Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo: Artist Tam Phan’s new exhibition at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

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We’re excited to introduce a brand new exhibition up in the Akin Vitrine Gallery at 1747 St Clair Ave: ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ by artist Tam Phan!

The exhibition will be up from February 9th - March 9th. The gallery is visible from the street 24/7, if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by and take a look. In the meantime, read on to find out more about Tam’s work and inspirations! 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan, waring a respirator mask

About the artist: 
Tam Phan is a Vietnamese-Canadian artist based in Toronto who loves working with stained glass. Her practice explores themes of nostalgia, wonder, feeling lost, and identity. Her new installation titled ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ will run from February 9th - March 9th in the Akin Vitrine, and will showcase various stained glass pieces, lite brite toys, and a gifted TTC lightbox. The installation is inspired by her trips to Vietnam and Japan. 

See more work on Tam’s instagram

Tell us about your exhibition!
Tam: “Everyday I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo was inspired by a trip I went on to Japan and Vietnam in 2023. I felt lost on this trip and it impacted how I viewed myself and my identity. Although unsteady, I felt comfortable with my reading and conversational skills in Vietnam, plus I had family there who made me feel mostly at home. But once I got to Japan I felt lost again, and those feelings were amplified by being physically lost in a place where I couldn't understand anything.

I decided to take lots of pictures of the shop and restaurant signs, and three were my inspiration for the stained glass collection I have in the Vitrine Gallery. Each one is colourful, vibrant, and has Kanji in it, but there's a small feeling of sadness when I look at each of them. I manipulated the colours, design and shapes but ultimately kept most of them true to the original.

Thank you to the Toronto Arts Council who generously supported this project.”

 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan is standing beside the Akin Vitrine Gallery and looking at it. In the gallery are many colourful pieces of stained glass artwork incluing a large piece featuring a piece of chocolate cake with red cherries on it in front of an orange and blue background.

 

What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now? 

Tam: “Just a paper and pencil! I was also obsessed with gel pens.”

Do you have a studio routine? 

Tam: “I am definitely a project-focused artist. My studio mates will not see me for months until I have a new passion project. Then you'll see me in the studio every day, cutting, grinding and foiling like a mad scientist.”

Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?

Tam: “Just do it! Go to the studio even if you don't have everything ready. I'm always surprised by how inspiring it can be to just give yourself space in the right environment. I also divide my time at the studio with playing badminton, and I find the two (making art, play badminton) inspire and motivate each other in odd ways.”

What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?

Tam: “There are so many benefits. Even though every morning is a constant battle to get out of the door, once I'm at the studio I feel my creative side break through. The community, having an alternate space for creativity, and for this specific project, every single one of my studio mates helped me from cutting to design to installation or even just a short pep talk. It was incredible and made me so emotional. Everyone wanted me to succeed. 

I signed up for a space at Akin during the pandemic when I desperately needed a change of scenery and a chance to work with my hands. Being at Akin has changed my worldview in many ways.”

What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at? 

Tam: “Not good: meeting deadlines. Want to be good at: meeting deadlines!!”

Akin would like to thank Tam for your lovely exhibition and participation, we love this installation and can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future! 

This project was produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council. #poweredbyTAC

 

New Exhibition at Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery by artist Bernadette Peets

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The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce an exhibition of works by Akin Dupont member, Bernadette Peets. Located at 1485 Dupont Street, on the second floor of the building, this miniature gallery offers a unique viewing experience to visitors in the building.

Images above: Colourful multi-media artworks by Bernadette Peets. Each piece 12”x12”. Titles in order from left to right: “Clouds”, “Crane River 4” and “Little Pond”.

About the Exhibition
In this latest exhibition, Peets invites us to explore her series of "small layered landscapes." These pieces are more than representations of physical spaces; they are windows to the emotions and sensations experienced within them. Created initially en plein air, these artworks were later transformed in her studio with the addition of striking neon plexiglass layers.

The result is these colourful pieces with depth that beckon viewers to engage with the art from various angles and perspectives, much like one would naturally experience in a real landscape. The swift, loose execution of these pieces contrasts beautifully with the deliberate layering, creating a dynamic visual experience that is both stimulating and thought-provoking.

