Local Artists Lauren Brevner and James Harry
Discovering New Art at the Culture Crawl
Let me start by telling you a story from a time before everyone wore masks and worried about a pandemic. Alright, it wasn’t really that long ago!
Let’s set the scene: it is a clear and cool afternoon on November 16th, 2019 in East Vancouver. My friend and I are wandering about the interior of the 1000 Parker St building with the throngs of people exploring the 23rd Annual EastSide Culture Crawl. I’m feeling inspired by all the artists displaying their creations and I see many familiar faces in the crowd as we discuss the art.
As I poke my head around the door to a studio on the corner of the second floor I am greeted by a warm smile and the first sight I behold captivates me. A stunning carved piece of wood painted with the image of a feminine appearing figure melded with what looks to be an Indigenous wolf spirit, done in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw tradition.
This is the combination of the work of Lauren Brevner and James Harry. Much of the work I will show is Lauren’s work along with the collaboration pieces they do with James.
Crossroads of Medium and Cultures
This particular piece titled Sna7m (Strong Spirit) is about 3’ by 5’ and is made out of a 6” piece of carved Yellow Cedar with Oil, Acrylic, Collaged Japanese Paper, and Oxidized Copper Plating. I was mesmerized.
I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up on the Unceded lands and territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, Sechelt, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. So for as long as I can remember I have loved the Indigenous art of the area.
In addition I have a love of Japanese Culture, after having the opportunity to have a homestay student live at my home while I was growing up then later traveling to Japan myself years later.
Speaking briefly with the smiling woman I learned about the cultural influences that made up this piece and the rest of the artists’ practice. Lauren Brevner herself told me that the printed papers that made up the robe of the person were traditional Japanese printed paper that had been used in collage. The wood was carved by her partner James Harry (a local artist of the Squamish Nation). And the copper was plating that had oxidized for 3 months to achieve the colour variation.
Lauren moved on to chat with some other guests and I was left to browse the other art in the space as I used my chin to pick up dust off the floor.
Now I See Brevner and Harry Everywhere
Well not specifically her, although I discovered that some of my favourite urban murals in the city were done by her and James Harry together. So these two artists moved up to some of my favourite local artists. So I began to recognize their work in many places throughout the city with more going up every year.
Intersections of Culture
I deeply enjoyed the semi-flattened and graphic depictions of people that made the other textures and patterns of the pieces stand distinct. While the influences from some of my favourite cultures became very apparent to me.
With some more research I learned that there were far more cultures at play in these creations than I realized. Of course Squamish, Japanese, and also Trinidad and German heritages make up the lineage present.
It felt inspiring to see so many elements of artistic expression married both on large murals and smaller mixed media paintings.
Lauren’s solo art focuses on the elements of her own culture without the direct imagery of Harry’s Squamish roots. Together they are able to make the combination appear seamless.
Inspiring Me
I personally enjoy working on portraiture and for that alone I felt very inspired to practise my illustration. Adding the layer of intersectionality made the sophisticated art even more stunning to my eye and heart. Since discovering these artists I have been exploring ways of utilizing my own approaches that are inspired by the layering of patterns, textures, fluid lines, and soft renditions of people.
Sources
https://www.instagram.com/laurenbrevner/?hl=en
http://www.authenticindigenous.com/artists/james-harry
Tolan,
I don’t know how you keep uping the ante here but you continue to outdo yourself. Really fascinating piece on these two fascinating artists. I’m very glad for this introduction. First rate and inspired and of course 2/2 here. Been a pleasure having you in class this term. Enjoy your holiday break.
Jeff