Western Canada's art magazine since 2002
31 December 2019 Vol 4 No 27 ISSN 2561-3316 © 2019
From the Editor
Portia Priegert
The approach of a new year is a time to reflect on what has been and look ahead with hope. It is also a time to be grateful, and when I reflect on what that means at Galleries West, I turn, time and again, to the contributions of our many writers.
When I took the editor's chair in 2012, I quickly realized one of my most important decisions was selecting writers. They are the magazine's front line – the people who visit exhibitions and studios across Western Canada, contemplating work and interviewing artists, and, more generally, keeping abreast of cultural developments in their region.
It’s not easy to winnow down a large show, especially one with many artists, to its key elements and make critical assessments that are thoughtful and fair, all within a usual story length of 500 or so words.
In that space, writers must cover the basics – where the show is and what it’s about – and describe some of the work. They need to provide context for readers beyond the region – some explanation of the artist’s background, perhaps a mention of earlier work, and offer a sense of why the artist is tackling a particular theme or subject.
They also need to be accurate and engaging. And, of course, deadlines can be unforgiving, particularly with a digital publication.
When I counted, I was surprised to discover that 38 writers contributed to Galleries West in 2019. Some are regulars, who pitch frequently, while others write occasionally when time permits, or a particular show catches their attention.
They come from different backgrounds – some are arts journalists, others are artists, educators or curators. As is common in the arts, many wear multiple hats. Our writers also range across the generations. More are female – 25 – than male. At least five self-identify as Indigenous.
Each writer has different talents. Some turn a beautiful phrase or have emotional acuity. Some have a gift for clarity and precision. With others, it’s a deeply layered knowledge about the subject at hand. Some generously go the extra mile, offering to help round up images or track down details that spark my curiosity.
Our writers are too numerous to list here by name, although I've added tags below that link to the pieces they've written for Galleries West.
I will, however, single out the six who contributed to this issue, the magazine's first attempt at regional year-end blog-style roundups.
I gave these writers free rein to talk about what has been happening in their local communities over the last year. This type of roundup can be challenging – so much happens in a year that it can be overwhelming.
The key is to find a structure, an underlying carapace, on which to drape the text, whether it takes the form of a list, a narrative or a personal reflection. This helps focus the writing so it becomes manageable within a limited space.
I was nervous, uncertain what to expect.
What a pleasant surprise, then, as they landed in my inbox earlier this month one after the other, full of interesting insights about each region’s mood and artistic happenings.
Dorothy Woodend, the culture editor at the Tyee, an independent online newspaper in Vancouver, takes a wry look at the cultural implications of the growing economic divide in Vancouver by focusing on a spinning chandelier.
Fish Griwkowsky, an artist who writes for the Edmonton Journal, embraces Edmonton’s creativity amidst uncertain times in a list of 10 highlights.
Katherine Ylitalo, an independent curator and educator, offers a gracious look at moments to remember in Calgary against the backdrop of an anemic economy.
Michael Peterson, an artist, designer and community builder, provides an inclusive look at creative developments in Saskatchewan, both urban and rural.
Stacey Abramson, an artist and school teacher, offers personal reflections in a warm story about Winnipeg’s spirit of inclusivity.
There’s one additional story with a national outlook by Paul Gessell, a longtime Ottawa arts journalist. He was curious about the growing number of women serving in senior jobs in Canadian galleries.
All these pieces are great reads and I am grateful for each person's work.
I encourage you to read not only about your own community, but also to pull the wrapping off your regional silo and delve into what’s happening elsewhere in the West.
With best wishes for the New Year,
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE: Stacey Abramson, Paul Gessell, Fish Griwkowsky, Michael Peterson, Dorothy Woodend, Katherine Ylitalo