Diane Roy's first retrospective that opens tomorrow (Thursday) in Port Coquitlam will show a range of fibre arts.
But her theme about how the environment is being harmed remains as constant today as when she started to ply her trade more than 30 years ago.
"I just find it deplorable," said the Surrey artist, whose home overlooks the Fraser River.
"They are still fishing the way they were back then and the species are disappearing.... it's kind of alarming this is still happening."
The Quebec native started as a professional artist dabbling in painting and sculpting before settling on the fibre arts in the 1970s.
The medium "kind of talked to me," she said, and not having a studio, it was easy to pick up textiles and create knots, weave and crotchet while on the road. "I ended up developing my own technique," Roy said.
These days, Roy uses mostly recycled materials - threads, yarns, commercial fishing nets, willow branches and foil paper, for example - in her marine life pieces.
And she finds peace in toiling away at her craft. "I get into this feeling of meditation and happiness. It's a wonderful place to be in."
The opening reception for Diane Roy's retrospective is Aug. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (beside Port Coquitlam city hall). Her exhibit runs until Sept. 22. Meanwhile, Roy will also host free demonstrations this month at the Port Coquitlam Farmers' Market on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
