Annette Gaffney

Born in England to Irish parents, I came to Canada when I was 9 years’ old. As early as I can remember, I have considered myself an artist. But it wasn’t until my 20’s, working as a legal assistant by day in Toronto, that I began to seriously pursue the study of art in the evenings. That educational journey lasted four years and began with fashion design courses that segued into fashion illustration courses at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD) and fine art classes wherever I could. I decided that painting acrylic-on-canvas was my favorite means of artistic expression. I started to accept commissioned work and eventually began exhibiting in shows in galleries. I have also been fortunate to have experience conducting environmental research, specifically with regard to household waste and recycling. Many years later, and now a mother, I still feel the same way about painting and have combined that passion with my desire to reduce my individual carbon footprint and take personal responsibility for the conveniences I enjoy. My lifelong education in art continues to this day because of my work with young school children and those with special needs, and I am currently pursuing my psychology degree toward becoming a qualified art therapist and psychotherapist.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I create art that is colourful, vivacious and whimsical. Using the elements of art and the principles of design, my objective is to represent the world in ways that will invoke positive emotions. My work is always evolving, and I find myself drawn to incorporate colourful, single-use packaging into my paintings as another medium. In this way, I hope to inspire others to be resourceful, creative and expressive through sustainable art.