The <strong>Alberta</strong> Foundation for the <strong>Art</strong>s Travelling Exhibition Program <strong>Art</strong>ist and Curator Biographies/Statements Jason Carter Jason Carter is one <strong>of</strong> Canada’s most exciting and accomplished visual artists. At the age <strong>of</strong> 31 he was the only artist in <strong>Alberta</strong> to have had a feature showing at <strong>Alberta</strong> House on <strong>Alberta</strong> Day at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, and as such, was publicly acknowledged by the Honorable Lindsay Blackett at an International Press Conference kicking <strong>of</strong>f the event. Jason has had three solo shows in the past two years and has been commissioned by the Winter Light Festival two years in a row to design a billboard for their promotional campaign. His work can be found in dozens <strong>of</strong> private collections (Mayor Stephen Mandel, Edmonton; the <strong>Alberta</strong> Foundation for the <strong>Art</strong>s collection; Alice Major; and Rogers Media to name a few) as well as several exciting public collections, including the Edmonton International Airport where he created a mural which resides above the International Departures Gate. On April 16, 2011, Jason launched his first children’s book, ‘Who Is Boo: The Curious Tales <strong>of</strong> One Trickster Rabbit’ (based on the character inspiraton <strong>of</strong> Nanabozho) at the Royal <strong>Alberta</strong> Museum. Recent exhibitions included Jasper: The Canvas and Stone Series in Jasper, <strong>Alberta</strong> (2011), as well as A Year <strong>of</strong> the Rabbit (2011) in Edmonton. His work is currently represented by The Bearclaw <strong>Gallery</strong>, Edmonton; Nativeart <strong>Gallery</strong>, Oakville, Ontario; and The Carter-Ryan <strong>Gallery</strong>, Canmore, <strong>Alberta</strong>. Jason Carter lives and works in Edmonton and is a member <strong>of</strong> the Little Red River Cree Nation. Jason Carter: <strong>Art</strong>ist’s Statement Being an artist who divides their time equally between painting and carving, I have been gifted with the opportunity to express myself through two mediums, stone and canvas, and both I approach with humor and optimism. In the world we live in, there is much to be cynical about, but I have found an outlet that I, myself, gather much joy and light, and am so fortunae to be able to pass that joy on. As an Aboriginal man from the Little Red River Cree Nation, I gather much inspiration from the stories passed on by elders within my community, stories that have evolved and changed, some documented, some not, but the essence <strong>of</strong> these characters are passed on through the years. As an artist, I am inspired by the essence <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> these characters and then, in keeping with the tradition <strong>of</strong> my indigenous roots, create new stories filled with wonder and morals, and bring them to life through my chosen medium, canvas and stone with written word. As a contemporary Aboriginal artist in pursuit <strong>of</strong> becoming my true authentic self (in this ever evolving culture), I am aware that much <strong>of</strong> my craft comes from an innate ability that I have been born with, and believe this to be a blessing and a responsibility, both <strong>of</strong> which I take very seriously. I am continuously using my gift to create new stories inspired from traditional characters with my stone and canvas. I seek inspiration from the past as I create a bold and colourful future. I have fearlessly painted animals big and small. I am drawn to paint with colours that many would not. I believe in the empty space on canvas. I believe that colour can give us something image can not. Conversely, I enjoy breaking down the most complex animals to the very essence <strong>of</strong> their being. I have, to a certain degree, defined my paintings through these terms. Until now I have always wanted to paint a mountain. The inspiration I have found in the Rocky AFA Travelling Exhibition Program, Edmonton, AB. Ph: 780.428.3830 Fax: 780.421.0479 youraga.ca
The <strong>Alberta</strong> Foundation for the <strong>Art</strong>s Travelling Exhibition Program <strong>Art</strong>ist and Curator Biographies/Statements Mountains as <strong>of</strong> late, the feeling <strong>of</strong> largeness and smallness at the same time, and always peaceful, has led me to a new place in my work. It was time to take the leap; combine essence with certainty, blends with bold and move forward. People have commented that they find a certain ‘happiness’ with my work. I truly hope you can feel the joy in it as well. AFA Travelling Exhibition Program, Edmonton, AB. Ph: 780.428.3830 Fax: 780.421.0479 youraga.ca
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