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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in the Kensington Market neighbourhood in Toronto and in close proximity to the retirement residence I visit frequently. The residence is near and dear to my heart – as it is also a block away from the hospice where my father was before he was before he passed away.

What do you do?

Oy. What do I not do? I try every day to respect all those who are a part of me, both deceased and living. I am an actor, singer, director, writer, and multimedia artist; I also visit elderly people, providing companionship and connection through music. I can be found with 35mm point-and-shoot, taking selfies that reflect my colourful outfits! I recently graduated with my Master’s Degree and intersect my many roles through art: to support expression and individuality, I use bright, kitschy set pieces to emphasize that humans hold onto moments and objects. I use light as a tool to underscore that one ultimately “goes into the light” at the end of life.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently wrapping my thesis film: Goodbye, Dolly. Goodbye, Dolly references the acclaimed Hello, Dolly! – a 1969 American musical. The original Hello, Dolly! avails punctuation: it uses an exclamation mark. Fittingly, Goodbye, Dolly exclaims via nuance, inflection and visuals. As a stylized script, it references tropes of the 1964 Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! It hybridizes theatrical elements within the context of everyday life, based on my growing up as, and growing into, a Jewish woman. Goodbye, Dolly is an autobiographical work, dealing with themes of grief.

My biggest goal this year is to focus on acting roles that push my boundaries. I seek directors with whom I can commit to a role that sheds light on difficult social topics; I aspire to be a conduit for stories that are emotionally challenging.

Where can we find your work?

I directed a web series, We Three Queens, which is now streaming on OUTTv, and am in post-production for my feature film shot in Florida; the documentary about me, It’s What Each Person Needs, directed by Sophy Romvari, was recently featured in The New Yorker. Moreover, my short film about queerness will be premiering at a festival later this fall!

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto-based Multidisciplinary Artist Becca Willow Moss appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Prairie Koo aka Mr. Koo is one of the city’s most popular tattoo artists. Specializing in fine line micro realism tattoos with a geometric touch, he has become sought after for his work. He’s also collaborated with brands including Nike, Raptors, NBA, Doc Marten, Jameson Irish Whisky, and many more.

Koo grew up in Hong Kong prior to landing in Toronto. His career in the graphic design paved the way for him to work in the interior design architecture industry as well as an art director for several magazines. This path also led him to become a tattoo artist. He co-founded Ink & Water Tattoo Studio in Toronto. Not only does he create some incredible work, but his studio also has a mission to be more welcoming and also inclusive. While Koo’s career is evolving, he’s also finding his way to also becoming a mental health advocate through his art.

We had a chance to check in with Koo to learn more…

What was your very first tattoo on yourself?

Koo: First tattoo was jokingly done By Legendary Hong Kong tattoo parlour Ricky Tattoo. Open Since 1975, it’s been the place where everyone from triads to tipsy tourists go to get classic designs – mostly tigers, dragons and Chinese deities. But since Ricky was the first tattoo artist in Hong Kong, he’s old and has a shakey hand; I thought it would be funny to do a straight line around my arm, but he was only able to do a doted line. So I added a pair of scissors and did dotted line with a scissor at the end (cut here).

What is the most recent? 

Koo: Latest tattoo is a turtle tattooed by Frank Walker the popular Toronto-based DJ. Since I do all his tattoos, it was only right that he did one of mine.

There are many tattoo studios in Toronto, why did you decide to open your own?

Koo: When we opened Ink & Water, there were not that many shops like this in Toronto. The industry was lacking a welcoming and bright friendly shop with friendly faces. Now, it seems like there is a tattoo shop on every corner. But in 2015, when we opened the first Ink & Water, the demand was so high we could not even take a break. Now, the market has slowed and money is tight. The number of artists have probably tripled after Covid and it’s slower than it has ever been. Everyone in the industry is feeling it so this is one of the reasons we are trying to support each there and give back.

Tattoos are considered more of a form of art and expression. Tell us about your style?

Koo: Coming from a design background my style is a blend of realism and geometric. I went to school for graphic design and architecture so this came naturally to me. When I started micro tattoos in the city there really weren’t that many people doing it but it suddenly blew up.

