Janet Etter Art

I have not always been a painter. Mostly I've been a successful craftsperson and business owner. I spent many years in the Yukon designing and building dog harnesses and equipment for sled dog racing.

After selling the sled dog business I went to the Shetland Islands and studied advanced machine knitting and designing. I then moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and started a sweater manufacturing company.

After going to Edmonton for a family visit, I dropped by the Edmonton Art Gallery and saw a show by Canadian Folk artist Joe Norris. His paintings spoke to my heart and changed my life. Joe's work inspired me to become a painter. Besides Joe, other Folk artists such as Maude Lewis and Gramma Moses have influenced and motivated me in my work.

Since moving to Victoria, I have been captivated by the tugboat and marine life of Victoria's Inner harbour. When I come across a working tug in our inner harbour I am enthralled by the colour, strength, movement of these boats and the men that work on them.

Nearly everyone stops, watches, responds in some way to a passing tug & barge as it passes under the uplifted Blue Bridge. Tugs reflect honesty, emotion, and strength. I can't resist them.

I refer to myself as an "industrial folk artist." I feel a deep need to record what is left of our rapidly changing waterfront and disappearing lifestyles.

- Janet