Nunavut designer recreates northern landmark as digital painting for Northwestel directory cover
April 15, 2020
Iqaluit, NU —Iqaluit-based artist Francis Lee has used his computer skills and a background in graphic design to win Northwestel’s Nunavut directory cover art competition. Lee’s artwork, Caribou grazing at Auyuittuq National Park, is featured as the cover image on this year’s phone directory for the territory.
Lee, a network technician with Community and Government Services, says this digital painting is his interpretation of the national park’s well-known landmark Mount Thor – conceived through stories, reference materials, and his previous experience as a graphic designer.
“I was fascinated about Pangnirtung when I first went there – it was amazing. I love all the hills and mountains. The beauty of the landscape – that’s what inspired me. I just thought of the land and of caribou grazing and I thought ‘this kinda works out’. The park is one of my passions and one day I would love to go hiking there.”
Northwestel has been showcasing the talents of northern artists on its regional phone directory covers for more than 30 years. Winners are selected by Northwestel, in consultation with the local arts community, and each winning entry is awarded $3,000.
A first-time entrant in the annual competition, Lee says he created his winning artwork by employing the same style and technique used in Chinese watercolour paintings – though digitally.
“I was never really trained in any form of painting, so when it comes to painting landscapes, I do everything digital,” Lee explains. “I love Chinese watercolour painting and I had a few brushes in Photoshop. That’s the thing about digital painting – you can create these brushes in Photoshop to give you the actual feel of watercolour. So, I thought ‘let’s try this method and see how it works out’.”
Northwestel’s President, Curtis Shaw, says he is pleased to continue using the company’s directory covers to promote northern artists and their work.
“Northwestel is continuing its longstanding support of the northern arts community by once again showcasing northern-produced artwork on phone directory covers,” says Shaw. “We are proudly sharing the work of northern artists, by bringing their creativity and talent directly into the homes and businesses of their fellow northerners.”
Lee notes how surprised he was to have his artwork selected for the Nunavut directory cover. He adds that he isn’t planning to pursue a career in art full-time but would love to share his skills and experience with other artists.
“Honestly, I couldn’t even believe that I actually won. I am very happy to be part of the group of Northwestel winners and it’s great for everyone to see my work. I don’t see myself working professionally as an artist right now, but I would love to share my knowledge with people who are interested to learn digital painting, or any form of art…to be able to inspire someone else to create. At times, I have difficulty expressing my feelings and emotions through words. My artwork is a way to express myself.”
Information about picking up Northwestel directories
Directory availability in each community may vary due to the COVID-19 situation. Customers are advised to check with the directory pickup location in their community for availability and practice social distancing when picking up their directory.
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Contact:
Northwestel Media Relations
(867) 455-4209
media@nwtel.ca