Finer lined tattoos have gained in popularity for the past decade. But what do you wish people to know?

Koo: Not everything has to be done in a fine liner. A lot of people assume because you line with a fine liner you have to share with one too. And if you need thicker lines you can just build it up with a fine needle. If you need a thicker line use a thicker needle. If you are filling in a larger space. Use a larger needle. Further, not every artist that describes him or herself as a fine line artist know what they are doing; a lot of them just started doing that and don’t understand how deep they should go and how it will age. It actually requires a lot of detail. Also, fine line tattoos will get slightly lighter during the healing process.

You’re also an advocate for mental health, can you tell us about what that means. 

Koo: Since I can remember my health has been horrible. Three years ago it became so bad I almost lost my life. My issues triggered daily panic attacks and it got to the point where I could not drive, leave the house, or even work. That messed up my mental health a lot. I lost touch with the outside world and developed a lot of anxiety and depression. Since then I have been a lot better after getting good healthcare in Los Angeles. I’m back on my feet and out and about. But still being haunted by my past at times. I use art to advocate and speak of mental health that has given me more purpose and understanding that I’m not alone.

How does the world of art and mental health blend for you?

Koo: Blends like a cup of coffee with cream; a match made In heaven. As naturally creative people, we are always looking for alternatives to make things better. Being able to create daily, while meeting interesting people, I can’t ask for more. Some of my closest friends were met through tattooing them!

What inspires you?

Koo: Art, architecture, music, nature, and the people closest to me.

What do you love about what you do?

Koo: I love the freedom and creativity. When I use to work design, a project would take months to be completed and at the end the idea has been so diluted by others input that it was no longer my work and I was not proud of it. Tattoos it’s all done in a few hours and the final project is all done. And same for art; I get to take personal idea and turn them in to beautiful works of art.

I am currently transitioning for tattoo artist to artist creating installations and art. Also you can catch me on my instagram and cooking with some of the top chefs in the city.

You can learn more about Koo on his website here.

The post Fine Lines and Fine Art: Unlocking the Talent of Toronto’s Mr. Koo appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

For as long as I’ve known Ira, she’s always had a passion for learning new things and an insatiable curiosity to step outside her comfort zone. This is exactly what led her to sign up for pottery classes in 2022, and the rest is history. The wheel has become one of her happy places—she’s there for at least three hours each day, creating, vibing, and just truly being in her element. A real love for ceramics has flourished in her over the last year, and it’s so clear the universe knew what it was doing when it sent that course catalogue her way.

-Written by Kat Go

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Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in downtown Toronto and do all my ceramics at home!

What do you do?

I create vibrant functional pottery! I gave myself 1 rule before starting this pottery journey and it was “Make whatever I want”. So whether it’s cups, bowls or ceramic erasers, it has to stay true to me.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on ceramic dog bowls! I want to make dog bowls fun and colourful versus what we currently have in the market, which are basic colours like black or white.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my stuff at 13 Proof Ceramics 🙂 I only sell online!

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto-based Ceramic Artist Ira Natasha appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The son of immigrant parents, Dimitri grew up in Toronto’s Greek village and knew at the age of seven that he wanted to be an architect. Drawing and painting imagined homes for his family inspired him to study architecture at the University of Waterloo and embark on a successful career.

Along with designing and building homes, Dimitri writes and performs with his band, teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University, and pursues his artmaking through an exploration of space and light. Immersing himself in the life of his community in rural Ontario, he has also served on Boards, helped to organize an arts festival, and created a studio that transforms into a gallery to share with fellow artists.

Dimitri’s life-long involvement with ideas about home and the fundamental connection to well-being, safety, and security continues to be integral to his work and community engagement. I’m honoured and privileged to call him a friend.

-Written by Teri Donovan, Toronto Painter and friend

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Which ’hood are you in?

