Peter Nicholas Van Giesen

"I have always known that creativity and inspiration are part of my life force. I discovered my artistic and business talents early in elementary school as I sold some of my first works of art at recess for snack money (yes I did get in trouble for it!) or traded art for other stuff.

After finishing high school in Ontario I completed a College degree in Religion and a University degree in Psychology. I was encouraged by my family to work in the church. I tried it for a few years but naturally gravitated away from the church into the business and charitable sectors.

For most of my working life, I have been a business owner or senior executive in the business and non-profit sectors. At every phase of my life, I took time to exercise my creativity. When I had a studio space, my creative expression flourished and when I had no such space my creativity was channeled into my other endeavors.

In 2011 I renewed my commitment to my visual art and sharing that particular gift with others. I have received a number of international awards of recognition and am honored to have artwork accepted into the permanent collection at Government House of British Columbia as well as The Union Club of British Columbia.

After using oil-based paint for many years I switched to acrylic paint in 1993 and currently it is the sole medium I use.