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Take a Peak: Autumn Skye Morrison

Local painter explores new visions
Autumn Skye Morrison
Autumn Skye Morrison

While Autumn Skye Morrison’s artwork is immediately recognizable, it is not easily critiqued. The Powell River artist, who goes by the professional name Autumn Skye, paints in the style of visionary art, which is influenced by schools of symbolism, cubism, surrealism and psychedelic art. Morrison gravitates toward earthy tones and explores themes that are spiritual, mystical and inwardly aware.

What is visionary art?
Visionary art aims to transcend the physical world and offer a wider vision of existence through images of spiritual, mystical, energetic, new age and transformational experiences. I’ve always been challenged by labels and trying to fit myself or others into tidy categories. However, if I was to choose a movement of art that my work aligns with, it would be visionary.

Would you say your art expresses a spiritual feminism?
I do not consciously intend to paint only women or specifically portray feminist images. I paint what I am inspired and moved to paint and what feels authentic. Perhaps it is because I am a woman, or because of the current rise of the goddess and healing of the feminine in our culture and world at large, that feminine figures are so prominent in my work.

Do you recall what first inspired you to start painting and how you became interested in creative expression?
I can’t really pinpoint what first compelled me. My mom says that before I could talk or walk I was making pictures. I was blessed with total support for my artistic exploration while growing up. There was never a doubt of who I was and what I was here to do.

What advice would you give to young artists just starting out?
Explore the world, go to museums and galleries and study the works of the old masters. Sketch, take notes, notice what you like and don’t like and identify why. Ask questions and be curious, then let it all go and experiment, break the rules, play and take risks. I also highly recommend attending live-figure drawing. Draw what you see, not what you think is there. Also, it is so important to actually use high-quality paints and brushes. If you are using cheap pigments they will only turn to mud colour when mixed, and cheap brushes will only give you trouble.

For more information, go to autumnskyemorrison.com.