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Feathers lend wings to inspiration

What do you get when you combine feathers with an accomplished artist? Beautifully hand-painted pieces of art.
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Lucille Scott demonstrates the skill of painting on a feather.

What do you get when you combine feathers with an accomplished artist? Beautifully hand-painted pieces of art.

Lucille Scott is a self-taught aboriginal artist who resides in North Central Saskatchewan in the community of Debden and is an exponent of a unique art form, painting on feathers.

She was given the opportunity to explore her natural talent of painting in 2002 during a short layoff from her job. In 2006, when the sawmill she was employed at was shut down, she was able to expand her artistic venture from painting on rocks to using feathers and leaves as canvas. The result was amazing. Lucille utilized the misfortune as an opportunity to grow her artistic talent and pursue a business venture of establishing and opening Art Rocks Gallery in May 2011.

The feather is primed with a single coat of acrylic paint by gently painting and following the slope of the plumes. Once the primer is dry, the feather is bonded and ready for a scene to be painted. Sometimes, Lucille will reference a picture she has taken or will recall a scene from memory. Layering directions and brush practices has enabled Lucille to perfect her skill and, by combining that with the knowledge of the bonding properties of acrylic paint and her medium, she ventured out on an experimental project that has lead to professional commissioned pieces.

Each feather is skilfully created. Each feather painting is as unique as the feather itself. Lucille has developed different techniques for dealing with feathers and their idiosyncrasies. The ability to bring out each feather's uniqueness through her techniques leads to the individualized personality of the art form.

Raw beauty of her imagery is further accentuated with the acid-free matting and authentic barnboard frames. Each one of these miniature picture-shows tells a story and is ready-to-hang.

Lucille also creates scenes on other media such as rocks, wood and leaves. Her exhibits have been well received in the art world and continue to inspire many.

Art Rocks Gallery is located in Lucille's home in Debden and is open during the winter months. Lucille encourages individuals to call ahead to ensure her presence, at 306-724-2158.