22
MAY
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Windy Tree’s Story
Meet Rowan Walton, owner and creator of Windy Tree. Rowan creates Wood Art and Glass paintings here in Victoria BC and on Gabriola Island.
After living on Mudge Island (a small Island in the Salish Sea) and rowing his boat to and from work as a woodshop teacher, Rowan found his truest passions as a father and full-time artist. He transitioned to becoming a fulltime artist and following his passion with Windy Tree for the past 12 years now. (I know I just kind of threw that in there, but I’d like to say…how adventurous is rowing your boat to and from work!? Sounds like the start of a great adventure book to me!!)
During his hikes, he will respectfully collect some Arbutus that has fallen during the trees natural cycle. Every piece is designed depending on what story or scene Rowan sees in the wood. The wood Art, Rowan creates comes in many different shapes and sizes and can be anything from Rare Burled Pendants or Earrings to big and/or small Wall Pieces.
It is unique in every way, and the design comes to life as it is cut free-hand on a scroll saw, making every piece an original, created in a process of reverence and deep meditation.
His glass paintings were born because he wanted to create something completely opposite to the fine detailed work you see in his wood art. Here he creates a story on glass for the viewer to become lost in, offering a space for open and seemingly endless interpretation. The universal landscape shifts and pulls you deeper as light interacts. The paintings are ever-changing.
His glass work is different from anything we have ever seen before. (So are his arbutus pendants and wall pieces to be honest :D)
Both of his creations balance each other amazingly because they are the complete opposite, with wood being a past and dead material and the glass being alive and full of light.
If you are looking for an even more unique and personal touch to either the wood or glass art Rowan creates, you can always get in touch with him and talk about some custom creations. Some of the commissions for the glass paintings Windy Tree has created so far were about 5ft tall. Right now he is working on a commission for two 4’x5’ panels on some peak windows. (Just to give you an idea of the dimensions you could be dealing with ?)
You can find Rowan’s wood art in over 40 different shops across Canada and at many local markets. In the past, you may have seen him at the
Crafted farmhouse market, a Touch of Salt Spring, make it! Calgary the Vancouver Island music fest and many more.
Right now, Windy Tree as an incredible Show on Gabriola Island at the Hive. Starting May 17 – June 3rd, so you still have plenty of time to make it over to Gabriola and marvel at Rowans arbutus and glass art.
If you love going to the local markets as much as I do, you will be happy to hear, that Windy Tree will also be at the following markets on some selected days.
You will be able to find Rowan and his one of a kind creations at the Ship Point Market, the Moss Street Market, in the harbor on Canada Day, the Calgary Stampede and on the Filberg Festival in Comox.
