Liz Bateman
Undercurrent
The Featured Artist's work can be seen online and in the gallery from Feb. 4 to March 1.
Opening reception: Friday, February 6, 5-7 pm
Artist talk: Wednesday, February 25 at 12 noon.
Contact the gallery for inquiries.
About the Artist
Liz Bateman is a self-taught scientific illustrator based in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Liz is a fisheries biologist by trade and has woven illustration into her work for years as a method of understanding her research subjects and explaining concepts. She specializes in illustrating fish and has worked with government fishery departments, watershed organizations, and universities to provide illustrations for identification materials. Although her journey as an artist began in the service of science using traditional ink techniques, in recent years she has discovered the joy of bringing her subjects to life in vibrant colour through painting. Liz’s time spent fishing, snorkelling, and working in Nova Scotia’s wilderness provides endless inspiration for her art
Artist Statement
Nova Scotia’s rivers, lakes, and streams are home to many beautiful fish species, some that live here year-round and others that migrate to sea and back. This collection of paintings is a showcase of the diversity of forms, colours, and personalities of some of our aquatic neighbours. Fish are fascinating but complicated subjects to paint, as they are concealed below the surface with vibrant, reflective colours that fade out of water. Representing morphological accuracy while also capturing the inimitable iridescence of life in acrylic paint has been a wonderful challenge and has taken me throughout Nova Scotia to study and photograph these fish. Undercurrent refers both to the subsurface habitat of these species, and to the deep influence fish have had on my life and my art.
