
Marina May Raike
Artist member since 2018
Almonte, Ontario
My work is colourful and contemporary. I’m passionate about atmospheric landscapes and rugged geography. I also love abstract expressionism and the amazing way that certain colours affect us emotionally. Through colour and form, I hope to move the viewer toward a greater appreciation of nature in its most potent aspects. My underlying themes address our deep, but delicate connection with the ecosystem and the need to relinquish control over the environment.
Marina May Raike was born in the Greater Toronto Area. She studied painting and sculpture at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. Her appreciation of work by Canadian artists David Bierk and Wanda Koop influences her action-painterly landscapes. Marina's current body of work explores her connection with the Canadian Shield, the Great Lakes, and Northern Ontario. Her renditions of natural elements and ancient geological forms evoke an awareness of our place within the ecosystem. Marina has a BFA from OCADU, where she was awarded the Forsythe Scholarship for drawing and painting. She has exhibited across Canada, the United States and internationally. Her work has appeared on the TV series ‘Suits’, in British Vogue, The Huffington Post, and in noteworthy collections in North America and overseas. Marina enjoys giving artist talks and has spoken at Ryerson University and The Canadian Society for Art of the Imagination.
Work
Let There Be a Veil Upon This Shrine

Marina May Raike
Almonte- 36" x 24" x 1.75"
- TRY: $105 BUY: $1300
Summertime Above the Treeline

Marina May Raike
Almonte- 40" x 30" x 1.75"
- TRY: $70 BUY: $1400
Q+A
Favourite artist(s) right now
Wanda Koop! I relate strongly to the way she invokes a nostalgia for nature. I also like the Ottawa based artist Peter Colbert for his ability to convey the essential forms of abstracted landscapes.
What kind of artwork do you have in your home?
Besides my own work, I have pieces by Jeff Bierk, Bhat Boy, and Jennifer Ryder-Jones. Some of these I got by swapping artworks.
Why is it important for people to have art in their home or life?
When a person looks at a piece of art they love, they're moved. There's a flow of energy in them that literally lifts them up emotionally and spiritually. Who couldn't use more of that?
What do you listen to when you work?
Atmospheric techno, downtempo chillhop, some of which I compose myself..
In a previous life I was (a) ...
tiny portion of a supernova. (actually I suppose that would be a previous death.) In life, we are all the stuff of stars.
When did you start making art, and why?
Of course mostly all children draw, but I recall being praised for a particular long shot of some tigers that I painted in grade one. I've been drawing and painting ever since. It fulfills a deep need in me to create.
Upcoming Exhibitions
2021-09-24
2020-09-02
Select Past Exhibitions
2018
2018
2019
2018
2017
2018
2019
2019
2019
Accolades
Press
2010
2011
Education
2006
Social
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