The Ponoka Art Club Show and Sale put one of its own members on display.
This year’s featured artist was Diane Faulkner.
“It’s nice to promote one of our own members,” said Joziena Meyer, art club president.
“I was so excited I couldn’t sleep last night,” Faulkner said, referring to the May 26 and 27 show at the Ponoka Drop-In Centre.
As a child Faulkner had no interest in art. It wasn’t until she was given a painting as a gift that she became attracted to the craft.
Faulkner spent a number of years living in Fort McMurray; she fell in love with the trees of the area. “I’d go hiking with another painter and that’s where my love of trees comes from.”
After leaving Fort McMurray and living in her car for five months because she didn’t know where to settle, Faulkner came to Ponoka. The absence of trees here inspired the spruce tree collection Faulkner displayed at the art show.
This summer Faulkner will focus on a series of paintings highlighting the area around Ponoka.
In previous years Faulkner painted with a different message in mind. Her Wedding Dress series showcased the perfect dress and wedding, and the commodity of marriage.
“All those things don’t necessarily mean a happy life,” Faulkner said. She has stopped painting the angst of the world and now paints happy pictures.
One of Faulkner’s most memorable paintings was an assignment when she was attending Keyano College, Fort McMurray.
Faulkner’s class painted a mural, ripped it apart, switched it around then painted some more. Faulkner loved how it looked so different than at the beginning and working with the people.
In the future Falkner also wants to paint horses and other scenes reflecting the stampede.
By Amelia Naismith