Any Flat Surface features the art of Joyce Effinger - a resident of East Ferris Township in Northern Ontario, Canada.

A selection of work done between 2016-2024

Abstract painting with blue and yellow hues

Oil and palette knife - 16 by 20

City of Knives - sold

Colorful painting of martini glasses with green olives

Artist Statement:

I have been painting since March of 2016. It was rather a surprise to me when I started painting, I always expected to write when I retired. I took one of those “paint this tree” courses at the Callander legion, and realized this was something I enjoyed and could do at home. It turns out, I actually do this in what used to be my husband’s garage.. for at least two hours a day.

I have probably painted over 2500 pieces to date…most of which end up in the bin, or get painted over. There is always something new to try.. or something to try again!

Colorful abstract painting of people with umbrellas in the rain.

Painting of two birds on a branch with red berries, set on a circular saw blade.

While I often paint on canvas, any flat surface will do. I have created quite a number of saws - donated frequently to local charities for fundraisers.

Chickadees - acrylic and saw blade Reserved

Hand saw with painted scene of snowmobile race on a snowy landscape

Hand saw with painted monarch butterflies and a sun on the blade, wooden handle with leaf carvings.

Saws make a great canvas. Often, I donate saws to fundraisers and auctions, such as the one for the Near North Palliative Care group, the Horticultural society, the Warriors of Hope, the Bonfield Agricultural society, the North Bay Snowmobile club and various others..

A hand saw with a painted image of two loons on a lake with a sunset.

Decoratively painted handsaw with food and drink motif

Painted saw depicting a canoe with rowing team against a green and blue background.

Painted handsaw blade with sunset and bird design

Hand saw with painted blade featuring a lighthouse scene

Hand saw with painted rural scene of fields, trees, horse, and farmhouse

Painting of a train on a hand saw blade, set against a green and blue abstract background.

Saw painting of three birds perched on branches with berries on a blue background.

Hand saw painted with butterflies and sun

Decorative hand saw with a painted lake scene and wooden handle.

A hand saw with a painted scene depicting two people canoeing at sunset, featuring red and orange colors on the blade. The handle is made of wood.

A hand saw with a wooden handle featuring a painted landscape of a moonlit night, showing a silhouette of a deer in water, and an island in the background.

Hand-painted wooden paddle featuring a silhouette of a loon against a vibrant sunset background.

Paddles with Paint!

A painted wooden paddle with a design of a black and white loon on a gradient blue background, leaning against a beige wall.

Painted paddle with sunset gradient and tree design

A wooden boat paddle painted in gradient blue on one end and featuring a lighthouse and trees on the other, displayed on an easel indoors.

Wooden paddle art depicting a silhouette of a person fishing on a boat against a vibrant sunset background with orange, red, and yellow hues.

Painted paddle with Santa sleigh and reindeer silhouette

Purple Adirondack chairs and connecting table with loon artwork in a workshop

Around the lake where I live, there are a number of examples of my artwork on porches and docks. When people have no room on their walls for a picture, there is always an option!

Algonquin chairs - in private collection

Illustration of Participaction in Corbeil.

Some of my artwork reflects activities in my community. This one was done for Participaction! You will find my paintings in the local library, municipal buildings, and businesses! 16 by 20 Acrylic

Community - sold in East Ferris Municipal office

Abstract painting of two bison on a yellow background.

Buffalo and Canmore in private collections.

Painting of a wooden cabin surrounded by pine trees in a mountainous landscape.

Colorful illustration depicting a whimsical scene at the East Ferris Public Library, featuring characters like superheroes, animals, and a purple dinosaur alongside flying objects such as an airship and hot air balloon, creating a vibrant, fantastical environment.

Every picture has a story. The buffalo were painted for my French Zoom teacher, who received it the day she found out she was pregnant! The house was posted by a friend, who wanted a picture for a Christmas gift. The Library was donated to the library, Godzilla was temporary.