Artist Statement
I am a self-taught artist who has been painting for seventeen years. I have developed my own style that tends to favour impressionism in oils and stylized themes in experimental mixed media.
I am intrigued by colour and shape and try to convey this in my art. I am captivated by the creative process and often find the painting dictating what it wants to become.
I find that teaching painting galvanizes me to explore new techniques and subject matter. This fuels my desire for experimentation.
My inspiration comes from my love of nature and from years of travel throughout Canada, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India, Bali and other Southeast Asian countries.
My paintings are in private collections across Canada and in Japan, the USA and England. They are also in corporate collections in the Okanagan Valley, BC. I am represented by Eclectica Gallery, Sylvan Lake, Alta. and Athena Gallery, Kelowna, B.C.
Selected Shows
Group Shows
- Federation of Canadian Artists (November 2007, October 2006)
- Calgary Stampede Western Showcase Art Auction (July 2006,2003, 2002)
- Calgary Stampede Western Showcase Art Gallery (July 2004, 2003)
- Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, Toronto, Ontario (October 2003) annual juried international show
- Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery, Vancouver, BC (May 2005; November & December 2004; February & June 2003; January, October, December 2002; January, February & November, 2001; January & December, 2000; February 1999; January & December 1998)
- Korea-Canada Art Exhibition, Vancouver, BC (May 2003)
- Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna, BC, FCA juried show (October 2002)
- Art-chitectural Gallery, Langley, BC (October 2001) “A Show with Alex Fong”
- Nova Gallery, Calgary, Alberta (March, 2001) “A Step Beyond”, a showing by two artists
- Art Walk, Winfield, BC (1999 to 2003)
- Art Essentials Show, Calgary, Alberta (October 2000, 2001 & 2002)
- Webber Gallery, Kelowna, BC (July 2000 & June 2001)
- Bronze Rooster Gallery, Kelowna, BC (May 1999)
- Hambleton Gallery, Kelowna, BC(November 1998; October 1999; November 2000) recipient of first prize·
- Kelowna Art Gallery, Watercolour Studio Annual Show, Kelowna, BC (1997 to 2002)
- Penticton Art Gallery, Penticton, BC (November 1996)
Solo Shows
- Hycroft Manor Gallery, Vancouver, BC (May 1997)
- Laurel Heritage Building, Kelowna, BC (November 1995)
FCA AWARDS
- Alessandra Bitelli Cash Award (February 2003)
- Classic Gallery Cash Award ( November 2000)
- Opus Cash Award (November 2002)
- Award of Excellence (November 2002)
- Jurors’ Choice (May 1999)
Publications and Catalogues
- Art Avenue Magazine, Federation of Canadian Artists, Jan/Feb 2008
- Prairie Quilt #7 – in “Ca Marche 3 ”; French textbook published by Pearson Education Canada (2005) First edition printing of 25,000 copies.
- Kelowna Daily Courier – “eVent” (April ’04) “For the Love of Landscapes”, interview.
- Kelowna Capital News (November 6 ’04) “Varied Nature of Marilyn Harris”, interview.
- Art Exhibition of Korea & Canada (May ’03) to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
- Prairie Quilt #7 selected Official Painting for invitations & reception, Calgary Stampede Western Showcase (2003).
- Calgary Stampede Art Auction Catalogues (2002, 2003 and 2006).
- Federation of Canadian Artists “Art Avenue” magazine (March/April 2003; March/April 2002; January/February 2002; May/June 2001; March 2000; March 1999).
Memberships
- Federation of Canadian Artists, Active member.
- The Painters’ Studio, Kelowna, BC.
Page from Canadian Grade 9 French textbook, "Ca Marche! 3", published by Pearson Education. First Edition, 25,000 copies.
Represented in the U.S.A. by ArtREPS
All art copyright of the artist
