The UN declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation. With all of the political turmoil in the news this year, climate change has definitely fallen off the front page, but I've been reflecting on this theme with my latest work.
The 3 paintings I've created from my residency in Glacier National Park (Canada) all reflect our shifting glacial landscapes. I spent a week in the park with fellow artists last summer and over the winter have been developing studio work to present at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Here are my pieces!
1. Ancient Powers
"Ancient Powers" was started while painting "en plein air" at Roger's Pass. This is the highest stretch of the TransCanada Highway and anyone who steps out to read the interpretive signs is greeted by the constant background noise of transport trucks flying by at top speed.
I was struck by the contrast between the preservation principles of Glacier National Park and the realities of being a major transportation corridor. As the trucks zoomed past, burning fossil fuels, the glaciers caught the last light of the day. Can all these ancient powers coexist in the modern world?
2. Meltdown
After my residency, I researched archival photographs taken from similar vantage points high in the park. I was interested in how the glacial landscapes changed over time. "Meltdown" captures a view of the Illecillewaet Glacier. I began the painting by using reference photos of the ice from around ~1913 and then back-painted it to make the glaciers recede on canvas to where they were in 2024.
Before (1913):
After (2024):
The process of painting away the ice leaves remnants of pigment and texture behind, just as the real process of glacier recession shapes the bedrock and moraines in the park.
3. Imagine
Ending on a hopeful note, I decided to start another painting by painting the landscape today, and then bringing back the ice to where it was over 100 years ago. "Imagine" captures Mount Sir Donald with the Illecillewaet Glacier dipping down into the valley.
Before (2024):
After (1913):
Bringing the glaciers back and restoring layers of ice and snow felt like a hopeful way to paint. I tried to maintain bright colours peeking through the further layers to avoid these paintings feeling overworked.
"Imagine" includes modern features like the hiking trail and ranger cabin, but it reflects old ice from 100 years ago. My hope for this work is that it helps reflect what has been lost as well as what is possible.
It's good to spend time among glaciers - they tend to remind you of the deeper forces that shape our world.