What can you tell about Starbucks understanding of the Book of Revelations?

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of John is the last book of the New Testament. The Book of Revelations proclaims some rather cryptic predictions, which scholars continue to debate, such as: an oncoming Armageddon, and the coming of the second messiah.

Flett finds wealth in people who exist on the fringes of society. He explores and memorializes his relationship to them in his art. Alister Starbuck is a well known figure amongst his community in downtown Victoria. He could often be found exactly where Ken Flett placed him in this canvas. In front of the St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Blanshard St. 

His method of blending photography and painting allows him to infuse realism and expressionism into his work. Flett considers himself a bricoleur” which is “one who draws on people and events and experiences in order to draw attention to that which makes life good.”   A Bricolour by definition is a person who makes Bricolages. Bricolages are artworks created from various resources.

Ken Flett began his artistic career in Calgary, Alberta in the 1980s. He graduated from the Alberta College of Arts and Design (ACAD) in 1987 with a major in photography.  The people he encountered while traveling through western Canada from Prince Albert to Port Alberni inspired him both personally and artistically. Flett is an accomplished artist, having shown his work at galleries in Europe and across Western Canada.

Fog of Miscalculation

”I wanted them to feel the memory of what I felt about the Person” ( Flett; Research Portfolio, p.23)

The first time Flett visited Mike( the man depicted on the canvas) it was at his log cabin in the woods. Flett remembered the air being thick due to a leaky wood stove.  This was one of the many experiences with Mike that inspired the title. Mike was talented artist, who was misunderstood by his community.  Mike had trouble taking care of himself: eating healthy and maintaining a sanitary environment.  Flett took it upon himself to help Mike in every way he could. Flett developed a friendship with Mike and created over eleven paintings of him. 

Check out other paintings of Mike in the Williams collection, called: Trust and Desire and Visiting Angel.

To read more about Flett’s experiences and their contribution to his artistic practices please check out his blog at

http://rustystories.blogspot.com/

click to listen to our interview with Ken Flett