Peter Vogelaar
Rebirth
Inspired by the strong Doukhobor community of the Kootenays, I thought I would try creating a Matryoshka with local flavour. The theme of regeneration after a forest fire carries right up from the sculpted concrete tree trunk. I was able to use some Yukon jade in her necklace, This was my second mosaic piece and was a co-winner of the People's Choice award in 2021
Rebirth - back
I created the design as I went, just sketching out the elements with chalk. It was a very time consuming project, but I am very happy with the results. I see more opportunities to create work that combines the welded steel and mosaic.
Metamorphosis
I was inspired by images of dancers wearing Monarch butterfly cloaks. It started out "russian" but I made her Ukrainian. Look closely to see her embroidered blouse, sunflowers and the blue and yellow in the skirt.
Metamorphosis - back
This one was an evolution as well. I worked in a variety of foliage motifs and then let the bottom of the caterpillar go into a pixelated jungle. After a year on exhibit in Oak Bay, it is now in Penticton for 2023.