In Episode 7 of Art Island, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy enters enriching world of artist Gordon Payne in his Downes Point studio. Through his monk-like painting process, experimental sculptures, and never ending journey into the philosophy and criticism of art, Gordon shares how he has developed a practice of acting as a channel for the expression of artistic thinkers through time. The conversation explores the essence of artistic commitment by the ways in which Gordon diligently shows up every day, weaving his practice into the fabric of his life. Chock full of wisdom to overcome creative blocks, finding one's authentic voice, and the purpose of art in today's world, Gordon offers wry encouragement to all those who struggle in their artistic pursuits.

[About Gordon Payne]
Gordon Payne, born in Ashcroft, B.C., is a Canadian artist renowned for his exploration of the relationship between form and image. With a B.Ed. from UBC and the Vancouver School of Art, Payne's early career was spent teaching high school and continuing education art. In 1980, Payne founded Kroma Artists Acrylics on Granville Island. Payne is known for his painting practice, but is constantly exploring making with found and created objects; his three animated films, housed at the Belkin Art Gallery, showcase his diverse talents. Recent exhibitions in New York, Vancouver, and Hornby Island highlight the highly involved process of each of his pieces.

[Art Island: Perspectives from a Creative Community]
Who are the individuals that comprise the vibrant artistic community of Hornby Island? This 10-episode docu-series looks into the personal lives and artistic perspectives of local artists — our community members. Expanding on how they became artists, what inspires their art, challenges they've encountered, and how they persevered, Art Island is a deep dive into why artists feel art is important and how it has the power to affect us all.

[Credits]
A Film By - Zsofin Sheehy
Associate Producer - Emma Walter
Assistant Director - Kris Krüg
Location Sound - Andrew Mark & Liam Wheatley
Sound Mix & Design - Matt Copeland
Title Animation - Grigorii Kniagnitskii
Colour - Bogdan Mykytenko

[Music]
Plasticine Cowboy
The Alkemist
Giacomo Forte

[Photos courtesy of]
Gordon Payne
Bob Cain

For more episodes follow the links below:

E1: Alina Milek    • Art Island S1E1: Alina Milek - Flower...  
E2: Tom Burrows    • Art Island S1E2: Tom Burrows - Sculptor  
E3: Moragh Eilish    • Art Island S1E3: Moragh Eilish - Mixe...  
E4: Michelle Nyberg    • Art Island S1E4: Michelle Nyberg - Pa...  
E5: Tony Wilson    • Art Island S1E5: Tony Wilson - Musici...  
E6: Alpen Kelley    • Art Island S1E6: Alpen Kelley – Paint...  
E7: Gordon Payne    • Art Island S1E7: Gordon Payne - Artist  
E8: Elaine Savoie    • Art Island S1E8: Elaine Savoie - Pain...  
E9: Tom Knott    • Art Island S1E9: Tom Knott - Artist  

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ART ISLAND was created on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

Funding for this episode of ART ISLAND is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, and the Province of British Columbia.