Kate Tooke’s solo show at Vernon's Gallery Vertigo will feature farm animals on a large scale

Photo: Contributed

Giant chickens are invading a Vernon art gallery.

Enormous chickens – among other animals – will be featured at local award-winning artist Kate Tooke’s solo show at Gallery Vertigo.

While a variety of sizes of oil paintings will be on display, it is definitely Tooke’s preference to work on a large scale.

“My paintings are inspired by the animals on our small farm. Not growing up on a farm, I have learned so much about myself through caring for these unique beings. I hope to be able to share the magic and intimate connection that has come through countless hours of painting, study and relationship” says Tooke, who is an emerging artist.

This will be her first solo show at Gallery Vertigo. Tooke has won several awards, including “Best-in-Show” for her paintings through juried shows of the Federation of Canadian Artists.

“Moving to Vernon 10 years ago and hobby farming, while incredibly rewarding, has not been the idyllic fantasy I had envisioned. There are truths about animals and farming that I was willfully blind to seeing. My ethical and emotional internal conflict in raising chickens for eggs and meat could fill volumes,” says Tooke.

“The animals I’ve painted have all lived on our farm. The process of presence and intense study required to paint them has opened a deeper relationship than I thought possible. I have learned so much and received so many gifts from these magical beings that I feel compelled to pay it forward through my paintings.”

Tooke's work will be on display at Gallery Vertigo, 102-3105 28 Ave. from Feb. 7 to March 4, with the opening reception taking place on Thursday Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.