Glen Wallis

Wallis enjoys experimenting with different materials and processes whenever he gets the chance. Mixed Media holds a natural attraction for him as a result. A graduate from the University of British Columbia with a diploma in Art History along with a degree in sociology, Glen lives in a house in which all members of the family are engaged in the arts including his wife, encaustic artist Susan Wallis.

Wallis’ “Composition” series explores the connection between art and mass production fabrication.   Inspired by the Russian born, American Sculptor Louise Nevelson’s work of the mid 20th century, Wallis uses discarded objects and cast-off scraps in these recycled sculptural works. Commissioned wall compositions also included specific items provided by clients.  Using variations of the cube as the groundwork for his compositions, Wallis creates notable wall-like, collage driven reliefs. 

Wallis has also delved into the encaustic medium in his “Quilt” series . Inspired by the traditional process of quilt-making, Wallis creates grid-like paintings using encaustic as a collage medium embedding items from the envirinment into his work.

A multidisciplinary artist, Glen Wallis has always enjoyed sewing and has his maternal grandmother’s Bernina sewing machine — a cherished heirloom that symbolizes his deep-rooted affection for this craft. The idea for his “Quilt” series was born from this love of textiles and handcraft, translating the comforting structure of quilts into a visual, painterly language.

Glen first experimented with encaustic painting more than 20 years ago during a week-long class at the Haliburton School of the Arts. During a break from the class, he went out for a walk and stumbled upon a dead butterfly. Struck by its delicate beauty, he incorporated it into his first quilt painting. The wax medium acted as a natural preservative, encasing and protecting the fragile specimen — a moment that deeply influenced his artistic direction.

Glen’s first solo show at Melt Gallery took place May 16-June 1st 2025, titled Fleeting,

When not in his artist studio Wallis also designs and builds beautiful wood beds and home accessories www.wallisdesignbuild.com