All That Girls Love
November 22 2011
Oil Paint on Bamboo Boards
(Jewel and Pearl Embellishments)
6.7" x 12.7" / each
I found myself extremely inspired by my favourite curvy beauty, Christina Hendricks, and sought to find an interesting way to incorporate her into a series. This series encompasses many stereotypical things that girls just love: makeup, accessories, creamy pearls, and glittering gems. Though I do not see myself as a "stereotypical girl" I still find ridiculous amounts of joy in traditional "girly" things. The series actually contains gems and pearls for a glamorous affect.
Oil Paint on Bamboo Boards
(Jewel and Pearl Embellishments)
6.7" x 12.7" / each
I found myself extremely inspired by my favourite curvy beauty, Christina Hendricks, and sought to find an interesting way to incorporate her into a series. This series encompasses many stereotypical things that girls just love: makeup, accessories, creamy pearls, and glittering gems. Though I do not see myself as a "stereotypical girl" I still find ridiculous amounts of joy in traditional "girly" things. The series actually contains gems and pearls for a glamorous affect.
As It Comes ...
October 20 2011
Extreme Mixed Media
Series of Thee Pieces
10"x14" / each
This series is my response to the sing song feeling of having art in my life again after having taught full days and nights. It is entitled "As It Comes ..." because I created the series purely on insticts. It has been done in the form I hope to continue using now that I have finished my studies; Mixed Media. This particular collection is an extreme mixed media series containing Soft Pastels, Oil Pastels, Conte, Watercolour Pastels, Micro Pigment, Black Generic Pen (for multifacets), Pen & Ink, Graphit Pencil, Gaugin Pencils from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Gold Graphite Pencil from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a Van Gogh Multicoloured Pencil from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, a Multicoloured Pencil from Michelangelo's Library in Florence, Watercolour Paint, Liquid Gold Leaf, Oil Paint, and my own home made Encaustic (Wax) Paint.
Extreme Mixed Media
Series of Thee Pieces
10"x14" / each
This series is my response to the sing song feeling of having art in my life again after having taught full days and nights. It is entitled "As It Comes ..." because I created the series purely on insticts. It has been done in the form I hope to continue using now that I have finished my studies; Mixed Media. This particular collection is an extreme mixed media series containing Soft Pastels, Oil Pastels, Conte, Watercolour Pastels, Micro Pigment, Black Generic Pen (for multifacets), Pen & Ink, Graphit Pencil, Gaugin Pencils from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Gold Graphite Pencil from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a Van Gogh Multicoloured Pencil from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, a Multicoloured Pencil from Michelangelo's Library in Florence, Watercolour Paint, Liquid Gold Leaf, Oil Paint, and my own home made Encaustic (Wax) Paint.
Mocking American Intelajince
January 09 2011
Acrylic, Paper, Gloss medium,
and Nail Polish on Canvas
I was spending the night alone one Friday night when I decided it had been to long since I just let my creative juices do as they please. I pull out the acrylic paint and squirted globs all over the canvas. I took a big brush and blended them together. Then I realized it looked something like a kindergaten painting which sparked my interest in education. I decided book pages would look nice. Having found the best pages I could possibly have asked for I pasted the pages from the American Spelling Book onto the canvas. I looked at it once and decided it was too bright and happy. It did not reflect the way I was feeling. I then put a thick coat of gloss medium mixed with acrylic paint onto the enitre piece. I felt this dimmed the messages in the pages so I pasted new pages onto the piece. I then deicded the piece needed an antique look so I threw a black wash in ares. Then to top of the entire piece I splashed white gold lacquer on the canvas. After creating this spontanerous piece I realized it represented my angst towards not being able to find a teaching job.
Acrylic, Paper, Gloss medium,
and Nail Polish on Canvas
I was spending the night alone one Friday night when I decided it had been to long since I just let my creative juices do as they please. I pull out the acrylic paint and squirted globs all over the canvas. I took a big brush and blended them together. Then I realized it looked something like a kindergaten painting which sparked my interest in education. I decided book pages would look nice. Having found the best pages I could possibly have asked for I pasted the pages from the American Spelling Book onto the canvas. I looked at it once and decided it was too bright and happy. It did not reflect the way I was feeling. I then put a thick coat of gloss medium mixed with acrylic paint onto the enitre piece. I felt this dimmed the messages in the pages so I pasted new pages onto the piece. I then deicded the piece needed an antique look so I threw a black wash in ares. Then to top of the entire piece I splashed white gold lacquer on the canvas. After creating this spontanerous piece I realized it represented my angst towards not being able to find a teaching job.
