March 8, 2007
Vancouver - Two works by Canadian contemporary realist artist Mary Pratt, "Jelly Shelf" and "Iceberg in the North Atlantic", will adorn two new stamps as part of Canada Post's continuing Art Canada series.
To create the photorealism effect in the painting "Jelly Shelf" depicted on one of the stamps, Pratt carefully eliminated any traces of brush strokes. Much of Pratt's work focuses on things found in the kitchen. In a recent interview, Pratt said "My role seems to have been to make people see things that are around them all the time; to help them find the beauty of simple things."
The "Iceberg in the North Atlantic" painting, featured on the second stamp resides at the Canadian Embassy in Washington. Pratt says she worked on this painting while waiting for a hip replacement. It is a mixed media piece, in which watercolour, chalk pastels and oil pastels are used.
Pratt was born Mary West in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1935. Daughter of the Attorney General of N.B., her family encouraged her love of art and in 1953, Pratt enrolled in the Fine Arts program at the Mount Allison University.
During the 1970s, Pratt produced still life paintings using her high realist style. Pratt has created numerous masterpieces during her illustrious career including The Service Station, The Bed, Supper Table, the figurative nudes Girl in the Wicker Chair, Girl in My Dressing Gown, and Girl in Glitz. Now in her early seventies, this grandmother continues to paint. Pratt's most current work is a portrait of The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Canada's 26th Governor General.
The domestic rate stamp, "Jelly Shelf", which measures 50.325 mm x 40 mm (horizontal), will be available in panes of 16 stamps. The international rate stamp "Iceberg in the North Atlantic" will be available on the souvenir sheet. Canadian Bank Note printed 2.5 million stamps, with P.V.A. gum, on Tullis Russell Coatings paper. They are general tagged on all four sides with 13+ perforations. The Official First Day Cover will read ST. JOHN'S NL.
Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the Newsroom section of Canada Post's website, and downloadable high-resolution photos of the stamps are in the Newsroom's Photo Centre. Stamps and Official First Day covers will be available at participating post offices, can be ordered online by following the links at Canada Post's website (www.canadapost.ca), or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA call toll-free: 1 800 565-4362 and from other countries call: 902 863-6550.
