Visual artist Kerensa Haynes moved to Powell River in 2012 with her partner, Chris McDonough, who is originally from here. Haynes was born in London, England, and lived in a number of different places before settling in Canada. She began her career with figurative drawing. Since arriving in Powell River, Haynes has new found inspiration in the landscape and painting with oil on canvas. She will be showing a piece at Kaleidoscope Collective’s upcoming show, I Am: A Creative Community Expression.
How did you and Chris meet?
It was kind of a random occurrence. We met in 2001 in Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom, partying basically, with Roger Sanchez DJing. I would never have imagined myself to be anywhere like Powell River and, of course, I’ve totally fallen in love with it.
What attracts you to painting landscapes?
It wasn’t until I moved to Powell River around 2012. I was not a landscape painter. It’s not the literal landscape. Who knows if the landscape would have happened if I hadn’t been placed in the landscape? I’m an intuitive type of painter, like a lot of artists. I don’t know if you can put me in a box.
Who are your influences?
It’s more the old masters; I was really interested in Rembrandt and Caravaggio. I went on to study modern art and more the Picassos, Surrealists, Dada and getting into Jenny Saville. I’m influenced by so many; there’s too many to name, really. Gerhard Richter is an influence in terms of the way he broke the idea that artists had to do one thing and it had to be one way.
How have you found the arts community in Powell River?
It’s thriving and beautiful. I’ve been welcomed by Meghan Hildebrand, Autumn Skye Morrison, Adam Cramb, Luke Ramsey and all the artists. It’s nice to have that support because it can be very isolating experience otherwise.
For more information, go to kerensahaynes.com.
