toronto artists Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day In The Life” With French Canadian Visual Artist Sandrine Dickel

Julian Swift — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 04:30:49 +0000

Sandrine Dickel grew up within a united, loving and supportive French family. She has been immersed in a very open cultural universe. Her sensitivity of colours, shapes and movement reflect her curiosity about the world around her. I met her at a very young age, when we were in high school, and I immediately detected her open-mindedness, her listening and her thirst to learn from the other. Each area she undertakes to know quickly proves to be mastered. Sandrine has conducted her professional career with efficiency as senior officer in the French administration. She had three children who inherited her ability to adapt from a changing world.

She courageously decided to abandon her profession, to follow her turbulent husband abroad, and converted herself to art, with an attachment and a motivation that amaze me every day. Her art reflects her personality: turned towards the other, all the sensory captors fully opened… Lights, colours, strokes, materials, movements, reflect an exacerbated sensitivity and a great finesse of perception. Canada is a constant source of inspiration with its cultural mixing resulting from a patchwork of populations, languages and horizons, and the diversity of its landscapes and seasons.

– David Dickel, husband. (@dickeldavid)

– “Together” 2021 Fresco’s series, oil on paper (19,5×24,5’’). I really enjoy painting on paper, the paper I used as a natural linen color.

– “Solace” 2021 Oil on Mylar (20×25’’). Always eager to experiment I tried Mylar; it is a wonderful surface to work on with oil paint which adheres and glides at the same time. Being far from my family, especially my children living in France, I tried to express the desire and need to embrace.

– Canadian winter landscape a source of inspiration, even if I am doing only a few landscapes, the lines and shapes of nature inspired my work. Ink on paper (18×24’’).

– My source of inspiration is also in the very ordinary thing, like the water on the table for my first terrasse after lockdown.

– Working on self-portrait I take a lot of photos when I catch a light or shadows. they are very spontaneous.

– Self -portrait is a very playful exercise too. You always have a model at home! In composition I like the idea of being trapped in a space too small for the entire body…

– Extract of my 2021 project “one day, one portrait, 10 min”

– My studio in the basement of my house with my two supporters very attentive and not always useful!!!

What hood are you?

Toronto not far from Casa Loma.

What do you do?

I am a painter. My studio is my basement at home but also all the images I have in my head. I take also a lot of photos. I am fascinated by the movement, the light and the fragmentation. I use different media; oil paint mainly but also inks and charcoal. The dust of charcoal and pastels, the fluidity and lack of control of the ink, the touch of the crumpled paper and transparency are all paths I like to follow. I let the gestures come into action, until the subject answers. I explore existence and femininity, a reflection on the idea of passing time, on transformation, temporality and life.

What are you currently working on?

I started this year a project I called Fresco, oil paint on paper, canvas or Mylar. Time fells right for a deep exploration of passing time and state of our feelings. In my paintings, the body is a landscape. Transparency and the unspoken show the fragility and intimacy in human interaction.

Simultaneously, I explore self-portraiture as a kind of conversation with my work in a serious but also very playful and liberating way. I have also begun to take photographs that are an end in themselves or an inspiration for painting or drawing.

Finally, I am doing a project called “one day, one portrait, 10min”, since the beginning of 2021, one portrait every day, an incredible and very “instructive” experience. I use very different media (6×8,5’’ on paper) and they always reflect the mood of the day.

Where can we find your work?

You can follow my daily work on Instagram @sandickart or look at my website https://sandrinedickel.blog.
You can also contact me directly Sandrine.dickel@gmail.com

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OCAD grads featured at CF Toronto Eaton Centre NEW Outdoor Art Corridor

Sonya Davidson — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:00:24 +0000

Human connection is what many of us have been missing for the past year. All this time of social distancing made many of us realize that we truly need each other in many ways. Community is at the heart of what keeps us together. Where we live, work and play. With that in mind, Cadillac Fairview (CF) in collaboration with OCAD University will draw eyes up as they unveil an inspiring new space for local creatives — the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Art Corridor.

