Biography
Sheila Mather lives near the charming coastal town of Sidney on Vancouver Island. Her light-filled studio is surrounded by the trees, birds and wildlife which inspire many of her paintings.
Her early days were spent in Vancouver running her own design and illustration company. A move to the Island in 2000 brought with it a slower pace of living and an opportunity to turn to painting full-time. For over 10 years she painted with pastels, winning several prestigious awards and achieving Master Pastellist designation.
Her current work involves painting on and with gold leaf. Once she had mastered the art of gilding she began to explore how the medium could be manipulated. She paints on the leaf, applying the paint traditionally and also lifting it off to create highlights, and her gilded backgrounds are as important to her paintings as the images themselves. By layering the leaf, employing a variety of techniques to build texture and depth, and combining different colours of leaf she creates beautiful and unique work which pushes the boundaries of traditional gilding.
‘The work of being an artist never ends – it is both a challenge and a passion, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.’
Artist's Statement
As an artist I’ve learned to observe the world in a different way – as light and shadow and colour and form – and I’ve become more keenly aware of the beauty that surrounds me.
I enjoy experimenting with different media and techniques, always with an eye to strong composition. The creative possibilities are an endless source of joy to me, and I try to communicate that joy through my work.
Learning
- Workshops and classes:
- David Simons, American oil painter
- Mike Svob, Canadian acrylic painter
- Deborah Tilby, Victoria oil painter
- Terry Masters, desert painter, California
- Nancy Slaught, one of Victoria’s top pastel artists
- Susan Ogilvie and Doug Dawson, well known American pastel landscape artists
- Andrew McDermott, award winning Vancouver pastel painter
- KenCampbell, Victoria oil painter
- Robert Burridge, American acrylic painter
- Brian Simons, Victoria acrylic painter
- Emily Carr School of Art & Design, Vancouver – Various credit and non-credit courses
- Art and Merchandising Program, Vancouver City College
Commissions
2004 – 2020
- Haida Cultural Centre, Skidegate, BC
- Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
- Yukon Suspension Bridge, Yukon Territories
- Various private commissions
Awards & Recognition
- Pastel Association of Canada Annual Juried Show, 2015 – Ursula Reese Grand Prize
- Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts (SPAC) Fine Art Show 2015 – Juror’s Favourite, Juror’s Choice
- SPAC Show 2013 – People’s Choice, Juror’s Choice, Juror’s Favourite
- SPAC Show 2011/12 – Juror’s Choice
- SPAC Show 2010 – Guest Artist
- Sooke Fine Art Show 2009 – Honourable Mention
- Sidney Fine Art Show 2005 – Juror’s Choice
- Sidney Fine Art Show, 2004 – Honourable Mention
Gallery Representation
View the paintings on my home page.