Statement
I believe that art is visual storytelling, communicating a needed message, showcasing beliefs, heritage and vision. My work has deliberately evolved to depict the complexity and contrast of life through a combination of mediums, symbolism and surface patterns. I am inspired by creating poignant works of art, that catch the attention of people distracted by everyday life, as a rally-cry to remind us all to focus on what matters most. Intuitively acknowledging the uncertainty of life, fuels my creative mind and heart to keep expressing unedited emotions that positively transform our collective future.
September 2025
Bio
aj is a contemporary artist unafraid to experiment with new materials, layering, and a wide range of media to achieve her intended message. As a Canadian of German heritage, her family roots and extensive travels are deeply woven into her practice. She works with acrylics, textiles, wool, and other layered materials, creating both paintings and sculptures. Rich colours and bold textures characterize her art, unified by a recurring theme: the ever-present need for love—love for the land, for history, and for people. Through her work she tells meaningful, multilayered stories.
Aj is also strongly engaged in fostering the arts in the Okanagan. She curates exhibitions, actively supports local artistic initiatives and their international reach, and plays a significant role in the effort to establish a new municipal gallery in Vernon, British Columbia.
Although she was not always an artist, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2013 and has since exhibited in private collections across Europe, the Bahamas, the United States, and Canada. As an active member of the arts community, she is a passionate advocate for creative expression, teaching mixed media and collage, and has served as Chair of the Board of the Caetani Cultural Centre Society in Vernon, BC.
For the Ore Mountains, she has created two original site-specific works. For the German exhibition, she painted a canvas reflecting her personal connection to the city. With roots in a family of local textile manufacturers, she returns through her work from Canada to her mother’s birthplace, renewing her bond both with the place and with her mother. For the Czech part of the exhibition, she prepared a felt object—using a traditional material from the mountain region. Her message for Chemnitz 2025 once again highlights love as a unifying force of life and a source of joy.