Evolving Artistry: A Decade of Creative Growth and Inspiration
A painting from an ongoing series which is inspired by my relationship with the natural world.
In my last blog, I delved into my journey as an artist, sharing the highs and lows of my creative path. Today, I want to take you on a different kind of journey—a journey through the evolution of my art style over the past decade. As I enter the final year of my 30s, I can't help but reflect on the incredible experiences and people that have shaped me as an artist. This blog is a testament to those who have stood by me, inspired me, and encouraged me to forge my own creative path. So, let's travel back to 2015 and explore the transformation of my artistic style.
2015: The Seed is Sown
In 2015, the seeds of change were sown. While teaching young, creative architecture students, I was deeply inspired by their passion and energy. It was during this time that I felt the itch to pursue art full-time, and it was in the vibrant land of Goa that I finally had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of art. Those initial months were filled with experimentation, as I explored the possibilities of paint, cloth, water spray, and knives. I particularly loved creating textures with acrylic paint. I vividly remember the joy of splattering paint onto canvas, allowing my creativity to flow freely.
One of my first paintings when I moved to Goa in 2016
2016-2017: Finding My Path
After a year of playful experimentation, I began to create spaces in my artwork that weren't fully formed in my mind yet. Goa's lush greenery and mesmerizing monsoon seasons left an indelible mark on my creative soul, sparking a newfound passion for collecting plants. Collaborating with interior designers during this period allowed me to expand my artistic horizons and learn new techniques that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
A commissioned painting in Vancouver, done in 2017 , 48"x48" Acrylic on Canvas
2018: A Shift in Perspective
By 2018, my art took a significant turn. At the time, it felt like a daring move to introduce plants into my paintings, especially as I was still somewhat shy about showcasing my work. A personal commitment to veganism and an increasing awareness of climate change led me to express my concerns through my art. Dark, evocative spaces, accompanied by vibrant, life-affirming plants, became a recurring theme. This period marked a profound shift in my artistic style and emotional expression.
The first painting I made with plants in it, 36”x 48” Mixed Media on Canvas.
2018-2019: A Journey to Vancouver
My journey led me to Vancouver at the end of 2018, and it was in this city that my artistic style gained momentum. I connected with the Thrive Art Network, a community of women artists whose support and guidance played a crucial role in shaping my artistic identity. With the guidance of art consultant Pennylane Shen, from Dazed and Confucius, I started to see a more defined artistic style taking form.
2020- 2021: Embracing Boldness and Geometry
In 2020, a noticeable shift occurred in my work. Perhaps it was the influence of the majestic mountains of British Columbia that ignited my creative process. I began incorporating bold geometric forms alongside various plant elements I had captured during my travels. Abstract landscapes became a new and exciting canvas for experimentation, with layered paint, each layer differing in color, opacity, and texture, creating breathtaking visual effects. This was also the time when I introduced embroidery into my artwork.
One of my first paintings experimenting with embroidery, from the series Sodden Summertide ,2021
2022: Reconnecting with Architecture
A significant turning point in my artistic journey was watching Denis Villeneuve's "Dune," where the brutalist architecture of worlds like Caladan and Arrakis left a profound impression on me. It was a rekindling of my relationship with architecture, something I had felt distant from in recent years. Shortly after, I received a mural commission, where I fused elements of brutalist architecture with native plants and mushroom varieties from British Columbia, creating a unique and striking piece.
Mural in Burnaby inspired by brutalist architecture elements. 2022
2023: A Year of Boundless Creativity
As I write this blog in 2023, it's clear that this year is shaping up to be iconic in my artistic journey. Acquiring a studio at Eastside Atelier artists has granted me the freedom to push my creative boundaries. I'm exploring new palettes, landscapes, and would like to work with various designers in the near future. Additionally, I'm working on a series that delves into my personal connection with plants and the animal world. The possibilities are limitless, and I can't wait to see where my artistic style will take me next.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the evolution of my art style. If you've made it this far, I truly appreciate your support and interest in my work. I invite you to meet me in person at the Eastside Culture Crawl from November 16th to 19th at Eastside Atelier artists. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of art, nature, and the endless possibilities of creativity.
A painting from a recent series, Elemental Transitions, completed in 2023
