Dawn Saunders Dahl

ALL images are property of DAWN SAUNDERS DAHL and are NOT to be used, copied or reproduced in anyway without expressed / written permission of the artist.


"Farm Women of Alberta"

July 25 - September 27, 2009

Opening Reception will be on July 26, 2009 Meet the Artist Coffee Party

Red Deer and District Museum

4525-47A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta


Inspired by Alberta’s Centennial celebrations, I will embark on a journey to record and research the lives of unrecognized rural women from Alberta’s present agricultural milieu in order to produce a body of mixed media art work combining the documentary genres of photography, sound recording, and portraiture. This project will be exhibited in the fall of 2007 in two central Alberta communities, Camrose and Botha (Stettler)and at the Red Deer and District Museum in 2009.


Agriculture has been a vital industry to our province and I have recognized that rural women have been indispensable to its development. These women met opportunity with passion and faced their challenges with initiative and the unwavering desire to build something better for their families and community. As the province of Alberta was formed one hundred years ago, women were in the fields, breaking land and making homes. I grew up in the farming communities of Camrose and Stettler, surrounded by strong women, where this strong work ethic has continued to be an essential, but forgotten, force on the farm. It is my aim to examine the idea of rural life, its myths and truths, as well as enhance awareness about its slow disappearance. There are many perceptions about rural life being an idyllic, peaceful lifestyle, which is true in some aspects and occurs to a certain degree. I seek to portray different views of farm life, including imagery in the unfolding narratives as told by these women. These images will reflect the hardships and stresses that have become reflected in their hands, faces and language to emulate a sense of the immediate and the actual, of these womens’ perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. By focusing my practice on these role models, and acknowledging their influence on my own experience, I strive to create an awareness of their courage and strength.


This project will reflect a sense of the immediate and the actual, of their perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. The portraits will be of the small gestures, quirks, glances and fleeting moments are reflective of their daily lives. In these portraits these women will be dressed in jeans, sweatshirts and trucker hats, with their precious tools from the farm, such as milk pails, garden hoes, work gloves and pitch forks. Through these portraits and interviews, these women will be celebrated for their contributions to the rich agricultural tradition and history of this province. By collaborating with these women and asking them how they would like to see themselves portrayed, the work will emphasize their ideas and values about life, family, farming, Alberta and art. In essence, this project will be snapshots of women who lead busy lives, paying homage to their strengths and the rich legacy they have left for their children and community.

"Farm Women Of Alberta"

November 1 - 30, 2007

Opening Recepetion

6:00 - 8:00 pm November 8, 2007

The Chuck MacLean Arts Centre

4806-52 Street

Camrose, Alberta

780.672.9949


"Farm Women of Alberta"

July 25 - September 27, 2009

Opening Reception will be on July 26, 2009 Meet the Artist Coffee Party

Red Deer and District Museum

4525-47A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta


Inspired by Alberta’s Centennial celebrations, I will embark on a journey to record and research the lives of unrecognized rural women from Alberta’s present agricultural milieu in order to produce a body of mixed media art work combining the documentary genres of photography, sound recording, and portraiture. This project will be exhibited in the fall of 2007 in two central Alberta communities, Camrose and Botha (Stettler)and at the Red Deer and District Museum in 2009.


Agriculture has been a vital industry to our province and I have recognized that rural women have been indispensable to its development. These women met opportunity with passion and faced their challenges with initiative and the unwavering desire to build something better for their families and community. As the province of Alberta was formed one hundred years ago, women were in the fields, breaking land and making homes. I grew up in the farming communities of Camrose and Stettler, surrounded by strong women, where this strong work ethic has continued to be an essential, but forgotten, force on the farm. It is my aim to examine the idea of rural life, its myths and truths, as well as enhance awareness about its slow disappearance. There are many perceptions about rural life being an idyllic, peaceful lifestyle, which is true in some aspects and occurs to a certain degree. I seek to portray different views of farm life, including imagery in the unfolding narratives as told by these women. These images will reflect the hardships and stresses that have become reflected in their hands, faces and language to emulate a sense of the immediate and the actual, of these womens’ perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. By focusing my practice on these role models, and acknowledging their influence on my own experience, I strive to create an awareness of their courage and strength.


