MARIA CURCIC
As a visual and audio artist, my work is meant to entertain the viewer’s senses. Not only do I enjoy experimenting with colour and texture, I aspire to infuse a sense of wonder and curiosity in my work, while respecting principles of colour and spatial composition. My headpieces and accessories are three-dimensional extensions into the realm of design, while my love for music captures the fourth dimension of time.
ARTIST
A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design (1988), my mediums include oil and acrylics on canvas, with a focus on abstracts and cityscapes. Known for the colour and vibrancy of my work, I am continually exploring new directions to express my visions. My works are included in the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and in corporate and private collections in Canada, the United States and Europe.
MILLINER
Paris born, with a strong European appreciation for fashion, art and style, Maria began creating hats for high end boutiques in Canada and the U.S. in the early 1990’s. The popularity of her designs led to the opening of her own store, Le Chapeau Rouge, in Calgary in 1994. She shifted her attention to wholesale in the late 1990’s, providing hats to over 15 stores across Canada and the U.S. Today, Maria focuses her attention on custom creations, from everyday wear to hats for any occasion. You can find her creations online at www.mariacurcic.com
DJ
In music, one discovers beats and rhythms that blend and intertwine to create their own work of art. I produce a weekly radio program (Mary’s Web – www.radioradio.ca and operate this long-running experimental radio station. My alter-ego, DJ Mary Flavors is fully equipped for sound and available for private functions and special events.
Academic Background:
Flash MX – College of the Rockies, British Columbia, 2008
Alberta College of Art and Design: Architectural rendering, evening credit course, Calgary AB, 1994
Mount Royal College: Completion of Interior Design, Calgary AB, 1990
Alberta College of Art and Design: Completion of Drawing, Calgary AB, 1988
Professional Artistic Experience:
Triangle Gallery: Volunteer work, help co-ordinate upcoming shows, distribution of information on upcoming events, working with the public, 1985 -1987
No imitation events: A cultural collage of various artists, including musicians, dancers, poets and others involved with this exhibit. Began in 2005 till 2007.
Creston Community : Summer art Camp art teacher, 2008 – 2012
Solo Exhibitions and Collections:
2019 – Winner of the award to excellence at the Sooke BC art show
2017 – Window Display Series at the Bay Centre, March 8-30, Arts Council of Greater Victoria
2016 – Artishow, Victoria BC, Month of October at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort.
2015 – City Implodes, Oak Bay Marina restaurant. November 2 – 30
2015 – Expanding Dreamscapes, Coastal Collective, Victoria,BC ,June 17-28
2013 – Vicious Circle, September, Calgary, AB
2013 – The Eloquence Of Style Photos, Pages Bookstore,April, Calgary,AB
2012 – Symphony of three, The New Gallery,Calgary,AB, May
2010 – Folded Spaces, Creston BC, February
2010 – Group exhibit, Kootenay art gallery, Castlegar,BC
2009 – Art in the library, Creston BC, January
2008 – Hats in shop at Art Gallery of Calgary,Calgary,AB
2008 – “In transit”, Arts on Atlantic Gallery, Calgary, AB, May 22
2008 – “Collide”, Swirl gallery,Calgary, AB,March 2008,
2006 – “Compact Living”. Arts on Atlantic Calgary , AB, May 5
2005 – “ Immerse”. Arts on Atlantic Calgary, AB
2000 – “ Form in space”, Nexxos art Gallery Calgary ,AB,
1997 – “ Building high” Café Beono, Calgary, AB
1996 – “Skyscrapers”, Devonian Gardens Calgary, AB
1996 – “ Fusion”, Sam’s Deli, Calgary, AB
1995 -“Skyline express”, Grappa, Calgary, AB
1995 – “ Flight “, Café Beano, Calgary, AB
1994 – “ Into the Edifice” Devonian gardens, Calgary, AB
Collections: Private and Public
2017-18 – Art Gallery of Greater Victoria art rental program.
2013 – Vermilion Energy, Calgary,AB,May
2009 – Commission Calgary,AB,May
2009 – Commission Calgary ,AB, Nov.
2009 – Commission Calgary AB, January
2008 – Commission: Calgary AB ,April
1999 – 2009 – In offices of Cohn & Wolfe | Calgary & Vancouver
1998 – Alberta Foundation of the Arts Calgary, AB, 2 works in collection
1997 …– Various Commissions:Calgary ,AB – ongoing
1993 – Martin Lawrence Gallery, Los Angeles, California:
Other works held in private collections in Canada, The United States and Europe.
Selected Group Shows:
2022 – Visage,Oct. – Nov., Rockslide gallery, Victoria,BC
2018 – Look show, April, Various locations, Victoria,BC
2016 – ART NOW , CACGV , May 14-23 , Victoria BC
2016 – Bloom show, Coast Collective, May , Victoria BC
2015 – Small works group show, Art Gallery of Victoria, July – August, Victoria BC
2015 – Currently in Coast Collective ,Victoria ,BC
2008 – In the city, Swirl art gallery, Calgary AB, June 5
2008 – Arousing visual intrigue, Swirl art gallery, Calgary AB, Feb.7
2007 – Wearables, Skew gallery,Calgary AB, Feb.7
2000 – “night of artists”. (Calgary, AB) October 7
1999 – Art Space gallery, (Calgary, AB) July
1987 – Martin Lawrence galleries Los Angeles, CA July
Awards and articles:
” People’s Choice Awards” at the LOOK Show 2016,Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria ( The Intersection painting)
“ Fashion and art,Maria Curcic creations”, Spotlight on the designer, Hat talk magazine, Australia, 2012
“Hats off to Canadian artist”, story on hats as artform, Northen Reflections paper, Bonners Ferry Idaho 2010
“ A creative life” feature story , Ramsay community magazine, October 2007
New Home Living Magazine, 2007
Condo Living Magazine art feature (2007)
Western Living magazine, October 2006
“ Expect no imitations”, feature article on indie designer fashion and art event by Maria Curcic, Article by Barbara Balfour, Fast Forward paper (FFWD), Calgary,AB, August 31, 2006
“ Top 40 under 40 “ nomination, September, 2004
“In Uniform” ,story by Ian Doig, Calgary Inc. magazine ,Winter 2003
Cover of Avenue magazine, “ Ten Calgarians who give”, Calgary AB, December 2001
Cover of Where magazine, “ Calgary by design , ten creative types“, Calgary ,AB, May 2000
Wearable fashion show the Banff Center,September 2004
- Articles in FFWD and other newspapers exceed what could fit on this site as well as television appearances on City TV, Shaw and CBC the National. Appearances occurred between 1994-2013 for fashion and art events .
ARTIST STATEMENT
The most noticeable aspect in most of my work is the vibrant colour. I began creating abstract cityscapes in art school in the late 1980’s, and have continued to include the theme in many of my works to this day. The infusion of colour into what tends to be drab, man-made architecture provides a whimsical view of what the world could look like given a brighter palette.
My abstract works are less structured, but equally vibrant, providing splashes of colour that I hope will grab and hold the viewer’s attention. The work is timeless, fun and complex enough to provide fresh stimulation with each viewing.
Much of the work is acrylic, though oils provide for a smoother, more ethereal look in some of the pieces. I always start with a blank canvas, but never a blank mind. I am constantly involved in the design process, through art and millinery, and painting provides a wonderful avenue to share my joy of creating.