I am a multidisciplinary artist—painter, drawer, animator, and art educator. For twelve years, I have been a represented gallery artist, and I am grateful to have received several awards and grants, as well as to have shared some of my short films on international platforms. My artistic journey has been further enriched by participating in prestigious residencies, including the Vermont Studio Center. I currently live and create in Vancouver, Canada.
Artmaking is my superpower—it grounds me and fills me with energy and joy. When I observe and record my subjects through drawing and painting, I am deeply moved. This feels special. This feels important. I am transformed through the act of creation. What truly lights me up as well is helping others discover that same joy through their own artistic process. Currently, I am focused on a short animated film project, primarily composed of hand-drawn images on paper.
“…Artist Val Nelson paints realistic scenes whose forms – chairs, trees, tables – are almost hidden by her layered gobs of paint, like our gathering of information as we gaze quickly over objects. Life in the fast lane. No time to really notice. But if one looks longer, patterns emerge; and therein lies a message. Look. Longer.”
Montreal Gazette
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“…intellectually and artistically daring work…”
Gilbert Bouchard, Edmonton Journal
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“The highlight of the show… loose, intelligent brushwork…”
Christopher Brayshaw, The Georgia Straight
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“…she crafts the kind of post-photographic painting that does its best to make an eye dulled by electronic media vibrate anew. I am happy to say she is largely successful.”
Terence Dick, Akimbo
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“…an artist going places…”
Betty Ann Jordan, Canadian House and Home