Linda NARDELLIPrevious ArtistNext Artist

As an artist of the 21st century, I am influenced by modern shapes and also compelled by its history. I respond to the contrast that exists between man-made structures and organic elements and draw on the place in which they unite. In my work I intend to balance these opposite qualities to form a peaceful interplay. I believe that this is a sensitive approach to art that sustains intuition, which relates to emotions and spiritual connection.

My work is an energy-based form of art that moves outside linear patterns of thought to perceive reality with unpredictable curiosity. When I resist the urge to observe my art with conscious limitations, I play in the field of consciousness in which art embodies and transforms. In this way, the art creates itself out of the ranges of my control, and each individual work of art becomes its own unique personality. Shaped by this mystery, my art originates from a profound inner realm out into the world. It becomes an Alter of spirituality and a place for healing.

Biography / Education

I was born in Montreal, Quebec in April of 1968, where I lived until 1985. I traveled through North America after a short stay in Toronto, Ontario, before moving to Kelowna, British Columbia in 1986. There I received a three year diploma at the Okanagan University in 1992.

I currently live in Vancouver, British Columbia, where I have resided since 1992. Over the years I’ve worked with several Master Painters in the art of Faux Finishing and Trompe L’oeil Murals, which has given me an array of tools and techniques to apply to my art.

The greatest tool I’ve achieved is the spontaneous allowance of creativity without preconceived ideas.

Art Exhibitions

  • Vancouver, B.C.
    • Simon Patrich Gallery,
      Regular group exhibits: 1999 – 2004
      Solo one moth exhibit: March, 2003
      Duo one month exhibit: May, 2000
    • Studio, two week exhibits: 1997 & 1998
    • French Cultural Centre, one month exhibit: May, 1996
    • Blue Note Café Gallery, one month exhibit: May, 1995
  • Penticton, B.C.
    • Lloyd Manchester Gallery, 1991 – 1992
  • Kelowna, B.C.
    • Heritage Art Gallery, one month exhibit: May, 1992
    • Eucalyptus Emporium Gallery, 1991 – 1992
    • Calona Wines, one month exhibit: March, 1990

Artist Profile

Through my paintings, I attempt to inspire a connection between the artwork and the viewer. My desire as an artist is to share the unspoken communication between the two, through colour and visuals that reveal the subconscious. There exists a unity of spirit that touches us in personal and universal ways, where the relational process of discovering ourselves in the art can occur. I stand witness, trusting the process of imagination, feeling and play, honouring the expression of the inner senses.

Every interaction we have with one another is met with distinct and diverse life experiences, yet there is an interrelation that joins us. Our differences may cause great strife or be the magnet that fascinates us. Whatever the contrasts that exist we are united by the thread of life.

My creative practice is expressed through the joining of opposites, symbolizing the many interactive dualities. My art evokes tension and subtleties, passion and calmness through the assimilation of diverse materials and techniques. I love the contrast between primitive and modern qualities, the organic aged texture combined with structured shapes and earth tones with bright colours. It conveys history and present day, multidimensions of living and varying cultures.

Symbols In Art

I'm not a connaisseur of symbolism, though it shows up in my work unexpectedly and with great amusement. It's interesting to discover symbols as I spontaneously draw them without a preconceived idea.

Pretty in Pink

I love naming the art – it's fun – especially the names like Pretty In Pink, which means nothing in particular, except that it's funny.

The symbols in my work seem to sometimes meander into the religious side of life. To the left of the painting there is the cross framed by the circle of life – to the right there is the bonhomme-stick figure with a jolly round face wearing a big hat, seemingly representing a head of church, also known as the middle man. The sense I have with this painting is that it's best to not take things too seriously, lighten up, wear pink, have fun, be our own delegates and go straight to god.

Midnight Star

The hexagram, also known as the “Star of David” is an archetypal symbol for the sacred union of the feminine and masculine principles. Shaped by the intertwining of the triangles (male “blade” and the feminine “chalice”) it represents the “yin-yan” perfect union. In the Jewish Kabala the hexagram represents a man and women in intimate embrace, and in India this symbol represents the dance of Shiva and Shakti. The six pointed star connecting the male and female triangles signifies complete balance.

In this painting the “chalice-triangle” is in the background above the shape of a wing, drawn in graphite it denotes a sense of quite surrender, grounded at the base of the wing and flowing towards the tip of the wing. The “blade-triangle” is overtop wrapped by the circle of infinity, scraped into the plaster it is strongly defined, yet if you imagine this symbol on its own it loses it's strength. This loosely framed triangle is anchored by the subtle quality of the shadow triangle and this feminine symbol is made visible by the masculine symbol.

Midnight Star expresses a love for the dance of the light and dark, day and night, spirit and matter; opposite elements that are part of the oneness of all life.

Yellow Submarine

We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine,
la, da, la, la, da, di.

The fish can symbolize movement, fluidity, and the mystery of the underworld, living a separate existence from our own above water. Yet the fish is also part of its larger host; the ocean and all other water life – and part of our lives.

The fish is hooked, but aren't we all hooked into what I believe is the mass conscious responsibility to one another and to ourselves. Are we ever really separate?

Abstract Art & Materials

Abstract art is the perfect form of art for my creative process. It grants me the pure freedom to play. While everyday life requires disciplined structure: scheduled appointments, paperwork, and grocery shopping – my art is my play ground. I cut loose, dance, sing, meditate, feel and let go.

The material I use to develop the texture is a hard plaster medium with stone powder and glue that I layer with translucent acrylic washes. This allows me to create a quality that is not easily recognized, but instead draws the viewer into its unpredictable beauty.

The layered surface is thus random and challenges me to surrender control. Each new surface has its own individual identity, which I bring forth with the richness of oil paint, gathering the essence of the art into a unified whole.

I’ve often been asked how I achieve the crackling. The plaster medium is blended to a soupy consistency. Once applied it dries in the sun. It's my summer job.