Riley Vanderzee is an artist based in Ontario, Canada. Her current focus is in paper cut collage, combining a mixed media approach with bold shapes and colours. In the past she has explored techniques ranging from drawing and painting to textiles, crafts, digital media and bookbinding.

She is interested in creating works that are earnest, visually rich in colour, shape and texture while being reminiscent of a childhood spent in nature. Her illustrative style takes inspiration from folk art, fauvism and kitschy vintage and antique objects. Riley finds magic in quiet everyday moments and documents these through symbolism/motifs, patterns and colour palettes that have a strong sense of nostalgia. Her works combine the visual elements of the physical world with the inner realm of human experience.

She is an avid sketchbook user and journal-filler, with many shelves lined with books containing sketches, studies, writing and ephemera she has collected. Her studio reflects her inner world, filled with collected trinkets and mementos, picture books and handmade items.

Riley’s newest work can be viewed on Instagram, where she posts insights into her process through videos and photos as well as a look into her studio space.

Feel free to contact Riley by email - rileyvanderzee@gmail.com