Painting itself, by it's very nature, is a singular, solitary existence. For me, it is always about retreating into my own journey - making art true to my idea, that is real & honest. I am summoning memories, telling the same story over & over again. There are no people in my work, but there is often a suggestion of their presence, a trace of humanity. Self, place, belonging & the land have long been central themes in my work. Sometimes, I have thought my work old-fashioned because it wasn't cool or in vogue. But now, I am happy to make a place for myself beyond the necessitudes of fashion.
BIO
Irma grew up on a Saskatchewan farm where the prairie is never just background – nature dominates. blizzards, lightning storms, and the overarching sky instilled in her a feeling of freedom, limitless space, and room to explore. Her predominant memory is a feeling of independence and the sky’s overwhelming presence.
Although she has degrees in art and art education, she did not return to painting until 2002, and had a solo show within a year. Since april 2013 she has made her living as a full time artist. Irma is available for demos and workshops on abstract landscape painting.
Shhe continues to have an avid interest in contemporary dance, and serves on the board of Suddenly Dance theatre. In 2005 she received the Peter Gzowski literacy award. Irma is well-known across B.C. for her advocacy in the FASD field and her development / delivery of programs in the criminal justice system.
“To me, the act of painting encompasses all of who i am. using the simplest of line and shape, the subtlest shift of color, my goal is to evoke an emotion, a feeling, a memory… initially, for me in the doing, and then again and again for the viewer. i paint what i need to paint and am delighted when someone connects to it and it changes their landscape."
