Bio

Emily Mateyk is a painter and lifelong observer of the natural world, living in the quiet countryside of rural Ontario, just outside Ottawa’s capital region. Drawn to open spaces and the gentle rhythms of rural life, she finds calm, clarity, and creative grounding in the landscapes around her. That connection to nature continues to shape both her daily life and her artistic practice.

She studied Studio Art at the University of Guelph, where she strengthened her foundation in traditional techniques and discovered her affinity for printmaking and, most notably, oil painting. During her studies, Emily’s work was featured in several juried exhibitions, earning a fourth‑place award in 2016. Upon graduating in 2017, she received the Printmaking Prize in recognition of her skill and dedication.

Although she now practices part‑time, art remains a steady and meaningful thread in her life. Emily draws inspiration from the world immediately around her — the wide skies above her home, the shifting farm fields, the trees and grasses along her daily walks, and the flowers she grows in her garden. Travel also plays an important role, offering new landscapes and quiet moments that often find their way into her work

Artist Statement

At the heart of my practice, I have a desire to create images that feel familiar, open, and quietly reflective. My work often begins with the small details of everyday life — a shifting sky, a line of trees, the subtle shapes of a garden beginning to bloom. These moments become starting points for my paintings that explore memory, atmosphere, and the emotional resonance of place.

I try to approach my work with curiosity and gratitude, allowing intuition and observation to guide the process. Whether I’m painting a landscape or a whimsical floral piece, I aim to capture the quiet beauty found in ordinary surroundings. I invite the viewers to bring their own experiences into the scene, creating space for personal reflection and connection when viewing my paintings.