Although he is currently a professional visual artist, it wasn’t always so. As a teenager, Darrell Baschak had a keen interest in Fine Art, and although he completed the entrance requirements to enrol in the Fine Arts program at the University of Manitoba, that path in life wasn’t to be. Life had other plans for him, and he went on to complete an Electrical apprenticeship with Canadian National Railways, where he worked for 15 years. With work and a young family, he practically forgot where his paint box was at times, such was the business of life. Darrell taught himself to paint, stealing time here and there to explore that passion. Despite holding down two jobs and helping his wife to care for his two children, he persevered with his love of painting, exploring en plein air and easel painting in the great outdoors of Northern Manitoba, where he was born and raised. Painting became a lifetime commitment for him; he found it was full of problem-solving, challenging the mind to realize his vision of what could be. Eventually, he realized that he was engaged in a dialogue with his Creator and that his desire to re-create what was already perfect in Nature was an act of thanksgiving for the gift of creativity and life. He is at a point in his life now where he can paint full-time in his studio, all the day jobs are in the past, and he can concentrate on developing his skills, a lifelong endeavour.
***
Which ’hood are you in?
Darrell lives in the Resort Village of Manitou Beach, a retro kind of place that is full of extremely interesting people. Visual artists, performing artists, writers, musicians, dancers and more. It lists approximately 300 people on the tax roll, but the population explodes in the summer months as people from all over the world visit the funky little village. It boasts having Little Manitou Lake, which is saltier than the Dead Sea, there is a Spa complete with a hot and cold pool. The village and area is quite inspirational for an artist type, there is never a lack of things to do.
What do you do?
As a visual artist, I tend to explore the landscape in a painterly manner using almost exclusively oils on increasingly larger canvases. My largest work to date measures 60 inches high by 72 inches long. I’ve collaborated on larger pieces such as murals, and with the help of two artist friends, we constructed a stainless steel structure to commemorate the 100th anniversary of our village. I tend to respond to what I see in Nature on a level that is deep inside me, not necessarily emotional or analytical, maybe more soul felt? Because, as artists, we have literally no chance of perfectly replicating what is in front of us, I chose to just listen to that voice inside that can direct you if you are open to it. I also explore the abstract nature of the subject, focusing on something until the detail becomes its own world and the original subject becomes the supporting actor. I love drawing, and that finds its way into my painting process. Sometimes, the drawing becomes so evocative that I have to push myself to paint over it. I understand that I will never be satisfied with what I’m doing, but I love the journey!
I’m currently working on a body of work for an exhibition I’ve been offered at the Soul Gallery in Winnipeg. I continue to explore the landscape in all its breathtaking manifestations, a never-ending source of inspiration. Lately, I have taken an interest in Figurative work, something I have only dabbled in over the years. I’m always up for a challenge, and this path certainly is that!
What are you currently working on?
I have the distinct pleasure of having a wonderful working relationship with the Soul Gallery in Winnipeg, with whom I’ve been with for 14 years. I have been offered an exhibition at the gallery sometime in 2027.
Where can we find your work?
My work can be found on Instagram and on the Soul Gallery’s website.
