Emily Claire Pike – Here Now – Cell Gallery – March 19-30, 2025

Here Now is a series of paintings created in 2024-2025. They documentmy home neighbourhood of Parkdale, a place full of contrasts. From large abstracted maps and graffiti alleysto more intimate studies, these are meaningful landmarks to me.

I am a mixed media artist often beginning with layers of collage, charcoal, and painted acrylic shapes on various grounds – canvas, wood panels, and sometimes old paintings.Finished layers are usually oil, using brushes and palette knives, to both apply and scrape away revealing colour and shape beneath. Some begin intuitively and others are inspired by walking my neighbourhood and taking photographs.

I enjoy the variety and challenge of creating large, gestural pieces, and then the return to working on more intimate paintings. The meditative flow of painting and creating is a state that I’m always trying to return to – to be present, and here now.

Thank you for taking the time to view my work.