About the Artist
My story and career
beginnings were formed on the east side of the country after graduating from a 3-year program in Illustration and Design from Sheridan College in 1990. Toronto was my home base and I worked as a junior designer for Penguin Books Canada. Shortly after, I jumped in a car and headed West as a freelancer, full of dreams and laughter, a credit card, a couple of friends and never looked back.
I am now settled in Victoria BC where my heart resides. I’ve mostly done freelance work while raising two wonderful girls and a myriad of animals from the comforts of my own creative space, whether it be a kitchen table, spare room or a fancy downtown studio. I’ve always had one foot in the door with regards to creating, but now after 25 years, with more time and energy on my hands, I find myself plunging heart first into the art scene as a re-emerging artist.
What you see here
is an amalgamation of everything I have come to be. I am the maker of my own story through yummy colour, text and a variety of mediums and subject matter. I strive at all times to be honest and give every onlooker and client more than they bargained for. What are your needs? Take a good look and see if any of my offerings suit you so that you can decide for yourself how I can help.
As a fine artist, graphic designer and illustrator I have a natural longing to help you tell your story. Take the plunge! Create that logo you’ve always wanted, hang that colourful art you just commissioned, buy some inspiring art cards for family and friends, or write that book so that I can illustrate it (ha ha)
If in the process of all this art madness I can make you feel good, smile or laugh out loud, you and I will be left with a feeling of “more than enough” and then I will say to myself . . . WHO’S NEXT?
Published Illustrations:
Gilbert de la Frogponde by Jennifer Rae
Dog Tales by Jennifer Rae
I Know An Old Laddie by Jean Little
The Queen, The Bear and The Bumblebee by Dini Petty
The F Team by Anne Laurel Carter
The Mysterious You Series with Kids Can Press
The Amazing International Space Station with Kids Can Press
Puppies On Board with Orca Books Publishing
Science Detectives with Kids Can Press
Eat better, live better, feel better by Julie Cove
*not all picture books are still in circulation.
Awards:
Best in Show/Peoples Choice: Victoria Arts Council 2017
Recipient of two Silver Awards for illus. Studio Mag (1990)
Two Alcuin Awards for book cover design (1991 and 1997)
“GDC” Awards for book design and self-promotion (1997)
Nominee for Governor-General Award (2000)
Shortlist: Silver Birch Award (2003)
Starred selection: Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice (2003)
Starred selection: Red Cedar Book Awards (2002-03)
Shortlist: Silver Birch Award (2005)
Red Cedar Book Awards (2006)
2 Red Cedar Book Awards (2008-09)
CV:
Gil2020 ongoing representation, The Gallery at Matticks Farm
2020 ongoing representation, Gallery Merrick
2020 Chemainus Dinner Theatre Gallery and Gift Shop
2019 TD Paint-In, Group Show
2019 Featured Artist at the LOOK Show, 747 Fort St, Victoria Arts Council
2019 THRIVE Art Group Show “Lady(P)arts”, VAC
2017-2019 Group Exhibition, Roost Farm Market Bistro and Winery
2019 Group, Sole Train to the Night Market, a partnership between Fluevog Shoes and Arts Community Victoria
2018 Group, Moka House Coffee (bridge theme)
2018 Solo, Fortune Gallery
2018 Group, Sooke Fine Arts Show (juried)
2018 Group Community Show, Fernwood Art Stroll
2018 Solo, Little Fernwood Community Gallery
2018 Solo Small Group Show (3), Victoria Arts Council
2018 TD Paint-In, Group Show
2018 International Women’s Day Show, Victoria Arts Council
2018 LOOK + NOW (juried) Group Shows, Victoria Arts Council
2018 Artist in Residency, Delta Victoria Ocean Point
2018 Central Art Gallery, Victoria (part owner)
2017 Group Community Show, Fernwood Art Stroll
2017 TD Paint-In, Group Show
2017 Artist in Residency, Coast Victoria
2017 International Women’s Day Show, Victoria Arts Council
2017 LOOK + NOW (juried) Group Shows, Victoria Arts Council
2017 Solo Small Group Show(3), Victoria Arts Council (x2)
2017 Chemainus Dinner Theatre Gallery and Gift Solo Show
2016 Chemainus Dinner Theatre Gallery and Gift Solo Show
2014 Christmas In The Box, Muse Winery (performance art, music and poetry)
2012 Christmas In The Box, Metro Theatre (performance art, music and poetry)
2010 Christmas In The Box, The Forge (performance art, music and poetry)
