An artist from Okotoks will have a second piece of her artwork on display for diplomats around the world.
Laura Payne says the Global Affairs Canada Visual Art Collection was the organization that purchased her work, which is responsible for collecting fine art for embassies and consulates in Canada and in over 100 cities around the world.
"The purpose is to promote contemporary Canadian artists outside Canada and mostly specializing in emerging and mid-career artists," explained Payne. "So, it's an interesting program too, because I don't actually know where my artwork is going to end up. I'm not sure if I ever will, but it's kind of neat to know it gets to live this other life outside of my studio, somewhere in the world."
Her first piece was sold to Global Affairs Canada in 2018 through the Darrell Bell Gallery in Saskatoon.
The second piece was sold through the Galerie Robertson Arés in Montreal this summer, where some of her work is on display.
"I think that a lot of these purchases are typically done through commercial galleries. So, it's interesting, because in the age of social media, so many artists are selling their work independently and if you as an artist can find success that way, more power to you. I think that's incredible. But, I think that there's a certain benefit to being commercially represented because there's an understanding that the roster of artists is somewhat vetted and probably has a history of being collected," Payne says.
She adds that organizations like Global Affairs Canada will typically shop at galleries.
The recent piece that Global Affairs Canada purchased is called Geome 01, and is the first in a series.
"They sort of mimic architectural and geological elements, but they are largely abstract works and they're acrylic and glitter on panel."
Her first piece that they purchased was from her Radial Collection.
"So, that's really validating for an artist, too, when you're just starting out a new series of work and you're not really sure if it's going to resonate and then a big important collection like that picks it up and you're like, 'Ok, maybe I'm onto something.'"
The sale of the second piece went through at the end of July.
Originally Global Affairs Canada had sent a curator to Galerie Robertson Arés to find work for their collection.
"And then they put work on hold until they can have a meeting. I don't know too much about what happens in these meetings, but there seems to be some sort of committee that needs to approve. And a lot of it is on the basis of checking, I think, the current collection, because they don't necessarily know when they go into a gallery, like maybe they already have 12 Laura Payne's and they don't actually need anymore."
Payne says that part of the process of selling her artwork to Global Affairs Canada was providing a list of all the materials used in the piece.
"They ask for very detailed information about the mediums, like the paints and the brands and different things that you used to produce the artwork, for archival purposes. So, if they ever needed to repair something, they would have a contractor or something to do any repairs or anything that needs to be done."
Payne had previously sold some of her artwork to Google for display in one of their offices, but she says this latest purchase is exciting.
"What's exciting about this particular purchase is that the piece will exist somewhere outside of Canada and that other important individuals of high status will end up seeing my work. I think having something like a government purchase is validating in a different way than a corporate purchase."
She adds that it's cool that she was chosen to help represent Canada in the art world.
To check out some of her artwork, check out her Instagram page here.