Meet Okanagan artist who fell in love with exotic wildlife
Pursuing a passion for conservation led a Kelowna artist deep into the Cameroon wilderness to stalk critically endangered gorillas.
Capturing the beauty of an elusive Cross River Gorilla was the perfect challenge for Daniel Taylor, who’s also a hyperrealist painter.
Trekking through the B.C. wilderness is a walk in the park compared to the jungles of Cameroon, he said.
“There, you’re going through areas that grow over so fast. It’s always wet, overcast and rainy. As you walk under a heavy canopy, a constant drizzle is coming down on you. You’re never dry. Then there are these insects that’ll fly around your face and then spray an acid type of substance towards your eyes.”
Taylor embarked upon the expedition with former poachers, who found a way to make an honest living as local guides. But poaching continues to be a major concern in the area, and as the only white people on the safari, Taylor remembers the nearby villagers being wary about he and his wife.
Despite a frosty reception, they found a way to connect with the locals by teaching art to the children. Taylor was apprehensive about using the word “school” to describe the mud huts where he offered the lessons, but they were the closest thing to a classroom.
Art supplies were provided and the youngsters were shown how to paint gorillas, which Taylor referred to as the villager’s neighbours.
“And the kids would get all excited, they were thrilled.”
Depicting exotic animals is how Taylor mastered oil and acrylic paints. He creates paintings nearly as crisp as photographs by applying numerous subtle layers. Acrylic is preferred because oil takes too long to dry, and his projects can take a while to complete.
But you don’t need to be living in a village in a remote part of Africa to get a lesson from Taylor – he’s the star of When Paintings Come Alive, a cable access television series that features 30 minute demos of his work.
“Not so much a learn-how-topaint program as it is educational and fun to watch.”
It’s been aired locally by Shaw and has been picked up by overseas networks in Australia and New Zealand. The show can be found on YouTube by searching “When Paintings Come Alive”.
“Soon from now a very special episode will be airing for families and kids called Wormy.”
As a shining example of youth leadership and community impact, Boys and Girls Club Canada, in partnership with Hyundai Canada, is thrilled to announced Mehak Parihar, of Kelowna, as the regional Youth of the Year.
Parihar, 18, was one of seven regional winners from clubs nationwide, honoured for her exceptional leadership, dedication to service and remarkable achievements within her community.
“I extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible staff at BGC Okanagan for teaching me the importance of helping others and the impact you can have as just one individual. My journey with them has shaped me into who I am today,” said Parihar, who is a first-year engineering student at UBC Okanagan.
“Being part of Youth of the Year has been a cool experience. It offered me the opportunity to meet others from around Canada who make such a big impact at their clubs and do a lot of exciting work.”
The Regional Youth of the Year accolade not only shines a spotlight on these young leaders, but rewards them with prize packages, laptops, and post-secondary scholarships. Additionally, winners receive leadership and mentorship training in Toronto, preparing them to become official BGC ambassadors.
The home clubs of each Youth of the Year beneficiary is also granted funds to further support their youth engagement and leadership work. Parihar is eager to leverage this opportunity to launch a STEM program at the Rutland Club, aiming to ignite a passion for discovery among kids to explore the “why behind everything.”
Parihar initially got involved with BGC Okanagan through the Lead Up and Raise the Grade programs, driven by the desire to help her peers at increasing their academic skills. Her commitment further blossomed as she volunteered at the Rutland Club.
As part of the BGC Canada Youth of the Year, Parihar, alongside BGC Okanagan CEO Jeremy Welder, was also invited to Ottawa to represent the club during a visit with members of parliament.
“Seeing our youth achieving such great things is the most rewarding parts of our job. Mehak is articulate, motivated and her exemplary representation of our BGC movement and values makes us so incredibly proud,” said Welder.
With the 2024 Youth of the Year now accepting applications, Parihar looks forward to returning to Toronto in October to be a mentor to those that receive the 2024 award. Learn more about, and how to apply for, Youth of the Year at bgccan. com/youth-of-the-year.