Katharine Fletcher
SHAWVILLE – Betty Chamberlain, Pontiac Archives’ volunteer and local artist, and Venetia Crawford, Archives president, invited Calumet Island artist Jelly Massee to speak at the Pontiac Archives, October 22. The event attracted an audience of more than 30 to hear Massee talk about her Legacy series.
Chamberlain emphasized that inviting Massee added a unique twist to their Archive’s speakers because she brings the eye of an artist to history.
“Although I’m passionate about Canadian history, my focus is on the Ottawa Valley – as Pontiac as it can be,” explained Massee.
Massee emigrated from Holland with her parents when she was three. “Years passed and I landed in the Ottawa Valley after marrying my service-member husband. I’ve been in this area ever since: first, I moved from Deep River to Allumette Island near Demers Centre. Now I’m living on Calumet Island with Brian Demers, my partner of 16 years. It’s because of Brian that I’m still here!”
Massee’s fascination with regional history prompted her to create a series of 18 historical paintings on birch panels where – like old photographs – she used sepia paints. The soft, beige brown is a signature of these works. “I am self-taught and developed a sepia painting style I’ve modified over the years,” she said. She created the series using a combination of detailed pen-and-ink, followed by watercolour and finally, gouache.
Her series is inspired by historical prints. “I have thirteen Canadian history books. Although I prefer working from photographs, there aren’t many good enough for reproduction. Sometimes I combine photos, or I will rely on lithographs, but even then, they are just line drawings that convert to a painting.
“I call this my Legacy series because I wanted to leave something to Canada and this area. On November 4, Pembroke’s Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre is taking all 15 of these paintings for permanent display, where none will be sold. I sold two from this series during my solo show at Café 349 this year, and one is on auction today as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Pontiac Archives.” Local artist Katharine Fletcher won the painting with a $300 bid.
Massee then presented her series – and their stories.
One painting depicts two mules hauling a wagon. Settlers used the chicken wagon to move birds to different sections of their farm to give them fresh food. The poultry fertilized and scratched up the soil in preparation for planting.
Attendees were particularly interested in Massee’s “Skaters at Government House” – Ottawa’s Rideau Hall. “It’s the first painting in this series. Lord Dufferin started the public rink, then Lord Stanley (of Stanley Cup fame) took over; the first women’s hockey team played at this rink during his tenure. Today the rink remains available to the public by reservation.”
After the event, some joined the artist for lunch at Café 349, where she regaled them with more tales.
Photo – Artist Jelly Massee (left) with Katharine Fletcher (right) and the piece of art that was auctioned off to benefit the Pontiac Archives. (Brian Demers)
