YQQ Art Collection

Born and raised in Manitoba, Anouk Hartwell was encouraged to pursue her creative side. An adventurous spirit lead Anouk down a path of dog sled and kayak guiding, but later returned to her love of painting. Self-taught, Anouk captures vibrant coastal landscapes and captivating realistic seascapes, which attracted her to the island. For over a decade she has called the Comox Valley home and paints at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Anouk Hartwell was encouraged to pursue her creative side. An adventurous spirit lead Anouk down a path of dog sled and kayak guiding, but later returned to her love of painting. Self-taught, Anouk captures vibrant coastal landscapes and captivating realistic seascapes, which attracted her to the island. For over a decade she has called the Comox Valley home and paints at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Anouk Hartwell was encouraged to pursue her creative side. An adventurous spirit lead Anouk down a path of dog sled and kayak guiding, but later returned to her love of painting. Self-taught, Anouk captures vibrant coastal landscapes and captivating realistic seascapes, which attracted her to the island. For over a decade she has called the Comox Valley home and paints at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Anouk Hartwell was encouraged to pursue her creative side. An adventurous spirit lead Anouk down a path of dog sled and kayak guiding, but later returned to her love of painting. Self-taught, Anouk captures vibrant coastal landscapes and captivating realistic seascapes, which attracted her to the island. For over a decade she has called the Comox Valley home and paints at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay.

Elaine Smith lives and creates art in the Comox Valley. She is motivated by the pure joy of being creative. As an abstract artist, she sees every piece of art she creates as experimental. Smith is passionate about the abstract process and feels that it allows the true artist in her to apply paint in a personal and intimate way. She views her art as a form of visual storytelling which invites the viewer into the creative process through their own unique response and story about her artwork.

Elaine Smith lives and creates art in the Comox Valley. She is motivated by the pure joy of being creative. As an abstract artist, she sees every piece of art she creates as experimental. Smith is passionate about the abstract process and feels that it allows the true artist in her to paint in a personal and intimate way. She views her art as a form of storytelling which invites the viewer into the creative process through their own unique response and story about her artwork.

Elaine Smith lives and creates art in the Comox Valley. She is motivated by the pure joy of being creative. As an abstract artist, she sees every piece of art she creates as experimental. Smith is passionate about the abstract process and feels that it allows the true artist in her to apply paint in a personal and intimate way. She views her art as a form of visual storytelling which invites the viewer into the creative process through their own unique response and story about her artwork.

Elaine Smith lives and creates art in the Comox Valley. She is motivated by the pure joy of being creative. As an abstract artist, she sees every piece of art she creates as experimental. Smith is passionate about the abstract process and feels that it allows the true artist in her to apply paint in a personal and intimate way. She views her art as a form of visual storytelling which invites the viewer into the creative process through their own unique response and story about her artwork.

Elaine Smith lives and creates art in the Comox Valley. She is motivated by the pure joy of being creative. As an abstract artist, she sees every piece of art she creates as experimental. Smith is passionate about the abstract process and feels that it allows the true artist in her to apply paint in a personal and intimate way. She views her art as a form of visual storytelling which invites the viewer into the creative process through their own unique response and story about her artwork.

Jean Cockburn's work is inspired by the natural beauty of Denman Island. She particularly loves the wetlands, the beaches, and the abundant bird life. Cockburn often incorporates stitching into her works on canvas, with the threads and embroidery adding another dimension to a two-dimensional painted canvas. As a printmaker, she creates images that can be printed onto canvas and incorporated into the work. Sometimes the printed images are themselves enhanced with hand or machine embroidery. Colour is her joy.

Jean Cockburn's work is inspired by the natural beauty of Denman Island. She particularly loves the wetlands, the beaches, and the abundant bird life. Cockburn often incorporates stitching into her works on canvas, with the threads and embroidery adding another dimension to a two-dimensional painted canvas. As a printmaker, she creates images that can be printed onto canvas and incorporated into the work. Sometimes the printed images are themselves enhanced with hand or machine embroidery. Colour is her joy.

