Exhibitions

George Hogg was born on December 20, 1929, in the small town of Kimberley, B.C. His early yearswere marked by a blend of athletic prowess and a budding talent in the arts. In 1947, he graduated fromKimberley 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. Vitowas so convinced of George's potential that he went to George's parents, urging them to consider an artschool 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’spersonnel 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 beganpainting actively again.

By 1964, George was ready to showcase his work. He held his first joint show at Union Hall alongsidefellow Kimberley artist Eugene Bidder, and another in June 1965 at the Legion. His first solo exhibitioncame later that year at the Eaton’s Gallery in Edmonton. George's big break came in 1966 when aneditor from Beautiful BC magazine knocked on his door asking to photograph his paintings. Thepublication of his painting “Hoodoo at Dutch Creek” marked his transition from amateur to professionalstatus. 1966 was also the year that his painting “Rocky Mountain Grandeur” of the Bull River, won anaward representing Canada in the 1970 Calendar of “John Laing & Son Ltd in Great Britain and wasdistributed worldwide. The painting was bought by the Right Honourable James Sinclair (MargaretTrudeau’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 theage of 55. His post-retirement years were marked by significant achievements in the art world. Hebecame a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists in June 1986. He was invited to his firstPow Wow in 1983, sparking a profound interest in the culture of the native people of the PacificNorthwest. George mastered the art of skillfully capturing the spirit, culture, and costumes of Indigenouspeoples in his work. He has a profound respect for the native peoples’ traditions and way of life. His workportrays 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 fastdeteriorating, their stories fading with time. His works preserve the essence of these structures, from therustic barns to the sturdy log cabins, each stroke of his brush echoing the past. He has also been drawnto the early days, with numerous paintings of horse-drawn plows working the fertile fields bringing thebygone 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 countlesshours hunting and fishing. This immersive process has enriched his work and allowed him toauthentically capture the essence of nature through sketching and collecting reference photos. Thesephoto’s and sketches are later used in his studio to create his detailed paintings. Through his love anddeep connection to nature, he paints the rugged beauty of the mountains, serene lakes and denseforests with an eye for detail that bring the scenes to life. His use of light and shadow create depth andmovement, making viewers feel as though they are standing in the midst of these breathtakinglandscapes.

In 1988, George entered his first International Western Art Show in Ellensburg, Washington and won theposter 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 GoodeyIndian 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 (andher famous short-bread cookies) for hosting decades of home shows, beginning with the first one in1991. 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 recentlycompleted 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 ofthe operational side of George’s art world, ensuring that his creative endeavors reached the audiencethey deserved. Isabel took charge of the marketing, expertly promoting George’s work to galleries andart shows. Her keen eye for opportunities and her persuasive skills helped George’s paintings gainrecognition both locally and internationally. She managed the finances, meticulously looking after thebooks to ensure that their art business ran smoothly. She also assisted with framing and was a valuedcritic of George’s work. Her appreciation for art and understanding of George’s vision made her honestand constructive critiques invaluable. This partnership of creative and analytical minds allowed Georgeto reach new heights in his artistry. This allowed George to focus on his passion for painting, secure inthe 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 historyof a region that he loves and immortalizes with every brushstroke.

by Debbie Kammerer