Bio Toronto-based artist Wendy Mataija focuses on abstract, nature-focused art done on canvas or wood panels. She typically works in acrylics, resins and other mixed mediums and uses a variety of traditional and non-traditional methods that are themselves closely connected with nature – water, wind, air and gravity – to achieve the unique and colourful work. Artist Statement Finding calm, quiet moments feels essential for our mental and physical health in the digital age. My colorful, abstract art is inspired by my time spent in nature nurturing daydreams, contemplations, deep reflection, and healing. 2020 has been challenging on so many levels for all of us! For me, I have found peace and solace walking in nature, in reverie. My goal in presenting my art is to invite others to explore their own creative spark and relationship with nature. My methods include a variety of traditional and non-traditional techniques that are themselves closely connected with nature – water, wind, air and gravity – to achieve the unique, colorful and gentle effects that typify my work. I work in acrylics, resins and other mixed mediums. When I work with wood panels, I stain the wood, or leave it natural. The connection between my artistic techniques, the natural panels, resins and paints, feels primordial, earthy. I work flat, often times working exclusively with palette knives, natural substances and fluid techniques. At other times, I use my hands and breath to form a more visceral, primary connection with the brush, board or canvas.My paintings always feature metallics to add richness, light, and warmth, like the sun. I often use resin to enhance the colors of my paintings, but also because it has a reflective, flowing, dancing quality like water, drawing the viewer further into my work. For me, painting is an intimate, quiet, deeply intuitive process.