Beginning this July, visitors of the popular local and tourist destination will find a portion of Yonge Street from Dundas to Queen transformed into a beautiful outdoor digital gallery located above the iconic shopping centre. The exhibition titled “Imagine Together” will feature original works by emerging OCAD U artists in an 18-month long exhibition. A total of nine inspiring works will be featured in the massive exhibit in alignment with CF’s overall commitment of Transforming Communities for a Vibrant Tomorrow.

The original call for submission asked OCAD U’s Faculty of Design graduates to consider how art can bring people together and build community. Each artist was asked to reflect on their personal experiences about what it means to be inclusive, together and socially connected. Within their designs the artists were asked to consider physical, emotional and sensory elements to nurture community and empower individuals.

Toronto based artists Raquel Da Silva, Jason Zante, and Daria Joyce will be featured during this incredible exhibition.

Working primarily in paint and sculpture, artist Raquel Da Silva focuses on creating abstract environments. Currently her work explores how 2 and 3-dimensional forms and shapes can work together to create an environment. Her art in this collaboration celebrates the vibrant culture of our city. She reflects on that energy to inform, inspire, and regenerate. Da Silva recently completed a one-year residency at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Toronto.

Filipino-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, Jason Zante, has already gained a mega fanbase in the art scene. He’s known for his use of vibrant colours, bold contrasts and ethereal landscapes in his art. If his style looks familiar you may have recently passed by his larger than life mural titled “The Riviera” located at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest.

Illustrator Daria Joyce‘s playful and vibrant style reflects the power of connection at one of North America’s largest shopping destinations located right here in the heart of our city. Her work depicts the inspiring environment bringing people together into the communal experience beyond retail activity.

For more information, visit CF Toronto Eaton Centre here.

*This content was sponsored by CF Toronto Eaton Centre

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“A Day In The Life” With Silk Screen/Visual Artist Mahyar Amiri

Julian Swift — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:30:40 +0000

Mahyar Amiri is a 24 year old silk screen artist and owner of the Not Art Gallery located in Vaughan. Mahyar was born in Toronto and his style is inspired by contemporary brand culture and design. His art reflects his passions and interest, and those of his clients and buyers. Mahyar’s different collections utilize various mediums and consist of different art genres. Mahyar art is done by hand, and he works mostly on a canvas, where he finishes every piece with dynamic gestures in pain, resin and glass neon to give each piece a unique and contemporary finish. Mahyar’s work captures what is iconic and eternal in modern society.

The Monana Series in action.

Completed Monana Series.

Creation of Peace initial sketch for the mural.

Mahyar pictured in front of his Creation of Peace Mural in King City.

Mahyar’s initial Sketch for an Art Car commission for a private collector.

Art Car Commission in action.

Mahyar’s original sketch for the BOO mural.

The finished BOO mural in King City.

Which ‘hood are you in?

I was born in Toronto and I currently reside in Vaughan. However, most of the time I’m in Toronto meeting with clients, interior designers and custom home builders.

What do you do?

Artist until I find a real job.

What are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working on a new series that will hopefully be released next month. I can’t say much about the details, but I will tell you that it will be my largest edition that I have ever released to date. Besides that, I’m always working on commissions for local and international collectors who are looking for custom artwork in specific sizes and mediums.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on my personal Instagram @itsmahyar and my gallery page is @gallerynotart. My complete catalogue of work is on my website www.notart.ca.

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“A Day In The Life” With Abstract Artist Gloria C Swain

Julian Swift — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 04:30:29 +0000

Gloria C Swain is an inspiration. She is intelligent, talented, resilient, and stands out in every crowd. Her love of art, people, and dance is amazing. Her big laugh and positive energy are contagious. When I heard the title of her current show for Black Artists Network in Dialogue (BAND), I thought it was perfect. ‘Grow Through What You Go Through’ is how she lives. She is the type of person who puts whatever she is going through aside to focus on helping others.

As a single mom of two daughters, she always put her children first. She returned to school after her daughters completed their education and started their own families. Gloria graduated with a master’s degree at age sixty-two. She beat cancer in 2018 and is an accomplished abstract artist. Her paintings speak of her own journey with such truth and passion. She is an amazing artist, an awesome dancer, and a generous person with her time. I am proud to call her friend and mom. If she were not my mom, I would still love her because she is such a bright light and brings so much joy.

