We are thrilled to share the artwork that adorns our beloved retreat center, along with the intriguing stories that accompany each piece. At Johnsons Landing, you will discover a rich collection of hundreds of images, sculptures, and books, each with its own distinct tale. This marks the second chapter in our endeavor to unveil the vibrant history and artistic spirit that permeates our space.
This is Noah’s striking artwork artwork depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe in prayer. He used his method carving the image from a rubber mat, and then he applied ink to it before stamping it onto paper. She is the The Virgin of Guadalupe refers to when the Virgin Mary— the mother of Jesus and a very important saint in the Roman Catholic religious tradition. She appeared to a man named Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. Noah loved the image. There was an event happening in Mexico at the time he created this that inspired him. For many, the Virgin of Guadalupe represents hope and liberation, particularly for those facing oppression and hardship. She is seen as a protector and a source of comfort. Noah regards her as a protector and a source of solace, embodying unconditional support for all, regardless of their past. He also envisioned this powerful image as a potential back tattoo.
Monika’s Woodland Ent, inspired by the Ents from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” stands guard at our lodge’s backdoor. This enchanting figure embodies the essence of wood, symbolizing growth, expansion, and vitality according to the Chinese Five Elements theory. We acquired this unique piece at an art auction held at the Headbones Gallery in Vernon.
Monika’s hometown is Davos, a picturesque town in Switzerland where she spent her childhood. The painting, titled “Summer in Davos,” was created by the renowned Swiss artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a prominent figure in German expressionism. This artwork beautifully captures the Tinsenhorn mountain alongside the town, featuring the distinctive steeple of the Rathaus government building. Monika and Denys acquired this piece during their visit to Davos, making it a cherished reminder of their time there.
This artwork is titled Eskimo. During Monika and Denys’s first winter in Johnsons Landing, they rented their Silver Star home to a few cross-country racers while training and racing on the Nordic ski circuit, one of whom was Imogen Nadlersmith. She created this drawing and generously gifted it to Monika and Denys.
Monika and Denys discovered this charming light years ago at an art auction and fundraiser held at the Headbones Art Gallery. Created by local artist Doug Alcok, it shares a connection with the metal structure located in front of their cottage. This unique piece can be illuminated by inserting a lightbulb and batteries, making it a delightful addition to the retreat center.
This artwork, titled “What is my tribe?”, is a unique creation by Monika from 2020. It reflects a pivotal moment in her life when she was searching for a sense of belonging, and she created it while residing in Silverstar. A year later, she discovered her community in Johnsons Landing, completing that journey.
This impressive mask, crafted by local Vernon artist Bob Kingsmil, was acquired at an art auction. It represents the face of a woodland Ent and was part of a larger collection of masks that Monika had displayed in their former home at Silverstar. Interestingly, John (Bob’s brother) once resided in Johnsons Landing, a place that Denys and Monika nearly purchased.
This artwork was acquired from Gallery Odin in Silverstar, thanks to our friends Kalman and Maria Molnar. Created by artist Julie Elliot, it perfectly complements Denys’s passion for tree paintings, adding to the collection of tree-themed art we have displayed throughout our retreat center.