Saint Irene's Atlantis
2010
Oil on Canvas
24" x 36"
COMMISSION
This piece entitled "Saint Irene's Atlantis" was created as a commissioned item for Shannon Lyle (Roberts). When the commission was first set, Shannon was planning to celebrate her wedding day at a Greek venue and therefore wanted a little piece of Greece in her home to remind her of the special occasion. After much research and discussion, the beautiful, colourful, and tranquil scene of Santorini, Greece was the obvious choice! The piece is done with oils on canvas and was a time consuming and passion driven process. I decided to title the piece "Saint Irene's Atlantis" after doing some research on the location. The name "Santorini" actually translates to Saint Irene. It also turned out that many people believe that the Island of Santorini is the true Atlantis from the legends. I found this to be very interesting because the two concepts contradict each other. A catholic saint versus a mythical underwater world. Thus, I had to represent this in the name of the piece.
Oil on Canvas
24" x 36"
COMMISSION
This piece entitled "Saint Irene's Atlantis" was created as a commissioned item for Shannon Lyle (Roberts). When the commission was first set, Shannon was planning to celebrate her wedding day at a Greek venue and therefore wanted a little piece of Greece in her home to remind her of the special occasion. After much research and discussion, the beautiful, colourful, and tranquil scene of Santorini, Greece was the obvious choice! The piece is done with oils on canvas and was a time consuming and passion driven process. I decided to title the piece "Saint Irene's Atlantis" after doing some research on the location. The name "Santorini" actually translates to Saint Irene. It also turned out that many people believe that the Island of Santorini is the true Atlantis from the legends. I found this to be very interesting because the two concepts contradict each other. A catholic saint versus a mythical underwater world. Thus, I had to represent this in the name of the piece.
New World Lights
October 2010
Oil Paint on Bamboo Board
6.7” x 12.7”
This artwork was specially made for my sister's birthday present. I chose to do my own representation of Rene Lalique's "Femme-libellule" (Dragonfly Woman) because Meagan and I had the pleasure of seeing the corsage ornament in real life at the Museu Calouste Gulbenkianin Lisbon, Portugal. It was also an obvious choice because Meagan has a fondness for dragonflies and even has a tattoo of one on her calf. I hope she enjoys her present and I hope you enjoy it too!
Oil Paint on Bamboo Board
6.7” x 12.7”
This artwork was specially made for my sister's birthday present. I chose to do my own representation of Rene Lalique's "Femme-libellule" (Dragonfly Woman) because Meagan and I had the pleasure of seeing the corsage ornament in real life at the Museu Calouste Gulbenkianin Lisbon, Portugal. It was also an obvious choice because Meagan has a fondness for dragonflies and even has a tattoo of one on her calf. I hope she enjoys her present and I hope you enjoy it too!
The Witch Trials
2010
Acrylic On Canvas
24" x 36"
This piece is a timed narrative depicting the European Witch Trials. I want to gain awareness of this tragic event. More people were killed during the Witch Trials then the Holocaust. Also, if you look closely in the crowd you can see that there are two people mourning the "witch" as well as one person praying for her. One person is a Native American, the other a Black Slave, and the other a Jewish woman. These people represent other groups that have been persecuted throughout history.
***Note: If anyone is wondering why my Jewish woman is praying with steepled hands when Jewish people do not typically do this it is because before Christianity even existed Jews prayed with steepled hands. Later the Christians adopted this ritual. Much later Christians began to murder and persecute Jews and thus the group decided to no longer pray in this fashion as it was a tradition their enemies used. Thus, I have her praying with steepled hands because it makes an even stronger statement about historical persecution.
Acrylic On Canvas
24" x 36"
This piece is a timed narrative depicting the European Witch Trials. I want to gain awareness of this tragic event. More people were killed during the Witch Trials then the Holocaust. Also, if you look closely in the crowd you can see that there are two people mourning the "witch" as well as one person praying for her. One person is a Native American, the other a Black Slave, and the other a Jewish woman. These people represent other groups that have been persecuted throughout history.
