About

Gurjit Mann Toor | Artists' Biography

Calgary based artist Gurjit Mann Toor captures the transformative power of the western wilderness in her vivid depictions of the majestic Alberta landscape. Born and raised in England, Gurjit’s move to the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains ignited a lifelong fascination with it's rugged beauty and vast horizons. Her endless backcountry adventures, from hiking and camping to mountain biking and skiing, continuously nurtures the authentic connection that make up the soul of her work.

Drawing from her background in Computer Science and Project Management, Gurjit’s process is a sophisticated balance of logic and intuition. What began as a creative sanctuary has evolved over two decades into Closet Art Studio, a professional practice. Her signature style is characterized by vibrant renditions of the natural world. Through expressive palette knife and brush work, she invites viewers to feel the boundlessness of each piece.

Gurjit’s work celebrates the awe of the western wilderness, the serenity of the prairies meeting the mountains, the abundance of vast skies, and the tranquility of the animal spirit.

Since her 2023 solo retrospective debut, she has become an advocate for the integration of art into daily public life. From this, Artcycle was born as an initiative designed to activate unconventional commercial spaces, creating new avenues for local artists to exhibit their work while fostering a vibrant local public art scene. A dedicated community builder, Gurjit leverages her diverse professional background to serve as an Independent Director on various Boards, including in the Arts.

"Art should match your soul, not your sofa." - Gurjit