Victoria Pearce expresses herself within three distinct series. She calls them her children and of course you expect each of your children to be unique individuals as are each of these bodies of work. Victoria’s dramatic skies have long been her signature, inviting the viewer to consider the heavens whether filled with sculptural florals or floating nests.  Flowers painted from the perspective of an ant provide striking contrast to the clouds that frame these still life images. The juxtaposition creates a surreal feeling for the viewer. Each of Victoria’s paintings begins with a line from a poem or prayer, providing her a kind of mantra she uses to distill the healing energy that defines her process.  (Victoria is a Reiki Master)

Her large surreal nest paintings play with metaphors. With the principle nest, the struggle between security and its attendant comfort; and the need for the soul’s freedom are played out. She lines the nests with provisions to assure a sense of  security against an uncertain future.  Money, pocket watches, compass, measuring tape or a keys all serve multiple purposes. Or an alternative statement on the state of the environment with displaced animals, fire and water all within an unstable, uprooted milieu.

The labyrinth patterns within Pearce’s landscapes are a reflection of the connectedness which she finds in nature. All of it’s elements are constantly moving, be it a rushing waterfall, a cloud filled sky or even the infinitesimal movement of rock formation. Here, she finds inspiration during her morning ritual, paddling the waters and walking the trails at her cottage on the edge of Algonquin Park as well as in Muskoka, the Kawarthas, and the length of Bruce Trail’s waterfalls, cliffs and forests.

Victoria captures this phenomenon with the twisting and turning of line within the landscape, hence the labyrinth name. A close inspection reveals a use of line enhanced with nuanced, contrasting colours as patterns play against each other to create movement within each shape. The individual colours shift and fight for dominance against the ground as it is covered, feeling very much alive.  All is worked within the strong shapes of the overall composition.

Step back to see the remarkably different feel as the individual elements merge. The result is a pleasing unity.

Victoria executes her intriguing landscapes, floral and nest paintings in her studio in a historic building in Hamilton’s James North Art district.  She lives in Hamilton with her husband and hiking companion, poodle Mae Mae.

 Victoria earned her honours BFAA at York University under Doug Morton and Eugene Tellez. She continues to take Master classes to further challenge herself with John Leonard at Sir Sanford Fleming College and McMicheal Gallery.