I am a Visual Artist and Illustrator.

I was born in Ottawa ON and in my early twenties I moved to Montreal QC. I always loved visual art and in my mid twenties I decided to go to school for it. I attended the Illustration
and Design program at Dawson College in MTL and really learned a lot in those three years.

After college I spent time freelancing until my husband and I moved near Seattle WA for a few years where I explored the incredible West Coast, and  spent a lot of time figure drawing and doing art in various forms. In 2021 we moved up to BC where I have taken an interest in acrylic landscapes. I love the use of colour, pattern and attempt to capture some of the beauty of the west coast in my work. I feel blessed to live in such an awe inspiring place, and in my free time I enjoy exploring the outdoors- especially on my bicycle. We moved to Parksville this spring, I already love the natural spaces here and I have met some very welcoming and creative people, so I am excited to pursue my artistic journey oceanside. You can see more of my work on my website alexcarr.ca

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I started painting when I was young and in fact had a piece on display at the Ontario Parliament buildings one year as I lived in that province when I was school aged.

I continued to paint until university interrupted my focus, but resumed it after graduation with a Medical Laboratory degree. 

I recall several plein air sessions in West Vancouver through the 70s.

Alas, marriage, children, my career and later senior care served to interrupt my creativity again. In other words, life got in the way!

I did graphic design as a career in my later years and taught various software courses and colour theory at BCIT until I retired.

After a 35 year hiatus, I once again picked up my paint brushes and began. That was 2012. I haven’t put them down since, although covid did slow me down a bit. After 2-3 years of acrylic work, I branched into oils. This is the medium I paint in the most now, although I often do my preliminary layers in acrylics. As I empty each paint tube, it gets replaced with water soluble oils, Cobra brand. They are creamy and buttery and I love working in them. The colours are yummy!

I do old buildings, landscapes and experiment with portraits. Trying to loosen up is always my challenge.

I love colour. Lots of riotous colours. And my perspective is often off. I blame this on my eyesight. But it works! Sometimes!

I am a juried artist and Active member of the Arrowsmith FCA, and a member of DeCosmos Fine Art Society.

DeCosmos is pleased to welcome new member Silke Seiler!

Silke grew up in Howe Sound and spent her younger adult years in Tofino and on Lasqueti Island. She is a self taught painter who works in acrylics.  She paints portraits of driftwood as well as landscapes of beaches and rivers, often including her children and the local wildlife as subjects.   Silke’s inspiration comes from all the time spent on board ships and boats up and down the BC coast and her continued explorations by water.  While in Parksville, the local rivers and mountain bike trails inspire Silke to continue her painting and showing her love of nature through art.