BIOGRAPHY
Canadian landscape artist Joel Mara masterfully encapsulates the serene yet untamed beauty of Canada’s most iconic landscapes. His early experiences walking the pebbled beaches of Vancouver Island instilled in him a profound appreciation for nature which ultimately blossomed into a dedicated artistic pursuit. After five years in graphic design, Mara made the decisive shift to fine art, and has never looked back.
In 2003, Mara embarked on hikes through the breathtaking BC Coastal Range, capturing photo references that would inform his studio work. His artistic focus gravitated toward the diverse elements of the Canadian wilderness—lakes, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and towering pines. As his explorations deepened, Mara ventured further into the mountain valleys of British Columbia, seeking the tranquillity of hidden lakes enveloped by majestic peaks. These natural vistas became the cornerstone of his work.
Mara’s affinity for the dramatic and immediate qualities of nature softly translates into canvases characterized by stillness and contemplative observation. Each of his paintings invite viewers into a rich, participatory experience of the surrounding landscape. We find ourselves drawn into an intimate engagement with Mara’s dynamic play of colour, form, and light. The meticulous staccato rhythms of brushstrokes creating a meditative atmosphere, allowing us to sense the gentle ocean breeze, the serene calm of the mountainside, or the shimmering waves of
the shoreline.
In witnessing Mara’s work, we are not merely an observer but an active participant in the vibrant dialogue between the artist and the landscape. His paintings serve as a portal to the tranquil yet exhilarating essence of Canada’s natural beauty, compelling us to reflect on our own relationship with the environment.
