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By Narayan Mitra
LAST YEAR, on January 1, Dave Watland decided to embark
upon an ambitious project he called ‘A Painting a Week.’
At the time, some friends and admirers feared it would
result in sub-standard products, done in haste.
But as he had vowed, on December 31, the artist came
flying through the discipline – and even exceeded the goal by 16
paintings. So far, he has sold more than 20 of the 68 works.
The experience affirmed his decision to leave a stable
job in favour of a career as an artist.
Watland, born in Camrose, Alberta, now makes his home
in Kelowna – where he lives with wife Pam and their three children.
His childhood Lutheran home environment was loving and
caring.
Inspiration from his father, also a gifted artist,
provided the base upon which to build an artistic edifice – through
regular exercise of the imagination.
Transition from farm life to the city life of Camrose
was difficult for the young Watland; it led to his struggle throughout the
school years.
Subsequently, he lost interest in church, rebelled and
started going his own way.
A year of post-secondary education at the Alberta
College of Art in Calgary provided further grounding into his chosen
profession.
The move to Kelowna was the result of a job offer from
a family member; for the next five years, he worked at custom painting
vans.
Kelowna was also the place where Watland was to meet
his Saviour, and be blessed with a life-changing experience.
This was no doubt partly due to his sister, a
‘prayer warrior’ who would gather friends in their condo
parking lot, praying for her brother’s soul.
God, says the artist, spoke directly and clearly to
him. Soon after meeting his future wife in 1981, they both got baptized
together.
A changed and liberated Watland began to use his gift
in graphic arts, eventually starting his own business in New Westminster.
The Watlands – and Studio Grey Graphics – moved back to Kelowna
in 1991.
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Later, when the International Centre for Leadership
Development and Evangelism merged with Willow Creek Canada, becoming the
Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada (LCWCC), Watland was there,
facilitating the Centre as a contract worker.
In 2001, LCWCC made him their creative director, a
position which he discovered could serve as a bridge between the church and
artistic creativity for the next seven years.
Just when Watland was sensing that he had reached the
end of the line in graphics after doing it for 22 years, the influence of a
co-worker helped him transit to his first love – full time painting
– at age 50.
“In this journey,” he told BCCN, “I’ve also
wanted to be an encouragement to other artists, and to serve my community
by being involved in the arts. I have served on the board of Lake Country
Artwalk, the largest in the interior of B.C.”
He is also actively involved in his church, doing stage
sets and using his creative gifts in other ways.
“In January 2008, I asked the Lord to
surprise me – and I’ve felt he has, in so many ways. There are
great spiritual battles that we encounter in the arts, and I’ve
talked to a number of people that have been suppressed and discouraged.
“My hope is that I can encourage – even if
[only] one at a time.”
One of the guidelines he keeps before him while working
is a quote from author G.K. Chesterton: “Art, like morality, consists
of drawing the line somewhere.”
Dave Watland’s works can be viewed and purchased
at www.davewatland.com.
February 2009
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