An Interview with the Artist

1. Can you tell us about yourself as an artist?

"I'm an artist who loves exploring color and form on any flat surface I can find. My work includes both abstract and representational art, often inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us here in Northern Ontario. I'm drawn to creating pieces that evoke emotion through bold colors and organic shapes.

2. What inspires your artwork?

"My inspiration comes from many sources - the landscapes of the near north, everyday objects seen from new perspectives, and the interplay of light and shadow. Many of my references are from photos taken by my husband! I'm particularly fascinated by how color can transform a mood or feeling. There's something magical about finding beauty in ordinary moments and translating that onto canvas."

3. How would you describe your artistic style?

I love trying different styles. There's an element of playfulness in my work, but also a serious exploration of how we perceive the world around us. My friends have decided I am at least several people based on my art – but aren’t we all really?

4. Can you walk us through your creative process?

"Each piece begins differently, but I typically start with color relationships that speak to me. I often work intuitively, letting the painting guide me rather than forcing it in a predetermined direction. I build layers, sometimes working on multiple pieces simultaneously, which allows me to step back and see connections between works – and let a layer dry! The process is about discovery – I'm often surprised by where a painting leads."

1. Tell us about these pieces you are presenting this year?  

"I've always believed that art belongs on more than just traditional canvases, which is why my work embraces the 'any flat surface' philosophy. The paddles and saws have become some of my favorite surfaces to work with. There's something poetic about transforming these functional, quintessentially Canadian objects into art pieces that tell new stories. Each paddle or saw brings its own history and character to the work before I even add the first brushstroke."

2. What inspired you to start painting on paddles and saws?

"Living in the north, paddles are such an iconic symbol of our connection to water and wilderness. Saws represent our heritage of craftsmanship and building. I was drawn to these objects because they already carry cultural significance - they're not blank slates but rather surfaces with stories. When I transform them with color and imagery, there's this wonderful dialogue between their original purpose and their new life as art."

3. How does the shape or history of these objects influence what you create on them?

"I love how the distinctive shapes guide my composition. With paddles, the long handle and blade create a natural flow that influences how I apply color and form. With saws, the jagged edge contrasts beautifully with shapes I might paint on the surface. I often let the wear marks or woodgrain show through in places - these aren't imperfections but character that adds depth to the finished piece."

4. Do you see these pieces differently than your work on traditional canvases?

"Absolutely. These pieces exist in this interesting space between functional object and pure art. There's always a sense of transformation happening - viewers recognize the original object but see it completely differently through the lens of art. I find people connect with these pieces in a particularly personal way, perhaps because paddles and saws evoke memories of cottages, lakes, and the northern experience."

5. Are these pieces meant to be functional or purely decorative?

"While most people display these as wall art, I create them with enough durability that they could be used - though few choose to! I like that ambiguity. A painted paddle hanging on a wall might one day come down for a special canoe trip. There's something lovely about art that can move between these worlds of function and decoration."

6. How do these pieces represent your artistic vision?

"My work has always been about finding beauty and new meaning in the everyday world around us. The paddles and saws embody this perfectly - they're transformed but still recognizable, bridging past and present, function and art. The vibrant colors and organic forms I use create a visual language that's distinctly mine while honoring the character of these iconic objects."

7. What do you hope people take away from your art?

"I hope my work creates a moment of pause – a chance to see objects and color and form in a way that might shift perspective, even briefly. Art doesn't need to match your furniture or solve world problems; sometimes its value is simply in creating a moment of joy or contemplation. If someone connects with a piece of mine, that's the greatest reward."

8. How has being in Corbeil influenced your work?

"Living in northern Ontario has deeply influenced my color palette and the organic forms in my work. There's a particular quality of light here – the way it filters through trees or reflects off water – that finds its way into my paintings. The community has also been incredibly supportive, giving me the confidence to experiment and grow as an artist."

9. "Which artists have influenced your work?"

"My work has been shaped by several key influences. I'm deeply inspired by Lawren Harris of the Group of Seven—his ability to distill landscapes to their spiritual essence through bold forms and luminous light has always resonated with me. There's something in his work that captures the soul of Canadian landscape in a way that transcends mere representation.

I'm also drawn to the vibrant energy of the Fauves movement, particularly their revolutionary approach to color. Artists like Derain showed that color could be liberated from reality to express emotion and create visual impact, which you'll see reflected in my own bold color choices. When I'm painting on paddles and saws specifically, I'm mindful of indigenous art traditions that have long transformed functional objects into carriers of story and meaning.

Among contemporary artists, Angela Moulton's work speaks to me through her expressive brushwork and the way she brings such life and personality to simple subjects. That she painted every day inspires my own schedule. And Robert Genn has influenced not just my painting technique but my entire philosophy toward art-making—his dedication to daily practice and his thoughtful approach to landscape interpretation.

And last but not least, my family has several very talented artists, Cheryl O Art leads a group to which I belong called the Painter’s Creative, where her mentoring has helped me develop my voice. I have artwork from my cousins in Skye and Australia on my walls as inspiration also.

What resonates most with me across all these influences is authenticity—artists who developed a distinctive language that's true to their vision. I don't aim to emulate any particular style, but rather to absorb these influences while developing work that's authentically my own. My hope is that when someone sees one of my pieces—whether on canvas, paddle, or saw—they recognize it as uniquely mine."

10. "When did you start painting?"

"I actually came to painting quite late in life, during retirement. It's funny—I always thought I would be a writer! But everything changed when I took a simple 'paint this tree' session at our local legion. There was something about watching that tree emerge on canvas through my own hands that just clicked for me. I walked away thinking, 'I want to do this more,' and I haven't stopped since.

Now I paint every single day. It's become not just a hobby but truly a passion and a practice. There was a turning point when I discovered the joy of working on unconventional surfaces—that's when the 'any flat surface' approach really took hold. Finding my voice through painting paddles and saws alongside traditional canvases has been especially fulfilling.

I think there's something powerful about discovering a new creative path later in life. You bring all your life experiences to the canvas. Each day at the easel feels precious because I know what a gift it is to have found this form of expression that speaks to me so deeply."