By Times Chronicle Staff
February’s First Friday Art Walk in downtown Osoyoos will see two artists grace the walls of the C21 Pop-Up Gallery. Ben Kuypers and Larry Thor Hunter will both be showing some of their works at the gallery, and both artists will be on hand at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6.
Kuypers is a Canadian artist and designer with a rich and diverse background. Born in Holland and trained in Toronto, he began his creative journey at art school there, then expanded his skills in advertising and print media.
His journey took a technical turn when he trained in welding, acquiring a mastery of technical drafting and fabrication. This experience, combined with years of designing high-end custom kitchens, bathrooms, and interiors, has given him a distinctive blend of creative and technical expertise.
Kuypers describes his creative approach as being informed by an “extensive visual vocabulary, developed through years of formal art training, commercial artistry, and residential design.”
Ben Kuypers painting.
Contributed photo
He notes that his artistic drive continuously pushes him to refine and expand his techniques. This leads him to explore new styles and genres that keep his work fresh, innovative, and expressive.
“Art is a process of transformation, taking ideas and spaces and elevating them into something extraordinary,” he says. His work often revitalizes traditional styles with modern details, he explains, while his exploration of contemporary genres pushes creative boundaries.
“The goal is always to create work that is both imaginative and meticulously crafted, offering clients an experience that is as inspiring as it is visually striking.”
Meanwhile, for artist Larry Thor Hunter, it was growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s, Mid Century Modern era – a 30-year span of design from approximately 1945 to 1975 – that clearly informed his sensibilities.
“Skyway” by Larry Thor Hunter.
Contributed photo
“From a young age I was fascinated with industrial design; everything from automobiles, architecture, furniture design and of course ‘modern’ art,” he explains.
In fact, he was so taken by the concept of design that he became a designer and illustrator as his “day job” for forty years. He says he was often told that his style was recognizable by the “retro” look he gave to his work.
This particular show at the C21 Pop-Up Gallery has a vintage travel theme to it, representing that Golden Age of airlines and vacations.
“Hotel California” by Larry Thor Hunter.
Contributed photo
“My painting style and subject matter are heavily influenced by my years as an illustrator and my love of Impressionist art.
“I keep my brushstrokes bold and loose. A simple stroke can convey a great deal of information. I like bold colours as well, often starting with an underpainting of fuchsia or turquoise and letting that colour show through the subsequent brushwork, warming or cooling the temperature of the entire painting.”
The C21 Pop-Up Gallery is located in the Century 21 Premier Properties office at 8317A Main Street, Osoyoos. The two artists will be on hand from 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, as part of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Osoyoos from 4-6 p.m.
