I was born in New Westminster, BC and spent my growing up years in Maple Ridge. As a teenager, I became interested in drawing and painting, particularly trees. I continued “hobby painting” well into adult life. After a thirty-five year career in the justice system and after raising a family, I decided to become a serious and professional artist.
I have taken numerous painting courses and have had my work accepted into many juried exhibitions. I first painted traditional landscapes and seascapes using watercolor or acrylic paint on paper. I soon found myself experimenting with mixed media, collage and texturing materials.
No surprise, I discovered abstract forms and this led to my love for painting colorful, textured abstracts on large canvases. I have been influenced by the works of Richard Diebenkorn, Brian Rutenberg, Franz Kline and more recently Lewis Noble.
Rarely do I commence a painting with preconceived ideas or a predictable outcome. I like the challenge of working with the unknown and capitalizing on “happy accidents” when the paint and textures interact. The exploration time takes hours, days or even weeks. In the end, a painting which satisfies me, will have evolved. I strive to keep the painting loose and bold. If I spend too much time on the painting, it will invariably become too structured or too detailed and I will have to start over. I do not want a painting to look pretty or recognizable – I want the image to be dramatic and mysterious.
I am a signature member (SFCA) of the Federation of Canadian Artists and a signature member (CSA) of the Society of Canadian Artists. I teach mixed media courses, jury exhibitions and continue to exhibit work in galleries and juried exhibitions.
Painting has become part of my life. It keeps me grounded.
Barry Rafuse, SFCA, CSA - Curriculum Vitae
JURIED EXHIBITIONS
| 2025 |
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| 2024 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2022 |
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| 2021 |
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| 2020 |
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| 2019 |
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| 2017 |
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| 2016 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2013 |
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| 2012 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2010 |
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| 2009 |
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| 2008 |
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| 2007 |
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| 2006 |
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| 2000-2005 |
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| 1989-1999 |
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EXHIBITIONS
- Solo show - Osoyoos Art Gallery - 2023
- Solo show - ArteFunctional Gallery - Kelowna - 2017
- Four-man show – Armstrong Gallery - 2010
- Solo show - Salmon Arm Gallery - 2007
- Solo show - Vernon Art Gallery - 2002
- Solo show - Vernon Public Library - 1999
- Solo show - Vernon Bean Scene Coffee House - 1999
- Solo show - Prince George Art Gallery - 1994
- Solo show - Williams Lake Art Gallery - 1992
- Solo show - Prince George Art Gallery - 1990
AWARDS RECEIVED
- FCSA Okanagan Chapters Exhibition - 3rd prize - 2024
- NOFCA Exhibition - Award of Excellence - 2024
- OASIS Exhibition Peachland - 2nd Prize - 2023
- FCA Vancouver Signature Exhibition - Award of Excellence - 2018
- LightSpaceTime.art Abstract Art Competition - First Place - 2018
- Honourable mention FCA South Okanagan chapter show - 2017
- LightSpaceTime.art Abstract Art Competition - Honorable Mention - 2016
- Senior member of Federation of Canadian Artists (SFCA) – 2014
- Gold Medal - FCA Exhibition, Spilsbury Medal Show - Vancouver - 2013
- Award of Excellence – FCA Exhibition – Kamloops, 2013
- First prize – Blossom Show – FCA Exhibition - Vancouver - 2012
- Third prize – 7th Anniversary FCA show - Vancouver - 2011
- Gold Certificate – FCA Three Chapters Triptych Exhibition - Penticton – 2011
- Associate Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) – 2010
- Silver Medal – Kamloops FCA Show – 2010
- First Prize – Blossoms Exhibition - Vancouver - 2010
- Robert Coulter Award (First Prize) – Vancouver FCA Show – 2009
- Bronze Medal – Kamloops FCA Show - 2009
- Commissioned to paint 10’ x 10’ wall hanging – Vernon Performing Arts Center – 2007
- Juror Awards in numerous FCA shows (Armstrong, Salmon Arm, Vernon) - 2004 through 2007
- Juried artist to represent Okanagan artisans - fund raiser for Big Brothers/Sisters - 2004
- Painting selected for book cover - Living In Harmony With Winter - 1999
- One of four artists invited to paint for CKPG year 2000 Winter Art Collection - 1997
- Won first place and $5000 - Interior Images Art Competition – 1994
- Invited to paint large wall hanging for the University of Northern BC - 1994
COLLECTIONS
- Performing Arts Center – Vernon, BC
- University of Northern British Columbia - Prince George, BC
- Two Rivers Art Gallery - Prince George, BC
- Prince George Credit Union – Prince George, BC
- Business Development Bank of Canada - Prince George, BC
- CKPG Radio Station - Prince George, BC
- Private Collections - Canada and abroad
EDUCATION
Largely self-taught. Has taken courses/workshops from:| Anne Meredith Barry Ed Epp Lionel Venn Heather Speers Richard Reed |
Alessandra Betteli Dorothy Hook David Langevin Emily Carr College Mike Svob |
Brian Atyeo Randall Sexton Janice Mason Steeves Jean Peterson |
TEACHING
Taught mixed media courses at:- Artist Guild - Blind Bay, BC
- FCA workshops - Vancouver, BC
- FCA workshop - Salmon Arm, BC
- Dean Croft Studio - North Vancouver, BC
- Nanaimo FCA chapter – Nanaimo, BC
- Sorrento Arts Center – Sorrento, BC
- FCA Class – Kelowna, BC
- Vernon Arts Centre - Vernon, BC
- Sicamous Art Centre – Sicamous, BC
- Enderby Art Centre – Enderby, BC
- Studio 2880 - Prince George, BC
- Artist Co-op - Prince George, BC
- College of New Caledonia - Vanderhoof, BC
- College of New Caledonia - Burns Lake, BC
PUBLICATIONS
- Courageous, Cutting-Edge and Conservative - Art Avenue, Sept/Oct 2018
- Painting in Abstract - Art Avenue, Mar/Apr 2015
- Portrait of an Artist - Sage-ing, The Journal of Creative Aging, Summer 2015
REPRESENTED BY
- Gallery Odin – Vernon, BC
- FCA gallery - Vancouver, BC