 

About the Artist
”In my practise of nearly 30 years, I have been constantly searching for ways to express my thoughts, ideas and feelings sincerely and honestly. I am weary of becoming known for my ‘style’ or recurring themes as this would not reflect who I am as a person. I am constantly growing and evolving and my art reflects this as well.

Over the years I have worked with many tools, materials and methods and I have always tried to match the medium with the subject matter as a way to reinforce and strengthen the work.”

Bernadette’s foundation in drawing and painting, coupled with her extensive experience in theatre design, costume, and prop making, has equipped her with a diverse skill set. This versatility allows her to seamlessly blend various materials and techniques, from sculptural works and installations to multi-layered 2D images.

“There is often a subtle message in my work that invites the viewer to invest some time to look beneath the surface and to involve them in a participatory way.”

Visit www.bernadettepeets.com for more of Bernadette’s creative work.

Image Description: Artist Bernadette Peets in her studio working on a painting. Bernadette is holding a paintbrush up to a large canvas which has a work-in-progress painting in bright orange and blue paint. Image couretsy of www.bernadettepeets.com

 

About the Gallery
The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is a space dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents of Akin Dupont studio members. It's a small window gallery that faces the hallway, offering a novel and accessible way for the public to engage with art. Nestled beside Ink & Water Tattoo, and just down the hall from Franz Kaka Gallery. The building is open to the public from 8am-8pm.

Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Michelle Lee and Heidi Keyes

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The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and two cropped details of the two artists work in this blog post.

 

Welcome to the final edition of Akin’s Winter Makers Highlight series! If you still have anyone left on your holiday shopping list, then look no further - we’ve got you covered.  We’re excited to introduce you to Akin Dupont member Michelle Lee and Akin Yonge-St Clair member Heidi Keyes. They’ve got lots of exciting goodies available for purchase online and in person. Read on to find out more! 

Michelle Lee 

Michelle Lee is a Toronto-based visual artist creating works that are small and light enough to carry with you under any circumstance! Humorously, she conceptualized 'pocket works for the apocalypse', an ongoing series of paintings on hand built ceramics. The images she creates are dreamlike interpretations of places and people; each alludes to a bigger story, while exploring subtle moments of relation and transformation. The handheld size and wearable form offers a tangible connection to the body. Michelle’s studio practice is balanced by her work leading art and nature based programs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She received her BFA from OCAD University, and has exhibited in Ontario. Stay tuned for her participation in local art markets!

 

An image of Michelle Lee at a craft market. Michelle has brown hair with bangs, with a pink-blonde streak. She is wearing a pair of her handmade ceramic earrings. She wears a blue button down shirt and jeans. She’s standing, with one hand leaning on the table where her ceramics are displayed. There are small ceramic earrings, pendants and little blue pots. 

 

“My current process has really grown out of the desire to work with my hands in a slow and contemplative way. I’m interested in creating work that can be held and touched; that can become a part of the person who owns it. I’ve found small-scale work can invite this level of intimacy. There’s a need to approach them closely, with intention and care to really get a sense of their story. By having the pieces wearable, my work aims to connect this concept even further, having the art move with you, wherever you may go :) 

Each clay piece is hand built and intricately painted with underglazes using the tiniest brushes I can find. My go-to size for detail is ‘0000’, though I’m always on the lookout for a finer brush! All the pieces are then fired with a glossy clear glaze on top, and finished with either a chain to turn the work into a necklace or stainless steel hooks for a pair of earrings.

 

An image of a table, containing various vials of different coloured paint, and Michelle Lee’s hand holding a fine paintbrush. She’s working on two ceramic pendants, both identical, a blue, airy scene with the black outline of a person, with hair blowing in the wind, layered on top.  

 

My inspiration for the imagery initially comes from places that I’ve visited; often while out walking in nature or exploring new locations. From there, I’ll take reference photos to revisit when I'm back at my desk. Through drawing, I begin to reimagine and “deconstruct” the scene captured. I’ll pull forward certain formal elements that have caught my eye and I want to emphasize, while playing with colour and abstraction to shift the feel and composition. I like to leave hints and traces of the original subject matter, yet ultimately depict a new space open to interpretation, and where others can find their own personal connection.”

