Joan Larson, Qualicum Beach, BC

JOAN LARSON spent most of her life in the arts industry in one way or another, but it is her passion for horses that has been the primary motivating factor. My first memory is of sitting on the back of a horse (at about the age of 2 according to my mother). It is a powerful, visceral memory that brings back feelings of awe and wonder. I remember feeling like I was sitting on top of the world. I can only guess that this is where my love of horses comes from, but it is this same fascination that lead me to draw them continuously as a child. And that sense of discovery has never ended. When I draw something, I know it from the inside out. I have worked as a full time professional artist for 20+ years specializing in equine art. When I am asked where I get my inspiration from, my response is "every horse has a story, and its my mission, my challenge, to find it and tell it.