Walking into an artist’s home is much like having a special preview into what makes them tick.
And while there’s often a lot going on, as is the case with Banff multimedia artist Carolyn Walton’s abode, it feels right. With brass pieces, decorative plates, etchings, paintings and intricately carved wooden furniture placed throughout the townhouse, everything fits. And the energy found throughout is inviting, invigorating and welcoming.
For the next two months, a glimpse of Walton’s talent is on display at the Banff Public Library art gallery. An opening reception with the artist and, if we’re lucky, some of her home-baked magic, takes place Friday (May 3) from 7-9 p.m. at the gallery.
A Thousand Words features 25 original paintings done in Japanese water colours and a splash of gouache. While she admits she’s “heavy-handed with the paint,” the colours are vibrant and very different from traditional watercolours. Featuring purples, violets and metallic splashes, her take on whimsy, innocence, hope and joy sends a simple message – be kind to what’s dear to you and remember to see the light in life.
“(The works) are not too serious, but there are some serious messages,” she said. “It’s up to you to see if you want to see.”
Her most powerful images feature a raven, a jack-in-the-box and Pulcinella from the Commedia Dell’Arte.
The exhibit marks Walton’s first public show since 2000. While she says she never lost the passion, life sort of got in the way.
I got busy raising kids,” she said. “Despite what they say, teenagers are a lot of work.”
While there’s a subtle element of nature in much of her work, she’s quick to say she hasn’t mastered the peaks.
“This is as close as I’ve come to mountain culture,” she said. “I don’t want to jump in just yet. I have to feel it. It’s not quite there.”
But she’s a master when it comes to multimedia. And she says that her artistic spark came early on in life, thanks to school board art shows.
“They were a good confidence builder.”
She hopes that she too can inspire children to create and appreciate art.
“I want to draw a younger audience in,” she explained. “I ask parents to have a conversation with their kids about what they see. I believe everyone has the ability to be creative.”
For more information on Walton or to purchase pieces in the show, please email [email protected]
A Thousand Words, is on display at the Banff Public Library until June 30.
