Jessie Couzelis

Artist’s Statement
My paintings are inspired by the freedom and spontaneity of abstraction. The
direction of my work comes to me intuitively and is seldom preconceived. My current
works are comprised of textural and mixed media applications amongst layers of vivid
color, paint splatters and other experimental techniques. Experimenting with
unconventional materials and paint applications allows my work to continuously evolve.
The creation of each painting is a learning experience, provoking questions and providing
answers. My paintings draw the viewer into an imaginative and emotive world in which
everyone has an individual experience and sees something unique. Ultimately, my work
is a connection to who I am. Each piece captures a specific emotion, thought, or moment
in time and creates a personal experience between artist and observer.

Biography
Jessie Couzelis is a self-trained visual artist who works and resides in Vancouver, British
Columbia. As a graduate of New Westminster Secondary School’s Fine Arts Program
Couzelis received training in theatre, visual art and art history. The program also allowed
Couzelis to participate in two European arts and culture tours to England, France, and the
Netherlands. Since then, Couzelis has also visited Mexico and New York. These
traveling experiences have greatly enhanced her knowledge of art and diversified
cultures, as well as inspired her work. Apart from painting and exhibiting, Couzelis has
taught art classes to both youth and adults and donates her time and artwork to various
charities and causes. Couzelis’ most recent work can be found in private, and corporate
collections, as well as in film.

Curriculum Vitae

Jessie Couzelis
Born: New Westminster, BC, 1985

Exhibitions

2009 Paint for Peace Peace and Love International

Vancouver, BC

2009 Anonymous Art Show NVCAC and CityScape Community Art Space
North Vancouver, BC
2009 Naître: To Be Born Amelia Douglas Gallery, Douglas College
New Westminster, BC

2008 Incongruence Arts Council of New Westminster Gallery

(Solo Exhibit) New Westminster, BC

2007 Chance Couzie’s Café and Catering

(Solo Exhibit) New Westminster, BC

Commissions

2008 Neapolitan Vancouver, British Columbia

Sponsored by Steven J. Jaeger

2007 Mosi-oa-Tunya Burnaby, British Columbia

Sponsored by Shelley Jensen

2007 Radiance Tsawwassen, British Columbia

Sponsored by Metros Lounge

Corporate Collections

The Arbutus Club, Vancouver, BC

Players Chophouse Restaurant & Lounge, Vancouver, BC

Bibliography

Susan Wandell, “President’s Voice,” Art Beat, March 2008.

Erin Hitchcock, “Imagination on Canvas,” The Royal City Record, (Front Page)
October 10, 2007.

Artwork Appearances in Film

“Jennifer’s Body,” Written by Diablo Cody, Gentle Canada Productions Ltd., released in
theatres September 2009.
Charity Auctions & Events

“Paint for Peace” Peace and Love International Exhibition and Silent Auction 2009

“Douglas College Uganda Project” Silent Auction 2008

“Special Olympics Burnaby, BC Division Fundraiser” Silent Auction 2008

“Chance” Silent Auction (Proceeds donated to A Loving Spoonful) 2007

Teaching Experience

Raw Canvas, Artist in Residence, 2009.

New Westminster Horticultural Society Sketching Club, Abstract Plant Drawing, 2008.

DEWY (Day, Evening, Weekend Youth) Program, Pacific Community Resources

Society, Abstract Painting Workshops, 2008.

Education

2007 Abstract in Acrylics Langara College

Continuing Studies Course Vancouver, BC

2006 Arts of the Modern World Douglas College

Performing and Fine Arts Course New Westminster, BC

2001 European Arts and Culture Tour New Westminster Secondary School
Fine Arts Program England/France

1999-2001 Fine Arts Program New Westminster Secondary School

New Westminster, BC

1999 European Arts and Culture Tour New Westminster Secondary School
Fine Arts Program England/France/the Netherlands