Alchemy of Ride artist and designer returns to Sun Peaks

After a two-year absence, the Alchemy of Ride artist behind the lively line of groovy gear returns to the Sun Peaks Grand in February.

From her original artwork, Lynne Harrison has taken her favourite mountainscapes and animal paintings and worked them into ski wear. Married to Crazy Canuck and Canadian Ski Hall of Famer, Dave Irwin and an expert skier herself, Harrison incorporates her art into wearable warmth. 

Inspired by the scenery of Western Canada, Harrison often takes her collection on the road in her colourful camper van, setting up pop-up shops in Alberta, British Columbia – Whistler, Vernon, Kamloops and Sun Peaks— as well as further afield in Ontario. Having lived for several years in Kamloops, she has a soft spot for Sun Peaks skiing, hence her regular appearances on our slopes. 

Her riotous range includes technical jackets, pants and bibs, ultra-cosy down puffy jackets and vests and an assortment of base layers for men and women.

“It is about sharing colour and fun and happiness,” said Harrison, whose design concept matches her lifestyle. “Alchemy is the ancient process of turning base metal into gold and the ride is a metaphor for life.” 

Based on her original artwork, Harrison has taken her favourite mountainscapes and animal paintings and worked them into ski wear. From her home studio in Canmore, Alta., Harrison first elevated her art from the wall to the wardrobe with a custom cycling range in 2015.

“When I thought up Alchemy of Ride, I was so inspired that I couldn’t sleep for six weeks,” she said. 

After a year researching fabrics and manufacturers for ski wear, she launched her first ski range in 2016, later adding surf gear. Many of the garments are multi-purpose, crossing over to snowboard, Nordic, yoga, jogging, golf, biking, hiking, tennis, beach and daily wear. 

While her website, alchemyofride.org, is available year-round for online orders, her in-person pop-up shops are a great opportunity to feel the fabrics as well as try on various pieces as sizes can vary according to each range. 

“Once you know your size in the various lines, it’s then much easier to order from the website in the future,” Harrison explained. 

It’s also a chance for the artist-designer to connect with the people wearing her pieces on the slopes.

“I love getting to know my customers,” she said. “They help inspire me and I also encourage everyone to send me photos of themselves in their Alchemy of Ride designs to feature on my Facebook and Instagram pages.” 

The Alchemy of Ride pop-up shop will be Feb. 2-3 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the back room of Morrisey’s Public House. For updates, visit Harrison’s Instagram @alchemyofride