In this episode of Art on the Island Maureen Bader talks to artists Hannah Petkau and Francesca Belcourt. Both Hannah and Francesca grew up on Cortes Island and come back every summer to connect with people here.
Hannah and Francesca have a collaborative show on at the Schoolhouse Gallery between
July 26 and August 4 called Pooling. This show is a collection of what lures
them back to the Island and carries them forward. The work reflects the
experiences that shape the trajectory of their work.
Hannah has been an artist for a long as she can remember and Francesca joined in with Hannah once they got to know each other her on the Island as children. Both Hannah and Francesca talk about their
background, including an artist residency in Spain. Hannah strives for balance
in her artwork and this is reflected in her life.
Both have worked in many media Francesca’s parents are artists so art was a big part of her childhood, and she has taken on a graphic sense and is interested in illustration. Listen as Francesca talks about how she was drawn to music. Francesca has been recording since she was nine and learned about music production in High School in Campbell River. Francesca has been self-producing music since then and continues today in her home in London, England.
Hannah talks about how she developed her sculptures - by collecting items over the years - and how the arrangement references a garden in bloom, an ocean ecosystem and a collective of people gathered in celebration.
Francesca designed the sound component of the show, with three main sections of the piece that reference different childhood memories.
They worked collaboratively on a series of drawings, from small to large.
You can hear Francesca’s music at Belcamp.com/francescabelcourt and spotify.
