Artist Statement
Painting, for me, is an opportunity to play! It is my way of intuitively exploring aspects of myself – experience, memory, emotion – without using words. I enjoy creating layers of possibility, of mystery and depth. I draw upon my meditation practice, music and nature, especially the forests and ocean of the BC coast.
Collaging materials, making marks, de-collaging, lifting, scraping, I play with acrylic paint, ink, found objects, sponges, paper – whatever draws my attention. I react to what I see on the canvas or panel, trusting my intuition and my stored knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design. I enjoy the freedom of abstraction and the challenge of learning what works or doesn’t.
I balance my passion for abstraction with life drawing and painting, which challenge me to see the truth of the human figure, rather than what I think is there. I am always delighted when I am able to capture something of the “essence” of the model.
My art explorations began with oil painting at night school when my children were preschoolers. Subsequently, I completed a Fine Arts Diploma from Kwantlen College and numerous courses from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, Capilano College, Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts and Gibsons School of the Arts.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s, I created soapstone, alabaster, marble and bronze sculptures which were displayed in galleries throughout Metro Vancouver, including two solo shows at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.
After completing a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and a career as a counsellor, instructor and supervisor, I returned to two-dimensional art. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2011, I have exhibited in FOG, Life Drawing, and Life and Limn shows at the Sunshine Coast Arts Council; with EDGES Coast Artists in the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl (2014, 2015); The Kube Studios, and non-juried shows at Gibsons Public Art Gallery.
