BACKGROUND: Born in Santiago, Chile 1949. Immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1967. Life time, self taught artist. Extensive world travels in the “Studio of the World”, key in her life as an artist, always solely centered on the creation of art. After many years as an Ontario based artist, moved to British Columbia in 1987 with her artist husband and two children. Works out of her Gallery|Studio|Home in West Vancouver.
PRESENT REPRESENTATION: Shelton Art | Studios Gallery –Yearly exhibitions since 1975(Ontario) and since 1987 West Vancouver, B.C. www.sheltonart.com - sheltonart@shaw.ca Vancouver Art Gallery Art Rental & Sales Gallery Program, Vancouver, B.C. www.artrentalandsales.com North Vancouver Community Arts http://northvanrts.ca/home Saatchi Art - http://www.saatchiart.com/wwwsheltonartcom Annual Art Expos since 1975
MEMBERSHIPS: Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (C.S.P.W.C.) - since 1986 North Vancouver Community Arts Council (NVCAC) Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG)
MEDIUM: Acrylics on Canvas.


MONICA SHELTON
ARTIST STATEMENT
In the sanctuary of my studio I interpret what I value, feel and see. External experience combined with inner reflection, inspires my art. My concepts and symbols are playful and enigmatic, offering the viewer ongoing freedom, happiness and surprise.
My life has always been solely centered on the creation of art and the life of the artist. As a self taught artist I am always learning and I see the extraordinary in the small and the great, in nature and in life.
Born in Chile in 1949, I immigrated to Canada in 1967. Since 1975 I have been a full time contemporary artist exhibiting regularly in Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton. After many years as an Ontario based artist, in 1987 I moved with my artist husband, son and daughter, to British Columbia. I work out my Gallery|Studio|Home in West Vancouver.
From extensive travels in my earlier years in the 'Studio of the World', throughout Asia, Europe, North America, South America, North Africa and the Middle East, I became aware of the deep and powerful impact of the language of art. Some ideas take years to show their essence in paint. Journeys in nature, particularly in western North America, continue to touch and expand my expression, creative process and courage to create.
Bringing art and people together is essential in the feeling and knowing of human wholeness. My paintings are represented in private and corporate collections in Canada and around the world.

'When I paint, I want to be alone with the canvas. Only in solitude do I find the strength to get out of my own way and paint unbridled.
The act of painting gives me the opportunity to explore a less tangible reality. My objective is to paint feelings and ideas that are often elusive in todays world.
I paint from inspiration, using my imagination, dreams, sorrows and joys. I work with a format that is contemporary, gestural and personal. My aim is to help people discover their own story /meaning in the painting and travel to wherever it may lead.
My imagery is grounded in the natural world and aims to expand feelings and thoughts beyond the finite, thereby experiencing new insights into the nature of reality.'


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