***Note: If anyone is wondering why my Jewish woman is praying with steepled hands when Jewish people do not typically do this it is because before Christianity even existed Jews prayed with steepled hands. Later the Christians adopted this ritual. Much later Christians began to murder and persecute Jews and thus the group decided to no longer pray in this fashion as it was a tradition their enemies used. Thus, I have her praying with steepled hands because it makes an even stronger statement about historical persecution.
A Comfy Nook
2010
Oil On Canvas
This piece was created using the indirect, layered technique which gives it a warm glow. The piece portrays the place in which I feel most comfortable; in bed with a good book. I hope this feeling resonates from the piece and gives you all a sense of this feeling as well.
Oil On Canvas
This piece was created using the indirect, layered technique which gives it a warm glow. The piece portrays the place in which I feel most comfortable; in bed with a good book. I hope this feeling resonates from the piece and gives you all a sense of this feeling as well.
The INCO Strike Of 2009-2010
2010
Pastel On Newspaper
Each Piece Is ...
10" x 14" / each
These pieces are inspired by news paper articles about the Sudbury, Ontario INCO strike. This series of three pieces hold six different drawings related to the strike on the articles themselves. The series hopes to portray the hardship and sorrow the INCO strike has caused many people.
Pastel On Newspaper
Each Piece Is ...
10" x 14" / each
These pieces are inspired by news paper articles about the Sudbury, Ontario INCO strike. This series of three pieces hold six different drawings related to the strike on the articles themselves. The series hopes to portray the hardship and sorrow the INCO strike has caused many people.
What Is Beauty?
2010
Watercolour And Charcoal
On Watercolour Paper
16" x 20"
This drawing strives to make a statement about what our modern society considers beautiful. The naturally beautiful woman portrayed in this piece is being overwhelmed and overshadowed by the abundance of necklaces she wears. The multitude of necklaces present in this piece is meant to mock our society’s reliance on artificial beauty. Women feel the need to cover themselves in makeup and accessories when in reality true beauty can be seen, not only in a naturally beautiful face, but in a person’s personality.
Watercolour And Charcoal
On Watercolour Paper
16" x 20"
This drawing strives to make a statement about what our modern society considers beautiful. The naturally beautiful woman portrayed in this piece is being overwhelmed and overshadowed by the abundance of necklaces she wears. The multitude of necklaces present in this piece is meant to mock our society’s reliance on artificial beauty. Women feel the need to cover themselves in makeup and accessories when in reality true beauty can be seen, not only in a naturally beautiful face, but in a person’s personality.
One And The Same
2010
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
16" x 20"
With this series I hoped to make a statement about the “oneness” of all people. Each piece in this series is a compilation of two culturally different women’s faces. This piece specifically is a compilation of an African woman's face and an Indian woman's face. This series shows the unique beauty of each culture but at the same time forces the viewers to see that all people are the same. Despite our ethnic or cultural differences we all have eyes, cheeks, noses, lips and so on. In essence, I hoped that these pieces would force viewers to see the “oneness” of all people and thus make a statement about racism and cultural discrimination. Being A history fanatic, the idea was rooted in the ridiculousness of war and how, in many cases, war is fought over cultural differences. But in reality we are all the same: We all have families, and friends, and jobs, and likes, and dislikes, and passions, and we all .... See, Smell, And Smile. :)
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
16" x 20"
With this series I hoped to make a statement about the “oneness” of all people. Each piece in this series is a compilation of two culturally different women’s faces. This piece specifically is a compilation of an African woman's face and an Indian woman's face. This series shows the unique beauty of each culture but at the same time forces the viewers to see that all people are the same. Despite our ethnic or cultural differences we all have eyes, cheeks, noses, lips and so on. In essence, I hoped that these pieces would force viewers to see the “oneness” of all people and thus make a statement about racism and cultural discrimination. Being A history fanatic, the idea was rooted in the ridiculousness of war and how, in many cases, war is fought over cultural differences. But in reality we are all the same: We all have families, and friends, and jobs, and likes, and dislikes, and passions, and we all .... See, Smell, And Smile. :)
Eighties Sentiment
2010
Oil Paint on Canvas
24" x 30"
This piece was created using the match and patch technique. This means that no blending was used. Instead, each colour and colour variation was premixed and applied very carefully. This is why the colours are so beautiful and bright. The colours, objects, and patterns remind me so much of the eighties which is why the piece is named "Eighties Sentiment". It is truly one of my favourite pieces.
