We have come together to show and speak about our work as
individuals and as a group; to voice and share what it is to be Kootenay.
