This piece was created for The Piccolo Gallery’s commission call, themed 'Triptych'. Artists were provided a Triptych hinged panel to use as their canvas for a concept/style of their choice.
Inside the golden triptych, three flying fox bats hang within ornate cathedral arches, each one painted with its own expression, mood, and subtle differences. The deep black background heightens the contrast with the intricate stonework and the soft, fabric‑like textures of the bats’ fur and wings. Architecture, natural forms, and emotional storytelling come together here in a single, cohesive scene.
This piece will appeal to those who appreciate symbolic artwork with a strong emotional core. Its palette, lighting, and expressive characters come together to create a work that feels both deeply personal and broadly relatable. It’s a painting that unfolds naturally the longer you sit with it, inviting reflection, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation.
Corinne's work will be available for purchase at our Community Online Auction in Oct 2026. Purchases help uplift an everyday artist and fuel The Piccolo Gallery’s commission model.
The Triptych commission for The Piccolo Gallery is one of the most inspiring experiences so far on my artist’s journey. A refreshing break from the traditional model; based on my previous work and my proposal, I was chosen to create an original artwork for the Gallery. I found myself earnestly wanting to show my appreciation for their recognition of my unusual and emotive work.
Bats in the Belfy melds together reoccurring subjects in my work: places where humans and nature coexist, and mental health. The initial inspiration was the shape of the triptych itself. It brought to mind the 15th and 16th century Altarpieces; one of the most famous being The Ghent Altarpiece by Flemish artists Jan and Hubert Van Eyck. The portraits of Adam and Eve, the donors, and the Saints, framed in by stone arches and columns inspired my composition. Knowing there are flying fox bats in Australia, I researched the country’s gothic cathedrals, envisioning nooks and crannies that displaced bats could call home.
When I began painting, I was thinking about climate change and ‘progress’. Like humans, animals fall victim to habitat disruption, becoming environmental refugees. As I work, the meaning begins to expand, strengthening my personal connection my work. In my late teens, I went through a sort of displacement, an experience that lends gravity to the stories within the triptych.
An altarpiece is a dramatic work of art, so I chose to render the architectural elements using theatre paint techniques on a small scale. The palette is one that I found myself returning to, and a moody black background framed by metallic gold adds to the quiet drama that has become a recognizable aspect of my work.
The golden panels of Bats in the Belfry open to reveal three flying foxes at roost in the arches of a cathedral. The bat on the right sleeps through the disturbance, the centre bat is curious, and the one on the left is annoyed. A visual reimagining of the old expression bats in the belfry, which aptly describes the behavior of someone suffering from manic depression. A person struggling with their mental wellness will often hide what their going through, in an effort to be appear to be doing okay. This artwork is deeply personal, but I invite you to spend some time with it to reflect on how it makes you feel.
Canadian artist Corinne Palmer was born in Northern Alberta and lives on the South West Coast of British Columbia. She earned a Fine Arts Diploma with distinction from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and has been exhibiting in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for almost three decades. In 2017, she committed to her art full time in her home studio, The Painting Crow. She achieved the honour of Exhibiting Member status with the Federation of Canadian Artists in 2025.
“I was born an Artist. Painting is something I’m driven to do. With each new work, I grow and explore all my inspirations. It’s a cathartic and healing process that helps me connect with myself, and with other people. When my brush hits the canvas the whole world melts away – it’s just my favourite music, the art and me.”
An intuitive artist, Corinne intuitively expresses herself through unconventional still life, urban landscapes and portraiture in a style that balances between painterly and realistic. Her subjects possess the warmth of nostalgia, and at times embrace the bizarre, to embolden her to consider closely “uncomfortable” things. Her art is a path to self-acceptance and celebrates memorable triumphs. In 2020, a serendipitous moment launched the Artist into creating evocative works that left behind typically safe themes; she pushed herself to get intimate with her creative voice. The imagery depicted quietly exposes her struggles with physical and mental health, and shares her love for the natural world. Empathetic in its storytelling, the work is lasting; a door kept open for a return to the moment.
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