Oil Paint on Canvas
24" x 30"
This piece was created using the match and patch technique. This means that no blending was used. Instead, each colour and colour variation was premixed and applied very carefully. This is why the colours are so beautiful and bright. The colours, objects, and patterns remind me so much of the eighties which is why the piece is named "Eighties Sentiment". It is truly one of my favourite pieces.
One And The Same
2010
A Variety of Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
11" x 14"
With this series I hoped to make a statement about the “oneness” of all people. Each piece in this series is a compilation of two culturally different women’s faces. This piece specifically is a compilation of an African woman's face and an Indian woman's face. This series shows the unique beauty of each culture but at the same time forces the viewers to see that all people are the same. Despite our ethnic or cultural differences we all have eyes, cheeks, noses, lips and so on. In essence, I hoped that these pieces would force viewers to see the “oneness” of all people and thus make a statement about racism and cultural discrimination. Being A history fanatic, the idea was rooted in the ridiculousness of war and how, in many cases, war is fought over cultural differences. But in reality we are all the same: We all have families, and friends, and jobs, and likes, and dislikes, and passions, and we all .... See, Smell, And Smile. :)
A Variety of Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
11" x 14"
With this series I hoped to make a statement about the “oneness” of all people. Each piece in this series is a compilation of two culturally different women’s faces. This piece specifically is a compilation of an African woman's face and an Indian woman's face. This series shows the unique beauty of each culture but at the same time forces the viewers to see that all people are the same. Despite our ethnic or cultural differences we all have eyes, cheeks, noses, lips and so on. In essence, I hoped that these pieces would force viewers to see the “oneness” of all people and thus make a statement about racism and cultural discrimination. Being A history fanatic, the idea was rooted in the ridiculousness of war and how, in many cases, war is fought over cultural differences. But in reality we are all the same: We all have families, and friends, and jobs, and likes, and dislikes, and passions, and we all .... See, Smell, And Smile. :)
Beautiful Porcelain
2010
Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
20" x 28"
This is an iconic image of a pristinely white sink with a running faucet. It simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. Also, it is an everyday object one may never take the time to notice. Having it portrayed in such a manner forces viewers to notice the sinks presence in our lives.
Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
20" x 28"
This is an iconic image of a pristinely white sink with a running faucet. It simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. Also, it is an everyday object one may never take the time to notice. Having it portrayed in such a manner forces viewers to notice the sinks presence in our lives.
The Places We Live - Laurentian University
2009
Willow Vine Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
20" x 28"
In this drawing I was interested in exploring interior space as a way of evoking emotion. It focuses on public space, while the other drawing in this series focuses on personal space. I am interested in these spaces because, though they have personal meaning to me, they also provoke thought from any viewer. Because of the slanted composition, viewers are drawn in and invited to contemplate the seemingly regular place. This will undoubtedly have viewers thinking of the places in which they live.
Willow Vine Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
20" x 28"
In this drawing I was interested in exploring interior space as a way of evoking emotion. It focuses on public space, while the other drawing in this series focuses on personal space. I am interested in these spaces because, though they have personal meaning to me, they also provoke thought from any viewer. Because of the slanted composition, viewers are drawn in and invited to contemplate the seemingly regular place. This will undoubtedly have viewers thinking of the places in which they live.
Lothlorien
2009
Oil Paint and Gel Medium
On Watercolour Paper
19" x 27"
I have had an obsession with J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" since Secondary School. Having had a difficult time socially in High school I often would read to escape my surroundings. "Lord of the Rings" was the series I turned to most. My favourite land in Tolkien's book is Lothlorien; the land of wood elves. This is my depiction of this land based on the text from the book. Under the paint are sculpted phrases from the book describing this land. It truly is a magical piece.
Oil Paint and Gel Medium
On Watercolour Paper
19" x 27"
I have had an obsession with J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" since Secondary School. Having had a difficult time socially in High school I often would read to escape my surroundings. "Lord of the Rings" was the series I turned to most. My favourite land in Tolkien's book is Lothlorien; the land of wood elves. This is my depiction of this land based on the text from the book. Under the paint are sculpted phrases from the book describing this land. It truly is a magical piece.
The Places We Live - Window
2009
Willow Vine Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
27" x 19"
This piece is one of fourteen pieces to be accepted into the 2010 White Water Gallery Juried Exhibition.
