North Island College’s (NIC) free Artist Talk series will return this month in an online format for the second year running.
The series will kick off Feb. 3 with Preston Buffalo, a Cree, two spirited artist whose work explores the complexity of Indigenous identity through the use of mediums such as sculpture, printmaking, photography, soundscape and digital media.
Buffalo’s work also dives into issues such as addiction, the loss of culture and language, displacement and disenfranchisement.
“We’re really grateful to have so many artists and organizations join us for the Winter 2022 series,” said Sara Vipond, event coordinator and NIC fine art instructor. “These events are a highlight for us and we very much look forward to welcoming the general public as well.”
The talks are led by the artists and last an hour with a short question period following each.
The series is a chance for emerging artists to learn from contemporary artists, including how to develop a robust studio practice, find their own voice within arts-based research, create successful applications for grants, exhibitions and residencies and cultivate relationships with fellow artists and curators to develop collaborative work and gallery shows.
“In 2021, we had audience members join us from as far away as Nepal,” said Vipond. “It’s been immensely positive to see the reach of this series grow in popularity and it also speaks to the integrity and expertise of the artists who join us each year.”
The full Winter 2022 Artist Talk line-up:
– Preston Buffalo – Thursday, Feb. 3, 6-7 p.m.
– Lucie Chan – Thursday, Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m.
– Fathom Sounds Collective – March 3, 6-7 p.m.
– Laura Payne – March 17, 6-7 p.m.
– Comox Valley Art Gallery – March 31, 6-7 p.m.
The series is presented by the college’s School of Fine Arts and DIGITAL Design + Development.