Currently, my studio is in the countryside, at a place called The Periphery, just outside the little village of Warkworth, Ontario. When in Toronto I am always downtown, either in and around Toronto Metropolitan University, or hanging out with friends in Parkdale, Church Street, Leslieville, or the Beach for pleasure. I was born in Toronto, in the 60s, and remember a very different place growing up. Change is inevitable, but design is intentional, as I tell my architecture students. I like to encourage them to question what kind of city they imagine for the future, and where does public interest intersect with private Capital. I hope, for their sake, we don’t lose ground regarding public infrastructure and amenities; places like Ontario Place, the waterfront, the ravine systems, and all the public spaces held in trust by various levels of government, should remain public. Architects are charged with serving the public good, but I wonder if all of us take this approach to heart when lucrative projects are dangled, like bait.

Architectural ego looms big these days, I suppose it always has to some degree. But, in the 60s there was a greater collective vision for ‘Toronto the Good’, with ambitious projects like City Hall, Ontario Place, The Planetarium, the Science Centre and so on.

What do you do?

I think more than I do. Although lately my art practice is taking a break from research and analysis, while embracing materiality, the body, and all sorts of spatial concerns. I studied architecture in the 1980s, at the University of Waterloo, and have continuously practised in the field since then. For the last two decades, I’ve also taught young architects, challenging them to think about who they will serve and how they can make a difference as they blossom into publicly minded professionals. My studio, and rural landscape, enable me to also work in other media, including sound, painting, installation, and landscape design. I embrace hybridity as a way of being on the land and in time. I also write for Grapevine Magazine, published in Prince Edward County, and perform with my band whenever a cause presents itself. My music can be heard under the pseudonym: ‘The John Cleats’ (iTunes etc.). Over the years I’ve released about ten albums, with various themes and alternative styles. One of the highlights in the recent past was to play Hugh’s Room Live, for Gay Pride in Toronto. What a trip.

What are you currently working on?

With a few students, we are looking at alternative visions to the proposed commercial development of public lands at Ontario Place. I’m very excited to see young architects involved in critical thinking as it relates to the City. I have other architectural projects on the go, but in terms of visual art and music, I am recording a new album and started a series of small sculptures utilizing found elements, with plaster with polychromatic encaustic paint. Thanks to the Ontario Arts Council for support and my clients, patrons, friends, and fellow travellers!

Where can we find your work?

Highness Global of Toronto represents me, in addition to galleries in Vancouver, Bloomfield Prince Edward County, and St. Johns Newfoundland. My work is always on display at The Periphery, I am open to visitors here.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Mixed-Media Artist Dimitri Papatheodorou appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Rocco hails from a village in central Italy. At the age of eleven with his mother he migrated to Canada, to be reunited with his father. In Toronto, he discovered the profound connection between his humble upbringing and the intellectual world of academia. With a distinguished education in architecture and urban design from the universities of Toronto, Venice, and Harvard, he embarked on designing buildings and settlements on four continents.

His travels reinforced the human trait of wanting to be elsewhere. This awoke in him the travails of his first journey and the exhilaration of overcoming the many challenges. As the new millennium was approaching Rocco shifted his energy from design to migration and how the latter transforms societies, resulting in the creation of the Gallery of Human Migration.

Rocco’s story took an unexpected turn, a few years ago, during his trip to Firenze where he received a poetry prize, at the historical literary cafe’ Giubbe Rosse, for his poem “An imaginary love”. Rather than return to Toronto as planned, he decided to visit his birthplace. Unexpectedly, we saw each other, and the imaginary became real. As I pen this, I think: “… I fell in love with Rocco because of our common roots; or for his account of the power of migration; perhaps for his passion for design or at his unwavering human spirit… tomorrow I know I will find other wonderful reasons”.

-Written by Nancy Perin, loving partner

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Where do you live?

I live in the area of Lytton Park. When not promenading along the treed streets of this neighbourhood, I am enjoying a cafe’ with Nancy and/or friends under the wisteria canopy adjacent to the garden studio. In the fall I can be found trekking in the Apennines of Abruzzo, or along the shores of Lake Superior.

What do you do?

I am at a stage of my life where doing has evolved into living without working.

What are you currently doing?

I’m gathering strands and twists of anecdotes, encounters and reminiscences into a narrative that will serve as a point of impact whose ripples, like those of a stone dropped in water, may propagate albeit feebly, into the reader’s soul.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on my website and on Gallery of Human Migration

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto-based Urban Designer and Storyteller Rocco Maragna appeared first on Toronto Guardian.