Eri Ishii

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Eri Ishii moved to Canada to pursue her art practice.  Her earlier work focused on exploring psychological aspects of figurative paintings. 

In 2001, Ishii was awarded a scholarship to study with Norman Yates who strongly influenced her work.  Her current work investigates the emotional and physical meanings of "home".  Ishii uses oil paint in mostly large format, layering the thin films of paint while activating the surface with gestural marks.  The results are dreamlike paintings where colours and lines interact and create somewhat familiar yet intangible images.  What drives Ishii comes from her interests in motion, symbolism, and creative possibilities of painting.  She strives for work that captivates the viewers and stimulate their imagination.

Ishii’s work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Canada and internationally including Artropolis, Seymour Art Gallery, and Halde Galerie in Switzerland.  She has received awards at various exhibitions such as Eastside Vancouver Arts Grant, BC Festival of the Arts, and Delta Arts Council.  Her work can be seen in numerous private and public collections such as St. Paul's Hospital Arts Foundation in Vancouver, BC.  Ishii is currently represented by Ian Tan Gallery in Vancouver, Canvas Gallery in Toronto, and Elevation Gallery in Calgary.