Owl Pen Revisited at Orillia Museum, runs Sept 28th 2024 to January 18th 2025

“Owl Pen Revisited” is my show of relief prints based on the work of Lucille Oille, an artist who lived and worked in Oro Medonte in the 1940’s-1950’s. Her husband authored the book “The Owl Pen”, and wrote stories about their homestead life for the Toronto Tribune.

Lucille created beautiful woodcut images to accompany the book, even though she was trained in sculpture, specifically bust making. I was really drawn to this about her, as my focus in university was also in sculpture, and I got into printmaking later- so I understand first hand how being able to visualize things in 3D space helps to translate images into print- particularly lino printing, where you are working in reverse. 

Through researching Lucille Oille and her work I have been given the opportunity to connect with new people in a way that feels very ‘Owl Pen’- through drop ins and cold calls. The book is about the trials and tribulations of farming but it is also about connections with neighbours, friends and community. I have also been given the opportunity to push my printmaking skills and technique, and I think you will love these prints.

I hope you can make it to OMAH to see this show, and perhaps join me and others on Saturday October 26th from 1-3pm for the Opening Reception, where there will be remarks and refreshments.