Liliane West • member since 2026
My artistic practice explores emotion, transformation and the organic rhythms found within the natural world. Working primarily in acrylic, I create layered, intuitive paintings inspired by wilderness, psychedelic patterns and inner experiences that are often difficult to put into words.
Nature remains my greatest teacher and source of grounding and inspiration. I’m deeply influenced by the movement, texture and interconnected systems found in forests, plants, water, and organic forms. Through colour, repetition and immersive detail, I aim to create work that evokes both wonder and reflection.
My process is slow and meditative. Paintings develop gradually through layering and experimentation rather than strict pre planning. I see each piece as an evolving conversation between intuition, emotion and material. This deliberate way of working allows space for discovery, reflection, and curiosity and has become central to my practice.
Although largely self taught, I later expanded my technical foundation through formal studies in acrylic painting at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. My work continues to balance technical exploration with emotional authenticity and personal process.
At the core of my practice is a belief in art’s ability to ground, restore, and connect people to themselves. Moving forward, I hope to further explore the therapeutic potential of art, especially for young people navigating complex emotional experiences.
The Alternator has always felt like an important part of the local arts community to me. I appreciate the way it supports artists who are still evolving, experimenting and finding their voice, while also creating space for connection and creative risk taking within Kelowna.
What I value most is that the gallery feels open to personal and exploratory work. It doesn’t feel overly rigid or intimidating, which I think is really important, especially in a smaller arts community. There’s a sense that artists are encouraged to grow into their practice rather than fit into a specific mold.
A lot of my own work is rooted in intuition, emotional process, and connection to the natural world, so I really connect with the Alternator’s spirit of authenticity and experimentation. Seeing the exhibitions and artists the gallery supports has reinforced the importance of making work that feels honest, evolving, and meaningful.
As someone who is still relatively new to becoming involved in the local arts community, spaces like the Alternator feel especially meaningful. It’s encouraging to see a gallery that supports emerging artists and creates room for experimentation, connection, and growth. To me, it represents a creative space that feels welcoming, authentic, and community oriented.