Jean Cockburn's work is inspired by the natural beauty of Denman Island. She particularly loves the wetlands, the beaches, and the abundant bird life. Cockburn often incorporates stitching into her works on canvas, with the threads and embroidery adding another dimension to a two-dimensional painted canvas. As a printmaker, she creates images that can be printed onto canvas and incorporated into the work. Sometimes the printed images are themselves enhanced with hand or machine embroidery. Colour is her joy.

Jean Cockburn's work is inspired by the natural beauty of Denman Island. She particularly loves the wetlands, the beaches, and the abundant bird life. Cockburn often incorporates stitching into her works on canvas, with the threads and embroidery adding another dimension to a two-dimensional painted canvas. As a printmaker, she creates images that can be printed onto canvas and incorporated into the work. Sometimes the printed images are themselves enhanced with hand or machine embroidery. Colour is her joy.

Larissa works in mixed-media, integrating painting, felting, printmaking and collage. Her influences reflect a reverence for wildlife and sustainability, water, salmon-spawning and the value of old growth forest. Larissa continues to work on sustainable practices on her half-acre windmill home, where she offers classes on her patio in a garden setting in the summer. Larissa has over twenty years of teaching experience and a BED degree, certified in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a BFA in printmaking from ACAD. Her teaching focuses on art, gardening and horticulture for Grades 1-12. She also enjoys working at Anderton Nursery, where her art is on display.

Larissa works in mixed-media, integrating painting, felting, printmaking and collage. Her influences reflect a reverence for wildlife and sustainability, water, salmon-spawning and the value of old growth forest. Larissa continues to work on sustainable practices on her half-acre windmill home, where she offers classes on her patio in a garden setting in the summer. Larissa has over twenty years of teaching experience and a BED degree, certified in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a BFA in printmaking from ACAD. Her teaching focuses on art, gardening and horticulture for Grades 1-12. She also enjoys working at Anderton Nursery, where her art is on display.

Larissa works in mixed-media, integrating painting, felting, printmaking and collage. Her influences reflect a reverence for wildlife and sustainability, water, salmon-spawning and the value of old growth forest. Larissa continues to work on sustainable practices on her half-acre windmill home, where she offers classes on her patio in a garden setting in the summer. Larissa has over twenty years of teaching experience and a BED degree, certified in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a BFA in printmaking from ACAD. Her teaching focuses on art, gardening and horticulture for Grades 1-12. She also enjoys working at Anderton Nursery, where her art is on display.

Larissa works in mixed-media, integrating painting, felting, printmaking and collage. Her influences reflect a reverence for wildlife and sustainability, water, salmon-spawning and the value of old growth forest. Larissa continues to work on sustainable practices on her half-acre windmill home, where she offers classes on her patio in a garden setting in the summer. Larissa has over twenty years of teaching experience and a BED degree, certified in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a BFA in printmaking from ACAD. Her teaching focuses on art, gardening and horticulture for Grades 1-12. She also enjoys working at Anderton Nursery, where her art is on display.

Larissa works in mixed-media, integrating painting, felting, printmaking and collage. Her influences reflect a reverence for wildlife and sustainability, water, salmon-spawning and the value of old growth forest. Larissa continues to work on sustainable practices on her half-acre windmill home, where she offers classes on her patio in a garden setting in the summer. Larissa has over twenty years of teaching experience and a BED degree, certified in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a BFA in printmaking from ACAD. Her teaching focuses on art, gardening and horticulture for Grades 1-12. She also enjoys working at Anderton Nursery, where her art is on display.

Lynn Farwell was born and raised on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where she was surrounded by rugged beauty in the form of ocean, forests, and natural habitat. Lynn began painting in 2012 when she was invited to join Art Alchemy in Courtenay, BC. From there, her creativity gained momentum, and her artwork of bold contemporary semi-abstraction morphed into a variety of color studies. Birds, figures, landscapes, collages, and abstracts are all part of her repertoire. Lynn's work is colorful, provocative, diverse, and expressive, always considering balance and the use of color to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Her work has been showcased in several galleries including the SOPA Art Gallery in Kelowna, the Victoria Art Gallery, Red Art Gallery, and the Metchosen Art Gallery. Locally, she has participated in numerous Square Foot Shows held at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay, of which she is a member. Her work can also be seen at the Comox Valley Airport in May.

