Mariel Rutherford

Mariel Rutherford has developed a practice focused in illustrative drawing and painting. Her characteristically linear style offers imaginative images of surreal characters and forms.

As a 2021 Smokestack Quarterly artist participant, Rutherford adapted her illustrative style for creation of a coloured etching. Into It demonstrates the translated result of her independent, digitally output practice into a collaborative printmaking experience in Smokestack’s Analog studio. Describing her production exprience through the project, she shares:

This project has given me an opportunity to flesh out a simple drawing that resonates with me, and create something physical and in my opinion, much more special. Through working with Laine at Smokestack, I had an opportunity to collaborate with someone who has a different creative lens than I do. Laine was willing and able to help me fully realize the potential of this etching. Through this project I have been given a platform to create something new.

Rutherford graduated from the Bachelor of Illustration program at Sheridan College, after which she furthered her artistic studies overseas through the British Schooling A-Levels in Brussels, and the Foundation of Illustration at Central Saint Martins, London. Rutherford has produced many collaborative projects with other regional contemporary artists, and has had her works featured on the covers of magazine publications, multiple musical recording albums, and posters for various community, cultural events in the Hamilton area. Rutherford currently lives and works in Hamilton, ON.