This project will reflect a sense of the immediate and the actual, of their perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. The portraits will be of the small gestures, quirks, glances and fleeting moments are reflective of their daily lives. In these portraits these women will be dressed in jeans, sweatshirts and trucker hats, with their precious tools from the farm, such as milk pails, garden hoes, work gloves and pitch forks. Through these portraits and interviews, these women will be celebrated for their contributions to the rich agricultural tradition and history of this province. By collaborating with these women and asking them how they would like to see themselves portrayed, the work will emphasize their ideas and values about life, family, farming, Alberta and art. In essence, this project will be snapshots of women who lead busy lives, paying homage to their strengths and the rich legacy they have left for their children and community.

The Canadian Portrait - a Juried Exhibition from the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists

July 29 to September 24, 2006

Opening Reception July 30, 2006

4525-47A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta

The Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists (CIPA) was created in 199 by Vancouver artist, Daniel Izzard and his wife Pilar. They have grown from 13 local artists to nearly 100 members across the country. They strive to create an environment of fellowship and mutual support for artists, critics and individuals interested in portraiture.


"Farm Women Of Alberta"

August 1 - 7, 2007

Opening Recpetion August 1, 2007

Botha, Alberta

Botha Community Hall


"Farm Women of Alberta"

September 12- September 29,2007

Opening Recpetion September 16, 2007

The Chuck MacLean Arts Centre

Camrose, Alberta


"Farm Women of Alberta"

July 25 - September 27, 2009

Opening Reception will be on July 26, 2009 Meet the Artist Coffee Party

Red Deer and District Museum

4525-47A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta


Inspired by Alberta’s Centennial celebrations, I will embark on a journey to record and research the lives of unrecognized rural women from Alberta’s present agricultural milieu in order to produce a body of mixed media art work combining the documentary genres of photography, sound recording, and portraiture. This project will be exhibited in the fall of 2007 in two central Alberta communities, Camrose and Botha (Stettler)and at the Red Deer and District Museum in 2009.


Agriculture has been a vital industry to our province and I have recognized that rural women have been indispensable to its development. These women met opportunity with passion and faced their challenges with initiative and the unwavering desire to build something better for their families and community. As the province of Alberta was formed one hundred years ago, women were in the fields, breaking land and making homes. I grew up in the farming communities of Camrose and Stettler, surrounded by strong women, where this strong work ethic has continued to be an essential, but forgotten, force on the farm. It is my aim to examine the idea of rural life, its myths and truths, as well as enhance awareness about its slow disappearance. There are many perceptions about rural life being an idyllic, peaceful lifestyle, which is true in some aspects and occurs to a certain degree. I seek to portray different views of farm life, including imagery in the unfolding narratives as told by these women. These images will reflect the hardships and stresses that have become reflected in their hands, faces and language to emulate a sense of the immediate and the actual, of these womens’ perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. By focusing my practice on these role models, and acknowledging their influence on my own experience, I strive to create an awareness of their courage and strength.


This project will reflect a sense of the immediate and the actual, of their perceptions and realities, and of life unfolding as it really is. The portraits will be of the small gestures, quirks, glances and fleeting moments are reflective of their daily lives. In these portraits these women will be dressed in jeans, sweatshirts and trucker hats, with their precious tools from the farm, such as milk pails, garden hoes, work gloves and pitch forks. Through these portraits and interviews, these women will be celebrated for their contributions to the rich agricultural tradition and history of this province. By collaborating with these women and asking them how they would like to see themselves portrayed, the work will emphasize their ideas and values about life, family, farming, Alberta and art. In essence, this project will be snapshots of women who lead busy lives, paying homage to their strengths and the rich legacy they have left for their children and community.

The Paintings of Anne and Kelly will be shown in the Canadian Portrait: a Juried Exhibit from the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists Donors Gallery at the Red Deer and District Museum. The exhibit will be held from July 29 to September 24.
4525-47a Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

DAWN SAUNDERS DAHL, B.F.A.
CURRICULUM VITAE

Education
Alberta College of Art and Design. Calgary, AB. 1996 - 1999
Bachelor of Fine Art Degree Ceramics 1999
Bachelor of Fine Art Degree Painting 1998
Minor in Art History and English

