I am an abstract painter in the Comox Valley which became my home after retiring in 2015 as a Vancouver family doctor. I started painting in the 90’s when I had small children, and later art became my solace in the home stretch of medical practice. It soon became a full time passion, as COVID and a health crisis worked together to intensify my dive into painting. I found a local supportive art community and became involved with the Pearl Ellis Gallery.
My newly built beautiful 400 square foot studio looking out over Kin Beach allows me to work on large substrates while hearing the cry of the eagles and barking sea lions. As an abstract artist I paint with acrylic and mixed media. My subject matter is both intuitive and landscape inspired, influenced by the place I now live and love.
My process has evolved over the last few years, with less recognisable landscape and more surprise as I paint. Colour and texture are the language of my work. I work in layers, use collage and markmaking tools then add and subtract, scraping away what’s not longer needed until the balance I’m looking for is achieved. I may start out with a concept or an investigation, but where it leads arises from the work itself: a realisation that the painting directs as I work.
My own art education has evolved through experience and by attending classes and workshops both live and on-line . My work has been shown at both juried and community shows on Vancouver Island and is in private collections in BC and across Canada.
Please contact me at laurie@lauriemartz.ca, I’d love to hear from you!
‘I increasingly find that my art comes from the core that defines me and tells of my interior landscape. Often images comes up unexpectedly and lead me to a place I didn’t plan to go. I believe that artists help make the world a more colourful and complex place by bringing beauty into a visual realm. Art can often reflect the themes and questions of the world around us: of family, nature, or social issues. As images can be layered in complexity, seen and interpreted with a personal filter, I believe people see what they need to see; and that enriches their world. I share my work with others to bring joy and beauty, and to let them see… the me inside.’