In this drawing I was interested in exploring interior space as a way of evoking emotion. It focuses on personal space, while the other drawing in this series focuses on public space. I am interested in these spaces because, though they have personal meaning to me, they also provoke thought from any viewer. Because of the slanted composition, viewers are drawn in and invited to contemplate the seemingly regular place. This will undoubtedly have viewers thinking of the places in which they live.
Willow Vine Charcoal on Stonehenge Paper
27" x 19"
This piece is one of fourteen pieces to be accepted into the 2010 White Water Gallery Juried Exhibition.
In this drawing I was interested in exploring interior space as a way of evoking emotion. It focuses on personal space, while the other drawing in this series focuses on public space. I am interested in these spaces because, though they have personal meaning to me, they also provoke thought from any viewer. Because of the slanted composition, viewers are drawn in and invited to contemplate the seemingly regular place. This will undoubtedly have viewers thinking of the places in which they live.
The Power In Women's Hands
2009
Oil paint on Panel
10" x 12" / each
Each painting in this series portrays a female hand from a different culture. The paintings are done in shades of black, white, and brown, but the hands and objects the hands are holding are in colour to show their importance.
Oil paint on Panel
10" x 12" / each
Each painting in this series portrays a female hand from a different culture. The paintings are done in shades of black, white, and brown, but the hands and objects the hands are holding are in colour to show their importance.
Mockery
2009
Storybook Collage on Poster Board
12" x 15"
This is a narrative collage. It tells a story of a princess who magically beheads all the princes who come to wed her. It is a piece that mocks the societal ideal that all women should grow up to be perfect women and should find perfect men. It is an unrealistic and poisonous message that our modern cartoons help spread, thus the use of these Disney familiar characters.
Storybook Collage on Poster Board
12" x 15"
This is a narrative collage. It tells a story of a princess who magically beheads all the princes who come to wed her. It is a piece that mocks the societal ideal that all women should grow up to be perfect women and should find perfect men. It is an unrealistic and poisonous message that our modern cartoons help spread, thus the use of these Disney familiar characters.
Make Up Brushes
2009
Black Paper on White Bristle Board
19" x 25"
Using small cut pieces of black paper the image depicts a set of makeup brushes. The piece was created with a single small square of black paper and every bit of the paper was used. This piece is particularly interesting because the pasted black paper adds dimension to the piece.
Black Paper on White Bristle Board
19" x 25"
Using small cut pieces of black paper the image depicts a set of makeup brushes. The piece was created with a single small square of black paper and every bit of the paper was used. This piece is particularly interesting because the pasted black paper adds dimension to the piece.
Tranquility
2009
Watercolour on Watercolour Paper
22" x 30"
This is a watercolour painting of the pond outside the monastery where I did my visual arts education. It is perhaps one of the most tranquil places I have ever been to. In the fall the lily pads ripple with the water and change to the most beautiful of green, orange, and bronze colours. This painting was done while sitting beside this beautiful pond and I hope this piece gives off this sense of tranquility.
Watercolour on Watercolour Paper
22" x 30"
This is a watercolour painting of the pond outside the monastery where I did my visual arts education. It is perhaps one of the most tranquil places I have ever been to. In the fall the lily pads ripple with the water and change to the most beautiful of green, orange, and bronze colours. This painting was done while sitting beside this beautiful pond and I hope this piece gives off this sense of tranquility.
The Dark
2009
Watercolour and Charcoal on Watercolour Paper
9" x 12"
This painting depicts a miner in the dark which is where they work. Many do not understand the horrible conditions those who work in the mines are forced to deal with. Also, illuminated by the miners hard hat light are stones which spell the word strike. This piece is meant to encompass the hard times faced by those working in the mines.
Watercolour and Charcoal on Watercolour Paper
9" x 12"
This painting depicts a miner in the dark which is where they work. Many do not understand the horrible conditions those who work in the mines are forced to deal with. Also, illuminated by the miners hard hat light are stones which spell the word strike. This piece is meant to encompass the hard times faced by those working in the mines.
Life Lines
2009
Black Marker on Paper
9" x 12"
This piece is done completely in line and emphasized the mass of this face without the use of any value.
Black Marker on Paper
9" x 12"
This piece is done completely in line and emphasized the mass of this face without the use of any value.