Lynn Farwell was born and raised on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where she was surrounded by rugged beauty in the form of ocean, forests, and natural habitat. Lynn began painting in 2012 when she was invited to join Art Alchemy in Courtenay, BC. From there, her creativity gained momentum, and her artwork of bold contemporary semi-abstraction morphed into a variety of color studies. Birds, figures, landscapes, collages, and abstracts are all part of her repertoire. Lynn's work is colorful, provocative, diverse, and expressive, always considering balance and the use of color to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Her work has been showcased in several galleries including the SOPA Art Gallery in Kelowna, the Victoria Art Gallery, Red Art Gallery, and the Metchosen Art Gallery. Locally, she has participated in numerous Square Foot Shows held at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay, of which she is a member. Her work can also be seen at the Comox Valley Airport in May.

Lynn Farwell was born and raised on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where she was surrounded by rugged beauty in the form of ocean, forests, and natural habitat. Lynn began painting in 2012 when she was invited to join Art Alchemy in Courtenay, BC. From there, her creativity gained momentum, and her artwork of bold contemporary semi-abstraction morphed into a variety of color studies. Birds, figures, landscapes, collages, and abstracts are all part of her repertoire. Lynn's work is colorful, provocative, diverse, and expressive, always considering balance and the use of color to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Her work has been showcased in several galleries including the SOPA Art Gallery in Kelowna, the Victoria Art Gallery, Red Art Gallery, and the Metchosen Art Gallery. Locally, she has participated in numerous Square Foot Shows held at ARTWRX Studio + Gallery in Courtenay, of which she is a member. Her work can also be seen at the Comox Valley Airport in May.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist and web & graphic designer based on Vancouver Island. She draws inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife and easy island lifestyle. Her work, characterized by a blend of representational subjects and abstract backgrounds, reflects her passion for creativity and self-expression. With a penchant for creatures in nature, she employs bright colors and layers to evoke joy and happiness. Ziegler's approach to art is marked by curiosity and optimism, embracing the unknown outcome of each piece. Dedicated to exploring new techniques and styles, she aims to capture the essence of the natural world through her eyes and evoke the emotions it stirs within her. Through her art, Ziegler celebrates the beauty that surrounds us and the transformative power of creativity, believing in its ability to connect us with one another and the world at large.

Mary Gorman is an artist who hails from Ireland and has settled here in the Comox Valley. She attended art college in Dublin, Ireland, graduating in 1993. After five wonderful years at art college, she pursued a career as a muralist, creating and executing projects both at home in Ireland and in London, Paris, and Sydney, Australia. After a year living in Australia, Mary felt drawn to British Columbia, a place she had connected to and fallen in love with years prior. She now calls it her home. Inspired by this wonderful place, Mary now creates paintings that are currently inspired by both the land and cityscape. She is motivated by the beauty of nature around her and the desire to depict light and how it manifests in our world. She is a member of ARTWRX Studio Gallery in Courtenay.

Mary Gorman is an artist who hails from Ireland and has settled here in the Comox Valley. She attended art college in Dublin, Ireland, graduating in 1993. After five wonderful years at art college, she pursued a career as a muralist, creating and executing projects both at home in Ireland and in London, Paris, and Sydney, Australia. After a year living in Australia, Mary felt drawn to British Columbia, a place she had connected to and fallen in love with years prior. She now calls it her home. Inspired by this wonderful place, Mary now creates paintings that are currently inspired by both the land and cityscape. She is motivated by the beauty of nature around her and the desire to depict light and how it manifests in our world. She is a member of ARTWRX Studio Gallery in Courtenay.

