Jean Ann Berkenpas
Visual Artist
Valemount, BC
www.jeanannberkenpas.com
 

Artist Statement:
I believe that our landscapes have stories to tell. My paintings are meditations on the beauty of nature and the stories of the human and nonhuman creatures that are a part of it. My artwork is based upon my observation, experience and knowledge of the living landscapes of western Canada. 

 

Of particular interest are the Canadian Rockies and animals close to my hometown of Valemount BC, as well as the National and Provincial Parks where I have had the pleasure to explore. With my art I aim to bring to light stories hidden in our most beautiful places, and ultimately draw viewers into a deeper connection with nature. 

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Artists Bio:

Jean Ann Berkenpas is a self-taught artist residing in the small picturesque mountain village of Valemount BC, in the ancestral territory of the Simpcw and Lheidli T’enneh First Nations. Art has always been a form of entertainment, self-expression, and part of family life. Her love of nature and the outdoors led to a career in professional sport as a member of the Canadian Mountain Bike Team. She also completed both Science and Education Degrees at Simon Fraser University. Studying wildlife, plant, and marine biology in the field was the highlight of her education, and she always enjoyed drawing specimens in the lab and field. In 2013, She and her husband moved back to Valemount and onto her grandparents homestead, where they currently operate a permaculture farm and market garden. The winters provide an opportunity to paint, and she has recently developed a body of work focused on local landscapes and wildlife. Her preferred medium is acrylic, although she also works in watercolour, pen and ink, pencil, and wool grown on their farm.