Member of the Month – Kamloops Arts Council

Full Name: Tricia Sellmer

Medium: Multi mediums which include painting and drawing.

How long have you been doing your art: Professionally… 27 years.

What got you originally interested in the art you do: I was drawn to art by reading books and looking at paintings and sculptures… and then studying Fine Arts and participating in residencies.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I learned that through the visual arts I have a strong voice and narrative.

What do you enjoy the most about your art: I enjoy the conversations and process of art making … whether it is in the beginning stages of a series of paintings or drawings or other undertakings such as collage or printmaking, researching ideas, curating projects or teaching, facilitating and mentoring emerging artists…

What is your favourite joke/quote: I have three: “Creativity takes courage.” (Matisse), “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” (Picasso), and “I found I could say something with colours and shapes that I couldn’t say another way.” (Georgia O’Keefe).

What is something most people don’t know about you: I paint many gardens but I am a terrible gardener.

If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be?: I would introduce them to Fauvism…

What do you think makes art important: The visual arts is very important as it can reflect our experiences, emotions and narratives within history. Often simple images will say more than a thousand words. I believe that an artistic community is a stable community… A stable community is a healthy community.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: I am a life member. I was asked to join the Arts Council by Henry Small and Gisela Harrison around 1995.

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): I am looking forward to working on a series of works for an exhibition.