New paintings to be displayed in Visitor Reception Centre

When JD Hawk first got the go-ahead to set up his easel on Lower Fort Garry’s historic grounds, he didn’t envision that the paintings would eventually adorn the site’s Visitor Reception Centre.

Hawk painted onsite for five days in 2023. Now, several of his pieces from those visits will be on display to greet arriving guests.

Hawk, who is Métis, is a descendant of Hudson’s Bay Company employee John Favell, Jr. and wife Titameg. He feels gratified to have his artwork featured at a place to which he feels a strong connection.

“That was a blessing, truly a blessing,” Hawk says. “It goes on a deeper level because my paintings are now going to be connected to the historical site, it brings attention not just to my name … it connects to the Métis people and the Métis culture.”

The process began with Hawk taking reference photographs at the site, but it later grew into a more immersive experience of painting live.

“I love being outside. I love painting things I can see in front of me rather than just from pictures all the time,” he says.

That said, the elements don’t stop for artistic expression. From gusting winds overpowering his easel to tiny creatures enjoying the art a little too much, there are difficulties associated with painting outdoors.

“There are a couple challenges you face. The first thing is the sun, so it’s best to paint in the shade. I’m always wearing a hat and making sure I have water,” Hawk says. “The other challenge can be little bugs, because they love the smell of the paint and the next thing you know, you’ve got a bug in your painting. Especially in the shade.”

Despite the odd nuisance, Hawk’s appreciation for working in nature wins out. Doing so at an active historic site and interacting with people checking out the site, though he tried to situate himself off to the side, was a bonus. Interactions ranged from kids coming up to ask about his colour choices to a woman posing for a photo while pretending to paint on his canvas.

“I see all these visitors coming with smiles, trying to learn and trying to make connections,” he says. “From my perspective, it was neat being in the background and experiencing all of that, whether it was the workers there who were interacting with the visitors, whether old, young.”

The paintings delve into the stories of everyday life at the Fort, which Hawk feels adds depth and longevity to the work. While a pretty image is pleasing to see or a photograph gets tossed aside, he reasons, a painting stands the test of time.

“If I have paintings, they tend not to get lost,” he says. “Most of my paintings tell a story, and because of that, I don’t think they’re going to get lost in time too quickly, based on what I’ve seen with previous artists in the past.”

Hawk also took care to paint the pieces in period style, which impacted his approach right down to his colour choices.

Ultimately, with placement in the Visitor Reception Centre, Hawk hopes his pieces help visitors step back in time and set the tone for their day at the site.

“I want my paintings to be part of the Fort, so that it’s full immersion for the guests,” he says. “When we were talking about putting some paintings on display, and where they’re going to be put up, at the entrance, to me, that’s perfect. That gets people in the mood.

“Being at the entrance, it gets the visitors right in to being there.”