Mary Gorman is an artist who hails from Ireland and has settled here in the Comox Valley. She attended art college in Dublin, Ireland, graduating in 1993. After five wonderful years at art college, she pursued a career as a muralist, creating and executing projects both at home in Ireland and in London, Paris, and Sydney, Australia. After a year living in Australia, Mary felt drawn to British Columbia, a place she had connected to and fallen in love with years prior. She now calls it her home. Inspired by this wonderful place, Mary now creates paintings that are currently inspired by both the land and cityscape. She is motivated by the beauty of nature around her and the desire to depict light and how it manifests in our world. She is a member of ARTWRX Studio Gallery in Courtenay.

Nicolette Valikoski grew up among the temperate rainforests and storm-battered beaches of a small island off the west coast of Canada. This wild and gorgeous corner of the world shaped her earliest artistic expression and today inspires much of her work. Nicolette uses only palette knives to apply her unique, sculptural layers of oil paint which result in striking creations with rich texture and incredible depth. Her bright, dynamic explorations of nature are informed by her passion for contemporary interior design, resulting in paintings that evoke a unique sensation of being both indoors and out. Nicolette paints out of her light-filled studio in Vancouver Island's beautiful Comox Valley. Her work hangs in the homes of her collectors all across the world.

Nicolette Valikoski grew up among the temperate rainforests and storm-battered beaches of a small island off the west coast of Canada. This wild and gorgeous corner of the world shaped her earliest artistic expression and today inspires much of her work. Nicolette uses only palette knives to apply her unique, sculptural layers of oil paint which result in striking creations with rich texture and incredible depth. Her bright, dynamic explorations of nature are informed by her passion for contemporary interior design, resulting in paintings that evoke a unique sensation of being both indoors and out. Nicolette paints out of her light-filled studio in Vancouver Island�s beautiful Comox Valley. Her work hangs in the homes of her collectors all across the world.

Sharon began her education career teaching art, followed by 33 years as a counsellor. During that time, she devoted her creative energy to designing costumes for theatrical productions. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2012, she has immersed herself in painting, achieving Active Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings have been displayed in galleries and homes throughout Canada and internationally. She remains committed to community support by donating paintings to various organizations, curating the annual CVA Art Show in the Comox Valley Airport, and managing the ARTWRX Studio + Gallery. Using acrylic paint, collage, and mark-making tools, her semi-abstract, expressionist paintings aim to convey the energy and soul of the image. She measures success of the work by engaging viewers, who are compelled to spend time with her work and to ask questions. She hopes the gratitude she feels for being able to create, comes through in the paintings. Over time, her artistic process has evolved as she experiments with innovative techniques on canvas and wood panel.

Sharon began her education career teaching art, followed by 33 years as a counsellor. During that time, she devoted her creative energy to designing costumes for theatrical productions. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2012, she has immersed herself in painting, achieving Active Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings have been displayed in galleries and homes throughout Canada and internationally. She remains committed to community support by donating paintings to various organizations, curating the annual CVA Art Show in the Comox Valley Airport, and managing the ARTWRX Studio + Gallery. Using acrylic paint, collage, and mark-making tools, her semi-abstract, expressionist paintings aim to convey the energy and soul of the image. She measures success of the work by engaging viewers, who are compelled to spend time with her work and to ask questions. She hopes the gratitude she feels for being able to create, comes through in the paintings. Over time, her artistic process has evolved as she experiments with innovative techniques on canvas and wood panel.

Sharon began her education career teaching art, followed by 33 years as a counsellor. During that time, she devoted her creative energy to designing costumes for theatrical productions. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2012, she has immersed herself in painting, achieving Active Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings have been displayed in galleries and homes throughout Canada and internationally. She remains committed to community support by donating paintings to various organizations, curating the annual CVA Art Show in the Comox Valley Airport, and managing the ARTWRX Studio + Gallery. Using acrylic paint, collage, and mark-making tools, her semi-abstract, expressionist paintings aim to convey the energy and soul of the image. She measures success of the work by engaging viewers, who are compelled to spend time with her work and to ask questions. She hopes the gratitude she feels for being able to create, comes through in the paintings. Over time, her artistic process has evolved as she experiments with innovative techniques on canvas and wood panel.

