I begin a painting, then end it. I push and pull it. Like a roller-coaster some rides are gentler than others. Paint goes down, and then more until I have something to start. Only there does it really begin, like landing on a field. In an organic manner, I respond to what is in front of me.
Valerie Capewell
Art and design grow out of insight, inspiration—and often, the chaos in between. In my studio, so-called 'happy accidents' aren’t always happy. They can frustrate, derail, and challenge me—but they’re also where the work starts to breathe on its own. I begin with intention, but the best pieces often come from wrestling with the unexpected.
After nearly three decades leading a graphic design and illustration company, I took a leap into full-time artmaking. My foundation is layered—studies at Emily Carr, Ryerson, and VIU have shaped how I see and build my work. That mix of disciplines shows up in bold compositions, saturated colour, and a constant search for emotional resonance.
I’ve explored surface design, blending pattern, texture, and colour to invite the viewer in differently. There’s a nod to William Morris here and there, but always filtered through a contemporary lens and a bit of personal unrest. Natural forms repeat in my paintings—sometimes gently, sometimes obsessively.
Relocating from the rainforest of Vancouver Island to the arid land of the South Okanagan has shifted my perspective. The contrast fuels the work. My goal isn’t just to create something beautiful—it’s to make something that feels. Something that sticks. Something that might reflect a bit of your own story too.
This is art born of tension, curiosity, and a restless need to make sense of things—one brush stoke or scribble at a time.
Education:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design - Art Foundation
Ryerson University – Fashion Design & Illustration
Vancouver Island University - Graphic Design
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www.valeriecapewell.com
https://www.saatchiart.com/capewell
facebook.com/valerie.capewell.artist