The 2005 Saskatchewan Centennial Mural
"Northern Tradition and Transition" by Roger
Jerome
The Saskatchewan Centennial Mural was conceived by the Government of Saskatchewan
as a key celebratory initiative for the Province's 100th Anniversary.
As the seat
of Government, the Legislative Building is a significant and appropriate setting
for the display of original artworks that reflect the identities and experiences
of Saskatchewan people. The important contributions of Indigenous Peoples have long
been acknowledged and represented in the Legislative Building and this mural continues
that tradition.
The Saskatchewan Centennial Mural Project was administered by the
Saskatchewan Arts Board on behalf of the Province.
About the Artist
Roger Maxwell Jerome
was born in 1945 in Bournemouth, England, after his Metis father, Max, met and married
his mother, Florence (Maughan), when he was serving with the Canadian Armed Forces
during World War II. Max brought his family home to Saskatchewan when Roger was quite
young.
He received his Commercial Art Certificate from the Assiniboine Community College
in Brandon, Manitoba, in 1969, and in a career spanning forty years, Roger Jerome
has received several awards for his paintings and drawings. As a métis artist who
has lived in Northern Saskatchewan most of his life, Roger is inspired by the contributions
made to society by Indigenous People. The favoured subject matter of his art are
portraits of the people of the North and the Province's beautiful scenery.
Roger
and his wife Flora live in Air Ronge where they are raising their granddaughter Kiera.
"The goal of this painting is to depict the beauty and scerenity of the North. The
canoeists continue to live in traditional ways while adapting to the changing times.
They could be hunting, camping, fishing, going to the trap-line, or any number of
traditional cultural activities.
The floral arch motif represents the beautiful art
of beadwork and incorporates the provincial flower, the Prairie Lily. The arched
shape also symbolizes the unity of Northern Saskatchewan with the South. By placing
this border at the top of the painting I have attempted to create a flat plane like
window. Through this window I hope to give viewers a glimpse of life in Northern
Saskatchewan."
-Roger Jerome
