"Oh Takaya" by Coral Poser
Artist Statement
“During Covid, I began a series of mandala painting/drawings as a way to cope with isolation. Sitting in my studio, I invited guidance. I was gifted over the months with 12 different animal images. One night, sitting still at my table....waiting....I received an unexpected image of a wolf head with piercing eyes. I started drawing. The next morning I awoke to the news of Takaya’s shooting. I watched Cheryl Alexander’s film about his life. I realized that receiving my drawing was a gift from Takaya. I am sharing my gift with you along with a fervent wish for our acceptance for all beings. Takaya’s life strikes a tender chord in my heart. His courage, his solitariness, his willingness to adapt to an environment not well suited for wolves. Takaya meant people no harm. He was living his life on his own terms. I so admire his spirit!”
Artist Bio
Coral grew up in Montreal. She had the good fortune as a young person to take art classes offered at the Art Museum with Arthur Lismer! She had no idea at the time that he was a famous Group of Seven painter. She just loved going to paint with him on Saturday mornings. In the mid ‘70’s she began her foundation in art studies in the 2 year Arts Plastique program at Dawson C.E.G.E.P. Then she moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the B.F.A. studio arts program at UBC. She graduated with a scholarship award in 1979. Thinking that she would probably teach art and travel, she completed her teacher certification in the Professional Development Program at SFU. She taught adult continuing education life drawing classes at Capilano College. She taught children in Nigeria, West Africa. She painted backdrop scenes for Vancouver theatre companies. She painted nature displays for parks. She illustrated children activity manuals for teachers. She wrote exhibition reviews for Vanguard Magazine. She continues to exhibit her art in solo and group shows wherever she dwells. She is intrigued with watercolour paints and crayons. Her backpack is stocked with a small watercolour set and a sketchbook. She has a basket full of these books. She enjoys sketching passing moments as a way to become more present. Drawing is her meditation practice. She is grateful for this gift she carries, as it is a precious mirror.
Artist Statement
“During Covid, I began a series of mandala painting/drawings as a way to cope with isolation. Sitting in my studio, I invited guidance. I was gifted over the months with 12 different animal images. One night, sitting still at my table....waiting....I received an unexpected image of a wolf head with piercing eyes. I started drawing. The next morning I awoke to the news of Takaya’s shooting. I watched Cheryl Alexander’s film about his life. I realized that receiving my drawing was a gift from Takaya. I am sharing my gift with you along with a fervent wish for our acceptance for all beings. Takaya’s life strikes a tender chord in my heart. His courage, his solitariness, his willingness to adapt to an environment not well suited for wolves. Takaya meant people no harm. He was living his life on his own terms. I so admire his spirit!”
Artist Bio
Coral grew up in Montreal. She had the good fortune as a young person to take art classes offered at the Art Museum with Arthur Lismer! She had no idea at the time that he was a famous Group of Seven painter. She just loved going to paint with him on Saturday mornings. In the mid ‘70’s she began her foundation in art studies in the 2 year Arts Plastique program at Dawson C.E.G.E.P. Then she moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the B.F.A. studio arts program at UBC. She graduated with a scholarship award in 1979. Thinking that she would probably teach art and travel, she completed her teacher certification in the Professional Development Program at SFU. She taught adult continuing education life drawing classes at Capilano College. She taught children in Nigeria, West Africa. She painted backdrop scenes for Vancouver theatre companies. She painted nature displays for parks. She illustrated children activity manuals for teachers. She wrote exhibition reviews for Vanguard Magazine. She continues to exhibit her art in solo and group shows wherever she dwells. She is intrigued with watercolour paints and crayons. Her backpack is stocked with a small watercolour set and a sketchbook. She has a basket full of these books. She enjoys sketching passing moments as a way to become more present. Drawing is her meditation practice. She is grateful for this gift she carries, as it is a precious mirror.
Artist Statement
“During Covid, I began a series of mandala painting/drawings as a way to cope with isolation. Sitting in my studio, I invited guidance. I was gifted over the months with 12 different animal images. One night, sitting still at my table....waiting....I received an unexpected image of a wolf head with piercing eyes. I started drawing. The next morning I awoke to the news of Takaya’s shooting. I watched Cheryl Alexander’s film about his life. I realized that receiving my drawing was a gift from Takaya. I am sharing my gift with you along with a fervent wish for our acceptance for all beings. Takaya’s life strikes a tender chord in my heart. His courage, his solitariness, his willingness to adapt to an environment not well suited for wolves. Takaya meant people no harm. He was living his life on his own terms. I so admire his spirit!”
Artist Bio
Coral grew up in Montreal. She had the good fortune as a young person to take art classes offered at the Art Museum with Arthur Lismer! She had no idea at the time that he was a famous Group of Seven painter. She just loved going to paint with him on Saturday mornings. In the mid ‘70’s she began her foundation in art studies in the 2 year Arts Plastique program at Dawson C.E.G.E.P. Then she moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the B.F.A. studio arts program at UBC. She graduated with a scholarship award in 1979. Thinking that she would probably teach art and travel, she completed her teacher certification in the Professional Development Program at SFU. She taught adult continuing education life drawing classes at Capilano College. She taught children in Nigeria, West Africa. She painted backdrop scenes for Vancouver theatre companies. She painted nature displays for parks. She illustrated children activity manuals for teachers. She wrote exhibition reviews for Vanguard Magazine. She continues to exhibit her art in solo and group shows wherever she dwells. She is intrigued with watercolour paints and crayons. Her backpack is stocked with a small watercolour set and a sketchbook. She has a basket full of these books. She enjoys sketching passing moments as a way to become more present. Drawing is her meditation practice. She is grateful for this gift she carries, as it is a precious mirror.