By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: August 3, 2018
Thanks to Squamish artist and painter Lone Tratt, the waiting room area of Squamish General Hospital is now home to an original artwork titled “Deep in the Forest.” 
Lone moved to town three years ago from Vancouver and donated the work to give back to “the place where she lives.”
“I feel, especially in hospitals, that it’s important to have a soothing painting around for patients, families as well as doctors and staff to help with stress,” says the Danish-born Lone, who moved to Canada in her 20s. “I hope that this painting can offer them that.”
Lone moved to Squamish from the city to be closer to nature, which is reflected in her many of her works. “Deep in the Forest,” a large scale triptych with calming colours and scenery, and is intended to provide therapeutic benefits for all who pass through the hospital.
“I have had personal experience with the hospital and I cannot say enough about the wonderful staff and care I received,” says Lone, who has also donated works to VGH, UBC Hospital and BC Children’s Hospital. “I know the waiting room well and knew ‘Deep in the Forest’ would be a perfect fit. It’s a painting everyone can relate to so I am very happy to see it now up.”
Meghan Thompson, manager at SGH, says staff and patients are already talking about the painting.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lone for donating this beautiful piece of art to SGH,” says Meghan. “It has already made an impression on staff and patients, who have been admiring the painting since it went up earlier this week,” she said.
