“Over the years, I have collected beautifully illustrated books of natural history that have sat neglected on my shelves. During the process of moving, I took a fresh look at these minutely observed illustrations of birds, insects and plants, the work of different artists, many of them unknown, from Europe and Asia. While downsizing, I also came across objects I collected in the past, such as pieces of coral, shells, leaves damaged by insects, and other natural curiosities. However modest the origin of these objects - a beach, a garden, a park - each one is unique and original. I felt that these diverse elements would create an art project that celebrates the beauty in nature. As I was admiring these illustrations and objects, I felt an acute sense of the loss of our relationship with the natural world in contemporary society. The physical act of cutting out each flower and bird somehow re-connected me to nature. The idea of using cigar boxes reminds me of a treasure box... a world within a box, a lost world. I hope this work will inspire viewers to appreciate the wonder of our natural world, whether it is in our backyard or in the wilderness.”
-Gloria Mok
Gloria Mok’s interest in scientific subject matter and her focus on experimentation have led to a fascinating body of work. Her art education included part time studies in painting at the University of Alberta, and art residencies at Emma Lake, Prairie North, and the Banff Centre. Mok has exhibited at the Art Gallery of Alberta (2018, 2002), Scott Gallery (2019,2017), Nickel Gallery (2014), and Esplanade Gallery (2012). Mok’s works are in the collection of Alberta Foundation for The Arts, University of Alberta Hospital, City of St. Albert, and Art Gallery of Alberta.
Born in Hong Kong, Mok was educated in science and medicine. Her interest in art began when she was a family physician and director of a six-physician clinic in west Edmonton. Mok was active in Edmonton West Primary Care Network committees of chronic disease and information technology management and was a leader in computerized medical records. She received an innovation grant from Alberta Health Services in 2013 for producing an educational video titled “How to prepare for your doctor visit”. Mok taught medical students and family practice residents in clinical practice for many years.