Sotto Voce, when translated means “under voice” and denotes an intentional lowering of the volume of oneʼs voice for emphasis. Used within the context of the title of this exhibition, it is meant to draw attention to the quiet, yet prolific and determined artistic practices of these two female artists who reside in the Okanagan - Lake Country and
Vernon, respectively.
For this exhibition, both Lock and Norris have created bold new bodies of work - large canvases; bright, bold use of colour and exploration into new ideas and concepts.
“Itʼs been interesting in my dialogue with both Wanda and Destanne leading up to this exhibition, that serendipitously, new things were happening in both of their studios”, comments Katie Brennan, Lake Country Art Gallery Curator. “They both have some really exciting new work to present that Iʼm thrilled to be bringing to the Lake Country
Art Gallery”.
Wanda Lockʼs work has long been rooted in personal histories and her interactions
with them. In this new body of work, the setting of where these personal histories take
place has taken the form of discreet rooms, somewhat akin to theatrical sets, in which
the narrative takes on tones of both the real and the surreal simultaneously.
Destanne Norris is also interested in personal histories, but more so in their terrain
and landscape. In this new body of work, her attention returns mapping her state of
being in large abstract paintings that incorporate icon like elements to point the way.
On Wednesday April 2nd at 7pm, Lock and Norris will present an Artist Walk and Talk,
in which they will each speak more about their new bodies of work, past influences
and how personal history and voice plays a role in their art making.
On Saturday, April 5th, the Lake Country Art Gallery welcomes Hanss Luhan and Kayti
Barkved for an art history talk and discussion on Women in Art at 3pm. This lecture will
explore the representation of women in art, looking at women as subjects in art,
producers of art and the development of feminist art. A discussion that touches on the
work of Lock and Norris will follow, with the artists in attendance to comment.
There will be an opening reception for Sotto Voceon Wednesday March 26th from 6 -
8pm. Both artists will be in attendance. This event is free and open to the public