A German-born artist, painter Alice Byrne has spent the last 29 years in Fernie filing images of the city’s beautiful landscapes to later translate to canvas.
“I never work from photographs or work in the outdoors,” admitted Byrne. “My paintings are always done from my memory and I think that they truly express my view and my creativity. It’s really about putting myself onto the canvas.”
This is why Byrne’s aptly titled “My View” gallery, which canvassed the walls of the Arts Station for the month of May, really resonated with viewers.
“They truly feel the happiness and the joy that I put into the piece, whether that be the striking blue of the
sky, the blossom of the flower or whatever else I see. It’s not just about sight, it’s about what you feel from it,” said Byrne, adding, “I paint what I feel and I think that my process really allows my personal interpretations, thoughts and creativity shine rather than a direct translation from a photograph.”
Despite having half a dozen solo showings at the Arts Station throughout her career, Byrne said that she still gets nervous leading up to an exhibit.
“I still get nervous about shows because my paintings truly are a reflection of me. I feel like what’s on the canvases are extensions of me,” she said.
Knowing that her art is going out into the world and being received by the public is what pursues Byrne to continue painting.
“There’s no other feeling like it,” she said.
Byrne added that the artistic community in Fernie also encourages her.
“The artist community in Fernie is really great. We help and inspire each other to get better at what we do and we push each other to try new mediums. Being in Fernie, you feel like you want to create more simply because of the talent and beauty you’re surrounded by,” she said.
Byrne’s “My View” exhibit was displayed at The Arts Station from April 30 to May 26.