Mariam: Tell us a bit about you as an artist:
I am a contemporary figurative representational artist who creates paintings and drawing. I work in a variety of mediums to suit each art piece. I create gallery work,
commissioned work, and public art works. My favorite medium is oil painting. I create work that speaks to people on an emotional level that goes beyond words. My work is used in a variety of ways often to commemorate or celebrate an individual or an event.
Mariam: What is your art muse?
Figures, portraits, and self portraits. I like to study people and seek out their essence. I like to get to the heart of their inner beauty. I work from live models and often work from multiple reference photos that are taken during model sessions.
Mariam: What are some of the opportunities you have had as an artist here in Edmonton that you feel have allowed you to grow your art form and continue your practice?
Edmonton and area, and Alberta, has provided me with so many opportunities from the time I was a small child. I was able to participate in art competitions, artwalks, art shows in prestigious arts organizations in and around Edmonton that lead to major accomplishments such as showing in private and public galleries such as the Art Gallery of Alberta, where I am now an artist that’s apart of their art rentals and sales department. Most of the opportunities have risen from word of mouth. I feel so fortunate to those who saw my work and felt resonance with it enough to share it with others, this is how my path as an artist has been paved. I am so grateful for everyone who champions my work and my career, it would be nothing without you.
Artist of the Month
Daphne Cote