“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp
Shirley Pattyson had this quote on her wall since the early 80’s. Born in Saskatchewan in 1936, she settled in the Vernon area in 1964. She was employed full time at Consumers Glass in Lavington for over 25 years and retired in February of 2000. She is downsizing and moving from Lumby to Vernon where she will continue her involvement in art.
Early on, Shirley was inspired by reading ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’. A self-taught artist, she attended many workshops and training sessions, gleaning inspiration from multiple sources and her peers.
“I have no art degree but have studied with many renowned artists including Julie Oakes, Peggy
Moon, Bill Davis, Tom Steiner, Jo Parrot, Graham Scholes, Zalton Szabo, Harry Savage, Lyllian Christiansen and Allen Edwards. I was involved in several groups: Vernon Artists League, Monashee Arts Council, North Okanagan Wood Carvers, Powerhouse Theatre (doing backdrops and makeup.)” she told us.
Watercolor was Shirley’s favourite medium although she was an accomplished pastel artist as well. She began carving in 2000.
Before long, she was recognized for her carvings by being awarded many 1st, 2nd and 3rd standings in art shows across Western Canada:
- the Brant Carving and Art Show in Sydney, BC and in Parksville, BC
- the Reflections of Nature carving and Art Show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
- the Sorrento School of Carving and Art
- shows sponsored by the North Okanagan Carving Club
- Monashee Arts Council Lumby Days
- Vernon Community Arts Centre
“Art has a life of its own – it takes you into your own creative world where you can learn from it and really get into it – your pencil or brush almost goes where it wants to – you need to follow where it takes you. You don’t know what it’ll teach you but it takes you away from your worries. Art is cheaper than therapy.”
As a parting gift to Lumby, Shirley’s family are hosting, with the aid of the Monashee Arts Council, a show and silent auction of her art collection. There is also a large collection of books and art supplies from Shirley’s studio that will be available. This will be held in the new Angelina Holmes/ Potrie Memorial Gallery December 2, 3 and 4th. The new gallery, upstairs in the “old Credit Union building” 2109 Shuswap Avenue, is a work in progress. The generosity of art patron Deb Holmes has made it available for this occasion but be sure to look out for future events!
