Abstract

This thesis examines Marion Nicoll's contribution to the cultural life of Calgary and Alberta and, in turn Canada, while situating Nicoll's painting practice within the broader context of North America in the 1950S and 1960s. It expands upon previous scholarship by including Marion Nicoll's role as teacher and community activist in addition to considering her craftworks, prints and paintings and by examining her many influences with particular attention paid to the role of place. This thesis proposes that an understanding of Alberta is integral to an understanding of Marion Nicoll's work. The text is structured in 4 parts. The introduction provides the theoretical framework for the thesis through a discussion of regionalism and modernism in North America. Chapter 1provides a biographical overview of Marion Nicoll's life and includes pertinent information about her grandparents and parents as well as significant events in Alberta history in order to provide context to the artist's life and achievements. Chapter 2 examines Nicoll's influences, with particular attention paid to the Arts & Crafts Movement and the Indian Space Painters. The third chapter includes an examination of 3 winter-themed works to indicate how an understanding of Alberta is integral to an understanding of Marion Nicoll's work