Art builds connections
and evokes change.
The idea of adding a little joy, colour, and feeling to the world is what inspires me. When I paint, my world is quiet, and I am completely present in the moment. Art is like solving a puzzle but using intention and intuition over logic and overthinking.
I try to use my art to bring awareness to human and animal causes important to me, whether by donating art proceeds or sharing important links and updates with my social media following.
Hi, I’m Allison
A Canadian artist, advocate and activist. I am constantly inspired by the world around me, and paint almost daily. I have conversations with my art through mark-making, colour and composition, and I title my art purposefully. My titles are related to both: my relationship with creativity/the art business, and also what is going on in my life at the time I’m painting.
Painting has become a way of living, a full-time business, and is my ‘creator therapy’. The feeling of “giving back” through my art and videos drives me to create with purpose… it is my“why”… and the practice that helps me sleep at night.
Everyone is creative. We just need to “tap” into that hidden piece of who we are and allow it to be expressed, without judgement.
My Journey
Younger Years
My parents are very creative and placed value on creative childhood experiences. I vividly remember painting rocks and collecting crabs outside my Grandparent’s cottage in Nova Scotia, while on summer vacation. I remember leaving messages, poetry, and art in the cottage guest book for the next visitor to read.
Those are some of my favourite childhood memories, where I can still today, close my eyes and feel that ocean breeze, and sounds of the waves and boats on the ocean. It was exhilarating to be a child, surrounded by wonderful family in such a beautiful place.
Career Building
My healthcare career started in coding paper charts in the ER, long hours of intense work under hospital fluorescent lights. After years of reading and coding “nursing notes,” I transitioned to writing them as an RN myself.
Fast Forward 20 years of working in different areas of nursing (pediatrics, HIV research, adolescent mental health, diabetes, osteoporosis), I found myself as a nurse clinician, but at a desk job in front of a computer all day. I had hit my own personal career goals. I had found something I was good at and enjoyed learning about…
But I spent my work days in a solitary office for which the only windows were the Microsoft kind.
Taking Time
In 2017, during a high-risk pregnancy, and after much loss, I started art journaling. I loved the process and made time for it each day. After having my son, I continued to paint during my spare moments, and it became a practice, a lifeline.
Above painting titled: “Hold Onto Hope”.
Full on art business and 2020
In December 2019, I sold my first painting when someone messaged me on Instagram asking to buy it. More Instagram messages followed, and that is when my art went from creative outlet to business. As quickly as I could paint them, I sold paintings from my doorstep, putting them in my mailbox for masked local pickup.
Above painting titled: “On the Interior, Let’s Thrive”
Chasing serotonin and dopamine while seeking balance.
Painting is my lifeline and the way I manage my mental health. I love finding serotonin through the process of painting, and when I sell my work or post an educational video, I get that dopamine rush to complement.
Above painting titles: “That’s All that Matters”
Supporting Causes in
my Own Way
I have a passion for animals, but not the personality or skills for working on the frontlines with animals in pain. It affects me too deeply and stays with me for days. My alternative approach is to give art for auctions for animal causes and a consistent portion of my proceeds to those people and groups working so tirelessly to address animal suffering. My creativity is a way to support the causes that matter to me.
