Anna Gruca
Anna Gruca is a Polish-Canadian artist, teacher and avid rockhound. She studied Fine Arts and Psychology at York University and completed her B.Ed. Degree at University of Toronto. Anna has exhibited her work in many local and international juried exhibits and has had her art published in the popular U.S. based publication “Rocks and Minerals” magazine.
As a little girl she shared with her mother a passion for collecting crystals, which has stayed with her until today. It was this long time hobby, and her growing collection of mineral specimens, that inspired her to create paintings that explore the subject of crystals, minerals and semi precious stones. Personally, she is deeply intrigued by the colour, translucency and luminosity of these naturally occurring wonders which are so perfectly sculpted by nature. Her work explores the relationship humans share with crystals and the symbolic, therapeutic and magical powers that different cultures believe these crystals possess. We collect them not only for their beauty and value but historically and culturally we have also collected them for their more supernatural and healing properties.
“ I hope my paintings are able to fully immerse the viewer in the colour experience and magic of each unique crystal. I hope that these paintings can serve as a vehicle for meditation and contemplation on the mysteriousness and lure of these little earthly treasures”.