Artist Ranch Project 2012

Penny Chase

Penny Chase graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2008 receiving a BFA with Distinction in Painting. She currently lives and pursues her work in Airdrie, Alberta.

Her work reflects her desire to gain control and an understanding of various aspects of her life.  The process of creating her work allows her to explore her understanding of the subject, but the use of the  medium dictates the finished product.  While she tries to control the medium, in the end, any sense of control is fleeting and illusory.

Life is pieced together, is subject to exterior influences and is always in flux.  We can try to adjust to these changes or we can try to control the environment around us.

“When I was originally invited to participate in this project I was perplexed as to how I could take part.  I was apprehensive as to what an Inuvialuit woman from the NWT could possibly say about ranch life in southern Alberta.  However, after the wonderful experience at the Bar U Ranch I am very excited to develop work that represents quintessential Alberta ranch life as seen through my eyes and my life experience.

I felt that my ideas and understanding of the world would not, and could not, mesh with the spirit of the West, but was surprised to find similarities between the “cowboy” lifestyle and my own “Inuvialuit” lifestyle.  In this changing world, we have both had to adapt our lifestyles to survive.

Having had no experience on ranches, I am grateful to the park wardens for their hospitality and for graciously giving us their time to show us what it is like to be on a working ranch today as well as in the past.

I found myself moved, inspired, and in awe of the Percheron horses.  The power and strength of these horses constantly drew my attention. I found myself always looking at them.  I was struck by their determination and willingness to work and their possession of the trail. When I saw them coming I was torn between taking photos and getting out of their way!”