artist Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Author Michael Otis

Jocelyne Sobie — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:33:56 +0000

Michael Otis is a Toronto-based author who primarily writes fiction, with a growing interest in exploring poetry and other literary genres. His work often reflects a passion for storytelling and creativity, combining imaginative ideas with thoughtful themes that invite readers to reflect on the world around them.

Otis is the author of two published books, The Gifted and Song of Seasons, the latter of which was recently released. These works mark the beginning of a developing body of writing, as he continues to work on several additional projects that expand both his storytelling and his exploration of different styles and genres. Through his writing, Otis aims to create engaging narratives that resonate with readers and encourage curiosity, imagination, and emotional connection.

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Otis draws inspiration from everyday experiences, people, and the diverse communities that surround him. In addition to his writing, he is committed to giving back to his community. He regularly volunteers at a local food bank, supporting efforts to help those in need and strengthen community connections.

When he is not writing, Otis enjoys spending time developing new ideas for future books while continuing to engage with his local community and creative pursuits.

Me and me momsy… my biggest inspiration and supporter. Raising three kids on her own mustn’t have been easy, and I definitely didn’t make it any easier for her. Despite all that, she made it feel as if we have never missed out… My older brother is getting his doctorate degree in economics, my younger sister has accomplished way too many things to count… and I think I turned out pretty alright too, but I am a little biased, haha. All of which is to her credit alone. I clearly have the greatest mom on the planet.

When I was very young, I wanted to become a rabbi… I have always had a fascination with religion. When my grandfather heard about this desire of mine, he was livid about how “no grandchild of his is going to be a rabbi.” Even though I was brought up entirely secularly, I believe that even the little bit of values I learned through religion in my early years were not without effect.

“Sorry, Pops.”- That one time I took off to Morristown, New Jersey, to learn at the Rabbinical College of America. I figured if even Drake admitted he should have gone to yeshiva in his hit song Wants and Needs, I may as well see what all the fuss is about. Easily one of the most impactful things I have ever done… My grandfather called me every single day that I was there to let me know that I lost my mind, or that all the Yeshiva wanted from me was money, even though I didn’t pay a single cent to be there.

This photo was taken at the graduation of my older brother for his first degree… I think he has a few more than one at this point, haha. When you are growing up without a father, having an older brother who has their stuff together definitely helps. Especially when you are the brother who is always in trouble. Honestly, my brother is the smartest person I have ever met, and this is usually the common case for anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him. Our relationship has definitely not been reciprocal, as I definitely would not be where I am today without him.

“Mom, I said I was sorry.” As I have said… I definitely did not make it easy for my mother when I was younger, haha. In my younger years, I was always in some sort of trouble that was directly caused by an undeservingly large ego. I think this photo of me sums up how much of a menace I used to be.

This photo was taken at the classroom named after my grandfather at Ted Rogers’ School of Management in Toronto… Included in this photo are both my grandparents and my three uncles, who have instilled the value of always giving back in me, and have always had an overly active role in my life without waver… and lord knows that must not have been easy at some points in my life… to me, this isn’t just real wealth; Family is everything.

This is me at the launch for my first novel ever written… They say a book launch is really to celebrate the author, but I was much too nervous for that to be the case. At the launch for my first novel, I already had another novel somewhat finished, and for some reason, I felt as if that second novel should just be locked away on my computer. I had already started working on the third novel, and very scarcely talked about my second one. My mother, who was the only person who had read the second one, told my publicist, Chris Reed at Reed Books Publicity, all about it when I wasn’t paying attention at this very book launch. He would ask me if I could send him a copy of the manuscript, and after reading it, he told me that it was worth seeing to the end… now I have two published books under my belt.

Once again, I really do believe that it is important to give back to your community… one way I do this is by volunteering weekly at a food bank called Chasdei Kaduri. This is a charity that was started by one of my friends and his family, and it is honestly an honour to be part of their team.

***

Which ’hood are you in?

Bathurst Manor

What do you do?

I am a Canadian novelist who writes purely out of passion and the love of the game. I am someone who would pay others so that I could write, and I am fortunate enough that I do not have to. I simply love it and view it as a form of art; where if a picture is the equivalent of a thousand words than a book is the equivalent to at least 50 pictures.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on my third book… which I don’t want to talk about because I do not want anyone to steal the idea. In between that, I get up to too many other things. From volunteering at a food bank every week to helping out at my family’s business, I am usually busy.

Where can we find your work?

In bookstores in Canada, as well as on Amazon. Unfortunately, I do not use social media, but I am working on a website, where I will post some short works of mine for free. It will also have a way for people to reach out to me if they want to.

The post “A Day in the Life” with: Author Michael Otis appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

“A Day in the Life” with: Performing Artist Bonggun Kim

Jocelyne Sobie — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:33:34 +0000

I’ve known Bonggun Kim long enough to remember when comedy wasn’t the plan — it was just something he kept accidentally doing. He has always had this habit of saying things a little too honestly, then realizing people were laughing. Eventually, he figured out he could do that on purpose.

