With clean lines and vivid colours, Indigenous artist Jason Carter’s paintings are iconic throughout the Bow Valley — and beyond. Originally from Little Red River Cree Nation on Treaty 8 land, Carter now owns and operates the Carter-Ryan Gallery in Canmore and Banff with partner and frequent artistic collaborator Bridget Ryan, a theatre artist, who uses the Canmore space as a performance venue. Carter is also known for creating sculptures in soapstone, alabaster and chlorite, and for his public-art installations in the region.
“What I hope people get from the work is a sense of joy, a sense of place and a sense of wonder,” he says. “Where I draw a lot of my inspiration from is the beauty of the Bow Valley. Surrounding yourself with beauty and inspiration is paramount to your creativity.”
The Carter-Ryan Gallery is at 705 Main St. in Canmore and 229 Bear St. in Banff. For winter operating hours and event information, visit carter-ryan.com