Favourite back label writings by artist Mark heine

Coastal reflections...

For a while now, I've come to realize that artwork has essentially become a chronicle of life on the West Coast of Canada. The vehicle of art is unique, in that it can capture not just the visual, but the emotional, cultural and spiritual. The care it takes to paint and exhibit a single moment, speaks to the world... this is special to me, is it for you? Does it take you somewhere else in time, sparking memories and emotions?

I endeavour to showcase iconic moments of my life and the lives of my children. My purpose is to recognize the special moments and capture them on canvas. Preserving it for my myself, my children and my audience, for those living on the coast so we can all celebrate life here. For distant friends too, sharing a taste the west coast lifestyle. I hope it makes the world a smaller, friendlier place. Through social media and the comments of distant friends, I've come to understand that although the scenery and politics may be different, we have much in common.

Cultures and lifestyles change rapidly. My artist father, Harry Heine, RSMA,CSMA, NWWS (1928-2006), spent his life recording his vision of life on the west coast, primarily through the depiction of working life on the water. Commercial fishing, logging, transport were his focus. But in the few years since his passing, much of that is gone. However it can still be re-visited in his many works of art that endure. Today's contemporary, quickly becomes tomorrows history. What I'm painting now will soon be memory.

A key element to my process of making art is the writing of the back labels that accompany each painting. It's something that started as brief descriptions for gallery staff, but soon evolved to become part of the art itself. My painting tend to inspire the writing, but on occasion the idea for the writing inspires the painting. Like the chef with his seasonings, it all adds to the flavour.