ARTWORK
BY
GENVIEVE TOKARZ
About
Genvieve Tokarz
Born and raised in the northern heart of Fort McMurray Alberta, I have always been drawn to the raw beauty of the land and the resilient spirit of its people. I aim to capture the local beauty and emotions around me.
My journey in the art world began early in the quiet corners of elementary school, where after-school art classes became a sanctuary which grew into a passionate language I pursued throughout high school. I continue today painting independently in my spare time finding an expressional identity in art.
Over the years I have experimented with different mediums including oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, clay, pastels and mix mediums. I have found a home within acrylic paints and primarily paint on stretched canvasses with the occasional project that pushes me out of my comfort zone.
My designs
Fort McMurray is a unique region, a "small work town" home to Canada's largest oil production. It's a young, fast paced, money driven environment. Flocked with a resilient community, able to persevere through the extreme temperatures and storms of natural disasters.
In every subregion of the town, we are surrounded by what seems to be an endless forest of evergreens and wandering streams. Several of my pieces are inspired by the natural and industrial landscapes of my home town, I hope to evoke in you a love for the beauty of my home through my art.
My medium
Acrylic paints have become a familiar companion for several reasons. I enjoy the forgiving layering abilities of acrylics. My late art teacher reminded me often that all mistakes in art were fixable. It's just paint. Acrylic allows me to stop, to slow down, to rethink my idea and most importantly restart over at any point. There is no commitment. Paint the flower red. Let it dry. Repaint it blue. Stop. Paint a bird instead. Slow down. Enjoy the process without the fear of anything weighing too heavy or being too permanent.