Mid Century Modern Abstract Artist

How I decided to become an Abstract Artist

Growing up, I never quite understood Abstract art.  It didn't make sense to me.  I truthfully was all about realism and making sure I captured everything I saw perfectly.  It was in my mid-thirties when I realized why realism captivated me so.  It all boiled down to control.   I was a realism sketcher mostly; the precision forced me to stay within the lines. It had clear boundaries set out for me and for my viewers.  I found it to be a safe exploration into the art world.  Safety was something I relished and detested at the same time; a constant battle within me, which I still struggle with today. 

​It was during one of my university classes that I discovered what modern art was all about.  I'm sure it's different for everyone.  I realized very quickly that becoming an acrylic artist and creating abstract acrylic paintings allowed me to not focus on what I saw, but how I felt and the energy that came with that.  For a short period of time, I got to let go of my need for control, took risks, and lost myself in the process.  I was forever changed in that moment.  Immediately after I graduated from University, I began pursuing a career to become a Canadian abstract artist. The first thing I did was continue to paint, improve my process and develop a style unique to me, but what I realized was art supplies are quite expensive. To solve that problem, I tried to find a place where I could list some of my modern art for sale.  I thought selling affordable art would increase my chances of finding people to buy original art. My only objective at this time was to be able to sell a few paintings so I could purchase more art supplies so I could keep creating acrylic paintings. Through my research I found a website called Etsy, which I'm sure most of you know by now, but back in 2008, Etsy was in its infancy stage.  There was only a handful of emerging artist that were selling their artwork back then.  I remember the day that I made the decision to list my first abstract art for sale; I felt so exposed and that the world was going judge me harshly. It was challenging process to press the button on my mouse and list that piece for sale, I was filled with self-doubt, I technically wasn't even an emerging local artist at the time. I had only begun to create modern art.  To my surprise, 2 weeks later an art buyer found me on Etsy and bought my first original abstract painting.  It sold to a women in Western Canada. It was at this moment where I thought "OK" this could be possible; a career as a modern artist.  From that day on, I put all my focus into pursuing a fine art career.   I’m very grateful for the painting course, the Art Professor and the women who purchased my first painting on Etsy; they gave me the confidence and push I needed to believe I could move to Toronto and become an art and gallery represented artist. Check out my art styles page to learn more about me.

Wall Candy Noir 2022 Ottawa

The Other Art Fair 2022 Los Angeles

The Artist Project 2020 - Toronto

Rosedale Art Fair 2019 - Toronto

Riverdale Artwalk 2019 - Toronto

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2019 - Toronto

The Artist Project 2019 - Toronto

Studio Tour, November 2018 - Toronto

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2018 - Toronto

New Art Festival 2018, Central Park - Ottawa

Riverdale Artwalk 2018 - Toronto

Solo Show - Blue Crow Gallery 2018 - Toronto

The Artist Project 2018 - Toronto

One of a Kind Show 2017

Toronto Earls Court Gallery 2017 - Hamilton

Art in the Square 2017 - Toronto

Riverdale Artwalk -2017 - Toronto

Elaine Fleck Gallery 2017 - Toronto

The Artist Project 2017 - Toronto

Twist Gallery 2017 - Toronto

Unkle Collective 2016 - Toronto

Elaine Fleck Gallery 2016, Toronto

Unkle Collective 2016 - Toronto

The Artist Project 2016 - Toronto 

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2016 - Toronto

Uncle Collective Group Show 2016  - Toronto

The Artist Project 2016 - Toronto

Aurora Public Library - 2016 - Aurora

Paula White Diamond Gallery 2015 - Waterloo

Newmarket Studio Tour 2015 - Newmarket

Queen West Art Crawl 2015 - Toronto

Woodside Pottery & Gallery- Craighurst - 2015

The Artist Project 2015 – Toronto