Mara Szyp is a West Coast artist whose work bridges fine art and natural materials. Known for her atmospheric seascapes and landscapes, she creates oil paintings that capture the shifting moods of ocean and sky with a dreamlike, emotive quality. Her practice also extends into sculptural woodwork using locally and ethically sourced driftwood and live-edge slabs, allowing each piece’s natural grain and contours to guide the composition. Sustainability and place are central to her process, resulting in works that feel both rustic and refined. A three-time cancer survivor, Mara brings resilience and reverence for nature into every piece. Based on Vancouver Island since 2005, she creates art that carries the spirit of the coast into interior spaces.