We are thrilled to welcome Quebec-based artist Ann Murphy to Mountain Galleries. A dynamic creative force, Ann brings a distinctive blend of sculpture, painting, and design to her richly expressive work. Completely self-taught, she has spent decades honing her craft across disciplines — from carpentry and sculpture to interior design and fine art — forging a uniquely multifaceted artistic voice.

Ann’s journey began early, driven by an innate passion for making. While her career initially focused on sculpture, her evolution into painting brought a fresh sense of freedom and play to her practice. Today, she merges her favorite mediums with innovative uses of paper, resulting in striking, highly textural pieces known for their intricate patterns and vibrant compositions.

Your paintings beautifully blur the line between abstraction and landscape. Can you tell us about your process - how does a piece begin for you?

The art often begins with an idea that bubbles up to the forefront of my mind. Actually, I'd
describe it more like a vision—a completed piece just waiting to be realized. I see the artwork
almost fully formed, and my role is to bring it into the world. The next step is all about gathering
the right materials, like the specific types of paper I want to use. These materials help determine
my color palette and the overall direction of the piece. Once the image appears in my mind, I
feel this intense sense of urgency, almost like an obligation, to turn the idea into reality. It's a bit
euphoric, honestly, and with each work, I experience this deep relief and sense of fulfillment,
knowing that another canvas has come to life.

Nature seems to play a strong role in your work. Are there particular places or environments
that influence your palette and compositions?

I would describe myself as a nature enthusiast, with my life beautifully split between rural and
urban experiences. This blending of environments has added a rich depth and vibrant colour
palette to my art. During my summers, I had the privilege of spending time by the lake, living a
carefree life as a wild child, roaming through forests, and fishing away my days. This childhood
experience cultivated my deep love for animals and bold interpretations of nature in my work.
While summers were spent immersed in nature, winters took me back to the city—a place
where I was surrounded by diversity and beauty. Influenced by neighbours from all around the
world, this cultural tapestry greatly permeates my work. Winters provided an opportunity to
explore colour, patterns, and the intricate relationships between them. This seasonal switch
between environments continuously shaped and inspired my artistic expression.

There’s a quiet emotional energy in your paintings - how do you approach conveying mood
through colour and texture? 

I’m delighted to hear that my paintings convey a quiet emotional energy; it's a wonderful
reflection that makes me pause and appreciate the journey I've been on as an artist. As I've
matured, my approach has shifted from adhering strictly to traditional rules to embracing my
self-confidence and intuition. I now focus on creating art that resonates with me personally,
without the need for it to shout or explain itself.
My work is intentional, confident, colorful, and layered, mirroring who I am at this stage in my
life. I use color and texture deliberately to build a sense of mood and emotion, allowing each
piece to speak subtly yet powerfully. This approach enables me to convey depth and emotion in
a way that feels authentic to both my personal growth and artistic development.

What does it mean to you to be showing your work with Mountain Galleries, and how do you see your art connecting with visitors in mountain settings like Whistler, Banff, or Jasper?

I believe that a shared love of nature will naturally draw visitors to my work. My pieces offer a
contemporary take on classical subjects, capturing attention while blending traditional aspects
with a fresh twist. This balance speaks to the essence of both my art and the stunning mountain
settings of places like Whistler, Banff, and Jasper.

Exhibiting my art with Mountain Galleries means everything to me. I've always yearned to create
large-scale works that express my deep passion for nature and all it has to offer. There couldn't
be a more fitting place to convey such expansive ideas than in the majestic settings of Banff,
Whistler, and Jasper. These locations provide the perfect backdrop for my work, where big art
finds harmony with big spaces and bold collectors.

The grandeur of the Canadian Rockies is an incredible source of inspiration for any artist. I see
my work fitting seamlessly into this awe-inspiring landscape, offering visitors—whether locals or
those from afar—a chance to connect with it on a deeper level. My aim is to inspire visitors to
take a piece of Canada home with them, while locals can experience our familiar scenery from a
fresh perspective.

"My work is intentional, confident, colorful, and layered, mirroring who I am at this stage in my life"