About
Mackenzie Gregson
Biography
Mackenzie Gregson was born in the small town of North Bay in northern Ontario, where her early years were shaped. Her family later moved to Sault Ste. Marie, a place where she spent much of her formative years. In a town where the emphasis was on sports and outdoor activities, Mackenzie often felt out of place, her creative spirit at odds with the prevailing culture. Art, while present in her life, was largely confined to books and the occasional fleeting experience—visiting museums during trips to the United States, such as a memorable visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Despite the challenges of limited access to the arts, Mackenzie's passion for creativity persisted. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree from Queen’s University, where she also pursued a minor in art history. It was at Queen’s that her love for painting deepened, as she immersed herself in both the technical and theoretical aspects of art, while also learning about the history and legacy of the great masters. Her education, however, was still somewhat confined, as access to physical art collections remained rare. Nonetheless, the foundation she built in both practical skills and art historical knowledge proved essential in her future artistic journey.
As she graduated and began to contemplate her next steps, Mackenzie felt a strong pull to expand her horizons beyond Canada. Determined to pursue her passion for art in a more immersive environment, she traveled to the south of France to complete her Master of Fine Arts at the American College of the Mediterranean. This was a transformative chapter in her life, as it allowed her to fully engage with the rich artistic heritage of Europe. Surrounded by centuries of artistic history, Mackenzie traveled widely, visiting some of Europe’s most renowned cultural centers. From the stunning museums and galleries of Paris to the vibrant art scenes in Venice and Monaco, these experiences broadened her understanding of art and deepened her creative vision.
During her time in France, Mackenzie developed a distinctive painting practice, one that incorporated techniques and colors deeply rooted in European painting traditions. She became fascinated by the way light, texture, and color were used by the old masters, and she explored these elements in her own work with great passion. The natural beauty of the French countryside, the rich textures of the Mediterranean coastline, and the centuries-old architectural landmarks served as constant sources of inspiration for her. Through these travels and experiences, she not only refined her skills as a painter but also developed a deep appreciation for the traditions that had shaped European art over the centuries.
Mackenzie’s journey, both personal and artistic, has been one of constant growth and discovery. From the small northern Ontario town where her creative inclinations were an anomaly, to the vibrant art world of Europe, she has navigated a path that reflects her unwavering commitment to exploring the possibilities of painting. Today, her work continues to embody the influence of the great European masters, while maintaining a distinctly contemporary edge.
Artist Statement
Embracing Craftsmanship in our Modern Era
In an age where the tempo of creation is dictated by rapid production and disposable convenience, the essence of true craftsmanship often finds itself overshadowed by the fast-paced rhythms of contemporary life. In our modern era, we constantly place emphasis on efficiency and mass production, and frequently prioritize the conceptual over the tactile, the idea over the process. It is within this context that Mackenzie Gregson, seeks to reawaken a deep appreciation for the art of craftsmanship through her paintings, grounding her work in the timeless traditions of cast and handicraft.
Historically, craftsmanship has been intrinsically linked to women, whose contributions have often been relegated to the realm of ‘craft’—a term that has sometimes diminished the perceived value of their work compared to that of their male counterparts. This disparity is not only a reflection of historical biases but also a broader commentary on the undervaluing of hand-made artistry. In contrast, craftsmen—typically male—are celebrated as skilled artisans, their work hailed as superior. By reclaiming and reasserting the significance of female craftsmanship, Gregson endeavours to challenge and redefine these entrenched notions.
Her work draws inspiration from the great periods of art history, including the Arts and Crafts Movement, which championed the beauty of handcraft and the inherent value of artisanal skill. By integrating these historical influences with contemporary aesthetics, she strives to create a dialogue between the past and present. This fusion not only honours the legacy of craft but also revitalizes it in a modern context, merging traditional techniques with new perspectives.
The exploration of materials is central to Gregson’s practice. In an era dominated by synthetic substances such as plastics, it is integral to continue the practice of oil paint and quality in pigment. Gregson finds profound inspiration in the curated gallery wall spaces which are becoming evermore popular in our homes. Gallery walls are a space where traditional materials and historic works are celebrated in our personal domestic interiors. These spaces serve as sanctuaries for cultural heritage, where the tactile and the visual converge to elevate the artistic experience. Her paintings aim to echo this reverence for traditional craftsmanship while also addressing the contemporary landscape of art-making.
By weaving together the threads of historical craftsmanship and modern artistic inquiry, her work seeks to bridge the gap between the art of the hand and the intellectual engagement with art.