Lines, Shapes, & Stories: Crafting Abstract Narratives from Life’s Impressions
My art is a reflection of a life spent observing and absorbing the world around me. Currently, the landscapes of Lake of the Woods, where islands of rock jut up out of the water, serve as a profound source of inspiration. The vast skies and open spaces of the Manitoba Prairie, where I grew up, have also deeply influenced my work, instilling a sense of expansiveness and freedom that echoes through my compositions.
From a young age, I’ve been curious—drawn to the shapes, lines, patterns, and juxtapositions in both natural and built environments. This curiosity has led me to explore the world through the lens of colour and composition, whether I’m capturing a fleeting moment with my camera or letting those impressions simmer in my subconscious until they surface in my art.
My creative process is a dance between intention and intuition. I photograph what catches my eye, not to later replicate the scene, but to feed my mind’s subconscious with shapes and compositions then manipulate them as I work intuitively. These images transform as I paint, becoming abstract forms—a thick line instead of a tree trunk, a dynamic shape cutting through the picture plane, an unexpected contrast. I’ve always manipulated what I see in this way, even as a child staring out the car window on long road trips, fascinated by the differences and sameness in new environments.
Travel and art are the two instances when I am truly present, fully engaged with the moment. Every experience, every impression, finds its way into the studio, where I practice honouring my own choices and the emotions they evoke. My titles, often things said to me, implied, or overheard, are a reclaiming of narratives, transforming them into something meaningful and empowering.
In my work, I strive to abstract the essence of what I see, creating compositions that are dynamic and alive, just like the world that inspires them. Each painting is a testament to the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen, and the stories that shape who I am.
DISCOVER BOLD ABSTRACTS THAT TRANSFORM EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES INTO POWERFUL VISUAL STORIES
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Where My Art Meets Your World
Since my early days, nestled with Rembrandt's art books on my childhood bed, art and environment have been constants in my life, guiding forces amidst its complexities.
Those moments, lost in the pages of Rembrandt's world, or, lost in the clouds over the Manitoba Prairie, were more than just passing time; they planted the seeds of a journey that would deeply shape my understanding and expression of life's vibrant core.
My artistic sensibility is deeply rooted in the natural landscapes of the Prairies and the Canadian Shield, and enriched by my childhood experiences in European cities. Frequent visits to extended family in Belgium and Italy immersed me in a world of diverse art, history, and culture, profoundly shaping my creative perspective and leading me to study art history in university.
Each piece I create carries a bit of this dual energy, a reflection of the life-affirming force that drives me. My art is a part of me, and through it, I hope to bring a similar richness to your life, adding not just to your surroundings but to your emotional world as well.
When you find a connection with one of my artworks, my greatest wish is for you to feel that same spark of life, inspiration, and interconnection that fueled its creation.
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Land Acknowledgement
As the heart of my art business beats within the beautiful landscape of Kenora, Ontario, I am deeply honoured to acknowledge that we are situated on Treaty 3 territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Métis peoples. This land has been a site of creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression for thousands of years, long before my studio came to be.
In recognizing this, I am reminded of the deep connection between art and the land from which it draws inspiration. As an abstract artist, my work is not only a reflection of my personal journey but also a tribute to the enduring legacy and cultural richness of the original caretakers of this land. Their relationship with these territories is steeped in a profound respect for nature and an intrinsic understanding of its intricate beauty – values that deeply resonate with my own artistic philosophy.
Through my art, I aspire to honour the spirit of this land and its people, past, present, and future. I am committed to learning from and with the Indigenous communities, to ensure that my creative practice is a channel for shared understanding, respect, and healing.
Together, let's embrace the transformative power of art to connect us more deeply with each other and with the world around us.
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Just for Fun: A Few of My Favourite Things
- Bookstores, cafés, galleries, and museums—my haven for the soul.
- Being wrapped in a cozy blanket nestled next to piles of classic books - bonus points if it's storming outside.
- Human potential, social responsibility, and taking those small but mighty steps towards them.
- Energizing pops of colour, the restorative allure of nature, and afternoons on the deck with friends and family.
- Big skies, harvest-ready fields soaked in sunshine, and billowing clouds.
- Gliding across a remote lake with only the sound of paddles dipping into the water.
- Gardens, horseback rides, hikes, and a historical love affair with art that fills my work with soul and substance.