pencil crayons

Colour and I have had an intense relationship as far back as I can remember. It stimulates me. I remember wishing for the 24-pack of Laurentian brand pencil crayons; I only had the 20-pack. I don't have a single favourite colour - it is the potential of mixing paint and creating new colour combinations, that can often be my inspiration, long before subject matter.

twist of fate

My post secondary studies began in Fashion Design, but I ultimately graduated from the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College School of Art and Design. I studied painting under the renowned Canadian artist, Helen Lucas. I remember her telling us that teaching was just a job and that she couldn't wait to get home so she could tie her hair back and paint. I watched as her career took off and flourished.

Upon graduating, I spent several years working in the advertising industry as a fashion layout artist, creating ads for newspapers and magazines. It was truly a privileged, exciting and formative time – having received the invaluable mentorship by some of the top creative minds and fashion illustrators at the time. This exposure surely influenced and continues to be a source of inspiration in my style and subject matter. Years of Graphic Design further developed my style, as dedication to detail and strong composition, shaped the future of my work.

perspective

My work eventually became secondary during the many years of raising my family. This was a period of growth for me in more ways than one. First, my vision broadened as I began to see things through my childrens' eyes as well as my own. And secondly, I re-immersed myself into painting and illustrating - the fine arts instead of the commercial. I experimented with textures and mixed mediums to create dimension, as backgrounds became an integral part of each painting.

expression

My choice of medium is acrylic, often incorporating graphite, prisma and mixed media. My influences are many and varied - often depicting my love for fashion. Strongly aware, and moved to express stylistic trends, I also enjoy interpretive room settings and impressionistic florals or landscapes. Several of my paintings have been published and internationally distributed. I currently work from my home studio where I continue to explore different mediums and a diverse range of subject matters.

shows/exhibits

• Art Gallery of Mississauga - 2010 - Visual Arts Juried Fine Art Show - recipient of the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
• Barrymore Furniture Galleries - 2010 - (Toronto) 
• Solo Art Exhibit - A Room with a View - Oct. - Nov. 2009 ART SQUARE GALLERY - Toronto
• RIDEAU HALL - Ottawa - exhibit at official residence of Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean. - A Cultural Event - juried - October 13, 2009
• Sunnyside Beach Exhibit - 2009 - juried - (Toronto)
• Parkyn Design Studio - (Port Credit)
• Toronto Fashion Week - 2009 (Toronto)
• RedEye Gallery - 2009 (Distillery District - Toronto)
• In2art Gallery - 2008 - 2009 (Oakville)
• Lailas Fine Art Publishing - 2007- 2009 (Brampton)
• Cabbagetown Art Exhibit - 2007- juried (Toronto)
• Artistry-by-the-Lake - 2006 - juried (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
• One-of-a-Kind Show - 2005 - juried (Toronto)
• Canadian Art Prints - 2004 - 2009 publisher (Vancouver)
• Artworld of Sherway - 2004 - (Toronto)
• Tony Chaar Salon - 2003 - Yorkville (Toronto)

charitable donations:

Muse 09: Grey Matters will celebrate local artistic achievement and cultural diversity while donating all funds to expanding the world-class Brain Sciences Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The Brain Sciences Program at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a leader in restoring mental health. Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the purchase of a Transcranial Ultrasound, a revolutionary life-saving machine that detects and helps to prevent strokes. www.muse09.com