by Giselle Lussier
GAZETTE STAFF
Alicia Vertz’s workshop is nestled north of Cypress River, surrounded by maples. It’s here that she transforms raw materials into stunning works of art, which are showcased at the Main Street Market & Studio in Carberry. Although Vertz has displayed a creative side since a young child, it’s only in recent years that she reconnected with her love for creation. What began as a personal outlet for self-expression has evolved into a source of income and a powerful tool for mental well-being.
“I have a very active brain, constantly jumping in fifty directions at once. No matter the medium, creating art allows me to laser-focus, making it both relaxing and calming,” she explained.
A self-taught artist, Alicia has always felt a deep connection to nature. “Some of my favourite childhood memories are spending time in my grandparents’ gardens and woodworking with my grandpa, George and Willene Vertz,” she said thoughtfully. This early exposure to nature and creativity continues to inspire her today. Whether it’s the delicate veins of a leaf or the vibrant colours of flowers in her garden, Alicia finds endless inspiration outdoors.
Her materials range from flower petals, fallen leaves to unique pebbles and cattle skulls found in nearby pastures. But her creativity isn’t limited to nature. She also uses wool, beads, pallets and colourful magazine pages to create original jewellery, dream-catchers, sun-catchers, beaded skulls and beautiful wall hangings. Each piece she makes is a testament to her resourcefulness and her ability to transform the everyday into something extraordinary.
Whether she’s foraging for materials on a peaceful morning walk with her dog, cutting up magazine pages, or browsing a thrift store, Alicia has a keen eye for possibility. She can spot an item and instantly envision which medium she can use it for.
“It doesn’t seem to matter what I’m working on – I don’t have a set vision for the finished product. I just keep adding to it and see where it takes me,” she said.
Looking at one of her carefully beaded skulls, a commissioned piece for a friend, it’s hard to believe she didn’t plan out the intricate, symmetrical design. The colourful beads, placed with precision, seem almost too deliberate to have emerged organically. Yet, for Alicia, the creative process is less about strict planning and more about allowing the piece to take shape naturally.
Eye-catching, colourful, and uniquely abstract, Alicia’s latest creations take the form of intricate wall hangings. Each piece is crafted from thousands of tiny magazine clippings, carefully cut and arranged to form striking, textured designs. Once the collage is complete, a glossy layer of resin is applied, adding depth and vibrancy to the final piece.
Along with offering a diverse range of artistic mediums, Alicia’s work is also accessible to a wide range of budgets. Her pieces start at approximately $10 for smaller items, while larger, more intricate works can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Currently, Alicia’s work is showcased at the Main Street Market & Studio in Carberry. She also promotes her pieces through social media and word of mouth. While she hopes to expand into more storefronts in the near future, her ultimate dream is to create on a full time basis, display her work, and share her passion with others.
Art, for Alicia, is more than just a creative pursuit – it’s a form of therapy, a way to quiet a busy mind and find balance in the chaos of everyday life. Each brushstroke, bead and carefully placed magazine clipping is not just about creating something beautiful, but about the process itself – the calm, the focus and the sense of purpose it brings.
As she continues to explore new mediums and push the boundaries of her art, Alicia remains grounded in the belief that creativity is more than just self-expression – it’s self-care. And with every piece she shares, she’s not just offering art; she’s offering a reminder that sometimes, the act of creating is just as valuable as the creation itself.
