| Biography I am an artist and registered nurse based in London, Ontario. My mother is the subject of the acrylic paint portrait I submitted. My passion for art began at a young age thanks to the encouragement and support of my late mother, Jennifer Connolly. She saw my potential and inspired me to pursue my passion for painting. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and working as a registered nurse in the cardiac care department at the London Health Science Centre, I continued to be moved by my call to art. During breaks at the hospital, I continued to draw elaborate dry erase whiteboard drawings to bring joy, not only to myself but also to my patients. My art has served as a beacon of hope and a source of comfort for others. |
Artist Statement
Art is a way for me to connect with my emotions and express myself. I create pieces that are deeply personal and reflective of my experiences and emotions. Recently, I created a portrait of my mother as a way to process her loss. As it transformed, so did my view of her. The more I painted, the more I saw myself in her. To capture the essence of my mother’s spirit, I used bright contrasting highlights, and layering skin tones to create a more three-dimensional portrait. I wanted her smile and beautiful energy to come off the page, showcasing the love that we shared, painted with soft brush strokes to emphasize her gentle nature.
The light source in the painting is almost angelic and I wanted to create a halo effect on her hair through my dry brush technique.
I wanted to blend the background into the lighter portions of my mom’s figure to soften her feminine edges and allow fluidity throughout my portrait.
Through my art, I hope to inspire others to connect with their own emotions while seeing the beauty in the world around them. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my art, my inspirations, and my experiences.
EDUCATION
Western University London, Ontario — Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2011- 2015
Extracurricular courses: Life drawing at the Art Project
Art elective courses: Life drawing and Self-portrait
Wexford School for the ARTS Scarborough, Ontario 2006- 2010
SKILLS
Drawing (marker, dry erase, pencil, conté, chalk pastel) Painting
Mural art
Graphic design
Children’s book illustrations
AWARDS
Sharon Morgan Hayward Award
In 2022 I was awarded the Sharon Morgan Hayward Award which is presented annually to a preceptor of the undergraduate nursing program who demonstrates an ability to inspire others to take action. Out of 100 nominations I was selected in honour of outstanding dedication to student learning. It was through my dry erase whiteboard drawings in the bleak setting of a hospital ward that I was able to share my passion and add colour to the hospital floor. I inspired positive light through art with others who were in pain and in need, helping them to heal more than just the body but also the soul.
During my formative adolescent years in high school, I studied at Wexford School for the Arts. I was accepted into a specialized visual arts program.
My secondary school allowed me the opportunity to refine my life drawing and artistic skills and develop a portfolio. My love for colour and eye for detail was fostered by this creative learning environment. One of my pieces was selected for a gallery exhibit.
Although I did not pursue a career in art, I had an opportunity to create a diverse art portfolio for a potential audition at the Ontario College of Art and Design. I used an array of mediums such as conté, oil, acrylic, and other mixed media. Life drawing expanded my knowledge of proportions, dimensions, and perspective.
EXPERIENCE
Children’s Book Illustrations, London, Ontario- Markers, Graphic Design
November 2021- Current
Currently completing a series of drawings for a private commission, a children’s book. Through marker designs, the illustrations are intended to spark children’s imagination and sense of play.
Whiteboard Drawings, London, Ontario- Dry Erase Drawing Series September 2015- March 2021
A series of dry-erase whiteboard drawings at the London Health Science Centre university hospital. Completed over the span of seven years, I created the drawings to add light and joy to the cardiac hallways and motivate the patients to walk for their physio to come to see them.
Business Logo Design, London, Ontario- Graphic Design September 2020
I created a graphic logo for my personal business, Fight Yoga Club, first drawing the design by hand and then using the graphic editor program GIMP to edit and enhance it. The logo is on my business website and has also been printed on clothing.
Expressions in Chalk, London, Ontario—Chalk Pastel Street Drawing August 2015, August 2016, and August 2019
I have participated in the Expressions in Chalk festival in London, Ontario for three years. I learned to enlarge 8.5” by 11” conceptual designs to 9’ x 9’ pavement art using chalk pastels.
Private Commission, London, Ontario — Mural Painting August 2018- October 2018
The intent of the mural, painted using acrylic, was to reflect a psychedelic experience incorporating vivid colours and abstract figures to enhance the customer’s personal workshop. The customer wanted a mural to inspire creativity for their own personal live wood art projects.
Out of the Cold, Sioux Lookout — Mural Painting February 2016 – March 2018
I completed a two-wall mural, painted using acrylic, to tell the story of struggle and perseverance. I painted the mural in the women’s portion of the homeless shelter. The mural was intended to inspire, empower and bring colour to the shelter as well as raise awareness about their personal struggles. I interviewed the women who stayed at the shelter to learn about their experiences and culture, as well as to inform the creative process and design of the piece. DH