Josslyn Meyers

Artist Biography – Josslyn  Meyers

Josslyn went to the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon directly after High School, and attained her BFA degree in 1980. She worked as a tour guide and art  instructor at the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon, as well as teaching art to adults and children at the University Extension Division. She has received two Saskatchewan Arts board grants. Josslyn combined her love for art with her love for children, receiving her BED degree in 1995, with distinction. Her work as Artist in Residence was very fulfilling, and included the Tribal council in Saskatoon, the Brightwater Public school Science and Environment centre in Saskatoon, and in 2013, the Fine Arts Teacher at Stz’uminus Community school in Ladysmith. A strong supporter of community arts, Josslyn continues to teach watercolor and creative kids classes at the Ladysmith Waterfront gallery. She has shown her work often as solo, or in group shows, at the Waterfront gallery, and other Vancouver Island venues.

Artist Statement – Josslyn Meyers

My formative years in Saskatchewan were spent  by a lake, drawing and painting and learning to observe and love nature. This  became the foundation for my artwork. My professors at the University of Saskatchewan encouraged plein air studies, and sensitive expressive drawings, representing not only the landscape but also instilling a sense of place and identity. I continue this today in my watercolors, prints and acrylics. Taking reference photos helps to sharpen my observation. The patterns, colors and compositions of Vancouver Island have inspired me since moving here in 2010. Taking many workshops and being a part of the arts community has been a positive experience. I look always for ways to strengthen the formal elements and to let my materials express my emotions with clarity. I have been developing my confidence as a painter, experimenting with memory, inner imaginary landscapes as well as having a strong pleinair practice that grounds me. My aim is to create works that celebrate the beauty of nature, encouraging conservation, respect and good stewardship of precious ecosystems, habitats for birds and animals, and connection to our land