Bev Mazurick
ASA
Biography
In 2012, I embarked on a transformative artistic journey, embracing oil as my primary medium for its practicality in plein air painting. Captivated by its versatility in studio, this marked the inception of a wider exploration encompassing oil, cold wax, and mixed media techniques. Grounded in conceptual thinking, my creative process propels me to continually push the boundaries of traditional painting.
My passion for art and commitment to effective communication began at Vancouver City College, where I pursued studies in Arts & Merchandising, shaping my work in graphic arts. This appreciation for design and compelling visual narratives has left a lasting mark, notably showcased in my two conceptual solo exhibitions. These exhibitions delved into abstract painting and assemblage, intertwining themes that invite viewers to explore alternative avenues of understanding.
My artistic influences harken back to the west coast, where I spent my formative years and lived with my husband during his naval service. I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in three solo exhibitions in several galleries in southern Alberta, a region I’ve called home since 1995. I’ve also been honored to participate in numerous juried group exhibitions in both provinces.
Artist Statement
A recent series of artworks intimately portray Canada’s storied naval dockyard on Vancouver Island. This holds deep significance for me, being where my husband was posted during most of his service in the Royal Canadian Navy. The dockyard, nestled within CFB Esquimalt, encompasses a charmingly disordered array of structures, many tracing their origins back to the British Imperial Era. My original artistic intent was to capture the alluring charisma of these installations. Yet, as I immersed myself in the series, a cascade of sentiments began to surge in response to my subjects.
In the final analysis, my artworks don’t merely present the captivating architecture; they also articulate the nuanced sentiments stirred by a military stronghold. A milestone in my artistic journey occurred during my inaugural solo exhibition, “Virtual Music,” when a curator adeptly recognized that my abstract creations bore resonance with Wassily Kandinsky’s pursuit of a visual vernacular. While I hadn’t consciously drawn that inference then, I now discern the subtle influence of utilizing design components to convey allegorical messages. In “Stop/Arret”, from the dockyard series, I employed an overarching crimson hue to elicit a sense of disquiet within the viewer. The double-exposure applied to architectural elements introduces an element of temporal flux, inviting viewers to perceive shifting perspectives within the artwork.