Margaret Van der Pant

Artist Statement

I have always painted or drawn. There has always been art is some form throughout my life. Now I am coming to terms with disability and the difference it makes in how I work.

I have had to come to terms with how my disability affects my art. I have to negotiate space differently. Usually I vision my projects outside, and to do my legs is a different kind of thinking.

There are three different images in this group, all having to do with motion and mobility: the legs, the bird, and the landscapes. The bird and the landscapes change the viewer's vision, and they help alleviate the message from the legs.

Two of the landscapes are sea views from crossings of Burrard Bridge. The view is different depending on which direction one is travelling, the type of day, the light, and which side of the bus one is on. The third landscape is a lake view done from the Floating Bridge in Van Dusen Gardens

Catalogue Description

Since receiving her MFA from UBC in 1984 Margaret has taught for the School Board and Arts Umbrella, as well as pursuing her own creative work. Her art has been shown in Vancouver, Toronto and on Bowen Island. She has always painted and drawn as an emotional outlet.