“In a way, I was always an illustrator at heart, at least since I was old enough to hold a pencil,” says Myriam Wares. “Drawing has always been a part of me since childhood; I simply continued along that path into adulthood.”
The Montréal-based artist layers themes like the natural sciences, technology, mythology, and contemporary social issues through a surrealist lens. Her rich illustrations, commissioned by the likes of The New York Times, Barron’s, Quanta, and more, invite viewers into enigmatic, introspective worlds of wonder.
Wares emphasizes dramatic lighting, complementary colors, and the power of scale in dynamic scenes that emanate warmth. She draws on her background in visual art and an interest in art history to create narrative scenes featuring classical sculptures, emotional figures, and inviting landscapes.
“The language of symbols and visual metaphors feels the most natural to me when comes the time to express myself,” the artist tells Colossal. “I love playing with meanings and thinking of different ways to visually represent an idea.”
Wares enjoys the constant challenge of balancing numerous projects along with personal creative work, which evolves over time and informs how she approaches commissions for clients. “Every new assignment comes with its own set of demands and aesthetic particularities,” she says. “I never really have time to get bored before a new project comes along.”
See more work on Wares’s website, Behance, and Instagram.
digital painting
