Despite initial nervousness, he’s happy with the new venture. “It’s slowly evolving into a proper business and going well.”
The self-admitted “last minute perfectionist” is preparing for his first solo show in a few years. The grand opening of Caveman+Scientist is on Friday, March 8 at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives.
Overy’s eye-catching designs have been a staple in Jasper since 1999 when he arrived in the Rockies from Toronto.
The artist primarily paints with acrylic and dabbles with acrylic spray paint. His signature finesse is the characters he incorporates into his pieces. “It always comes back to them,” he said.
New creations will be among the showcase’s pieces. One example is that he’s given the popular “hello my name is” name tag stickers a new and colourful twist. They will be available opening night.
“My work has tightened up technically” throughout the years, but “it’s still identifiable as me,” he said.
Along with canvases and prints, his designs are transferred onto other items like stickers, mugs and clothing. He also produces pieces in a variety of sizes. “I like to make my work available to everyone.”
He’s wholly embraced social media and is particularly fond of the photo-sharing website Instagram because he can quickly upload images of his work.
“It’s just a picture and I don’t have to justify it with words.”
Overy prefers to hang his artwork at different heights too, so younger generations can view them properly. “I’m just a big kid in an adult body, anyway,” he laughs.
An avid mountain biker, Overy shared his biking passion with kids when he used to work at Freewheel Cycle. He mentored young riders in a bike club and has seen them grow up throughout the years.
“It’s cool that they remember me and now come to my [art] shows.”
Seeing his art in houses and around the community fills Overy with pride. “It’s a feeling that you’re going in the right direction.
“Sometimes I forget I did a certain piece until I see it in someone’s house,” he adds with a chuckle.
The opening party for Caveman+Scientist begins at 7 p.m. at the museum. There will be music, food, drinks and of course, Overy and his artwork. He will also bring any leftover apparel.
His creations can be viewed online at www.tristanovery.ca, where there’s also an online store.
Overy is grateful to be backed by such a supportive community and extends thanks to Theran Sawchuk, Mitch, Hugh and Troy at Tekarra Color and Elliot and Megan at Monsters & Men.
He loves living, playing and creating art in Jasper.
“I can’t imagine doing this anywhere else.”
