Biography
My name is Tassila Elizabeth. I spent my childhood beach-combing, fishing, and tromping through the forests of Quadra Island. This rugged West Coast back yard combined with the free-spirited artistic community of Quadra was critical in forming my artistic direction.
Through Secondary School I studied visual arts, art history, and fine art while apprenticing as a student graphic artist and working in one of Canada’s oldest and most successful studios … all with the intention of pursuing a degree in fine arts.
During the summer months I worked as a saltwater guide first at April Point and Painters Lodge. After a few summers I was hooked on fishing, fly-fishing in particular! Deciding to put my art endeavors on hold I moved to Whistler in 1995, creating and co partnering a fly fishing guide company.
Having satisfied some of my fishing ambitions by 2007 I decided to pursue a career as a working artist. My inspiration continues to be driven from my childhood coastal shores, and all of British Columbia’s majestic mountains, alpine forests, deserts, and grasslands.
Artist Statement
Tassila’s artistic impulse is to reflect on the palette and connectivity of colours, the mood, and lighting before she chooses a topic to paint. This unusual development means she sometimes will select an actual image as a subject, while other times preferring an abstract direction. Her paintings are generally inspired by nature; the forests, mountains, grasslands, and oceans are not just scenery but the wellspring of her art, and the constant tumultuous beauty of her surroundings guides her life as a working artist.
Her main composition is contemporary, focusing on nature, with a play of the abstract. She primarily paints with acrylic and some mixed media.
All canvases are professionally crafted locally and can be custom sized. She welcomes commissioned work, and has experience working with interior designers, architects, builders, and real estate agents.
Contact Tassila for more information or look at her works at various galleries and restaurants in and around Whistler.