User Reviews

I watched a local screening of this movie, with an enlightening question and answer period with Cory Trepanier himself. In the film, we have the luxury of watching the artist sketch, and then paint, the beautiful scenes - a thrill to witness. His commentary of the trial and tribulations he encountered (mosquitoes, high winds, wolves) gave a sense of being there with him. We watched him kayak up to huge ice floes, battle the elements as he set up his easel, and try to stay optimistic as he waited for the weather to cooperate. Throughout, he maintained a sense of humour and dedication. For artists and naturalists alike, I highly recommend viewing this. Cory is a true ambassador for Canada, and he does our country proud!

Who would have thought that the highest sheer rock face would be here, in our 'backyard'. Or one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world? These hidden Canadian treasures, and many more, are uncovered for us by the artist in a very engaging manner, as he travels our great land. Picturesque landscapes and breathtaking scenery convey the vastness and beauty of our land. A must see for every who calls themselves an avid outdoors-man or just the occasional weekend warrior. Actually this is for anyone who even just calls themselves a Canadian! Come learn and explore the wonders of the path less travelled, in a very memorable journey across our northern landscape. I hope this movie will inspire not just this generation but more to come, to involve themselves in efforts to protect the land that is ours!

In an age and medium governed by Sturgeons law, Cory Trepanier is the real deal exploring and documenting a region of earth facing monumental changes after eons of stability. This may very well be, the last opportunity for artistic observation and interpretation by our modern human era before the region undergoes dramatic transformation. As the arctic ice opens its resource secrets it would be naive to think a hungry world will preserve its integrity. Thumbs up for the sacrifices needed to make a remarkable permanent artistic record of a major defining Canadian landscape.

Few realize the extreme costs required of a professional artist and his family to operate and produce high quality art in an age where bankers need public bailout. Fewer still will realize the significance of the arctic regions or offer it a voice until it is to late and Cory's film will stand out among the limited public record. Scientists will be able to catalogue questionable amounts of reductionist content before it is lost to climate change and resource development, but only the artists eye will see the whole equation, unhindered by the speculative mind.

Peter Turrell Director, Millennium Institution

Cory Trepanier's Into the Arctic II documents his journey to capture the beautiful, vast landscape of Northern Canada. With the permafrost thawing, it is a timely film that focuses on the scenery while introducing us to Cory's exceptional paintings. Into the Arctic II does a great job of inserting some geography and history into the subject. Meeting individuals that live in the north, we are introduced to the challenges Cory encountered while travelling to very remote locales. A beautiful film which satisfies armchair adventurers and leaves us with a feeling of awe and respect for the north. The film gives us an impression of the scale of the north and the scale of some of Cory's paintings.

Timeliness seems to be one of the most important ingredients in this enterprise of physically traveling to the Arctic and capturing it on canvas. Cory's art, and the way he does his art, is the art itself. It's exciting because we live vicariously through him as he canoes along an isolated Arctic river, or braves the elements as he searches for shelter. And his meticulous artistic attention in the paintings themselves reveal his passion for the untouched Canadian north. His artworks often express the other-worldly atmosphere found naturally in the far north; many vistas have an almost Tolkien-esque effect, with odd formations of fog, stone, and ice. Cory not only represents the best of Canada, but is also an ambassador for the entire planet, as he uniquely shares with all of us his love of the natural beauty found in our rapidly changing Arctic. Bravo!

This movie was a wonderful adventure for anyone to see. As a painter myself, I couldn't believe what Cory went through from carrying such heavy backpacks with his supplies, to setting up in such extreme conditions to wait for the right lighting to paint, then dealing with creatures who may interfere with his efforts like polar bears, wolves and a horrible amount of mosquitoes.( I loved the scene with the wolves!) I liked "meeting" the people that guided Cory and their unique living situations. The scenery was amazing and I thought the dialogue was charming and natural. To see the works of art that were produced as a result of this expedition was a treat in itself.

I feel like everyone should watch this movie so they can discover the beauty of the Canadian north in a way that may not be possible for most of us to ever see. In our wildest imaginations we could probably never conger up the beauty that Cory captured for us in his film and paintings. They should show this film in school so our children can discover and be proud of a less explored part of our country. It's beauty deserves to be seen by all.