About the Artist
Dianne E Nelson
Born and raised in southern Ontario, Dianne Nelson developed her love of artistic endeavours from an early age. She took her fine arts degree at York University and then completed an education degree at Queen’s. Teaching and the arts have been a pairing for Dianne throughout her life.
She and her husband travelled to Uranium City, Saskatchewan, for their first posting. Dianne met many like-minded friends and sold her first works while teaching in the community. Although they’d wanted to settle permanently, fate had other plans when the town closed, and the couple took their young family to Australia to start over.
“Colour! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.”
— Paul Gauguin
An adventurous five years followed. Dianne discovered acrylics and watercolours and became involved in exhibitions, artistic groups and galleries in Cairns, Queensland. Her love of the land and nature became her focus.
Dianne returned to Ontario to rejoin her family. The couple resettled in a small community north of Toronto and Dianne quickly got involved with the many art groups. Her paintings of fish, especially salmon, became renowned in the area. The design remains one of her signatures to this day.
The call to change returned, and Dianne found a footing in Bella Bella, an isolated Heiltsuk reserve off the coast of central British Columbia. It was a turning point for the artist. Stories, culture and natural surroundings added depth and colour to the repertoire. From there, she and her family moved again to Ucluelet, B.C.
Two years later, Dianne settled in the hamlet of Fort Liard in the Northwest Territories. It was during this time that she discovered painting on silk and all that this medium offered.
Dianne’s latest move has been to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, where she and her husband have residents for the last several years. She has been involved with theatre and art and loves the vibrant art scene on the Island.
Last Updated on: 2024-05-29