Ever since she was a girl, Lani Imre has followed the path of an artist. While she excelled in math, science and sports in school, it was her dedication to art that eventually led Imre to become one of the most unique artists on the West Coast.
The Squamish-based artist's original style is unmistakable -a stark, highly detailed face embedded in a body that is often contrasted with colourful, sometimes cartoon-like features - and it's on display in Whistler at an exhibit of Imre's work that opened on Feb. 13 at Whistler's Millennium Place.
"It's evolved somewhat, but I mostly started painting (like that) out of school," said Imre. "I was looking a lot at urban street art and comics and illustration and also design, trying to make things look graphic. I was more influenced by pop culture and media than other painters."
While a traditional artist in the sense that she paints, the way that she tackles the medium is anything but usual.
"I took this one painting class in school that was very traditional and I basically do everything they told me not to do," Imre said. "There were definitely a lot of rules and guidelines, which I think are good to know and learn about - but I'm not very kosher with all of that."
While aware of the general rules and guidelines often associated with traditional art, Imre decided to follow her own creative instinct. She has found success on that path, now displaying her work in exhibits across North America and selling her pieces for thousands of dollars each.
And if you take some time to browse Imre's work, among all of the colours, oddly shaped bodies and backgrounds, you'll likely notice something else - all of the faces are female.
When asked why, Imre said that it's really about being able to identify with the gender as a whole.
"There's a whole story on how the female character sort of happened, but mostly being a woman myself, I feel the most compelled by other females," she said. "All of my pieces are autobiographical to a point and it's just what I've been most compelled to paint."
Imre said the exhibit features a combination of past works as well as new pieces that were done during her recent pregnancy.
"I think the differences are a little bit subtle because I'm still painting females more or less the same style, but I think I have a little bit of a more precise approach to things and more of an edge or vibrancy than my previous work," said Imre on how being pregnant might have affected her work.
"Having gone through birth and that whole experience, I feel that it's been a really empowering and strengthening experience and I'm just trying to fine-tune my work even more and just really bring out the elements that are there but with more clarity and strength."
When asked if her works are done purely to draw a reaction from the viewer or are for self-expression, Imre firmly believes that what she does is a mix of both.
"When you're really creating something for yourself, that's what gets the most reaction from other people a lot of times," she said, noting that the reactions may be a subconscious consideration. "When I'm in my studio and creating, those moments are for me. I feel like I'm creating for myself - I'm in my own zone and my own world."
Lani Imre's work is on display at the Scotia Creek Gallery at Millennium Place in Whistler until March 1. Admission is free.
