Welcome,

Hey new friends 👋🏻

My name is Monica Brinkman and I create playful, meditative, and colorful acrylic paintings to complement spaces for relaxation. Common themes in my work are yoga, balance, feminism, and nature.

Art For Equal Rights

FeministArt.ca has been created to raise money to donate to legitimate charities that support equal rights. I pledge to donate 15% of art sales to non-profit organizations such as Amnesty International, The Canadian Women’s Foundation, and more. This community is LGBTQ+ friendly :) xox

Art For Women, Yogis, and Open Minds

My art celebrates feminine strength and introspection without focusing on specific identities. Through vibrant acrylic paintings, I explore the journey from girlhood to womanhood, encompassing personal growth and societal influences.

Depicting women in yoga poses symbolizes healing and empowerment in the face of trauma. I aim to convey the universal essence of womanhood, emphasizing resilience and self-discovery. By avoiding specific ethnicities, I invite viewers to connect with the broader concept of femininity. My art creates spaces for relaxation and contemplation, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection with the inner self and the world.

My artwork challenges societal norms about women by portraying the female form as strong and independent, defying the perception of fragility. It suggests that women's strength isn't solely a result of trauma but inherent within them. Through depictions of educated women and the celebration of inner and outer beauty, it challenges stereotypes about women's intellect and appearance.

Additionally, by showcasing women freely engaging in activities like yoga, it asserts their autonomy over their bodies, advocating for their right to make choices about their health and well-being. Overall, my art subtly challenges various societal expectations, advocating for the empowerment and agency of women.

Growing up observing the struggles of my mother and grandmother, I recognize the importance of self-exploration and healing. Their perseverance despite adversity inspires me to create art that celebrates the resilience of womanhood. 

My empathy toward the challenges faced by women worldwide fuels my desire to create pieces that evoke a sense of solidarity and empowerment. The main issues that create a fire within me revolve around education, physical safety, bodily autonomy, human rights for everyone (not just women), and mental health - especially as it relates to trauma. 

I have escaped an abusive relationship of 10 years and recovered from assault in my teens. Art has been just as important to me as therapy, medication, and yoga in terms of "healing myself" - which to me means creating a life worth living. I think art is part of a life worth living.

Art For Mental Health

My hope is that my work complements your existing inner strength, resilience, and peace on your own journey. We all have to fight our own battles, but knowing there is a community of people supporting you along the way is one of the things I will forever be the most grateful for.

I want my art to be a reminder to you that regardless of how far you’ve come, you have a whole new and exciting journey ahead of you. You are supported, valid, and part of a movement that is shifting how we view mental health issues forever.

Thank you for being here and for being you. 

My Journey

  • During The Pandemic

    I was fortunate to be working during the pandemic and found myself with plenty of time to draw. I am grateful to be so lucky.

  • Weekly Life Drawing Sessions

    Life drawing means to draw a model or an object - to draw from life. This is how I practice the fundamentals of art.

  • Graduate & Lifelong Learner

    For me, school was a lot more than “just a piece of paper”. It’s growth, connection, variety, and contribution. I am grateful for my education.

  • Plein Air Drawing

    Plein Air Drawing means to draw landscapes outdoors, in the moment. It’s a favourite pass time of mine & I find a lot of inspiration in these moments.

  • Yoga Girl

    Benefits of yoga: it makes everything in your life better. I practice yoga and meditation every day, often with my friends.

  • Woman's Best Friend

    This is Olive. She’s a full grown golden doodle. Her favourite hobbies are playing fetch, cuddling, and getting chased by other dogs at the park.

  • Feminist Art Movement

    This picture was taken at the Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit in Toronto, ON. I am grateful for all of the female artists who paved the way for us to have a place in galleries and history books.

  • Travel Often

    There’s nothing better than sunset yoga on the beach. Unless, of course, you're in another country with your best friend doing the yoga class together.

  • Growing My Roots

    In 2019, I took my power back by leaving a 10-year-long emotionally unstable relationship. I immediately planted seeds to heal & I continue to be in awe of the roots that have grown.