Artist gives back to supporters

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Calvin Cornish began to draw when he was old enough to hold a pencil. His family thought it was an interesting hobby. Many years later he's still drawing, but now his work is attracting the attention of art enthusiasts and galleries in western Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan.

Although his drawing was encouraged by his family, his endeavors were not seen as serious work.

"That changed when I made $3,000 in one day," he said.

"I was seven or eight years old and a friend bought one of my drawings for $5," he said of his first sale. The drawing on wallboard of a deer by a pond was created by a child passionate about drawing, a child who drew his environment.

As an adult, Cornish continues to explore wildlife and Aboriginal themes in his art.

Born in the remote community of Fort Nelson, B.C., the young artist took basic art classes in the school system to Grade 12, then instructed himself by copying from comics and books.

Cornish distinguishes himself by working primarily in pencil.

"I enjoy the textures and tones, the feel of it," he said. "The pencils are inexpensive and it is less expensive to print reproductions.

"I've worked in acrylic, sculpted (wood and wax to bronze) and carved. I'd like to explore more art media in the future," he said.

Other artists have influenced his work. He learns from Robert Bateman, Bill Reid, Bev Doolittle and others. Their work inspired Cornish to pursue art as a career, to develop as an artist.

In 1992 he met Robert Bateman in Dawson Creek, B.C. Afterwards, his cousin sent Bateman a note card that featured Cornish's art. Some time later a letter, which Cornish still treasures, arrived.

"You really do have talent! Good knowledge of the wild," wrote Bateman.

Cornish wasn't always interested in making art his career. He has worked many jobs: janitor, gas attendant, house painter, motel clerk. In 1995, he decided to work full time as an artist.

"I jumped in with both feet, no clue, no money or support," said Cornish. Since that time he has produced 400 to 500 pieces.

Cornish's art was part of the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway as he was commissioned to paint several wall murals in Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson and Vancouver Island.

He first displayed and sold his drawings in the Fort Nelson library and published his first prints in 1993 in Dawson Creek.

Over the past seven years, Calvin Cornish has drawn and published 148 limited edition prints and many other original works which have now sold out. Print runs are usually 100 to 200 copies.

Promoting and marketing his art is hard work that sees Cornish travel to Alaska, Yukon, and various other centres in western Canada.

In Grande Prairie, where he has lived for three years, Cornish's work is exhibited and sold by Outdoor Images Custom Framing and Gallery. The gallery recently produced a Web site (www.gonewild.ca) to promote his work and expand sales.

"By November 2002 I hope to complete and publish six or seven more images, so watch for them on the Web site," he said.

Grant Hopkins of Outdoor Images said he has a number of customers who are attracted to the Native flavor in Cornish's drawings.

"People like to collect his art. Cornish's drawings feature pictures within pictures," he said.

In 2001, Cornish was pleased to sign a publishing contract with Artist's Press in Spruce Grove.

"Many of Cornish's images are nostalgic and this attracts people," said Perry Duquette, president of the company which offers national and international exposure of Cornish's work. "In one word, Calvin Cornish's creations are...astonishing! Calvin is a natural in his line of art and, without a doubt, has what it takes to make it in this highly competitive industry."

"I have a passion for this work," said Cornish, who is confident that this publishing exposure will help him make a proper living doing what he loves.

While Cornish has a hand out, reaching for the rewards from the hard work of his art-making, his othr hand is extended in generosity towards the communities that have supported and encouraged him.

"I first started six years ago when my mother died," said Cornish. "I donated several prints to the Dawson Creek hospital to thank them for being so good to her."

That gift was followed by donations of his limited edition prints to the Dawson Creek Skating Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Grande Prairie Public Library, the Burn Society, SPCA, PARDS (Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society), Grande Prairie Friendship Centre Youth Programs, and a fundraiser for a school playground.

The first autograph session of his art career took place at an elementary school where he was invited by the teacher to show his work and hopefully inspire the children to make art.

Cornish emphasizes his appreciation for the support he has received from those who purchase his art and offer praise and encouragement.

"It gives me the strength to continue," he said.