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SENSE OF PLACE: PENTICTON at 100 By John Goudie
Whether you are an astronomer at Penticton’s observatory or an art history buff, you will immediately recognize the mesmerizing starlit sky in this painting. Vincent Van Gogh completed the original “Starry Night” just three years before Tom Ellis drafted the plans for Penticton in 1892. For both men, the effects of their creative acts would not be fully recognized until after their lifetimes.
In the Salish language, Penticton means "a place to live forever". Similarly, Van Gogh’s radiant sky is the perfect backdrop to reflect the beauty and peaceful nature of our lakefront community. Further, the swirling heavens above convey the timeless spiritual qualities that have touched the Okanagan's First Nations people for centuries.
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch artist who lived when the first Europeans settled Penticton. Thus, I painted his flourishing historic sky approaching from the north to reflect this migration. From 1850 to 1908, Penticton grew from a secluded campsite along a rugged trail into a recognized municipality with 600 residence. Today, nearly 35,000 people call Penticton home.
Blending the old with the new, I also illuminated Penticton with Van Gogh’s sky to reflect the area’s unique climate, lifestyle and wine culture. Vincent painted his original sky over the historic town of St.Rémy – a charming village located in the wine region of Southern France. Like Penticton, St.Rémy was once a sleepy town that transformed itself into a world-class destination known for its gorgeous weather, fine art, gourmet restaurants and award-winning wines. Removed from the big city, tourists are attracted to the area’s unique marriage of sophistication with small-town charm. Similarly, the "Peach City" has blossomed into a distinguished wine region with a Mediterranean beauty and charm found nowhere else in Canada.
Deeper in meaning however, I projected Van Gogh’s sky over Penticton because he painted many of his masterpieces while he was cared for at a psychiatric hospital in St.Rémy. Although he was captivated by the area’s natural beauty, he was tortured by a debilitating mental illness. Similarly, I discovered a dark side to Penticton when I moved here to work as a counselor for at-risk youth. My eyes were quickly adjusted to see our beautiful city is not exempt from the suffering faced in all communities. Addictions, homelessness, depression, abuse…unfortunately, many of Penticton's residents struggle with these illnesses.
A few years ago, two recognized charities operated drop-in centres in Penticton to specifically help at-risk youth. During their operation, the YM-YWCA and Boys & Girls Club helped hundreds of young adults deal with serious issues such as unemployment, homelessness, addictions, teen-pregnancy, low self-esteem and peer pressure. Sadly, these outreach centres were forced to close due to a lack of public funding.
During his short life of 37 years, Van Gogh’s artistic genius was never recognized. However, the inspiration, shelter, and support he received 100 years ago in the beautiful town of St.Rémy allowed him to create some of the most stunning and influential art of the 20th century. Likewise, we must never lose site of the value of helping people who struggle within our community. As we celebrate Penticton’s centennial, the painting “Starry Night over the Okanagan” reminds us that our compassion for others can have effects that last for centuries.
Goudie Gallery 117B-1475 Fairview Rd. Penticton V2A 7W5 John@GoudieGallery.com |
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