Years in the making, artist and author Joanne Thomson celebrates the launch of 300 Mason Jars with an official launch in Victoria and presentation in Sooke.
The collection of Thomson’s watercolour images shares the fragmented history of one family’s hope, challenge, failure, and persistence. Combining still-life painting with visual storytelling, the Victoria artist presents everyday artifacts – from flowers to fruits, tools to toys, and photographs to farm equipment – and places them in, on, beside, or behind a glass jar.
Carefully gathered from the artist’s family members and the natural environments where they lived, the simple objects in this collection represent the depth and complexity of daily life. Arranged thematically, the pieces explore traditional gender roles, the issue of food security in times of scarcity, renewal and hope presented by the bounty of nature, treasures passed down through generations, and the looming presence of family secrets.
“300 Mason Jars is a deeply thoughtful and artistic exploration of all that I hold dear—familial love, labours of love, storytelling, and love of nature. Joanne Thomson awakens one's senses and memory banks with her art and words while using humour to enliven her complicated yet familiar Canadian story,” artist and naturalist Robert Bateman said in a news release.
The official book launch is Nov. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Kearley Room at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Those who miss it can take a trip west for the free author talk and presentation Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Sooke Region Museum. Books and artist cards are available in the gift shop and some of the original watercolours will be on display.
