Featured Artist: Esmie Gayo McLaren

Our featured artist Esmie Gayo McLaren is a proud Filipino-Canadian with a lifelong interest in arts.   She came to Canada in 1970 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree major in biology and psychology from the University of Alberta. She also received a Certificate of Fine Arts from the Emily Carr University in 2008.

McLaren has been painting for over 30 years, which began with self-directed studies and eventually attended art workshops to enhance her skills. She loves the feel and versatility of oils and the freedom and spontaneity of watercolours.

Based in Vancouver, McLaren is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Portrait Society of America, Society of Philippine American Artists and International Watercolour Society. Her art is rich in action and emotion.  Her narratives of life evoke both tranquility and zest.

McLaren enjoys community work, especially bridging people and communities.  Her latest contribution was working with Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society as co-ordinator for a successful explorASIAN festival 2014.  The focus was on the Filipino community and the important contributions of Filipino First Families in BC.  Artworks by first generation Asian Canadians were also celebrated at explorASIAN and provided an important platform for dialogue on art and the advantages and challenges faced by both immigrants and the general population.

McLaren is part of an upcoming exhibition entitled “Pagtitipon – A Gathering” which will showcase a collective body of original works by Filipino Canadian and Filipino American artists at Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver.  Exhibition dates are scheduled from Aug. 10 – 13, 2015 with an Artists’ Reception on Aug. 11th from  6:30pm to 8:30pm.