Art By Di - Contemporary west coast landscape paintings - "Returning Home" 2017

Beauty of nature is the key inspiration behind my contemporary west coast acrylic paintings. With a focus on light, color and movement I seek to reduce the endless detail of life into simple form and palette, allowing the viewer’s imagination to fill in details of time and place. I see myself as a filter; passing images repeatedly through the lens of my mind as I translate the world around me. It is not difficult to find beauty here in the Pacific Northwest however I strive to present what I see in a unique and enticing way.

Not bound by any school or tradition I simply create what pulls at my heart until it is put down on canvas. Starting with a scene or composite image I peel back layers of detail, embolden color and smooth shapes until it is ready to transfer onto canvas. I want my creations to be bold, colorful and modern yet recognizable as a particular subject or location that inspires me.

'Copper Cove' Di 2018 - 60"x36" - (sold)
Much of my focus is on the unique species that inhabit the coastlines of British Columbia, Canada. Growing up on the west coast in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, I developed an intimate connection with forest, mountains, sea and the animals that call it home. I convey this reverence for nature in my paintings, highlighted by a commitment to bring attention to nature conservation and give back to organizations working to protect vulnerable west coast ecosystems and species.

 

'Bowen Break' 2016 - West Coast Beach Art By Di  Art By Di - 'Settling In' - 2018 - West Coast Sunset

 

My home on Bowen Island (Nexwlélexm), the second largest island in Howe Sound, is located in unceded Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Territory. The area has had a rough go over the past 100 years with pollution and industry taking a heavy toll on wildlife. In particular toxic tailings from the Britannia Mine have been leaching into the marine environment for almost 100 years- it has taken nearly 40 years for the area to begin to recover from the damage after the mine closed in 1974. With help from organizations such as the Squamish Streamkeepers populations of herring and bait fish are rebounding, salmon return year after year, large marine mammals such as Humpbacks, Harbor Porpoise and Orca are returning. I cannot help but be inspired by the resilience of this place, by the beauty it continues to surprise us with and the hope it holds for our future.

 

 

1 Comment

  1. Cliftonguest on 29/10/2018 at 6:53 pm

    artbydi •, thanks so much for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.

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