Artist Bio: I was born and raised in rural Ontario, Canada. I had the privilege of being raised on a dairy farm by my Dutch Immigrant parents. After leaving home at the age of seventeen I completed my education as a registered nurse and worked in various hospital centers in Ontario. I eventually settled my career in the operating room as a charge nurse in adult/pediatric orthopedic, spine and trauma.

I am a self-taught artist that uses different medians of art as a stress reliever from my work and raising of four children. I became interested in Bas-Relief (pronounced Bah-Relief) approximately ten years ago. Bas relief is a technique that Donatello from Florence Italy used from 1386 – 1466 and it became popular during the 15^th century. I create Bas-relief by sculpting plaster/gypsum onto a 2D wooden panel which produces a 3D appearance subtly from all angles. After my image carving is complete, occasionally I add on different mixed media and then complete the art creating with paint.

Paddle Description: I live on the Trent Severn Waterway and frequently visit Old Mill Park in Campbellford where the giant two dollar coin monument can be found. Quite often I witness seagulls soaring over top of the giant Canadian coin. The seagull on the paddle blade is done in a very light Bas Relief technique and then completed with acrylic in the colour of yellow to produce the feeling of sunshine and happiness.

Where to find more of Elisabeth’s artwork:

Studio: Fat Seagull Art Studio

Website: www.fatseagullarts.com

Instagram:  @fatseagullartstudio