Local sea lovers are getting the chance to indulge thanks to a collection of coastal landscapes coming to the Hope Art Gallery in May.
From May 1-28, the gallery is hosting Changing Tides, a show featuring the works of Powell River watercolour artist Helena Rae. Running in the Backroom gallery, the collection was inspired by the artist’s recent move from Davis Bay to Powell River and explores how a change of scenery can shape “artistic expression.”
“This body of work represents the transition from painting the familiar Davis Bay area,” Rae said in a press release.
“The area inspired me to begin painting again, and was my muse for several years. And the (transition to the) new Powell River region offers a diverse terrain from rocky shores to quiet tidal flats, adding new textures and moods to my work.”
According to Rae, the heart of her work is to “offer viewers respite from the chaos of the frantic world.” Through her art, she hopes to inspire joy and solace within others and encourage them to experience the “quiet beauty” found in nature.
Her latest collection of art is no exception as she uses watercolour to capture the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and its range of lights and colours. Starting with a photograph, Rae said she observes the composition, texture, and atmosphere of the moment she’s captured which she then translates into her paintings in an approach that is both “technical and intuitive.” The result is a painting that provides a snapshot of the feeling and memory formed while at the coast.
“While my work continues to capture the natural beauty of the coast, the move has inspired a broader exploration of texture and layers of detail,” she said. “Each element of the landscape invites a closer examination, encouraging me to dive deeper into capturing the physical essence of the coast.”
This is her third exhibition, but her first in Hope.
Born in Victoria, Rae grew up in Vancouver, England, Denmark, and the Yukon. In 2014 she moved to Southeast Asia where she taught English to children and worked on her art. She eventually moved back to B.C. in 2018, specifically to the Sunshine Coast and, after working as a home support worker, returned to art. She made the transition to a full -time artist in 2022.
She has a Bachelor of Design from the Alberta University of Arts; attended the NSCAD University in Halifax for graphic design, fine arts, and textiles, attended Capilano University for its graphic design and communication program, and attended UFV for graphic design and illustration.
In addition to the original paintings, her art can also be bought as cushions, coasters, cards, and prints.
A reception, where the public can meet Rae, is taking place on May 1 in the afternoon.
After opening day, the exhibition will be available to see Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is staffed by volunteers of the gallery. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to visit.
