Artist’s Statement
Since early childhood I’ve felt an affinity with nature. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of camping trips with my family. As an adult, I’ve carried on this tradition with my own children. Another great life-long pleasure has been hiking. Consequently, the major emphasis of my work has been on the depiction of the landscape. My inspiration can be as varied as out of the way places along mountain roads and hiking trails, well known scenes from one of Alberta’s national parks, hiking trails in Edmonton’s river valley, or what I see in my own back yard. I strive to depict the brilliancy of colour and the detail of nature in its seemingly infinite variety. My goal is not only to depict a place, but to convey a feeling of that place to the viewer. One of my greatest pleasures is when someone recognizes and identifies with one of my pieces, particularly if they share a meaningful memory with me. It is my belief that the beauty of wild places should be cherished as a natural resource and I hope this beauty can remain unspoiled for generations to come. As the world becomes a smaller and busier place, I believe the ability to find a solitary moment with nature is a thing to be truly treasured
Biography
Marla Schole is an award-winning artist who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1962. She attended the University of Alberta and received a BFA degree with distinction in the spring of 1984. Her major area of study was in painting. Other areas of study included drawing and sculpture.
Schole has been exhibiting her work since 1984. Her work is included in the collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the University of Alberta Hospital (both as Marla Holt) as well as in numerous corporate and private collections in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.