Interview
Paul Mon
Paul Mon, a captivating presence in the contemporary art scene, is a painter renowned for his evocative depictions of the Icelandic landscape. "Made in Hong Kong but assembled in Canada," as Paul describes himself, his journey from architectural design to becoming a full-fledged artist is as intricate and textured as his work. Born in Hong Kong but spending much of his formative years in Canada, Paul immerses his art in the stunning contrasts found in nature, drawing from a unique blend of cultural and environmental experiences. His journey into the world of art began in the earnest halls of high school, where his inclination toward artistic creation began to bloom despite parental expectations. Initially aspiring to become a commercial artist, Paul's desires took a pragmatic turn, leading him to study architecture in Canada. For over 35 years, he diligently worked in the architectural and construction fields. However, over time, Paul found the constraints imposed by governmental agencies, institutional standards, and client demands restrictive, seeking instead an unconfined outlet for his creativity.
The rediscovery of his love for painting happened serendipitously in the spring of 2023 during a community center workshop. This revitalization of his art practice was fueled by the haunting beauty of Iceland—a land whose glaciers and vast melancholy skies spoke to Paul's soul like an unvoiced saga of primordial times. He became captivated by the slow, majestic movement of glaciers, now receding under the harsh intrusion of global warming—a theme that instills a sense of urgency in his work. Paul’s creative process is characterized by a dynamic interplay of light, atmosphere, and texture. Initially attempting to evoke the expressive brushwork of the Group of Seven, Paul found a new voice with the palette knife, which he believes best expresses the rugged elegance of glacial landscapes. His work is imbued with an atmospheric depth and emotional resonance, transcending mere photorealism to inspire personal contemplation and emotional response. Affiliated with the Art Guild of Scarborough, Paul’s talents have been recognized with a "Special Merit Award" for one of his compelling works during a screening session for their 2024 fall art show. Though he remains unrepresented by galleries, his contributions have carved a niche that promises expansion and recognition. Outside of painting, Paul finds delight in tennis—a testament to his appreciation for balance and movement, elements that permeate his creative endeavors. His architectural background seamlessly weaves into his artistic process, informing his color and texture choices, creating a harmonious bridge from built forms to the natural wonders depicted on his canvases. Yet, beyond texture and form, Paul's work is a reflection of his beliefs about the transformative power of art in society. He hopes his paintings provoke thought and emotive response, inviting viewers to consider the fleeting beauty of nature and the world around them. Paul Paul’s work is not just a depiction of glaciers or landscapes—it is a glimpse into the primal emotions and ideas that lie beneath the surfaces of the scenes he so artfully captures.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, where my passion for art first emerged during my high school years. Although I initially aspired to become a commercial artist, I followed a pragmatic path and spent over 35 years working in architecture. That experience sharpened my eye for structure and design, yet left me yearning for more creative freedom. My true journey into the art world was revitalized in 2023, when I rediscovered painting through a community center workshop. Alongside working with acrylics and oils, I also began exploring watercolour, which has opened up new possibilities for expressing atmosphere and mood in my landscapes. Inspired by the striking forms and delicate contrasts of Icelandic scenery, I often use a palette knife to bring texture and emotional intensity to my work, while watercolor offers a subtler, luminous quality.”
What inspires you?
“Travel fuels my creativity, especially the dramatic glaciers, mountains, and rural highlands of Iceland and the rugged coastlines of Canada. These places inspire me to explore the interplay of natural forces and light on canvas.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The core themes I pursue in my work revolve around the fragility and grandeur of the natural world, with a particular focus on Iceland’s glaciers and expansive skies. I am fascinated by the interplay of light, atmosphere, and texture—elements that help me evoke both the rugged beauty and the vulnerability of these landscapes. An underlying message woven throughout my paintings is the urgent need to contemplate our relationship with nature, especially as climate change accelerates the recession of glaciers and transforms the world’s wild places. I aim to inspire viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of preserving the environment, inviting both emotional resonance and personal contemplation through each scene I depict.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work can be described as expressive landscape painting that captures the powerful drama and quiet fragility of nature. I use bold palette knife techniques and layered textures to evoke the rugged forms of glaciers, mountains, and rivers, drawing inspiration from Iceland’s stark beauty and the Canadian wilderness. Each piece is a synthesis of architectural structure and spontaneous mark-making, exploring the interplay of light, atmosphere, and color to invite contemplation of our changing environment and the impermanence within the landscape.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am deeply inspired by Tom Thomson and the members of the Group of Seven, whose ability to capture light and atmosphere through rich textures and subtly muted colors resonates with me. My own work seeks to evoke a similar emotional response, blending expressive brushwork and impasto techniques to convey the mood and essence of the landscape. Additionally, I admire the French Impressionists for their bold exploration of color and their focus on the fleeting qualities of natural light, which also influence my painting style.”
“My work can be described as expressive landscape painting that captures the powerful drama and quiet fragility of nature.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process often begins with photographs taken during my travels, which I carefully analyze to better understand composition, light, and atmosphere. I then create small-scale studies in watercolor or acrylic, using these as a space to experiment with color harmonies and textures. This exploratory stage not only allows for creative freedom but also guides and enriches the direction of my final paintings.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe the role of the artist in society is profoundly multifaceted. For me, one of the most important responsibilities is to illuminate the truths and beauty that persist in our world, even amidst chaos and uncertainty. Through art, I strive to inspire hope and foster thoughtful reflection, encouraging viewers to look deeper and engage with new perspectives. Each painting serves as a map of ideas—an invitation to discovery and exploration—while art itself remains a vital platform for questioning, understanding, and reimagining cultural values and ideologies.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’m in my early stage of my journey in Art. The only notable events is earning a ‘Special Merit Award’ during Art Guild of Scarborough’s jury night in September 2024.”
