photo by Jonathan Dvorak
Biography
Born in Italy, yet raised in Canada, Chiarina began her professional career as an occupational therapist after receiving her degree from McGill University. After several years she moved abroad, accompanying her husband on his numerous assignments as an international banker. Over the course of nearly two decades they moved all over the world, with more than half of the time spent in Asia. While abroad Chiarina continued to work as an OT, taught English, ran children’s playgroups, wrote for a magazine, did design and illustration work and taught Italian cooking courses, all while meeting the challenges of making a home for her husband and two children in numerous foreign lands. It was during her sojourn abroad that she was able to seriously indulge in her first love, art, studying under several wonderful teachers both abroad and at home.
Working in printmaking, watercolour and book arts, Chiarina finds art to be her best conduit for communication, reflection and revelation. She is now back in Canada, living in Victoria, BC, and working and involving herself with the local art community. She is the coordinator of the juried, semi-annual Stinking Fish Studio Tour and has recently taught printmaking to high school students at St. Michaels University School and through the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s New Extreme program.
Chiarina finds living in the rural, coastal community of Metchosin on Vancouver Island to be a blessing as she finds inspiration in the beauty of the place and the warmth of its people.
Chiarina’s artwork can be viewed in her home studio, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and at the newly formed School House Studio in Metchosin.
Chiarina's artwork is in private collections in Canada, Japan, the USA, England and Hungary.