Memories in Nature
The Landscape Paintings of Angela Wiebe
By Kat Lyzun
It’s been said that the only constant in nature is that it’s ever-changing, and that quality is precisely what draws artist Angela Wiebe to landscape painting.
“Depending on the season, the time of day, and the weather, a place can look and feel completely different from the last time. Each experience in nature has its own mood and energy that I aim to emphasize in my paintings,” Wiebe says. “Northwestern Ontario is full of vibrant colour, texture, and untamed beauty, and I try to bring harmony to the way the elements interact with each other.”
Quiet Reflection
“Ultimately, I hope that my paintings evoke a sense of connection to familiar scenes; that they spark some nostalgia, awaken some memories, and inspire people to connect with nature,” she says, adding that she feels fortunate to live in a place where there is no shortage of opportunities for adventure and incredible views. “All of my inspiration comes from places I’ve hiked, canoed, kayaked, snowshoed, and skied. I’ve spent a lot of time in Quetico with my family on canoe trips […] and there’s nothing like being on the shoreline of Superior, especially in a kayak, to have your breath taken away by the majesty of it.”
Wiebe has a degree in visual arts from Lakehead University and grew up in an artistic family. Her dad was a strong influence and instrumental to her growth as an artist. She says she learned technique and theory from him, but also how to cultivate a deep love for art—a love that motivated her to share more of her work with others. As a busy mom of three, Wiebe had been painting in small pockets of time until about a year and a half ago when, with encouragement from family and friends, she decided to pursue art more intentionally. She says it’s still a balancing act, but she’s glad she went for it, finding joy in working on both her own pieces and commissions.
Breathe In
“This is just the beginning for me,” she says. “It’s been a joy meeting so many amazing people in our community. Art is such a connecting point for shared experiences and how each person sees and interprets their surroundings in unique ways. That connection with people has been such an unexpected gift and I truly look forward to more of that in the months and years to come.”
See more of Angela Wiebe’s art at angelawiebe.ca and on Instagram @angelawiebe.art.
