Jo-Anne Westerby

Jo-Anne Westerby is an abstract artist working in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC. Her work is influenced by and evocative of the Pacific Northwest ocean and forests that she calls home. She studied studio art at Concordia University in Montréal.  After retiring from a career in academic administration, Jo-Anne has focused on building a consistent and rewarding art practice. She has participated in many group exhibitions. When she isn’t painting, Jo-Anne can be found gardening in her half-acre woodland garden on the Westwood Ravine. 

Ever since I was little I’ve been most comfortable outdoors. I’m most myself in the Pacific Northwest rain forests, by any ocean, river or pond, and especially in my gardens. I love the immensity and the minutiae of the very mossy floor of the Pacific Northwest forest, of the ripples and reflections in water, and of the colors and patterns of flowers and plants. I relish the solace, calm, rest and peace these places give me. By opening my senses and lingering in nature I find myself entering that ‘soft fascination’ mode that leads towards mindfulness and creativity.