Janice Kasper (Artist-in-Residence, 2009)

"Moose Skull in the Woods", 18” x 24” oil, 2009

NPS/Janice Kasper

Isle Royale Reflection

"My partner, Bob Brooks, and I literally arrived at Isle Royale in a storm. Our wonderful host family, Chuck & Connie Boyle and another hardy couple, motored in high seas, rain and gale winds where we leaped from a dangerously swaying boat to a neighbor’s dock and had supplies to last for a few days tossed to us. We were very pleased to make our way to the cabin soaking wet but happy to find a fireplace and very comfortable quarters. The rest of our stay found clear skies.

One of most memorable experiences was visiting Rolf Peterson’s “bone yard” of moose skulls. It is a magical spot knowing the great work the Peterson’s have done on the island and the hundreds of skulls representing the lives of so many of these majestic animals. We had camping gear with us, and Ranger Lucas Westcott motored us one day to Moskey Basin. We hiked and camped at Lake Ritchie for 2 nights; one morning we awoke to hear the howl of a wolf and later saw tracks along a trail. Although we never saw a moose or wolf during our stay, knowing that they were still there made the trip worthwhile.

We had a wonderful stay. We filled a sketchbook and journal with memories and painting ideas. Overall, I could not get over how similar the island terrain is to the coast of Maine. I kept waiting to see the rise and fall of the tides."

- Janice Kasper, February 2019

 

Janice on Isle Royale visiting the bone yard

Photo by Bob Brooks

About the Artist

Janice Kasper lives and works in Swanville, Maine. Her art work is directly influenced by the Maine landscape and the creatures who inhabit that landscape. Her work has a non-traditional and unique interpretation of the natural world. Animals can be read as the species represented but they are often placed in imaginative settings. The work explores the physical needs of wild creatures and the man-made threats to their well-being with a clear focus on their physical beauty.

She has been very fortunate in the past to have been awarded an Artist-in-Residence position at Denali National Park in Alaska and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan (August 28th to September 9th, 2009). Her work is included in the permanent collections of The Portland Museum of Art, The Farnsworth Art Museum and The University of Maine at Presque Isle. Janice continues to exhibit her work at the Caldbeck Gallery in Rockland, Maine and examples can be viewed on their website.

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