Ocean Gems by Cherisse Mai
Over 90 transparent layers of paint create the deep color of water. Rare Alberta ammonite fossils are covering the painting with fossils and blue gemstones.
No matter what is happening in the world, be like the rock with the waves crashing around it.
Inspired by my deep-seated passion for geology, my artistic repertoire includes incorporating gemstones to further explore the intricate beauty of earth’s history and the cataclysmic events that shaped our planet. To complement these stunning focal points, I developed a technique using acrylic paints to create dynamic backgrounds reminiscent of the natural flow of ocean waves.” Cherisse Mai
My fossil fascination began in my childhood when I discovered the wonders of ancient marine life preserved in stone high in the mountains. This early encounter sparked a lifelong journey of uncovering Earth’s secrets, leading me to spend countless hours cracking open rocks and searching for fossils.
Alberta, known as the dinosaur capital of the world, reignited my passion stones. The thrill of stumbling upon sparkling shards of iridescent fossils was indescribable.
Nearly a decade ago, I made the bold decision to turn my passion into a career and embarked on a journey to make art the actual landscape in an abstract form that would truly stand out as an entirely new genre. It was a crazy idea, and the thought of using my fossil collection made me dig deep for every ounce of courage within to take the first step to incorporate these metallic gemstone chunks directly into my paintings.
The initial idea seemed to flow naturally out of what I was engaged in, but there were many challenges ahead. Learning to use a tile saw to cut the rock and mastering resin techniques required years of experimentation. Luckily, I enjoy the process of trying new things, “feel the fear and do it anyway,” it’s often said. I was so afraid of the saw I would swivel my head around and scrunch my eyes closed as I attempted to escape the noise and flying rock chunks.
Each piece tells a story of ancient worlds preserved in stone, waiting to be unearthed and immortalized on canvas. Genuine geodes and gemstones, mixed media on cradled wood. Alberta ammolite, opal, amethyst, garnet, azurite, crystal geodes, copper and more.
Cherisse Mai’s art beautifully captures the essence of ancient worlds, preserving their essence in stone and immortalizing them on canvas. With each new idea and technique she explores, one feels deeply honored to collaborate with the Earth in her creative process. Sharing the magic with all the collectors at Fairweather’s is significant and satisfying.
Each artwork created is a labor-intensive process, akin to wrestling an alligator to the ground. There are many moments of doubt and frustration along the way, yet from the chaos emerges a phoenix, a testament to the transformative power of creativity and perseverance.
I create large pieces of unique and stunning contemporary abstract art with a rare secret! Many of my art pieces incorporate my fossil finds from Alberta the elusive ammolite fossil gemstone. The gemstone from Alberta’s fossilized ammonites is more rare than diamonds and is only found in this area of the world.” — Cherisse Mai, gemstone artist
My working studio is connected to my home but every year I set up a Studio at the Western Showcase Art show during the Calgary Stampede where I have a chance to interact with people from all over the world, engage with patrons about commissioned art, and share a beautiful slice of Alberta with them.” CM
Cherisse Mai is an artist based in Alberta, Canada. From its rich geological history and healing force, the artist shared her story with Fairweather’s of blending nature’s rare gemstones to create something truly unique, a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and contemporary artistry.
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“Fairweather House and Gallery has become one of the historic Gilbert District’s sought-after destinations, offering an ever-changing, unique visual experience.” –Seaside Signal, 2007
Representing a collection of over 200 regional artists for over seventeen years.
