Irene Klar's West Coast Art

Although living in Edmonton, Irene Klar's art has been a best seller in our Pier Street Gallery for more than 10 years. Out of her "indigenous patterns" from all over the world we focus on the native North West, mostly Haida patterns. We just met Irene in Edmonton again and ordered some of her new etchings. Also more of her posters, coasters, art cards, cushion covers and scarves with her unique designs.

Irene Klar was born in Montreal in 1950. After completing degrees in Physical Therapy and Science at McGill University, she moved to Alberta and received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta in 1977. Irene Klar was an instructor in watercolours at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Extension 1978 - 1987 and lectured in Art History at Grant McEwan Community College in 1978. She resides in Alberta with her family.

People, their textiles, pattern decoration and colours serve as inspiration for Irene Klar. Her interest in universal design elements has taken her on far reaching travels around the world from Alaska to Australia, from Guatemala and Peru to Morocco. These themes are incorporated into her paintings and prints, which are full of the intense colours of the marketplaces.

This print is called "Haida Patterns" and Irene writes "The Haida people live on the west coast of Canada and Northwestern USA. They, along with the Kwakiutl and Tlingit are 'famous world-wide for their totems, wood canoes, and longhouses with stylised interpretations of mythical figures. Their wonderful basket hats are often fashioned from split spruce roots. The height of the hat reflects the social status of the bearer."

See her products in our Web Site!