Inspired by minimalism, aesthetically & functionally.
With markmaking, many textured layers, and organic shapes I apply the minimal complexity thought process to paint.
Each time I looked at a piece, I wanted to feel something different, something that I didn't even intend while creating. Slowing down to focus and appreciate how complex simple things can be is really important to me, and my work, and I hope those who view my work feel the same.
You'll see in my work there's a lot of bold gestural strokes, poured paint, and layering of organic marks and scrapes weaving through. I often use a limited palette with just a few colors. Color tells a story all on its own, the technique of how the color is applied, smooth and soft vs bold and loose, gives that story life.
I paint mostly in acrylic and ink, but also resin, pastel and collage to create texture and depth. Although I use brushes, they aren't my first tool of choice. A palette knife, squeegee or another type of scraping tool would be my first choice. My inspiration comes from everywhere, but my drive to paint comes from the need to escape the realities of the world, to retreat into a playful, imaginary place where I can be less structured.
My Story
I'm a self-taught abstract expressionist painter living in Toronto, ON. My work is inspired by minimalism, aesthetically and functionally.
I studied historic costume design at Dalhousie University, then went on to study and work in fashion design. Cloth was the first medium I truly learned to appreciate. Using just a roll of all white canvas, I could layer, pleat, fold, drape, and ultimately turn it into a really complex piece of art. It really developed my appreciation for how complex simple things can be, and this is a perspective I've learned to seek in my fine art practice.
When I create, I do so to quiet the world around me, to temporarily shut out the noise and chaos of life. When the energy is aligned, the work flows — easy, graceful, uncomplicated.
The truly beautiful thing about abstraction, is the opportunity for the viewer to tap into their own feelings, to see something all their own, so I try not to direct that process too much. Some artist don't like to hear what others see in their abstract work, but I love it. I find it fascinating to hear how people connect abstract shapes and lines to concrete images in their mind. It's a bit like a rorschach inkblot, it gives me insight into what that person is looking for, and I just love that.
History
I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia in a small town just outside the city. I studied historic costume design and recreation at Dalhousie University, and moved to Toronto, Ontario to attend the Academy of Design's Fashion and Marketing program. In Toronto, I pursued a career in Fashion, creating womenswear for some of the world’s top departments stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, Harvey Nichols, and I also managed a women's line for Wal-Mart Canada. I also studied Graphic Design, and currently work as a creative director helping businesses with their brand and marketing strategy when I'm not in the studio painting.
I sell my original artwork here through my website, and give a peak into my process through video and photography on my instagram account here.
Gallery Partners & Exhibitions
I’ve had the opportunity to show my work at several exhibitions, and I am a resident artist at several amazing galleries in Toronto and surrounding cities.
To learn more about where you can see my work up close and personal, please review my exhibitions & galleries page.
“My home just got about 10 billion times nicer! This masterpiece painting from Paige just arrived, and it’s more beautiful than I could have imagined. Absolute perfection!”
— Tracy S.