"My intention for these six designs is to encapsulate that and always be reminded of the indescribable beauty in its mountains and water, the animals within and the stars that surround us here."

My name is Alicia Clark, and I am Ali Cat Arts. I was born and raised on a small farm north of Fernie. Most of my childhood was spent outdoors, with animals, playing recreational sports and doing art. This is, without a doubt, where my inspiration comes from. Nature is my muse. 

Acrylic painting, airbrush and digital design are my favourite mediums. I often paint canvas, but I love to embellish rocks, wood, leather, feathers, hats, skateboards - the list goes on, and honestly, no surface is safe! 

For a long time, I've wanted to make my art wearable, and this project reignited that desire. I've designed a custom cut with the body in mind and precisely placed details for the best feature and shape. Colours that blend but are bold and draw attention to all the right places.

When Emma contacted me about doing a collaboration to release at the Wapiti Music Festival, I knew I wanted to do something Elk related. This is because "Wapiti" translates the description of an "Elk." It originates from first nations languages - an Algonquian, Shawnee and Cree word: waapiti, meaning "white rump."

Wapiti meaning Elk is the pinnacle of this series. Inspiration was drawn from these magnificent creatures, the Elk Valley mountain ranges and the Elk River headwaters.

The art was digitally made, utilizing my original paintings, photographs, memories and sprinkles of imagination.

Coincidentally I had planned a first-time trip to the Elk Lakes Provincial Park. While experiencing the Elk River Headwaters, my imagination went wild!

There are rows of rugged mountains and beautiful lakes cradled amongst them like jewels. The trail intertwines throughout as the river meanders back down towards Fernie. It all leads up to the massive Mount Joffre, standing tall over 3,000 meters, right on the border of Alberta and British Columbia.

This wild area is in the Height of the Rockies Provincial Park, and there's no visible civilization at night. The sky is jet black and brilliant with twinkling stars.

As I marvelled at the many constellations, my heart felt full, knowing how inspired I was by this trip.

This vital ecosystem is the gatekeeper to life and magic in the Elk Valley. Its magnificence is why I've featured it for our Wapiti series.

Learn More Ali Cat Arts —About ME! and then go shopping for my beautiful collaboration with Untamed. The Wapiti Inspired Series —Art By Ali Cat Arts and don't forget to follow along @alicatarts