AGOG presents “Mysteries of Nature” Paulina Tokarski

Paulina Tokarski was born and raised in a small town in central Poland and immigrated to Canada in 1988.  After completing college in Victoria B.C., starting a family, and building two successful businesses, her family decided it was time to move from the coast to the mountains. In 2017 they settled in Invermere where the outdoors became an integral part of their lives.  In 2021 Paulina decided to sell her business and follow her lifelong dream of becoming a full time artist

Paulina’s journey as a self-taught artist began as a teenager. She spent years exploring acrylics on canvas and wood, later adding acrylic inks and playing with mix media.  She is most fascinated working with alcohol inks on Yupo paper and wood panels.  As each drop of ink combines with pure alcohol, this unpredictable and fascinating medium shifts and flows in ways that are mesmerizing and vibrant.

In Paulina’s eyes the shapes, patterns and colors found in nature are timeless and beautiful.  Her creative process begins with backcountry hiking trips and ends in her studio where she creates artwork that reflects her surroundings and places she has explored.  She also often takes photographs and uses them as references for her artwork.

Artist’s Statement:

My art is what keeps me grounded and connected to myself and the living world that surrounds me. In my work, I like to capture the beautiful shapes, colors and textures of nature and wildlife.  By examining the details of color pallet and composition, I hope to have the viewer see the natural world through my creative set of eyes and bring out a feeling of wonder and curiosity in each piece.   

I like to call this exhibition “Mysteries of Nature”, and challenge the viewer to decipher the mystery within the painting. The push and pull of realism vs. abstract is quite apparent in this fine art collection resulting in a unique representation of how complex and distinct the natural world is.

The alcohol and ink medium that I work with is currently the most fascinating to me.  Once the ink and 99% alcohol interact and flow, then evaporate and get woken up again with alcohol, the infusion is nothing but magical.  One drop of alcohol on a piece can blend or erase hours of work.  I purposely do not attach myself to evolving projects of artwork until it is fully finished. Controlling the ink is challenging but over the years I have learned to love the unforeseeable outcome and appreciated the beauty of letting go of expectations and enjoying the process as much as the result.  Because of the fluidity of alcohol ink with each pour and each brush stroke my art comes alive.  When ink dries, the rich colors and texture look as if it the ink is still in motion.  By adding acrylic paint and mixed media, I bring out more depth creating more meaning and emotion in my pieces.  As an artist I form an intimate and open relationship with each and every one of my pieces and that allows me to express myself and let my creative mind run wild with no boundaries. 

Each piece I create is simultaneously an extension of my surroundings — where I have been and what I have seen.  I hope my art will convey marvellous reminders of our beautiful natural world we live in, a place where we can all find sanctuary for our minds and body.

Paulina Tokarski is showcasing her artwork at Banff Farmers Market, Canmore Farmers Market, and Invermere Farmers Market.  She has had two successful art exhibitions at Pynelogs Art Gallery in Invermere and her original work, prints and cards can be found at Black Star Studio in Invermere and at AGOG during this month long exhibit.