The Mountain Caribou of the Selkirk range are peaceful, shy and remarkably noble animals.  Caribou symbolize purity and freedom.  Their main food in the winter is lichen that grows on old growth trees. Lichens will only grow in places where the air is pure.  Where ever you find caribou you will find healthy habitat.

Twice I have had the great fortune to see and be quite close to the small Selkirk herd of Caribou that often cross the Salmo - Creston Hwy on the east side of the summit. On the first occasion they appeared bluish in the early morning light.  They were a motley looking crew; all different sizes, with huge hooves and scraggly antlers.  The feeling I received from them was one of deep peace, calm and elation all mixed together into a palpable sense of wonder.  The second time I saw the herd it was a larger stronger looking group.  This time I again experienced peace and calm combined with the added feelings of mystery and magic.  This crept into me as they ascended the mountain into the forest and coming snow.  I was able to get a few digital images of this group.   With the zoom lens details crystallized; I could see their individual faces and sense their characters a little, and this delighted me.

Since then I have wanted to honour this fragile herd that lives on the edge of purity and our not so pure impact, by attempting to paint them and somehow help to protect them.  I have spent many hours in the forest soaking in its tangled order and wild scents in order to convey a feeling of oneness and harmony: caribou and forest. This is my thank you to the mountain caribou of the Kootenays

10% of sales from this show will be donated to The West Kootenay Eco Society.
“Thank you - Caribou”,  is a series of new oil paintings by local potter and painter Jan Formby of Red Moon Gallery.  This colourful show can be seen thoughout the month of December at The Kootenay Baker Cafe Cooperative, 377 Baker St.

Thank you,

Jan Formby
Red Moon Gallery
724 Herridge Lane
Nelson, BC  V1L 2A8

250 505 5527

red.moon@telus.net