Sharon began her education career teaching art, followed by 33 years as a counsellor. During that time, she devoted her creative energy to designing costumes for theatrical productions. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2012, she has immersed herself in painting, achieving Active Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings have been displayed in galleries and homes throughout Canada and internationally. She remains committed to community support by donating paintings to various organizations, curating the annual CVA Art Show in the Comox Valley Airport, and managing the ARTWRX Studio + Gallery. Using acrylic paint, collage, and mark-making tools, her semi-abstract, expressionist paintings aim to convey the energy and soul of the image. She measures success of the work by engaging viewers, who are compelled to spend time with her work and to ask questions. She hopes the gratitude she feels for being able to create, comes through in the paintings. Over time, her artistic process has evolved as she experiments with innovative techniques on canvas and wood panel.

Sharon began her education career teaching art, followed by 33 years as a counsellor. During that time, she devoted her creative energy to designing costumes for theatrical productions. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2012, she has immersed herself in painting, achieving Active Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings have been displayed in galleries and homes throughout Canada and internationally. She remains committed to community support by donating paintings to various organizations, curating the annual CVA Art Show in the Comox Valley Airport, and managing the ARTWRX Studio + Gallery. Using acrylic paint, collage, and mark-making tools, her semi-abstract, expressionist paintings aim to convey the energy and soul of the image. She measures success of the work by engaging viewers, who are compelled to spend time with her work and to ask questions. She hopes the gratitude she feels for being able to create, comes through in the paintings. Over time, her artistic process has evolved as she experiments with innovative techniques on canvas and wood panel.

Living in the Comox Valley for the past 50 years has brought Shea Kotilla all kinds of joy. She has lived much of her life outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Three children are born to her and raised here, and to Kotilla, they are the best of it. Attending to art has come and gone over the years. Shea was an A student in junior and senior high school, but only in art! (the rest... not so much). She attended leisure art classes a time or two when her kids were growing. Finally, Kotilla rented space in a shared studio, and in the last five years, she has devoted more and more time to it until retiring in late 2022 when she became a full-time practicing artist. Art is deeply lodged in her bones, and Kotilla can hardly help but dive in... for the love of art.

Living in the Comox Valley for the past 50 years has brought Shea Kotilla all kinds of joy. She has lived much of her life outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Three children are born to her and raised here, and to Kotilla, they are the best of it. Attending to art has come and gone over the years. Shea was an A student in junior and senior high school, but only in art! (the rest... not so much). She attended leisure art classes a time or two when her kids were growing. Finally, Kotilla rented space in a shared studio, and in the last five years, she has devoted more and more time to it until retiring in late 2022 when she became a full-time practicing artist. Art is deeply lodged in her bones, and Kotilla can hardly help but dive in... for the love of art.

Living in the Comox Valley for the past 50 years has brought Shea Kotilla all kinds of joy. She has lived much of her life outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Three children are born to her and raised here, and to Kotilla, they are the best of it. Attending to art has come and gone over the years. Shea was an A student in junior and senior high school, but only in art! (the rest... not so much). She attended leisure art classes a time or two when her kids were growing. Finally, Kotilla rented space in a shared studio, and in the last five years, she has devoted more and more time to it until retiring in late 2022 when she became a full-time practicing artist. Art is deeply lodged in her bones, and Kotilla can hardly help but dive in... for the love of art.

Living in the Comox Valley for the past 50 years has brought Shea Kotilla all kinds of joy. She has lived much of her life outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Three children are born to her and raised here, and to Kotilla, they are the best of it. Attending to art has come and gone over the years. Shea was an A student in junior and senior high school, but only in art! (the rest... not so much). She attended leisure art classes a time or two when her kids were growing. Finally, Kotilla rented space in a shared studio, and in the last five years, she has devoted more and more time to it until retiring in late 2022 when she became a full-time practicing artist. Art is deeply lodged in her bones, and Kotilla can hardly help but dive in... for the love of art.