Call of the wild

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This article was published 09/03/2017 (3158 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For Elma Rauser, the wilderness of Manitoba offers plenty by way of inspiration.

“I’ve been painting my whole life,” said Rauser, who paints and offers instruction in her East St. Paul home studio. “My art reflects what I see in nature.”

Crediting a childhood in St. Vital where she was given the opportunity to “play in puddles and the bush” with instilling her love of nature, Rauser said she spends as much time outdoors as she can. Between being a grandmother, her career as a nurse, and her full-time artistic pursuits, Rauser enjoys snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, or cycling, hiking or backpacking in the warmer months.

“I’m a bit of an adventurer,” Rauser said with a laugh. And while her trips to the Yukon, the Rocky Mountains, to Portugal and Spain and France have certainly inspired her, Rauser returns again and again to the local landscape in her work as an artist.

“I still go back to the Whiteshell,” she said. “There’s no end to the great scenes we have here.”

Rauser considers herself a representative artist. She acknowledges Andrew Giffin as both an inspiration and an early mentor to her work.

“He was very encouraging when I was continuing to develop in the mid-’90s,” she said. “I certainly look up to Andrew’s free thinking. He’s quite an amazing artist.”

Rauser has also done extensive work along western and rodeo themes, as well as commissioned portraits. She bases much of her work on her own original photography.

“I always think, if I have 10 minutes on the way to work to do some photography, then I’m lucky,” she said. “I’ve found myself knee-deep in water sometimes. But if you get that shot, that’s what matters.”

As an instructor for the past 20 years, Rauser helps her students connect with their inner creativity.

“I have an equal passion in passing on what I know,” she said. “Every artist, they learn on their own. (But) you also learn from everyone.”

A variety of Rauser’s work will be on display at the Artarama 2017, a charity art exhibit and sale put on by the Knights of Columbus. The annual art show and sale takes place at the Mary Mother of the Church (85 Kirkbridge Dr.) from March 31 to April 2.

“Artarama has been near and dear to my heart,” said Rauser.

She added that while she has taken part in many previous Artarama events, this year marks a return of sorts for her, having missed out on the last couple years.

“We see beautiful work in Artarama from artists around the province. It’s always interesting to see what people respond to.”

A wine and cheese reception will take place on March 31, from 5 to 9 p.m. Patrons can also visit the galleries from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 1 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 2. Admission is free, and art sales can be paid for in cash or credit card. Email pglods@mymts.net for more information.

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