Fiona Ackerman was born to be an artist. Of course she was! She instills all the traits of an authentic creative being: curiosity, open-mindedness, perseverance. She’s experimental, she’s unafraid, and she’s constantly learning. The fact that her Mother is a writer and her Father is a painter doesn’t hurt either. Every exhibition that Fiona paints is different. Different themes and thoughts are occupying her mind, and she’s brave enough to allow the work in the studio to follow. This is what makes her work so exciting, it never gets dull or repetitive. Her unique hand and mark-making are always identifiable, but the work never becomes formulaic. During Covid, she turned more to music; writing, creating, playing and singing and even taught herself to do animation and began making videos.
Fiona has an open nature that makes her very easy to be around and to like. She’s almost always the most interesting person in the room, but includes everyone in the conversation and appreciates other points of view. She loves a good brainstorming session and is always excited to push boundaries and try new things. All hallmarks of an amazing artist!
-Written by Deborah Herringer Kiss, Friend and Dealer
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I have my studio in East Vancouver, but I’ve been exhibiting my work in Calgary with Herringer Kiss Gallery since 2011. I’ve visited Calgary many times over the years to attend art events or to open exhibitions at Herringer Kiss, which is currently in the Sunalta neighbourhood.
What do you do?
I am a painter. I exhibit in Calgary (Herringer Kiss Gallery), across Canada and abroad. I also paint murals, make videos, build canvas stretchers, play in a band and jump on creative ideas as they come.
What are you currently working on?
I’m just home from Calgary, where I opened my new exhibition Little Fluffy Clouds at Herringer Kiss Gallery. This follows several months of intense studio work, a show in Berlin, an art fair, and a finely calibrated schedule. This week, I’m enjoying a bit of time to read, be home, and let my mind wander to new ideas.
Where can we find your work?
At Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary! Little Fluffy Clouds runs until July 5, 2025.
Also, you can find my work online: Website | Instagram | YouTube | Herringer Kiss Gallery
