Grace Gardner

Ella Collett and Grace Gardner were both born on the west coast of Canada in 2002 and have been friends for 10 years. Ella received her undergraduate studies in Art History from McGill University, and Grace earned her certificate in ceramic studio from Selkirk College, and is currently enrolled in the visual art program at Camosun College. They are both deeply inspired by time spent in the west coast rainforest, as well as each other, which is reflected in their joint paintings. Both artists have their own individual practice but recently they have begun a new collaborative process of painting on the same canvas at the same time, allowing ourselves the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn.

In April 2025 we bought a roll of canvas which allowed us to begin an artistic journey together. This was the first painting of many on the adventure of figuring out our style, embarking on a new collaborative project. This piece reflects a new pattern in our relationship, marking both a beginning and an end. Now there is a before and after painting. Thirty-minute sessions without talking, we would move around the canvas going over the same spots. We became a unit by working at the same time, covering and adding to each other’s brush strokes, teaching each other.