Lori Bagneres

  • On the outskirts of Whistler Village, in the nearby neighborhood of Function Junction, nestled between the roaring Cheakamus River and the winding Sea to Sky Trail, an unexpected sight awaits.

    The space is a juncture between social and natural worlds, where we linger on the edge, waiting to crossover into an unknown forest—a threshold between the familiar and the mysterious. 
    It is indeed an “outlier” standing in stark contrast to its surroundings, defined by its blend of cultures, geography and history. 
    Like a vibrant, artsy neighborhood in an otherwise traditional city, or a warm microclimate in a cool region, this place draws attention and becomes a hub of diversity, tourism, and unique experiences.

    My mixed media interpretation of the Whistler “Train-wreck” historical site explores the intriguing entanglement of old-growth forest and industrial decay. Here, towering trees coexist with graffiti, tagging, and scribbles—a vibrant, symbiotic relationship between the ancient and the urban, nature and expression.

Much like the “Land of Misfit Toys”, which celebrates those who don’t fit into mainstream roles, this work aims to honour uniqueness, diversity, and inclusion. It reflects the idea that everyone has a place where they belong, even if they live outside the traditional mold.

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Lori Bagneres is a contemporary artist living and working on the west coast of Canada, North Vancouver, BC. Through explorations in mixed media techniques using acrylic, image transfer, cold wax and oil & Venetian plaster, Lori’s focus on ephemeral nuances in the landscape, allow the viewer to feel place as much as see it.