A PLACE for the ARTS
​presents

Coexistence
by Ken Balmer

From July 3 to July 28 in the Annex Gallery

Meet the Artist each Saturday in July
​from 1-4pm at The Annex Gallery

​About the Exhibition

Welcome to our exhibition, a heartfelt plea to shift from DOMINATION ethics (prioritizing human well-being) towards MUTUALISM, embracing egalitarian relationships with wildlife.

  • First Nations wisdom recognizes orenda's conscious energy in all life, weaving an interconnected web of sacred existence.
  • Buddhists acknowledge animals as sentient beings, sharing our journey towards enlightenment.
  • ln Taoism, harmony between humanity and nature reigns supreme. 

This exhibition features wildlife paintings as windows into the above teachings, inviting contemplation and connection with the profound wisdom of our natural world. Welcome to a journey of reflection, empathy, and reverence for the interconnectedness of all life.

​Meet the Artist

Ken's artwork is deeply inspired by spirituality, particularly the concept of Orenda, a supernatural force believed to be present in all things. His favorite subjects include hawks, eagles, Native American dancers, totems, and sacred landscapes. Residing on the edge of Algonquin Park in Canada and wintering in Arizona, Ken's wanderlust leads him into nature frequently. Painting for over 45 years, he is self-taught with guidance from mentors and professionals. With a Ph.D. in geography/planning, Ken has had a diverse career as an academic, manager, futurist, and consultant.

Presenting wildlife paintings, each accompanied by the profound teachings they embody.

SNAPPING TURTLE 

Solitary, patient and persistent throughout a long and difficult life. Representing protection, survival and strength. Helping you with spiritual connections to the Earth; to find and stay true to your path. Be cautious though, the flipside is that you might find support for your stubbornness and resistance to change before you have found the right way.

HERON

Patient, still and contemplative. Yet purposeful and determined, ready to seize opportunity with awesome power, speed and aggression. Hunting where land and water meet; then soaring majestically. Solitary and independent; yet thriving when the rookery and community calls.

FOX

Responsive, adaptive and alert. Lightening quick thinking combined with cunning, scrutiny and slyness. Fox understands trickery and helps you swiftly circumnavigate obstacles and trouble; toward solutions without confrontation. With you as you integrate spiritual and earthly paths

OWL

Solitary, nocturnal, patient – finding higher self in silence.  Connecting wisdom, intuitive knowledge and good judgement – helping you see into the shadows, discern truth, remove masks. I offer a portal to change if you have the courage to fly with me.

MOOSE

​Imposing, dignified and monumental – Moose symbolizes strength and willpower. Moose moves through life with pride and authority, giving others the courage to face difficult situations.  Calm and composed, slow to anger unless challenged; authoritative, supreme, even wilfully dangerous if pushed too far. A protective guardian, demonstrating the importance of fighting for those you love. Moose shows us how to be fully aware; and to have the confidence to move forward with power combined with pure grace when opportunities arise.

Ken Balmer are member of A PLACE for the ARTS. 
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For more of about Ken's artwork and contact details, please visit his artist profile pages.