Red Deer College. Red Deer, AB.
Art and Design Diploma 1993 - 1996

Selected Group Exhibitions
Alberta Farm Women Red Deer and District Arts Museum Red Deer, AB. 2009
Alberta Farm Women Chuck MacLean Arts Centre Camrose, AB. 2007
Alberta Farm Women Botha Hall, Stettler, AB. 2007
The Canadian Portrait Red Deer and District Museum, Red Deer, AB. 2006
Gun Powder on Tigers Teeth Arts Hab. Edmonton, AB. 2005
An Indelible Era The Works Festival. Edmonton, AB.2005
Untitled Flesh Triangle Gallery. Untitled Art Society Calgary, AB. 2004
10thAnniversary Untitled Art Society Calgary, AB.2004
Art City Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2004
Art Park Meredith Rd, Calgary, AB.2003
Art City Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2003
Art City Art Walk event. Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2002
In The Mud lII Juried by Garry Williams. Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2002
Art City Art Walk. Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2001
Journey Untitled members exhibition. The Works Festival. Edmonton, AB. 2001
Art Park Emerald Café, Calgary, AB. 2001
In The Mud l Juried by Greg Payce. Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2002
No.3 Eau Claire Market. Untitled members’ exhibition. Calgary, AB. 2001
Showtime Jubilee Auditorium. Untitled members’ exhibition. Calgary, AB. 2001
Open Windows Untitled members show. Devonian Art Gardens. Calgary, AB. 2001
Art Park Emerald Café, Calgary, AB. 2000
Art Walk Untitled members exhibition. Calgary, AB. 2000
Self Portraits Centre Gallery. Calgary, AB. 2000

Solo Exhibitions
TN’T Television, Nipples and Truth Spur Gallery. Combine. Calgary, AB. 2003
Mnemonics The Works Festival. Edmonton, AB. 2002
Mnemonics CAMAC. Marnay-sur-Seine, France. 2002
New Works Untitled +15 Window Space. Calgary, AB. 2000
Monkey’s on the Ladder Lebensraum Gallery. ACAD. Calgary, AB. 1998
Human Essence Marion Nichol Gallery. ACAD. Calgary, AB. 1997

Residencies, Conferences and Courses
Artist residency program. CAMAC, Marnay-sur-Seine, France. 2002
1000 Miles Apart. Annual ceramic conference. Regina, SASK. 2000
NCECA Annual ceramic conference. Columbus, Ohio. 1999
1000 Miles Apart. Annual ceramic conference. Medicine Hat, AB. 1998
Summer Artists in Residency Program. Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB. 1997
1000 Miles Apart. Annual ceramic conference. Red Deer, AB. 1997
Summer Artists in Residency Program. Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB. 1996
1000 Miles Apart. Annual ceramic conference. Regina, SASK. 1996
Summer Artists in Residency Program. Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB. 1995


Collections
“Portrait” Oil on canvas. Collection of Tara McAdam. Calgary, AB. 2005
“Gord” Oil on canvas. Collection of Dolores Maisonneuve. London, UK. 2005
“Self Portrait” Oil on canvas. Collection of Kathryn Dodds. Chicago, Illinois. 2004
“Untitled” Oil on canvas. Collection of Sullivan Alba. Calgary, AB. 2003
“Untitled” Oil on canvas. Collection of Robin Harnish. Calgary, Alberta. 2003
“Untitled” Oil on canvas. Collection of Erik Jacobson. Calgary, Alberta. 2003
“Virgin Anne" Mixed on canvas. Collection of Dolores Maisonnueve. London, UK. 2003
“Self Portrait" Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Edmonton, AB. 2002
“Self Portrait” Oil on canvas. Collection of Kathryn Dodds. Chicago, Illinois. 2002
Four murals City Roast Coffee. Red Deer, Alberta. 2002
“Grandkids” Collection of Robert and Karen Brown. Calgary, Alberta. 2002
“Fall Children" Collection of Stephen and Lisa Gilmour. Calgary, Alberta. 2002
“Self Portrait.” Oil on canvas. Collection of Kathryn Dodds. Chicago, Illinois. 2001
“Refugee” Oil on canvas. Collection of Kathryn Dodds. Chicago, Illinois. 2001
“Tyler Gamey” Oil on canvas. Collection of Nancy and Ron Gamey. London, UK. 1998
“Tyler Gamey” Conte on paper. Collection of Nancy and Ron Gamey. London, UK. 1998

