Photo by Joana Betzner

Ava Roth is a Canadian encaustic painter, embroiderer and mixed media artist. Reverence for the natural world is at the heart of her work; nature is her primary source of materials. Roth’s creative practice is relational and responsive, nourished by her personal connection to landscape and environment.

Roth’s interest lies in combining her own human handiwork with the remarkable beauty and intricacy of organic matter. Drawing on a rich history of craft making such as embroidery, weaving, beading and collage, Roth creates two and three dimensional work out of largely organic materials, which are assembled in her studio. These are often re-wilded, or returned to nature, for a period of time before being shaped again by human touch. This dialogue is a hallmark of Roth’s work, and best exemplified by her unique ‘Honeybee Collaboration.’ In this collection, Roth’s pieces are slipped into bee hives mid-process, and thousands of honey bees add their unpredictable dimension and architecture to the work through the addition of comb. When extracted, the composite objects, half human and half insect made, speak to ecology, communication, hope, and the human relationship to the planet.

Roth is represented by Wallspace Gallery, in Ottawa, and is recognized by the prestigious Homo Faber Guide as an expert artisan. In addition to exhibiting in both solo and group shows in Canada and internationally, Roth’s work has been featured in a multitude of on-line print magazines. Her pieces have been acquired by museums and private collectors throughout Canada and across the world.