About the Artist
“Whether I choose to examine figuration or nature, my work has always been personal and driven by a need to capture the essence of my subject and record the inherent qualities that originally compelled me to explore it.” Tamara was raised in North Bay, Ontario and spent many summers on her grandparents’ farm in Cookstown, Ontario. Having studied drawing and painting with Ernest Taylor she gained an opportunity to further explore studio arts at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Tamara graduated from the Creative Arts program at Georgian College where she majored in drawing and printmaking and was the Technician in the printmaking studio there for thirty years. Tamara is a founding member of PRNT Collective in Barrie.
Harvesting the Hard Water
Concept Statement
The ice harvesting industry on Lake Simcoe began in the 1870s. Ice from Lake Simcoe was used to keep ice boxes cool before refrigerators were available. Lake Simcoe ice was considered to be the best in North America. The “hard water” still plays an important role in the local economy. Lake Simcoe is known as the ice fishing capital of Canada drawing more anglers in the winter than it sees all three other seasons combined. The economic spin-off from the sport can be substantial.Harvesting the Hard Water is a tribute to the many wonderful things Lake Simcoe has provided us with; from ice to fish, jobs to recreation. It needs our respect and protection.