NETTIE STEUERNAGEL

Painting, Works on Paper, Macrame

City: Penticton, British Columbia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artworkbynettie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artwork_by_nettie/

Artist Statement: Currently I am working on a collection of works that display the beauty of trees at different stages in their life cycle. These works will be done in different mediums including Acrylic, Ink, Macrame and Pencil, which reflects my artistic journey. The tree has been a constant and faithful muse to me throughout the years. I have experienced and explored many artistic avenues, however, no matter where I have been, I always find myself coming back to the trees for inspiration.

Biography: From a very young age, I have had a love and natural talent for the fine arts. Growing up in a very small, very conservative town in northern Alberta however, I was extremely limited to art lessons of any kind. Most of my skills I had to teach myself, as exposure to the fine arts was not available and more importantly, it was not deemed necessary. However, I had a very encouraging and loving family who helped me to grow as an artist.

When I became an adult, I wanted to give the youth in the community a chance to experience and explore art, something that was never available to me. I started teaching art as an optional extra curricular class in two different schools, as well as my own evening classes called Art & Soul. At this time, I also started to exhibit my own work in art shows in nearby towns. The experience of seeing my artwork displayed led me to put on an exhibit for the students I had taught to let them know it was ok to display and “show off” their God given talents!

My husband and I moved to the Okanagan 6 years ago in order for us to both pursue our passions. I have become involved in the art community having displayed my paintings and sketches in art shows around town, becoming a board member of the Arts Council for 1 year, and have also taught art lessons for parents and children at the Leir House. Although most of my artwork is done with acrylic, I recently started teaching myself the art of Macrame. My hope is to keep exploring my creative side and someday soon, delve into my love of music as well.