Events and Exhibitions Curated and Coordinated
Curator “An Indelible Era” The Works Art Festival. Edmonton, AB. 2005
Curator “Bats in the Belfry” The Works Art Festival. Edmonton, AB. 2004
Event Coordinator “New Abstractions” Maggie Cole exhibit. Calgary, AB. 2004
Gallery Coordinator Untitled Art Society. Calgary, AB. 2000-2003
Event Coordinator “Artistic Aid” Bankers Hall. UAS and Jewish Family Services. Calgary, AB. 2002
Coordinator “In The Mud III” Gary Williams - Curator. UAS. Calgary, AB. 2002
Coordinator Organized travel scholarship fund - UAS. Calgary, AB. 2002
Coordinator “In the Mud II” Dianne Sullivan - Curator. UAS. 2001
1000 Miles Apart Ceramic conference at ACAD. Calgary, AB.
Coordinator “Journey.” UAS members’ exhibit. The Works Festival. Edmonton, AB. 2001
Event Coordinator “Something Bohemian.” Open House. Calgary, AB. 2001
Curator “Inn2Art.” Kensington Riverside Inn. Calgary, AB. 2001
Coordinator “In The Mud ’ – Juried by Greg Payce. UAS. Calgary, AB. 2000
Coordinator “Introspection.” The Works Festival. Edmonton, AB. 1996
Coordinator “Exhibition and Sale.” Red Deer Art Gallery. Red Deer, AB. 1996
Coordinator “Recent Work by Red Deer College Students” Art Walk. 1996

I was born in Edmonton, Alberta and resided there for six years. My family and I then moved to Camrose, Alberta onto a small acreage and then onto a milk farm outside of Stettler, Alberta Living in the country in such a large, quiet space and working hard on a farm has affected my outlook towards life and my personal work ethic.

I attended Red Deer College from 1993-1996, where two instructors immensely influenced what I created and how I thought about art. Anna Loseva was my painting instructor, a Russian who had an intense technical background that specialized in Old Master painting and drawing techniques. Charles Wissinger was my ceramic instructor, who brought his own values and views into the class of what art and life meant to him

After Red Deer College I entered the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary. I received my Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the painting program in 1998. In 1999 I continued my education at ACAD and received my Bachelor of Fine Art degree in ceramics. After graduation I was the gallery co-ordinator for Untitled Art Society, an artist run co-operative in Calgary. Today I continue to organize various group shows within other venues in Calgary and Edmonton.

I attended CAMAC Center D’Art, an artist residency program one hour south of Paris, France. For two months I had the opportunity to continue to create work, visit contemporary galleries and artist run centers in France and London, England. I exhibited Mnemonics in France and upon my return to Canada I exhibited Mnemonics again at The Works Festival in Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta Farm Women will be presented at the Red Deer Museum in July of 2009.

Artist Statement

“We are all like babies and magpies – attracted to the glittery and bright eye candy helps to keep us enraptured.” Jen Budney on Laurie Anderson

While MTV-711-fastfood-culture image bombardment may be the fastest, most marketable way to publish a message, fine art is an enticing and engaging method of communication. Our world has become so overloaded with imagery, which many of us are subjected to on a daily basis, it leaves us little time to assimilate and evaluate the information. My visual foundation, inspired by life in the real world, evokes moods and memories that reveal a playground of personal revelations. It is my wish that the viewer can relate to my paintings through their own memories and dreams.

Awards and Honors
Recipient - Alberta Creative Development Initiative Canada Council/Alberta Foundation for the Arts 2008
Recipient - Edmonton Arts Council for Alberta Farm Women 2007
Recipient - Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grant for Alberta Farm Women 2007
Recipient - travel scholarship - artist residency program. UAS. Calgary, AB. 2002
Recipient - Cloudline Environmental Foundation grant - CAMAC. Cochrane, AB. 2002
Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant-to attend ACAD’s painting program. Calgary, AB. 1997
Received grant to attend Artists in Residency. Red Deer College. Red Deer, AB. 1997
Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant – to attend Red Deer College. Red Deer, AB. 1996
Received grant to attend Artists in Residency. Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB. 1996
Norma E. McNamara Award. Red Deer College. Red Deer, AB. 1995
Student Achiever. Kite Foundation. Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB. 1995
Received grant to attend Artists in Residency. Red Deer College. Red Deer, AB. 1995