Check out Michelle’s work on her online shop www.pocketworksfortheapocalypse.com or on instagram  @mieve_lee

 

An image of Michelle Lee’s ceramic necklace called ‘Sisters” The pendant is crescent moon shaped with a chain attached on both ends. The pendant is painted with a series of lines reminiscent of a horison, with two shapes side by side, their shadows outlined with a dotted line. 

 

Heidi Keyes

Heidi is a mixed media artist residing in Toronto. She is from the Kingston area of Ontario and is part Nordic. Her practice seeks to uncover spiritual truths, which will help in creating what she has called "The Earth Idyllic". One of her influences is Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. Heidi believes that by continuously focusing on intelligent insights, wisdom and solutions and positive thoughts that we can realize a successful transition to a new Earth Idyllic.

 

An image of two paintings mounted on a wall in a living room. The painting are by Heidi Keyes. They are abstract paintings, in pinks, blues and reds. The room holds a long blue velvet couch, a circular coffee table with a vase, and some large books on the floor. 

 

“Most of my works are acrylic on canvas with various acrylic mediums. I do some works on paper. I am using a special pallet which resembles pastels and is intended to create a feeling of warmth and a frequency vibration of love. They are generated through layers of underpainting and a layering paint, the end result is a very glowy work. Spiritual truths arise during the painting process. Each piece deals with a separate aspect of human existence and provides some direction and guidance as to how we could improve.”

An image of an artwork on the wall of a home. The painting is done by Heidi Keyes, an abstract work in pinks, purples and blues. In the room is a modern style table, lamp, and stool. 

You can see Heidi’s work in an upcoming exhibition at Mit-Far Cafe at 1098 Yonge Street, at Roxborough.The exhibition runs till January 20th, 2024. @mitfarcafe.

See more of Heidi’s work on her instagram @heidi.e.keyes

 
 
 
 

Thanks so much to Heidi and Michelle for their participation! And thank you to our beautiful community of art makers and art lovers, for your support of local artists! We encourage you to shop locally and support artists with your purchases all year long!


Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.  

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council 

Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Janet Hinkle, Heather Stewart, and Shayla Bond

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The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and three cropped details of the thee artists work in this blog post.

 

As we continue to highlight some of Akin’s finest artists and makers this winter season, we’re excited to bring you some toasty warm talent! Akin studio members Janet Hinkle, Heather Stewart, and Shayla Bond have gorgeous original, handmade work available this season for purchase online or in person, read on for more details. 

Janet Hinkle

Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janet Hinkle is an interdisciplinary artist with a practice rooted in both contemporary fine art and craft. With a fondness for mixing juxtaposing materials and a practice rooted in shared histories, she is driven to explore concepts involving identity. Pulling inspiration from both mid-century forms and futuristic design, her work manifests as installation, sculpture, gatherings, time-based media, and both human-food and human-flora interaction. She is also one third of studio.docx, a creative team that presents innovative contemporary art in public spaces to create unique community experiences. In addition to her creative practice, Janet Hinkle coordinates and curates art projects and artist capacity-building programs.

 

Needle Study. A photograph of a textile by Janet Hinkle, Needle Study, in a gallery. The textile is a series of cyanotype fabric with impressions of various leaves, branches and needles. These blue squares of fabric are woven together with a lighter blue-grey fabric, hung on the wall and drapes down onto the hardwood of the gallery’s hardwood floor. Photo: June Cheng

 

“This winter I am eager to explore the human-flora ecologies present in many major cities, both harmonious and dissonant. Being based in a location that is witness to dormant and dead plant life for half of the year, I am interested in working with local plants in their over-wintering forms to create new projects and programs.” 

