Mariposa, the Spanish word for butterfly, references S.C. Jean’s growth and evolution as an artist. The Okanagan-based artist titled her exhibition Mariposa to embody the theme of change. For the artist, change is one of the most significant forces at play. An ever present element, infinitely occurring on multiple levels, feeding back into itself creating further and deeper expansions. The artist has attempted to capture this sense of change through brushwork, mark-making, colour and composition that, though static in reality, visually continues to change as the viewer observes her work.
Mariposa includes a selection of painting and drawing works, all of which feature Jean’s signature style of mark-making. All the works in the exhibition consider the ways in which the artist has grown as an artist since being involved with the Alternator as a loyal member and active volunteer. The four works on canvas were intentionally created for Jean’s exhibition. Reflecting on her time spent as a member of the Alternator community, Jean attempts to render her gratitude and admiration through painterly mark-making and use of colour. Alongside the large paintings are a series of small ink drawings, many of which were created while volunteering at the Alternator as a gallery host. This body of work reflects on Jean’s time spent participating with the Alternator community; crediting the community for pushing her to be artistically bold and for opening the door of wonder into the world of art.
S.C. Jean is an artist based on Okanagan Sylix territory in Kelowna where she has lived and worked for the past thirty years. A self-taught artist, in 2012 Jean felt compelled to take up painting and has continued in earnest to develop her style. Jean has shown her work in numerous exhibitions throughout the Okanagan region including at the the Lake Country Art Gallery, the Peachland Art Gallery, the Penticton Art Gallery, the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Alternator Center for Contemporary Art.