Esaad’s work takes form under the guise of the cyborg body – the hybrid body – the site of possible being. There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between pharaonic bodies and the idea of the cyborg. A pharoah can adorn the wings of a bird, the body of a human and the senses of a cat. Why can’t a human carry those same secrets?

Working interdisciplinary, she roots her practice in a utopian place of imagined existence. On one end, acknowledging the body as a site by which racialized people navigate trauma, while also, using the figure of the cyborg to represent otherness.

Currently, alongside her artistic practice and career in Fashion Styling at SSENSE and within commercial, editorial and e-commerce fashion, the UK native is the acting Co-Editor-in-Chief of Lotion Magazine as well as a Fashion Model signed to Chantale Nadeau, Faces MGMT and Niwa Models.

***

What neighborhood are you in?

My studio (and probably favourite place in the world), is in Bloordale, where I work alongside a group of stellar artists + makers. Currently, I am based between Montreal and Toronto – a blessing to be in both cultural spaces simultaneously, yes, but I’d be lying if I said Toronto didn’t have my heart.

What do you do?

Okay, that’s a somewhat loaded question, haha. I work first and foremost as a Fashion Stylist working between Toronto and Montreal on Commercial, Editorial and E-commerce projects, adjacent to my career as a Model with Chantale Nadeau, Niwa Models and Faces MGMT. Simultaneously, I have my artistic practice based on Paint, Print & Textiles. I’m also the Co-Editor-In-Chief of the upcoming Toronto-based publication Lotion Magazine; a 360 brand run by myself and Forever Larnyoh. In my free time, I like to read and cook mostly.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I have been actively working towards my first Solo Exhibition. It’s been taking form in such a different way than I anticipated – monstrous paintings – of course, but also non-functional furniture (?), 30ft weaves… I cannot wait to share it with you. Alongside this, I’ve been working to fully layout and compile Lotion Magazine Issue 1 – highlighting QTBIPOC and Afro-centric communities locally and globally. And finally, I’ve been attempting to create my first Knitwear Ready-to-Wear Collection, allowing room for play and experimentation throughout the process. Stay tuned for my next ‘Stitchin’ n’ Bitchin’ workshop in partnership with Lotion Magazine and The Drake Hotel for a chance to join our woven community. With upcycling at the forefront of my textile practice, It’s been extremely rewarding to work with my extended communities to collect and source, learn and develop – an ultimately self-taught space in my craft. I can’t wait to share everything with you!

Where can we find your work?

I’m working on a website revamp, so in the meantime, you can find me on Instagram as @rightmood and @cyborgcamp for all things art and fashion, and @lotion.mag for all things events.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Interdisciplinary Artist and Fashion Stylist Biba Esaad appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Name:

Gillian Stone

Genre:

Vocally-driven post-rock/drone folk

Founded:

This is a tough one! I’ve been playing my own stuff live for many years, but I didn’t start truly investing in my creative project until late 2019.

# of Albums:

1

Latest Album:

Spirit Photographs

Latest Single:

“The Throne”

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Tool’s Lateralus blew my musical world apart when I was 15. It led me to Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and prog. Joni Mitchell was also a huge influence.

Favourite musician now:

A tie between PJ Harvey, Low, The Weather Station, Nils Frahm, and Joanna Newsom.

Guilty pleasure song:

“Honey” by Robyn.

Live show ritual:

I get pretty intense performance anxiety, so making sure I have a slow and peaceful day before playing a show is essential for my performance practice.

Favourite local musician:

The Weather Station, Picastro, Michael Peter Olsen, Tara Kannangara, and Kira May.

EP or LP?

It really depends. Sometimes an artist can say everything they need to say on an EP. But, being that I’m partial to long and winding songs, I do tend to gravitate to LPs. Either way, I’m a sucker for a concept album.

Early bird or night owl?

For my creative process, I’m a total night owl. I love when everyone is asleep, the house is still, and I know I’m alone. I prefer to access creative plains in solitude.

Road or studio?

Being on the road is always an adventure, but I love working in the studio. I tend to hear entire soundscapes and arrangements in my head when I write songs, so being able to bring these to life in a controlled environment is so fulfilling for me. I prefer to work out songs in the studio as opposed to in a live setting.

Any shows or albums coming up?

Spirit Photographs was released on November 18th. I’m also booking a Vancouver Island mini-tour for January 2023.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp | SoundCloud

***

Rapid Fire Toronto Qs

Favourite local restaurant:

North of Bombay in The Junction.

Favourite street in your city:

Indian Road between Bloor and The Queensway. I fell in love on a walk up that street.

Favourite park in your city:

Warden Woods. It’s such an interesting urban park – a juxtaposition of dirty and beautiful, with city infrastructure all around it. It’s one of Barry’s (my dog) favourite walks. I also filmed the “Raven’s Song” music video there.

Favourite music venue in your city:

Tranzac Club.

Favourite music store in your city:

Press Vinyl Cafe on the Danforth is a hidden gem. I’ve found some cool stuff there, including early Factory Records pressings.

The post “Five Minutes With” Multi-Instrumentalist and Interdisciplinary Artist, Gillian Stone appeared first on Toronto Guardian.