When Bonggun moved to Canada, he didn’t arrive with a five-year plan or a safety net. He arrived with curiosity, work ethic, and an ability to see the absurd in everyday life — especially when cultures collide. Comedy didn’t just become a career choice; it became the most natural way for him to make sense of the world.

I’ve watched him take comedy seriously in a way most people don’t expect. He studies it, rewrites obsessively, performs constantly, and somehow stays humble through all of it. He’ll joke about not knowing what he’s doing, but behind the scenes, he’s disciplined, focused, and stubbornly committed.

What makes Bonggun stand out is that his comedy isn’t loud or forced. It’s thoughtful, sharp, and rooted in real experience. He makes people laugh first — then realize they’re seeing something from a perspective they hadn’t considered before. Watching him grow, it’s clear this isn’t a phase. This is exactly where he’s supposed to be.

Captured eating Chinese food

A dramatic moment on stage

Having fun on stage

Talking about something sexy on stage

A friend trying to make me look like a writer who stayed home for five months and just came outside

How I normally look at the world

Trying to merge into a robot

My mood, my life

***

Which ’hood are you in?

York — currently spreading the smell of kimchi day by day to make the neighbourhood more Korean and Asian.

What do you do?

Stand-up comedy, creating seriously funny content.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently creating interview-style comedy content built around a reverse-interview format. The premise sets up an expected, normal answer, then intentionally subverts it with an unexpected or absurd response that often bridges cultural perspectives. This minimal, direct approach aligns with my comedy style — saying exactly what needs to be said, without over-explaining, and letting the simplicity make the joke stronger.

Alongside content creation, I am touring consistently across Canada. This year, I am focusing on developing my material more thoroughly with the goal of building a full one-hour set and filming my first comedy special.

Where can we find your work?

Everything can be found here.

The post “A Day in the Life” with: Performing Artist Bonggun Kim appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

“A Day in the Life” with: Writer Henry Fiorillo

Jocelyne Sobie — Wed, 27 May 2026 07:33:52 +0000

Growing up in British Columbia in the 1950s and 60s, Henry Fiorillo never thought he would visit Toronto a little then moved there.

His parents were born to immigrants who arrived in Vancouver in 1908. His father’s early years were spent in Fernie, BC, prior to attending UBC in the late 30s and then enlisted in the Canadian Air Force as a flight navigation instructor. His mother was born in Vancouver. Both parents met after an introduction from my mother’s brother, who also attended university, something rare for the sons of Canadian immigrants in the 1930s in British Columbia.

Henry was the second of six children who were introduced to work at a very early age, progressively moving from work in the family’s machine shop, boat building yard and then onto working as a deckhand, mate, and occasionally Captain of the company’s tugboats operating all over the BC Coast.

On some very good fatherly advice, Henry attended the University of British Columbia and then obtained an MBA degree from the University of California, Berkeley. With an MBA under his belt, Henry arrived in Toronto on August 14, 1969, for his first job in the corporate world and where he met his wife Christine, the mother of his four children. Three of Henry’s kids live in Toronto, and his eldest daughter Jessica, lives in New York with her three children.

Henry’s career is a very long way from the tug boats of his youth and has encompassed corporate jobs of increasing responsibility, building and operating a leading strategic market research company, cofounding a successful ad agency, investing, diverse range of businesses in Canada and the US, spending time as a director in the 1990s for two years on the Board of Kids Help Phone and donating to various charities.

Currently dividing this time between a home he and his partner Louise built on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and at their farm in Caledon.

At the wheel on The Lewis Reef

Cold Safari Morning

Enjoying time with the Dogs

Fishing on the St Jean River, Gaspe

On the Brooklyn Bridge, NYC

Time with Family & The Dogs

With my Partner Louise at Dinner

Fly fishing on the St Jean River, Gaspe, catch and release

***

Which ’hood are you in?

Since arriving in Toronto, I have lived mostly life in the Annex, Yonge and St. Clair and Forest Hill. Our last home in the city was in a beautiful condo in the DuPont Avenue Road area before Covid persuaded us to live at the Caledon farm, where we live with our two Vizslas and now three cats, part of the year, then drive everyone out West for the winter months.

What do you do?

I enjoy time in nature, both of our farm and our property in British Columbia, while remaining active in several of the businesses that I’ve invested in, providing strategic guidance, mentoring, and helping younger entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.

What are you currently working on?

Currently working on perfecting my Salmon and Halibut Fishing skills and enjoying my Boat Rosie on Vancouver Island, travelling with my partner and my children and grandchildren. I just published my new book, “Fool’s Gold: Angel investing and the Fine Art of Losing Money.”

Where can we find your work?

