Maria E. Gollek - Artist Statement / Bio
I had an amazing 2025 summer being a part of Killarney Art & Gifts, with curator / artist Gillian Schultze. Being an active member of the Northern Artists Gallery, Sudbury Art Club, Sudbury Art Council has expanded my horizons.
Art is a journey, an emotional one. Maria is inspired by the natural world: rocks, wind, sunlight, moon shadows, water and the trees. Taking these visuals, she is inspired to create art that elicits an emotional response.
Maria grew up in Waterloo, Ontario and along the shorelines of Lake Huron. She took fine art throughout high school, and obtained a Minor in Fine Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University. At the age of 16 she was introduced to traditional cross stitching. Accompanied by her camera and a newly acquired drivers license the great outdoors become an avenue of exploration. This designing component took her to the USA, Bermuda, England and Australia. But, the call of the northern Ontario insisted on being heard: the rocks, water, wind, trees and waves. The need to step away from the traditional and explore the creative 'other' side was nudging. From Port Severn on she felt as though she was coming home: visiting the parks, hiking, road trips and visiting friends, first on her motorcycle, then in the car with her dogs.
In 2021 she took the plunge and moved to Coniston. Finally, she was home. Community, the land, friends and family embraced her. She could finally breathe. And so, she stepped into a wonderful world, expressing this happiness / love through the threads at her fingertips, guided by inspiration, and adding sparkle.
The Gallery Collection
Prices are shown beside each piece, and include tax. Shipping and Handling is an additional charge.
Each piece comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity"
Please me to purchase and proceed with the shipping information.
I welcome all inquiries and custom orders.
Information on Each Piece:
- ART SIZE: 7½ x 5½ in.
- MATERIAL (all or a combination of): silk, cotton, metallic and specialty threads, beads and/or stone chips, pearls, etc…
- HAND STITCHING TIME: 45-60 hours for each piece.
- READY TO DISPLAY: double matted and framed.
Materials Used
- silk, cotton, acrylic, metallic threads from the Caron Collection, DMC, Kreinik, Rainbow Gallery, Valdani, Weeks Dye Works.
- topped off with beads and stone chips
- all of these items may not be incorporated into all the art pieces as everyone is an individual inspiration.
Lone Pine
Hint of Dawn
Northern Lights
See some of my work and other Northern artists at Northern Artists Gallery
Starting March 21st, my art will be on display at "Gallery 69"
Plaza 69, by TD Bank and Starbucks!