Darina Marko

Darina was born in Mizia, Bulgaria in 1966.  As a child, she was fascinated by art, enrolling in after-school art programs, exploring printmaking, painting and other visual media.  Her early art exposure enabled her to specialize in fine art by the time she reached secondary school.  Upon graduation, Darina enrolled in the Bulgaria Academy of Fine Art. Her primary focus was silk printing and batik.  Although very involved in the Decorative Arts, Darina also took time to study art history.  Darina?s passion for textiles eventually took her to London, England where she studied English and explored the vibrant London art scene.  During this period she experimented with various media, eventually establishing her own bold and distinct painting style, one that included still lifes, landscapes and wall murals.

After traveling with her husband Kolio throughout Europe, North and South America, Darina and Kolio moved to Toronto, Canada in 1994.  Upon their arrival they set up a graphic design and mural studio, until in 2000, when Darina returned to her love of painting full- time.

Inspired by Schiele and Matisse, Darina bends, twists and distorts her subject matter and perspective.  She freely employs mixed media including acrylic, watercolour, oil and pastel.  By concentrating on the interactions between the visual elements of form, colour and texture, her still life work acquires its abstract aesthetic. 

? The play between shape, colour, texture and overall balance within my paintings is what interests and inspires me.  The relationships between these elements are of greater importance to me than the subject matter itself.  Simple, everyday forms like fruit, tables, chairs and flowers,  allow me to present an enhanced vision to my viewers.  The potential of these forms is more inspiring to me than direct replication.  Through the contrast of colours and textures, I challenge the material existence of these forms.?

 ?D.M.

Selected Exhibitions 2000-2003

Art Expo, New York City, New York, USA

Envers Chapin Gallery, Toronto, Canada

Demontfort Fine Art, Birmingham, UK

Décor Expo, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

IDS Show, Toronto, Canada

WCAF Show, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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