Verna Vogel was born and spent her childhood in rural Ontario. Since than she has lived in Canadian cities and abroad.

In 1997 Verna completed a Studio Arts Foundation program at Capilano College in North Vancouver, BC. While enrolled in the program she embarked on an intensive, self-directed study of the human figure.

In 1998 Verna received an international study grant which allowed her to live in Kuala Lumpur and study fine arts at the Institut Seni Lukis Malaysia, for 8 months, where she focused on Chinese Ink Painting and Asian cultural studies. On her return to Canada Verna resumed her explorations of the human figure by organizing and monitoring life drawing sessions at various institutions and studios throughout Vancouver. After this period of intense study, Verna’s focus gradually shifted away from the figurative and towards abstraction and the urban environment. When she made her first stitched canvases, it opened a new way for her to explore ideas of urban and manufactured environments, and for the next ten years her work revolved around these ideas.

Another shift is currently taking place in Verna’s work: her focus is again gradually turning towards the natural environment and a revisiting of abstraction. These works picture to the left, are the new multiples, the series: ‘Silkworms Weave’ which can be collected individually.

Verna Vogel currently lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. Her works can be found in collections across Canada, and in the US and Europe.