Alex Fong: Water
Meadowlark Festival Artist

MAY 17, 2019 TO JUNE 17, 2019
Toni Onley Gallery

ABOUT

“Water, an essential element, pure and simple, always elegant … a visual celebration of something we can’t live without.” - Alex Fong

The Annual Meadowlark Nature Festival is a five-day, multi-disciplinary event featuring over 70 programs taking participants from Canada’s unique desert in the South Okanagan, to the alpine meadows high above the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Led by experts in their fields including biologists, geologists, ecologists, naturalists, artists, and traditional knowledge keepers, Meadowlark programs include canoe trips, guided walks, film screenings, traditional ecological knowledge, bird watching, back-country horseback riding, geological tours, astronomy events, art exhibitions, photography, writing and painting workshops, children’s programming, conservation and environmental seminars and more, all designed to be entertaining, interactive and informative. 

Since the first Meadowlark Nature Festival, presented by Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) in 1998, Festival organizers have commissioned an original piece of art to use in the promotional material for the Festival. Throughout the years, the tradition has seen wildlife painters, a ceramicist, photographer and textile artist create a vast array of artwork all focusing on the Western Meadowlark. We are very pleased to have commissioned Alex Fong to create the artwork for the 22nd annual Festival taking place May 16 to 20, 2019. Special thanks to Jayme Friedt, this year’s Coordinator Meadowlark Nature Festival.

Alex Fong was born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1956, Alex Fong's interest in art began at a young age. However, it was not until his study of interior design that he discovered the medium of watercolour and the freedom of colour and expression that matched his vision of the world.

Alex's early works reflected a traditional oriental technique. As his talents flourished, Alex developed a personal style that has since become his hallmark. Alex's paintings are a kaleidoscope of light and colour – a bouquet of wonder and whimsy. The sense of delight that accompanies them draws the viewer in for a closer look. His translucent, impressionistic paintings are distinguished by a parade of coloured flecks that he calls "confetti" which represent his celebration of life. The result is an exquisite balance of spontaneity and grace. Though Alex's artistic vision continues to evolve, his works reflect a fresh and youthful outlook.

Alex Fong's work has attracted the attention of fine art collectors since the early days when he exhibited at Vancouver galleries, and then through his years as a touring member of the Western Lights Artists Group. Alex has exhibited in both Canada and the U.S. for over thirty two years. His watercolours are featured in both private and corporate collections throughout the continent.

Alex has developed close relationships with the art community in Alberta, and exciting artistic associations at his home in the Okanagan, with the Valley's wine industry and charitable organizations. He participates in celebrations of art, food, music and theatre, reflecting his deep commitment to the cultural nurturing of his own community, and to art education.

Alex Fong's artistic vision continues to evolve, his work reflecting a delightfully fresh and youthful outlook. "A child views the world with optimism and wonder. That is what I hope to accomplish with my art. Each day, I look forward to creating something new and wonderful" he says. "I paint to make people feel good, and put a little joy into their lives." Joy, splendour and whimsy, sprinkled with a few unusual surprises… Alex Fong Lives and works in Kelowna, B.C.