Joshua Jensen-Nagle's "Longing for Less" (Courtesy of the Artist)

Joshua Jensen-Nagle's "Morning Glory" (Courtesy of the Artist)

I moved to Canada a decade ago and new very little about the country except a few fond memories of visiting in my childhood. I came here for University to study and achieve a BFA. That I did, but during my time I also fell in love with with this country.

I have never felt such national pride as I do now. I’m from Jersey see, so don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my American roots but I feel like I’ve discovered something up here. I grew up in Jersey but I grew as an artist in Canada.

“New Canadiana” is a cultivation of my life and experience migrating and living north of the border. From the east coast to the west, I finally get it. Sure, there is plenty more to explore but I am now comfortable calling myself Canadian.

“New Canadiana” is my view on Canada. It’s NOT about red maple leafs and it’s certainly NOT about hockey sticks. It’s a contemporary reflection if you will – one that I experienced.

The work is not definitive of Canadian culture but merely the perspective of an artist who has lived on both sides and found something special to inspire him.

Joshua Jensen-Nagle’s exhibition “New Canadiana” is currently at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art, Calgary, Alberta, January 30 – February 27