AN ARTIST’S ODYSSEY - 60 YEARS OF LANDSCAPES AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION
George Hogg was born on December 20, 1929, in the small town of Kimberley, B.C. His early years
were marked by a blend of athletic prowess and a budding talent in the arts. In 1947, he graduated from
Kimberley High School where he excelled in many sports.

However, George's high school art teacher, Vito Cianci, recognized a different kind of talent in him. Vito
was so convinced of George's potential that he went to George's parents, urging them to consider an art
school education for their son. With their support, George attended the Vancouver School of Art in 1947.
After a brief hiatus to work and save money, he returned to his studies in 1949.
In 1950, George married his high school sweetheart Isabel Davidson and began working in Cominco’s
personnel department. Busy raising a family, which eventually included three children—Janet, David,
and Gary—George found little time for painting. It wasn't until 1963, after a 13-year gap, that he began
painting actively again.

By 1964, George was ready to showcase his work. He held his first joint show at Union Hall alongside
fellow Kimberley artist Eugene Bidder, and another in June 1965 at the Legion. His first solo exhibition
came later that year at the Eaton’s Gallery in Edmonton. George's big break came in 1966 when an
editor from Beautiful BC magazine knocked on his door asking to photograph his paintings. The
publication of his painting “Hoodoo at Dutch Creek” marked his transition from amateur to professional
status. 1966 was also the year that his painting “Rocky Mountain Grandeur” of the Bull River, won an
award representing Canada in the 1970 Calendar of “John Laing & Son Ltd in Great Britain and was
distributed worldwide. The painting was bought by the Right Honourable James Sinclair (Margaret
Trudeau’s Father) and brought back to Canada.

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Despite his growing success, George continued working at Cominco until his retirement in 1985 at the
age of 55. His post-retirement years were marked by significant achievements in the art world. He
became a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists in June 1986. He was invited to his first
Pow Wow in 1983, sparking a profound interest in the culture of the native people of the Pacific
Northwest. George mastered the art of skillfully capturing the spirit, culture, and costumes of Indigenous
peoples in his work. He has a profound respect for the native peoples’ traditions and way of life. His work
portrays dancers in vibrant regalia, ceremonies steeped in tradition, and everyday scenes of life,
ensuring that these rich cultural stories are told through his art.

George’s work is also a documentation of history. Many of the old buildings he painted were fast
deteriorating, their stories fading with time. His works preserve the essence of these structures, from the
rustic barns to the sturdy log cabins, each stroke of his brush echoing the past. He has also been drawn
to the early days, with numerous paintings of horse-drawn plows working the fertile fields bringing the
bygone era to life, showcasing the toil and triumph of early settlers.

Nature’s vibrant colours are ever-present in George’s work. Over the years, he has spent countless
hours hunting and fishing. This immersive process has enriched his work and allowed him to
authentically capture the essence of nature through sketching and collecting reference photos. These
photo’s and sketches are later used in his studio to create his detailed paintings. Through his love and
deep connection to nature, he paints the rugged beauty of the mountains, serene lakes and dense
forests with an eye for detail that bring the scenes to life. His use of light and shadow create depth and
movement, making viewers feel as though they are standing in the midst of these breathtaking
landscapes.

In 1988, George entered his first International Western Art Show in Ellensburg, Washington and won the
poster award for his painting “In Competition”. This painting was later selected for the 1989 Ellensburg

telephone directory. This accolade was the first of many to come, including Best of Show, the Goodey
Indian Culture Award, Poster Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and the prestigious John Clymer Award.
George's work gained international acclaim, with his paintings being marketed in Germany, Britain,
Switzerland, Japan, and the USA. He was represented in galleries in Las Vegas, Edmonton, Vancouver,
Montreal and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kimberley residents fondly remember George and Isabel (and
her famous short-bread cookies) for hosting decades of home shows, beginning with the first one in
1991. George's incredible body of work, consisting of 1856 paintings to date, continues to inspire awe.
And he’s not done yet. At the age of 93, George joined the Friends of Kimberley Art Collective.
Remarkably, now 94, he still paints in his home studio, his passion for art undiminished and he recently
completed his 1856th painting!

George would also be the 1st to tell you that his wife Isabel played an instrumental role in his art career,
her contributions extending far beyond the traditional support of a spouse. She was the cornerstone of
the operational side of George’s art world, ensuring that his creative endeavors reached the audience
they deserved. Isabel took charge of the marketing, expertly promoting George’s work to galleries and
art shows. Her keen eye for opportunities and her persuasive skills helped George’s paintings gain
recognition both locally and internationally. She managed the finances, meticulously looking after the
books to ensure that their art business ran smoothly. She also assisted with framing and was a valued
critic of George’s work. Her appreciation for art and understanding of George’s vision made her honest
and constructive critiques invaluable. This partnership of creative and analytical minds allowed George
to reach new heights in his artistry. This allowed George to focus on his passion for painting, secure in
the knowledge that the business side of his art was in capable hands.

Centre 64 is very honored to exhibit a show and sale of George’s calibre from October 3rd - Nov 13th.
The artist and his lovely wife Isabel plan to greet you at the Artist reception on October 5th from 2-4pm.
George Hogg’s life and career stand as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the

unending pursuit of one's true calling. His paintings are a clear demonstration of the beauty and history
of a region that he loves and immortalizes with every brushstroke.

by Debbie Kammerer