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I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent 20 years there before moving to Alberta. My love of wide open spaces is reflected in many of my landscape paintings. As a small child, I was able to spend many summers on my Grandfather's farm in Saskatchewan, as well as considerable time at the lovely lakes in Manitoba and Northern Ontario. Upon moving to Alberta, the mountains captivated me, and I spent many days skiing and hiking in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park.
I was educated at the University of Calgary, where I obtained a degree in education. My love for dance led me to a minor in dance and my curiosity with all things connected to history and people led me to pursue a major in Social Studies. I was able to teach dance for many years, but when a back injury side lined me, my creative bent needed an outlet, and painting replaced my passion for dance. I am currently a social studies teacher at Central Memorial High School. My art has always been inspired by my fascination of people and an interest in the human figure. I have attended art classes at Mount Royal College, the University of Calgary and Red Deer College. I have studied the figure with Bev Tosh and Doug Swinton whose artistic talent and encouragement have inspired me to venture into unknown territory. ARTISTIC AFFILIATIONS Federation of Canadian Artists Calgary Artists' Society The Artists of Fish Creek JURIED SHOWS Muttart Public Art Gallery 1998, 1999, 2000 FCA "Bow Valley Art Show and Sale" 1999 FCA "Webster Galleries Show and Sale" 1999 FCA "North Glenmore Spring Show and Sale" 2000 FCA "Strathcona Show and Sale" 2000, 2001 FCA "Art Space Show and Sale" 2001 Calgary Artists' Society – Art Walk Show 1999, 2000, 2001 Calgary Artists' Society Spring Show 2000, 2001 ARTIST STATEMENT A love of travel has led me to Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, Africa, India and many parts of Canada. These adventures are reflected in my paintings. My art is inspired by my fascination with people and an interest in the human figure. The bold use of colour and texture play key roles in my work as does the use of interesting shapes and negative space. Primary colours and the use of complimentary colours wake up the senses and enliven the painting and thusly are to be found in most of my paintings. Most recently I have been experimenting with texture and have found this to be visually exciting. At times I use a rough board to provide the texture which slows the brush stroke down but leaves a pleasing effect. Often I use a palette knife on a smooth surface, thus creating the texture with the paint and this allows me to use big, juicy gobs of paint on the surface. I also believe that negative space can be as intriguing as the center of interest on the canvas. The use of brilliant colour or unusual shapes give the negative space impact. My paintings record my journey through life, and also allow me to explore a particular idea or theme and follow it through to the end. The direction of my painting seems to change constantly, because of new situations, ideas and experimentation are my impetus. Painting excites my mind and soothes my soul. It energizes me and makes me look at the world from a different perspective. It causes me to pause and admire the shadows and light: it allows me to see beauty where others may see none. |
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NEW! In the Gallery