-Written by Daughter, Grace Roquel

– Spending time with my daughter and grandchild.

– Spending time with my cat, Patchies.

– I like trying new techniques. I recently started beautiful bright pieces of work using spray paint and acrylic paint.

– I have been writing my memoirs for several years and recently started adding my artwork to my story.

– I am proud and happy to say I am three years cancer free but still have to make ongoing visits to Princess Margaret for blood work.

– I began dancing in March 2020 after the first lockdown and all gyms were closed. I feared going outside for walks because many folks were not wearing masks or practicing social distance. Once a week, as self care, I began posting dance reels on Instagram. When people informed me how my dancing uplifted and motivated them, I now post every week. Dance is healing.

– Since the pandemic and lockdown, I transformed my bedroom into an art studio.

– I spend hours painting. Art is healing.

Which ‘hood are you in?

Downtown Toronto … near Harbourfront where I am surrounded by the sound and smell of fresh water. Like art and dance, water has healing powers, and I am fortunate to live so close to it.

What do you do?

I am a mother, grandmother, community auntie, self taught abstract artist, advocate for seniors and mental health and an inspiring photographer.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on several projects because I like to keep busy. One project is self-portraits centering my experience as an older Black woman living alone through this pandemic. And the other project that I am extra excited about is a digital library to showcase my art, photography, performances, and writings which will be published as an artbook. People can follow the progress for the artbook at https://www.patreon.com/GloriaCSwain

Where can we find your work?

You can follow my art journey on Instagram: @gloria_c_swain_artist and join my dance routines on Tiktok: @shehergloria. Also, check out my current exhibit, in person and digitally, through BAND.

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“Five Minutes With” Toronto Alt Pop Artist Vicki Lovelee

Julian Swift — Tue, 25 May 2021 04:30:55 +0000

Vicki Lovelee is a Chinese Canadian alt-pop singer from Ontario, Canada. She uses orchestral instrumentation and fuses them with dramatic, pop elements; ultimately creating a dark and theatrical sound. Vicki frequently uses skulls, pink paint and eccentric black clothing to help tell her story. She is influenced by pop artists like Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Allie X and MARINA.

Vicki is a huge advocate for mental health awareness and believes in the acceptance of all cultures and identities. She is unafraid to dive deep into topics like religion, death and struggle with anxiety. Her newest single “Crossed Off” is dedicated to anyone who doesn’t feel accepted and wants to find a place to belong. The title “Crossed Off” could have 2 meanings; one referring to being crossed off a list and another referring to religion, to symbolize the cross. The song will be a part of her debut EP coming in Fall 2021.

Name: Vicki Lovelee

Genre: Alt-pop

Founded: 2019

# of Albums: I have 5 singles out so far, and currently working on my first EP!

Latest Release: I just released my single called “Crossed Off”, which you can listen to on any music platform! http://smarturl.it/CrossedOff

Latest Single: My latest single is called “Crossed Off”

Latest Video: My virtual concert!

Favourite band as a teenager:

Lady Gaga (and still one of my all time favs!)

Favourite band now:

Lady Gaga, Allie X and MARINA

Guilty Pleasure Song:

Lately I’ve been listening to Incomplete by the Backstreet Boys haha!

Live Show Ritual:

Getting in the mindset of what the song is about and channeling my emotions in the music.

Favourite local artist:

Christee Palace has been putting out bops recently!

EP or LP?

I prefer LP’s especially in pop music because I love experience the different eras of an album (whether it’s in the lyrics, visuals, music style and even fashion)

Early bird or night owl?

Neither cause I’m always tired!

Road or studio?

It’s so hard to choose, I really love them both equally. I need the balance of both!

Any shows or albums coming up?

Yes! I just released my new single “Crossed Off”. You can listen here: http://smarturl.it/CrossedOff

Rapid Fire Qs on Toronto

Sneaky Dees nachos, pasta from Terroni or a superfood salad from Fresh?
Sneak Dees nachos

Queen or College St?

Queen Street

Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Riverdale, Kew Gardens, or other?

High Park! Although it’s too bad we can’t see the cherry blossoms this year

Swiss Chalet or Roti?

Roti

Where can we follow you?

Website | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook

Favourite local Restaurant:

Osaka Sushi

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