Diane Blunt

June 2024

Born in Quebec, raised in Ontario, and currently living in British Columbia, Diane Blunt (she/her) is an artist of mixed descent – Anishnawbe (Ojibway) on her father’s side and German on her mother’s. She is a member of the Kawartha Nishnawbe Nation in Burleigh Falls ON. Presently, she is represented by Studio 13 in Vancouver BC, where she explores ideas around colonialism, environmentalism, generational histories, and assimilation through painting and material practices. Her work can be found in personal collections across Canada and the United States.

A BFA Graduate in Visual Arts at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, she has received multiple scholarships, awards, and artist residencies. She has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts. Most recent artist residencies include the Banff Centre for the Arts, Mnisiing/Toronto Island at Artscape Gibraltar Point (2023), Island Mountain Arts in Wells BC, and the Similkameen Artist Residency (2024).

Image: Diane Blunt plein-air painting

I was extremely grateful to paint on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation. Their lands are beautiful. While there, I spent a fair amount of time plein-air painting. One day, while painting, I met and was welcomed by a band member who shared with me many stories of her and her family's history. The town of Keremeos is full of wonderful people and places @ Kool Beans Coffee, @ Curiosity Shop, @ Old Grist Mill, @ Crowsnest Vineyards and @ Keremos Library to name a few!
The residency accommodations and studios are top-notch! I was able to take my work “big” and experiment freely. The staff went out of their way to make me feel supported throughout my entire stay, which meant a lot. Also, a huge thank you to the Freybe family for generously supporting artists in this way. Truly world-class! It would be a dream to come back!
Chi-Miigwetch! Big thank you!

Diane Blunt, Testimonial

Diane Blunt - A Place where Artists Make