Artist to explore social issues

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For Keith Nolan, coming in fourth in the Peace Hills Trust National Native Art Competition this year is just fine with him. For two consecutive years, Nolan has taken home first place. He said that this just means it gives other people a chance and it makes him happy to see other people win.

This year's winner is Chris Lynch-Aquart of Calgary. He will be officially crowned winner at a celebration in Edmonton in late October. (Look for a story in next month's Sweetgrass.)

In August 2003, Nolan received best of show from the Lac La Biche Agricultural Art Show, where he submitted an oil and canvas print called 'Cree Women Sowing'. Not bad for a guy who only began to paint six years ago.

Nolan is a pipefitter by trade but works on his art an average of 30 hours a week. He hopes to eventually make painting a full-time career. He purchased a house in 2002 and has converted it into an art studio and gallery.

Nolan says the best part of painting is the process; he prefers to paint at night, while listening to all types of music or a talk show on the radio.

"It is creating an image out of nothing, out of a plain white piece of canvas. It is very therapeutic for me. It is very healthy and relaxing. I work right until two to three in the morning, most of the time. I always say that I might be working alone, but I'm not lonely," he said.

Nolan is Cree and Ojibway from northern Ontario, but has called Alberta home for more than 20 years. He is the father of two boys and two girls and says that he is proud of all of them for finding their own paths.

"Never ask people for approval for what you are doing; never go outside yourself for approval.

Do what your heart tells you to do and you will be happy," Nolan advises.

The 54-year-old artist is still working on a series of paintings he started in 2001, which depict modern Native culture. Next he would like to start a series on homeless people.

"I would like to travel across Canada and meet different homeless people in different cities and make a statement with my art, and I would like to eventually work on different features, mostly on social issues. From the beginning of time, the art world has made a statement, and I believe that we also need a visual statement and not just a verbal statement," he said.

Warren Hannay, president and chief executive officer of Peace Hills Trust said that he is excited about their up and coming art show at the Wingate Hotel on Oct. 25.

" Last year's show was just phenomenal. This year we are certainly going have a good representation of artists."