OLIVIA HARKS | A PERSONAL AND INTROSPECTIVE JOURNEY

OLIVIA HARKS
A PERSONAL AND INTROSPECTIVE JOURNEY

“Through my paintings, I aspire to share this creative force with others, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in their inner worlds and encouraging them to feel, reflect, and forge connections that resonate deeply within.”
– Olivia Harks

As a self-taught oil painter and a devoted mother of two, I am propelled by an enduring passion for drawing and painting that has shaped much of my life. My artwork serves as a deeply personal and introspective journey—a visual odyssey exploring the labyrinth of emotions, mythology, and the uncanny realms of surrealism. Each brush stroke becomes a meditative ritual, offering me solace and tranquility as I enter a state of flow where creativity emerges from stillness.

In my paintings, I delve into the shadowy aspects of human nature, skillfully intertwining abstract landscapes with the ethereal presence of women. These compositions, rich with emotion and imbued with dreamlike narratives, seek to capture the essence of our collective consciousness, each layer inviting viewers to pause and reflect.

“Creativity surges within us like a dynamic current, and we are mere vessels for transforming that energy into something tangible and new.”
– Olivia Harks

The women I portray are more than mere subjects; they are elusive muses who embody qualities that transcend the ordinary.
Through their portrayal, I create a nuanced language that articulates profound emotions and life experiences.
Motherhood has profoundly enriched my perspective, awakening a heightened awareness of life’s delicate fragility and exquisite beauty. This awareness inspires me to interweave feminine strength and grace themes throughout my work, celebrating the intricate duality of vulnerability and resilience that characterizes the human experience.
My dreams, vivid and colorful even at night, serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Our incredible ability to traverse alternate realms through the power of consciousness while remaining anchored in our everyday reality captivated me.
This fascination drives me to blend the ethereal nature of dreams and subconscious visualizations with the tangible world around me, allowing me to unveil the complex layers of the human psyche through my art.

Creativity surges within us like a dynamic current, and we are mere vessels for transforming that energy into something tangible and new. Through my paintings, I aspire to share this creative force with others, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in their own inner worlds and encouraging them to feel, reflect, and forge connections that resonate deeply within.

OLIVIA HARKS

“My dreams, vivid and colorful even at night, serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Our incredible ability to traverse alternate realms through the power of consciousness while remaining anchored in our everyday reality captivated me.”
– Olivia Harks

Olivia Harks is a fascinating oil painter and mixed-media artist who is celebrated for her surreal and enigmatic style, captivating viewers. Born in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, Olivia spent her formative years in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. At Auckland University, where she pursued a degree in Architecture, she first began to share her artistic vision with the world through exhibitions.

After completing her Master’s degree, Olivia ventured beyond the borders of her home country, spending significant time in Australia and the United States.
These experiences profoundly influenced her creative expression, particularly the stark beauty of the Arizona desert, which expanded her understanding of space and perspective in her work. This period also marked a shift in her artistic direction as she began to explore darker themes in her drawings.
Upon returning to her roots in Canada, Olivia settled in various cities, each contributing to her evolving artistic identity. During this time, she met her husband, and after welcoming their first child into the world, she felt a renewed passion for painting. Today, Olivia resides in Abbotsford, Greater Vancouver, where Harks balances her life as an artist with that of a devoted mother. In her current home, she continues to create and exhibit her unique artworks, enriching the local art community while embracing her roles as both an artist and a loving wife and mother of two.

See the full article in Art Market Magazine Issue #100