MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK — Edie Marshall was born and raised in Raymore, and when she married her husband Greg Marshall, they lived in the country, farming mainly grain crops but also some cattle.
This is where they raised their three children. They are now adults and have given Edie Marshall six grandchildren.
When Marshall graduated from high school, she went to the University of Saskatchewan to earn her bachelor of fine arts.
After some years, the Marshalls moved to Regina, where she worked as the program co-ordinator for the Art Gallery of Regina and later for the Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des Artistes Canadiens (CARFAC), which is incorporated federally as a non-profit corporation that is the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists.
Marshall taught painting at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre in Regina and also held several positions on boards such as the CARFAC National Board, representing CARFAC Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Arts board, and The Art Gallery of Regina board.
Her love for art began at a young age when she was introduced to oil paint. She remembers loving the feel of the buttery texture. She was constantly drawing or creating a new piece, which continued in her life.
Most of her paintings are semi-abstract and are based on the Prairies' landscapes and nature.
Her paintings are done with oil, some gouache and hand-crafted inks that she makes mostly from plants.
Marshall learned about making her own inks from reading a book and following Toronto artist Jason Logan, who makes botanical and forages inks.
Having dyed yarn from plants many years ago, the progression came naturally to Marshall, and she discovered that many artists also make their own inks.
Plant or botanical inks have a unique earthy feel and are much different then synthetic inks. Depending on the plant source, the colour and texture can vary.
This form of ink often creates a more natural and nuanced appearance. Some may even have a grainy texture, while others are smooth.
She enjoys painting in the afternoons when she is more settled and can focus for longer periods of time.
Today the Marshalls live in Riverhurst, where she has her studio. She enjoys gardening and loves to hike and kayak.
Marshall will attend the Moose Mountain Provincial Park Artist Colony for the first time from June 17-23. She and her husband will camp at Kenosee Lake as it is a four-hour drive to the lake.
“I have no expectations other than to work in a beautiful environment, away from the everyday demands at home,” said Marshall.
