By Jasmine Franklin
Pencil sketched images bring cowboys to life in this year’s 2010 Alberta Cowboy Calendar, dedicated to Tom Butterfield, who died in September.
“This really ties in with the stampede and the Ponoka lifestyle,” said artist Inge Sybrandi. “This year the calendar is dedicated to Tom Butterfield. He, along with the others I’ve dedicated it to in the past, have really shaped the way things are today. It’s important to get them in there.”
Sybrandi, a 27-year-old local artist, has been creating the calendars for three years and says it’s a great way to both raise money and to gain exposure for her art work.
“I raise $10,000 every year for my charities,” Sybrandi said. “These calendars have been so good. I’ve met so many individuals and it has really helped me understand people.”
This year, money raised from the calendars will go toward the Alberta 4-H Legacy Fund that aims to improve the long-term quality of 4-H programs and offer new opportunities for youth and volunteer leaders.
“I was always a horse girl,” Sybrandi said. “I really believe in this.”
The calendars are an year-long process. Starting with deciding on a theme, Sybrandi then ventures out into the community to photograph people in their elements. It could be horse riding, steer wrestling, farming or just everyday cowboy living.
She then re-creates the photographs with the art of her pencil and paper.
“I never thought I could make a living off my art,” Sybrandi said. “I never went to school specifically for art but this project has really helped me grow and I’m learning a lot now.”
Growing up in Holland, Sybrandi moved to Ponoka in 1995 because her parents were dairy farmers and the land here was good. She did not attend post-secondary schooling for her detailed artwork.
Her calendars are starting to become more popular, Sybrandi said. This year, she sold them at the Canadian Finals Rodeo to expose her work to the public.
“I’m not a good salesman,” Sybrandi laughed. “I really do have to push myself – it’s hard.”
Calendars are $20 per piece and can be bought at CIBC, the Central Veterinary Clinic, Jones Boys, Dino’s Family Restaurant and McFeeds.