The Seed is Sown speaks to the work of generations. Like the communities they portray, Florence Chernoff-Lymburner’s oil paintings grow from seeds planted long ago. From villages of the Caucasus, to the fields of Kars. From the prairie settlements of Saskatchewan to the orchards of the Boundary Kootenay.

This intimate show can be seen as a time capsule, capturing a culture that helped shape not only the Boundary region, but also the Canadian West. Through colour and expressive brushwork, Florence offers viewers an opportunity to reflect upon a community across generations.

Pivotal moments in Florence’s journey are depicted in pieces from her travels to the former Doukhobor settlements near Kars, Turkey, the birthplace of her grandmother. Walking the same streets, discovering remnants of Doukhobor craftsmanship, and recognizing the familiar blue paint and orderly village plans deepened her understanding of the people who came before her.

Raised in the Boundary, Florence has spent a lifetime carrying the Doukhobor heritage with her. Her career and travels have taken her across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.