Jeanne Bates

Jeanne Bates was born in Madison, Wisconsin. She studied History of Art and Basic Drawing in Illinois at Northwestern University.
Jeanne became a Canadian citizen in 1986. Living in Bamfield, BC, Michael Jay and Linda Haylock introduced her to watercolours She also experienced pottery and raku firing with potters Ted Austin and Hedy Demontigny.

Jeanne went on to study Japanese calligraphy and zen brushwork with Shinzan Miyamae, head priest of a zen temple near Gifu, Japan.

Jeanne and her husband moved to Kelowna in 1999. Here she continues her interest in the arts. She has taken many courses in Chinese watercolours, brush painting and calligraphy with the Chinese Academy trained artist Pei Zong Chen. She has studied Western watercolours with Graham Ellison and pastels with Tina Siddouki. Her interest in sculpting began with a course taught at the RCA by Petronella van der Berg, and continued with courses taught by Geert Maas and Graeme Pettmann.

Jeanne also enjoys the serenity found in the art of Japanese flower arranging. She studies with the Ikenobo ikebana school. Jeanne plays bassoon in the KCMS Orchestra, the Kelowna City Band and the Night Owls Orchestra.

Artist Statement

There is a oneness that unites us all, right before our eyes, all the time. It can’t be captured, it doesn’t really exist. Sometimes, what I’m doing captures the essence, much to my surprise and delight. It makes me smile, or take a deep breath, and go beyond seeing. I enjoy that intensity, kind of like a kid in a candy store. I hope you do too.