Artist's Statement and Bio

Isabelle's career shift from CEO of her own consulting firm to full-time artist was a direct result of some words of wisdom from her 96 year-old mother during her final hours in hospice:

"I’ve thought a lot about what I would say to you when this day came, what I might say so you'd really hear me, how I could turn these last moments together into a gift. I have one important regret to share with you, and it's not about what I did with my life, it's about what I didn't do. Over my entire lifetime I always found an excuse not to fully pursue my gifts as an artist. Work, then family, then caring for your dad, then finally losing my eyesight… always reasons that put my desire to create on the back burner. You have the same gift I had, and I've watched you shelf it just like I did. So, after 96 years on earth, here is my best advice for you, right now – use your gift, develop your talent, and work full time to let the world know what you can do. You're turning 60 this year. If you don't do this now, and I mean right now, you never will."

Exactly one year after her mother passed, Isabelle closed the doors to her company and began painting every day. Her work is a life-force that absolutely lights her up, and it’s a cherished legacy from her mother.

Isabelle has already established private collectors in Canada, Europe, South America and across the United States. She currently shows her work at the Sandstone Gallery (Laguna Beach, Calfornia), J Willott Gallery (Palm Desert, California), Peterson Contemporary Art (Bend, Oregon) and Van Gogh Art Gallery (Madrid, Spain). Isabelle'sl work has been seen in the Conde Nast magazines Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue House and Gardens and World of Interiors.

As a nod to her past career, Isabelle also holds a Doctorate Degree in Education Policy, Leadership and Change from the University of Southern California (USC).

I am an abstract painter, drawn to creating feelings in my work rather than representations of things that are already recognizable. At the most basic level, I love exploring the beautiful ways that geometric shapes can contrast with loose, graceful lines and interesting marks.

The subtle differences I create in my works are achieved by building up multiple layers of acrylic paint on birch wood panels, then sanding and scratching back into the work to reveal what I call ‘the history’ of the painting. I use a process of layering and sanding to add richness and depth to the color and design. I’m constantly responding to what’s happening as I paint, where to bring different colors, lines, and shapes into focus. Some of my choices create loud contrasts and differences that I want viewers to see from a distance, others draw the viewer’s eye to more intimate or quiet details, discovered when my work is viewed up close.

Because the idea of “feeling” my work is important to me, my palette is often inspired by the music I’m playing, and although it isn’t necessarily intentional, my surroundings also influence what happens on my boards. I grew up playing in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and my childhood taught me to look, to pay attention, and to be present. Now I live in Newport Beach, California. My inspiration might come from the way the light hits the sand during sunrise to signs of paint peeling from a building.

All of that said, at the core of my work is the absolute pure joy I feel when I’m painting – I hope that’s really what you see and feel when you look at my paintings. I am grateful for every minute I spend in my studio.

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My Process and What Inspires Me

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5 Jan- 28 Feb 2017

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