Naomi teWinkel

My BIO...

I am a self-taught artist born and raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. I am well known for my bright, whimsical, and humorous artwork that I started creating in 2003. It all began with the desire to transform lifeless, blank walls of my new house into something that felt more like home. I purchased my first set of acrylic paints and using homemade canvases started creating paintings that made me happy and brightened up my living space. I was happily overwhelmed with positive feedback which prompted me to follow my new found passion full time, leaving a computer career in California. I had no idea that this would snowball into something much more, but feel very blessed that it did!

I am very passionate about supporting charities and have regularly contributed to charities close to home as well as in California and Florida. One special piece was the key installation at the University of Victoria Maltwood Gallery where it received special praise from one of the most discriminating art critics in the area. Another piece is now the logo for VPWAS – a charity in Victoria that helps people living with AIDS. Other organizations that I've worked with include DrawBridge (an arts program for homeless children in California), L'Arche Comox Valley, Helping Hands for the Homeless, Kitty Cat PAL Society, YANA, See Jane Fly and Haiti fundraisers. One of the greatest joys about being an artist is the ability to contribute to causes that make a difference. It's a huge honour to be a part of such wonderful causes.

My goal is to brighten up the world and make it a happier place. If one of my paintings can bring someone a smile or a laugh, then I feel like I've done my job with the gifts I've been given.