Crystal Thorburn

Rural life has brought a direct awareness to the changing elements of the seasons on the prairies. My work comes directly from observing and studying the reaction of plants and insects to these changes throughout the year. My intention is to communicate humanity’s relationship with plants, insects and the many other overlooked aspects of nature; bringing gratitude and appreciation of our environment, through my artwork.

Having spent years experimenting with different mediums, I now combine acrylic, watercolor, ink, water soluble graphite, encaustic wax etc. in a variety of ways. I use my sketches, plein air studies or my photos for reference as a starting point, then lean into the intuitive path of where the painting wants to go.

My work has been exhibited in many local, regional and provincial group and solo shows throughout the past years in different communities throughout the province. My solo exhibition, Residual Effects will be on a provincial tour through the Manitoba Arts Network in 2025. Five of those pieces were included in a group exhibition on tour with Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council’s – Art on the Move program in 2022-2024. Creating and shipping this body of work for these exhibitions was gratefully made possible through the support of Sask Arts Micro-grants program.