Calgary is home to many talented artists who bring unique perspectives to the world of art. Here are five local female artists whose creativity and stories are worth exploring. These artists have showcased their work in various settings, including traditional galleries, local art markets, books, films, and even on the streets of Calgary. More on icalgary.net.
Katie Green
Katie Green is a conceptual artist known for her distinctive style, which often features whimsical and surreal creatures that reflect the complexities of human life. Her work is both conceptually profound and technically precise. Even her smallest pieces, such as detailed drawings on white Converse sneakers for an art event, showcase her meticulous attention to detail. Katie graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary’s Fine Arts program. In 2012, she began creating murals, with her first project in Kathmandu, Nepal. This marked the start of her deep exploration into public art and its impact on the environment. Katie has since created murals in Canada, the United States, India, Taiwan, and Germany. One of her largest mural projects, “The Bridge,” was commissioned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. This four-month project spans 16 surfaces along the East Village riverfront, including public washrooms, sheds, and bridge supports. Collaborating with 13 Calgary residents aged 13 to 65, Katie incorporated their stories into her artwork. This project aimed to give voice to those who often feel unseen in society. Katie has also painted murals for Space King Edward, the Beltline Urban Murals Project, the Calgary Public Library in Bowness, and the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Arts.
Fiona Staples
Fiona Staples is a celebrated comic book artist who studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design. She has received multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards for her contributions to the comic book industry. Her first published work was the comic Amphibious Nightmare. She debuted in serial comics with Done to Death in 2006, collaborating with writer Andrew Foley. Fiona also worked as an illustrator for the graphic novel WildStorm Trick’r Treat and created numerous other works, including Secret History of the Authority: Hawksmoor. In March 2012, Image Comics released the first issue of Saga, a fantasy comic series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. Inspired by Star Wars, the story follows Alana and Marko, a couple from two warring races, and their daughter Hazel, who is being hunted by both governments. The series received critical acclaim for its storytelling and unique design. Fiona’s creative process begins with miniature sketches on printed templates, which she refines in Photoshop. This digital approach allows her to create vibrant, video game- and anime-inspired visuals. Her imaginative character designs, including multi-headed skeleton centaurs and seal-like boys, set Saga apart in the comic book world.
Maya Gohill
Maya Gohill is an illustrator and painter who holds a bachelor’s degree in painting from the University of Calgary and a master’s degree in illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her work has been featured in anthologies such as Star Wars Art: Visions and is part of art collections across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Maya is known for her satirical portraits and has received numerous awards from prestigious institutions, including the New York Society of Illustrators. Beyond her art, Maya teaches and inspires aspiring artists.
Mary Scott
Mary Scott earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Calgary and her master’s from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax. As a student, she challenged traditional painting techniques and materials, choosing to paint with syringes and experiment with unconventional surfaces. In 1977, Mary began incorporating text into her acrylic paintings, drawing inspiration from her love of literature. By the early 1980s, her works often featured fragments of feminist psychoanalytic theory and cultural criticism, including quotes from authors like Gertrude Stein. Her series Imago, created in 1980, reinterpreted Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical sketches of women. Using spray paint, silver and gold leaf, industrial acrylics, and wax on silk, Mary created layered, textured works. These pieces reimagined the female form as a woven, multi-dimensional tapestry. Mary has exhibited her work extensively across Western Canada and participated in group exhibitions such as She Writes in White Ink (1985) and Songs of Experience (1986). Her solo exhibitions include showcases at the White Museum of Canadian Rockies, the Dunlop Art Gallery, and Gallery 1.1.1 in Winnipeg. In 1985, she co-founded Stride Gallery in Calgary.
Jill Paddock
Once a first-grade teacher, Jill Paddock turned to art during a period of personal struggle with anxiety and insomnia. Late one night, she began painting and discovered its therapeutic effects. This creative outlet became a source of solace and inspiration. Jill’s abstract works capture the beauty of both natural and urban environments. Her vibrant acrylic paintings often feature saturated colors and, like Mary Scott’s works, include quotes, poems, or song lyrics on the back to express the emotions underlying her art. Jill has collaborated with emerging artists and local businesses in Calgary to create meaningful projects, blending her artistic vision with the city’s cultural and entrepreneurial spirit. These five artists demonstrate the diversity and depth of Calgary’s art scene, offering unique perspectives and making lasting contributions to the cultural landscape of the city.