I love the freedom, and the ability to paint WITH AND without brushes, that mixed media ABSTRACT ART provides.
Ancient Woods - Mixed Media Acrylic on Gallery Canvas. Ancient Woods depict the earth’s elements as they relate to the sustainability of the woods. Textures of a variety of wood are featured. 48"x48" Gallery Canvas
The Woods #1 - This diptych (series of 2 paintings) is continuation of Ancient Woods theme. The colours and environment of the woods showing that it is breathing with life. 36"hx24"w; Birch Gallery Panel
The Woods #2 - This diptych (series of 2 paintings) is continuation of Ancient Woods. The colours and environment of the woods showing that it is breathing with life. 36"hx24"w; Birch Gallery Panel
River Run - Black and White Abstract reflecting what we see in and around water. This art shows the feeling of movement combined with stationary objects. A touch of bright colour is included to highlight that there is always something to look at, from a closer standpoint. 12”hx16”w on 300lb cold pressed water colour paper; Birch Gallery Panel Substrate
Salmon Run - Black and White Abstract showing the annual salmon run, so famous for filling rivers with life. Ready to complete the circle of life. 15”hx18”w on Shark Skin Paper; Birch Gallery Panel Substrate
Water Logged - Black and White Abstract reflecting what we see in running water. This art shows the various components of a river that include moving, logs (dead and alive) as well as a touch of bright colour. Just enough to hint at what is living below the surface. Acrylic on 300lb cold pressed water colour paper, Birch Gallery Panel Substrate
The Visitor (Available). 12"x12" mixed media on canvas. The feelings of alienation, both literally and figuratively. Seeing the situation for what it is, acknowledging it, and moving on. Sometimes throughout life, we do not always 'fit in' with a situation, be it a group, team, acquaintances or even family. This painting is my way of saying it is OK not to fit in. Being a 'visitor' is perfectly fine.
Different, Yet the Same; 18x18 Mixed Media (Available) Each culture is different, yet individuals’ underlying needs are the same. Food, shelter, clothing and the need for kindness and love. The design of each flowers is deliberately unique and non-specific and represent different cultures. The same colours are used in each flower to reflect the universal similarities of all people.
I Am What I Am; 15"x15" Framed; Mixed Media Acrylic (Available) This is the first in a series ‘Beneath the Surface’. It is an exploration of seeing what is beyond the label and. Simply saying, this is who I am today.
Eye In The Skye 20x16 Mixed Media (Available) As a person of Scottish heritage, and Scotch enthusiast, while in China I was in awe by the selection of Scotches imported to select Chinese stores. Then I noticed the cameras. A LOT of cameras. I realized that my every move was monitored, inside and outside – everywhere I went 24/7. And, those were only the ones that I saw. I did not realize the impact of the cameras on my psyche until my return to Canada and my painting practice resumed. A subconscious theme throughout my paintings in this series has been the issue of surveillance. What started as a lark with the Scotch, led me to be cognizant of systemic and universal surveillance, even in North America.
There Is More Than What I See; 31"hx41"w; Mixed Media Acrylic (Available) The third and final piece in the 'Beneath the Surface' series. Are you seeing the fish from the top down, or the bottom up, or from the side? The viewer makes that decision, if it is even needed.
Into The Light; 20x16 Mixed Media (Available) In the Spring of 2020 I created ‘Into the Light’ during the start of self-isolation relative to the global crisis. At first, the painting was dark, moody and quite frankly, somewhat depressing. It bothered me. Then I took a break from painting to consider all of the positives and benefits of self-isolation and the global pandemic. I elected to not fear the future, but to respect the situation and face it head on. Seeking the lighter side of things instead of the darker side. Am I worried? You betcha. Am I afraid? No way. ‘Into the Light’ reflects that transcendence.
Eye Spy 12x12 Acrylic on Canvas (Available) My fascination with surveillance in our daily lives remains strong, from the obvious to not so obvious….
Invincible 20x16 Mixed Media (Available) This painting is the 2nd part of the diptych, 'Bliss'. My intent is for inks/acrylics to create scenes of balance/harmony. I returned from China needing to create art that reflected my experiences. It was surreal that I found complete happiness as an artist while in China, yet didn’t feel it could be best expressed using traditional Chinese art forms. I incorporated these techniques into ‘Bliss’, as that is what I found in China and in myself.
Currently on display at Art à la carte - Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Birth of an Inner Warrior - Mixed Media on Canvas 25.5"h x 31.25"w (Available) From the first Covid lockdown in March 2020 to the first vaccinations in 2021, signs of inner chaos emerged; on both on a micro and macro level. By removing oneself physically and mentally from the chaos we are able to truly see what is important - what is significant for that moment, so that we may move forward. Birth of an Inner Warrior – Adaptation and evolution of simply seeing with clarity of mind, body and soul.
Behind The Smile 48x60 Mixed Media on Canvas (Available) I am honoured to have been one of the artists commissioned to support Hope 24/7, an organization the provides support to victims of sexual violence. I love the colours of purple, yellow, pink, dark greens and blues on canvas. Yet on skin, those colours are anything but beautiful. I started this painting with the colours of bruises. Then I applied a ‘camouflage’ to the canvas as if applying a cosmetic foundation to one’s face. Ultimately, the finished piece is soft and depicts a smile while encompassing the spectrum of 'happy'. What has really gone into this smile? What has the person endured to get to this smile, at this point in time? That smile being the culmination of one's experiences.