Ross Penhall, artist

Despite achieving international recognition, Vancouver-based painter Ross Penhall, (also known as the “fireman artist”), has never wanted to give up his day job as a captain in the West Vancouver Fire Department. “I am proud to be a firefighter. It is an honourable profession and people are always happy to see you,” quipped Penhall who is known for both his sense of humour and the enigmatic landscapes that have earned him comparisons to members of the Group of Seven. In the following interview, Penhall reveals some of the inspirations for his art and his passion for Vancouver.

How would you describe your painting style?
A natural flow of consciousness/ subconsciousness/ unconsciousness influenced by kids, work, responsibilities, [and] CBC radio equals a style of “softened realism”.

You grew up on Vancouver’s North Shore. What were your favourite outdoor activities in the area?
I would swim in Cypress Creek, ride my bike and ski the local mountains.

What are the best places in Vancouver to see the work of local artists, both emerging and established?
The Eastside Cultural Crawl [a community arts festival in November], any grad show from the local art colleges has some gems, Granville Island has several best kept secrets, and the Winsor Gallery on South Granville is a must see.

You are famous for your landscape painting. Do you often paint Vancouver landscapes?
All the time: Vancouver is a lush city and I discovered the colors of phthalo and cadmium green while riding my bike.

Where in Vancouver do you live now? What are your favourite things about that neighbourhood?
I live in Horseshoe Bay where I can walk for a quart of milk, eat in my favourite restaurant, buy a great cup of coffee, post a parcel, have a cold beer, play in an ocean-front park with my dog and see my friends.

You studied art at Vancouver’s Emily Carr University of Art + Design located on Granville Island. As a student, what was your favourite place on the island?
My happy place on Granville Island is New Leaf Editions where I print-make. The wooden boardwalk, on the southeast side of Granville Island, keeps me present.

You are known as the "fireman artist". Does your work inform your art?
Sometimes my art is a healer for sad emergency calls.

What about Vancouver inspires you?
The color green.

Ross Penhall’s work can be seen at the Winsor Gallery at 3025 Granville Street. Winsor Gallery is dedicated to the promotion of distinctive Canadian and international contemporary art. winsorgallery.com

This email interview took place in June 2009.