In Dreams, Oil on Wood Panel, Framed, 2024

About the Artist

Marta Stares is a distinguished artist and educator with a profound connection to the natural world, particularly the rugged landscapes of Northern Ontario. Her work is deeply inspired by extended backcountry canoeing and hiking expeditions through remote wilderness parks. These immersive experiences in the wild foster a deep sense of belonging to both water and land, which Marta masterfully translates onto canvas. The transformative effect of the forest and wilderness on the psyche, and its intrinsic link to wellbeing, are central themes in her work.

Working primarily with oils, Marta employs bold brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to capture the raw beauty and emotional resonance of the landscapes she encounters. Her paintings, celebrated for their dynamic energy and vivid expression, have been exhibited in esteemed venues throughout the Toronto area, including Gallery 1313, the Orillia Museum of Art & History, and the Ontario Legislative Assembly.

Marta’s contributions to the art world are further highlighted by her role as the inaugural Artist in Residence at Lake Superior Provincial Park, where she continued to explore and document the natural world that so deeply influences her artistic vision. Her work not only celebrates the majesty of the Canadian wilderness but also invites viewers to reflect on their own connection to nature and its impact on their wellbeing.