Anyone with an interest in Angel investing, or sometimes it’s called start-up early-stage investing, will find my book available on Amazon, Indigo, and at select bookstores. “Fool’s Gold: Angel investing and the Fine Art of Losing Money” contains lessons learned over 60 years and how to avoid the potholes in land mines that wait both the novice and even seasoned investors in this high-risk area.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Performing Artist Jonathan Neeman

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:33:00 +0000

From the moment Azaria Niko entered this world, I knew she was destined to light it up in her own unforgettable Jonathan Neeman is a Toronto-born storyteller, former stand-up comic, father and husband, and professional overthinker. By day, he works a respectable 9-to-5 in the world of software. By night, he tries to reverse-engineer human behaviour. He is the host of Rogue Psychology, a show built on one simple idea: personal problems have universal solutions. To be more specific, most personal problems aren’t unique; they’re just poorly examined. Through humour, curiosity, and the occasional self-own, Jonathan explores big, messy topics like how to lower the divorce rate, how to become less easily offended, how to improve your creativity, how to make your “fake” laugh more genuine, how to reduce our addiction to social media, and how to stop performing in dating and start being honest. Part comedy, part behavioural experiment, Rogue Psychology treats life like a lab, with Jonathan as both researcher and test subject. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children, who have dramatically improved his humility and significantly reduced his free time.

This is me at a routine dental appointment. It’s a reminder that even someone who hosts a show about human behaviour still has to do the ordinary, not-so-glamorous things in life.

This is me spending time drawing with my family. A lot of my thinking and creativity actually begin in moments like this.

This was taken during filming for Rogue. It captures the behind-the-scenes energy of the show.

Also from set, this is me mid-shoot, talking through ideas.

This is me out kayaking in the summer. Staying active (or at least trying to) is important to me.

This “professional overthinking” shot. A lot of Rogue starts from moments like this.

This is me performing stand-up

This is me at home with my two sons, which is the real grounding force behind everything I do.

***

Which ’hood are you in?

St. Clair West.

What do you do?

I host Rogue Psychology, a show that examines modern behaviour.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on new episodes Rogue, using my background in stand-up, to examine unconventional methods for improving how we process information, date, scroll, and show up in the world.

Where can we find your work?

You can find a trailer for the show here.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Multidisciplinary Artist Azaria Niko

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:33:44 +0000

From the moment Azaria Niko entered this world, I knew she was destined to light it up in her own unforgettable way. As her mother, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into a woman who is as determined as she is dynamic. Azaria has always possessed a natural confidence — the kind you can’t teach — paired with a work ethic that continues to amaze me. When she sets her heart on something, she pursues it fully, with courage and grace.

She is creative, expressive, and never afraid to take up space. Whether she’s performing, building her brand, or stepping into new opportunities, Azaria moves with intention and authenticity. What makes me most proud isn’t just her ambition, but her resilience. She has faced challenges head-on and turned them into stepping stones toward something greater.

Behind the spotlight is a thoughtful, strategic young woman who understands the power of growth and reinvention. She dreams big, plans smart, and executes boldly. Watching her evolve into someone who inspires others simply by being herself has been one of my greatest joys.

Azaria Niko isn’t just chasing success — she’s creating her own lane, and I couldn’t be prouder to call her my daughter.

-Written by Mama Care

My first photoshoot with Elite Model Management I have always loved being in front of the camera

Sunnybrook Stables, where it all started for me in horseback riding at age 8. Walter Shanley, the owner of the barn, was my Godfather (1959-2017), fearless since I was little

Riding in Greece for a commercial shoot, starting in Toronto, now I’m riding in Europe on the beach doing what I love

Jamaican heritage gave me a love for music from a baby. It’s wonderful to celebrate and attend Trinidad carnival representing Canada

Dance is a huge part of my life. Here is a photo taken right before class started for last year’s program for sensual routines, deep stretch and pole dancing

On set filming the “Bagels” music video at Kettlemans Bagels with the creators of Rogue Psychology, Ethan Cole and David Lipson

My most recent headshots taken for 2026 auditions

One of my favourite photos from Strahov from my visit to Prague to visit my family on my father’s side

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I reside in Mimico, right by the water. It’s a wonderful place to live. There are farmers’ markets from the Spring to the Fall with quality produce. I love to go for a run in the morning; there are so many paths you can take.

What do you do?

I’m a multi-hyphenate creative and entrepreneur: a signed model with Elite Model Management, actress and stuntwoman, music artist, dancer and instructor, and equestrian, while also building businesses, finishing my final year in Business Management, raising my twin daughters, and bringing faith, humour, and heart into everything I do.

What are you currently working on?

I have dedicated myself to a comedic social experimental show called Rogue Psychology, which is a must-watch! I am John’s friend, helping him navigate the world and conquer issues that need solving. The show is hilarious, and I cannot wait for the world to tune in.

Where can we find your work?

I am on IMDB and you can follow my Instagram

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