Briar Craig - Urban Clever

Seated in an urban context, Briar Craig gleans from society and as if analysing the pottery remains of an ancient civilisation, he asserts his findings with didactic assurance. He takes the scraps from our cultural condition and bring them back into the realm of appreciation.

It is important to note that Craig's practice employs a sophisticated process, one that has advanced along with our technological progress, an urban privilege. Briar filters his findings and then applies his technical expertise to the material so that we are convinced of its veracity. Alongside of the solid authenticity of Craig's works runs a continuous line of humour.

Briar Craig teaches print making at UBCO where his affable manner and rigorous knowledge inspires students towards printmaking. He is an expert in his field, the founder of The Okanagan Print Triennial which is currently on exhibit at the Vernon Art Gallery and exhibits his prints internationally.

Stephen Lee Scott - Urban Cool

Stephen Lee Scott also gleans from a definitive urban lifestyle although his material is drawn from counterculture rather than mainstream sources.

Text is a component, both visual and as part of the implied narrative that is his subject matter. The complex signs and symbols that make up tattoos have historically carried messages, be it the names of girlfriends, the love of Mom or a complex hierarchy that indicates social ranking, spiritual accomplishments, magical capabilities and respect embedded in foreign cultures with traditions of tattooing. Gang and prison tattoos communicate esoteric status and insider information. The urban hip adopted the practice.

Stephen Lee Scott completed a BFA at UBCO and Briar Craig was his print making teacher. Stephen's etchings and lithographs have a presiding darkness that is in line with the sci-fi, biker, tattoo images that he employs. The messages are oblique as if Scott has laid down the glove, challenging comprehension through an invitation to duel minds.