Cameron Bird
Cameron Bird, trained at Emily Carr and Capilano Colleges, is recognized for his bold use of color and confident brushwork in oils and acrylics. Drawing on extensive plein air practice and guided by mentorship with Keith C. Smith, his work distills landscapes and wildlife into powerful, simplified forms. His firsthand experience as a packhorse guide in the Chilcotin enhances the authenticity of his paintings, which are held in collections worldwide. Cameron lives and works in British Columbia’s Cariboo region.Cameron bird has grown up with a passion for the outdoors. He began his career with Sketching, which he continues to this day as reference for his larger studio oils and Acrylics. His formal art training took place at emily carr college of art and capilano College where he studied commercial art; as well he completed studies in professional Sign painting.
Each year cameron gathers reference for his work while fishing, camping and hiking In the mountains and outdoors. A particular interest for cameron is to carry his paint Box with him and capture the subject’s first hand, known commonly as plein air. Plein Air painting was initially very overwhelming for cameron. It was difficult for him to Simplify landscapes and present clean colors in such vast settings, however years of Practice and patience have given him the confidence and skill which can be seen today In his plein air studies.
Having studied many artists from history, cameron is drawn to the work of the Illingworth kerr, lawren harris, maynard dixon, emily carr, carl rungius, jean paul Riopelle and in particular canadian artist keith c smith. Cameron studied with kc Smith for over ten years. Kc helped cameron find the knowledge and courage to Produce work of power and simplicity. Kc always taught him to simplify and make Each brush stroke count. Cameron has always admired the use of bold color and heavy Impasto.
Cameron worked as a packhorse guide in the chilcotin mountains to provide him with The first hand material and reference for his paintings. He believes this experience in The wild gives his work an added authenticity and true appreciation for nature.
Cameron has been painting professionally since 1989 and full time since 1999. Cameron has had many one man and group exhibitions and is represented in a number Of art galleries across canada. His work can be seen in collections around the world.
Cameron currently lives in the cariboo of british columbia with his wife and two Young boys. He had his own new 400 sq ft studio built on their property in 2010. The Separate space has allowed him to work with larger canvases in a relaxed environment. Having the woodstove helps cameron bring the camp life into his daily life as well as The views surrounding him, the animals and the changing of the seasons. Living in the cariboo provides cameron with a simplified lifestyle that allows him Easy access to nature and the versatility to travel further afield. Whether its day trips Into the cariboo-chilcotin to sketch the old pioneer and ranching history, trips over the Mountains to the rockies to hike and explore, family trips to the west coast of tofino And ucluelet, weekend getaways into the warmer interior of bc or longer trips abroad To europe or throughout canada and north america cameron is constantly being Provided with new sources of inspiration and reference for his work.
Simplifying what he sees into something fresh and original is a challenge that he loves. What cameron is after is a powerful impression. His love of abstraction has come into His work especially in rendering animals. His travels abroad have helped cameron to Move into a new area with his animals. Such as travelling in italy and studying the Stain glass in the cathedrals. This has allowed him to abstract the animal into powerful Shapes yet not losing the structure, which is important to him.
Cameron likes to challenge his viewers into seeing landscapes and wildlife in a new Way. In order to do that his first hand experience and knowing his subject is vital.
