The confederation of Canada turns 150 years old in 2017, the same year Laura Chandler earned acceptance into the Federation of Canadian Artists.
The local painter is celebrating these milestones in the best way she knows how - by creating new art. Her new work Patriotic Reflections & Forward Focus was unveiled at the Prince George Public Library where it will hang for approximately a year.
"This piece is based on the experiences that my husband and I had in the Maritimes in 2016. Like many of our generation, our dream of travelling coast to coast was fulfilled," she said. "Usually my art is focused on nature, its beauty and promoting good stewardship. It always reflects my environment and/or my personal experiences. It was refreshing for me to have more of a social focus."
The work was a personal project she set for herself. It began with a question in her mind: What are you going to do for Canada's 150th birthday? She let her imaginings call up the memories of her cross-Canada journey and of the national flag in its three colour blocks. That's the reference she's making by making the painting a triptych that mimics that structure. Just so there is no mistake, she makes the national maple leaf emblem the very centre of this creation, as it is on the flag.
She uses an active child on a bicycle as another central figure, with Ottawa's Peace Tower in the background as a reminder that peace, order and good government are what Canadians strive for as an ongoing legacy for the next generation.
"Who knows what potential 'she' or 'he' will have as a contributing citizen with full and equal rights. Perhaps 'she' will be our future prime minister," said Chandler.
The actual child who inspired the image was seen by Chandler in a Canada Day parade in a village in Cape Breton. That is also where she saw the fireworks that bloom on the two bookend sides of the triptych.
Chandler is descended from pre-confederation Ontario Legislative Speaker Thomas Ballantyne, and also from Charles Clarke who served in that position post-confederation.
She is proud of the accomplishments these forebearers made to the work-in-progress known as Canada.
"Charles Clarke played a prominent role in implementing various policies including the secret ballot, fundamental to our citizenship today. As immigrants to the new world they contributed to their communities and country," she said. "We all have the opportunity to share our time and/or talent to make Canada an even better place to be. As Canadians, we need to reflect on our strengths and accomplishment. We have contributed a good deal to the world. It is my hope that this piece will encourage viewers to do a little reflecting as to who we are, what we have done and what we can do as a country. Many other nations think that we do indeed have a little bit of heaven here on earth."
It was out of appreciation for the culture of Canada that she invested so much creative energy in the making this piece. It was a thank-you gesture. She also donated it for future fundraising efforts the library might engage in.
The library will be the venue for a retrospective of Chandler's work later this year. In September and October her exhibition called In The Neighbourhood will be on display, featuring some of the art that was in the year-long Chandler exhibition on the fifth floor of City Hall last year.
She was also one of the featured artists in The Alphabet Project co-produced by the Prince George Citizen in honour of its 100th birthday, and the Community Arts Council.
Chandler's latest honour is her induction into the "active" category of the Federation of Canadian Artists, giving her a new level of exposure and marketing opportunities for her artwork.