Find more of Janet’s work on her instagram @_janethinkle_  

Catch Janet’s work in these December and January events: 

• Château d'Orquevaux Artists & Writers Residency
this December 2023

• Exhibition: Perennial Darkness, Auroral Cultural Centre,
December 2, 2023 - January 27, 2024

• Window Installation: Shifting Grounds, DesignTO Festival,
January 19-28, 2024

• Exhibition: Château, Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
Corridor Galleries, January 27 - May 3, 2024

 

Storm Cloud. An installation inside a gallery of Janet Hinkle’s work. The white wall contains pinkish-brown foliage attached to the wall asymmetrically, surrounding an abstract image of pinks, yellows and whites. In front of the wall is a white table holding three small sculptures. Photo: June Cheng

 

Heather Stewart

Heather's artistic journey has been diverse, with studies at OCADU, NSCAD, The Academy for Realist Art, Avenue Road Art School, and a comprehensive three-year adult art program at Central Technical School.

Proficient in various mediums, including acrylic, printmaking, silk screen, and sculpture, Heather finds her artistic comfort zone in the simplicity of a pencil and the nuanced tones of watercolor. Her artwork aims to forge connections, ranging from the overt to the subtly nuanced, inviting viewers to explore the depth of emotion and expression.

A painting by Heather Stewart called Cottage Life. Rows of small cottage near the shoreline. The still blue water in the foreground reflect the cottages and sky, which is gray and blue. 

Residing and working in Toronto, Heather is an active member of Akin and The Don Valley Art Club, enriching her work with diverse perspectives and inspiration.

Find Heather’s work on her Etsy page, ArtbyHeatherStewart

Also check out Heather’s work at an exhibition on now at the Women’s Art Association

“My work is often inspired by my travels. I guide kayak trips in Georgian Bay all summer and love traveling to out of the way places. When I return to the studio I use these images as inspiration to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the places that I have been.” 

“I love creating paintings that vibrate with colour and create a feeling of space. I practice in watercolour and ink on paper as well as acrylic on canvas and wood panel. Most of my inspiration comes from my love of travel (and the fact that photos just can't capture the mood that I experience while traveling!)”

A painting by Heather Stewart called Long Drop, a small white house with a red roof sits on top of a tall cliff. The sky is a vibrant golden yellow-orange. On the bottom of the cliff is a beach with a white fence, surrounded by water. 

Shayla Bond

Shayla Bond is a Toronto-based process artist recognized for her interesting use of sewn fabrics, quilting and weaving techniques. Her work explores themes of perfectionism, control, and obsession, communicated through colour, precision, and repetition.

A believer in the intimate tradition of crafting her own materials, she also experiments with oil mixing using natural pigments along with paper making. By presenting kindred compositions across diverse mediums, she invites viewers to explore the distinct qualities of each to deepen appreciation of craft.

At the heart of her practice lies a dedication to closing the gap between historic and contemporary making. The old crafts are preserved in her body of work where the echoes of the past harmonize with the cadence of the present. 

 

Framework for feeling. An image of one of Shayla Bond’s textiles, mounted inside a thin wooden frame on a white wall, this fabric is filled with small squares of white interspersed with various coloured squares, mostly in reds, purples and oranges. 

 

“Primarily textile based, I use fabric and thread to create intricately sewn panels based on computer-generated compositions. My aim with these pieces is to cross pollinate quilting with conventional stretched art, to move the quilt from the floor to wall while mastering precision and control over the materials. 

I am also the proud owner of ESBE, an artisanal quilt brand where art meets utility through a modern perspective. Embracing traditional techniques, every quilt is meticulously handcrafted by myself, and is both flawlessly detailed and uniquely imperfect.”

Shaya’s work can be purchased on her Etsy store FurnAlleyGifts or through her artisanal quilt brand ESBE  at esbestudio.com

 

Briar quilt fields. An image of one of Shayla Bond’s quilts, blue and white divided into four asymmetrical sections, placed in a field of trees and wildflowers. In the foreground are yellow goldenrod, and lush green foliage all around. 

 

A huge thank you to Janet, Heather and Shayla for participating, we are your biggest fans! We’ll be bringing you more artist highlights in the coming days, so stay tuned!


Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.  

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council 

Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Vera Ka-Bo Tse, Mark Buck, and Ellis Ricketts

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The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and three cropped details of the thee artists work in this blog post.

 

As winter approaches, it's the perfect time to celebrate the craftsmanship of Akin’s fantastic artists and makers. Whether you're on the lookout for unique gifts or something to bring warmth to your own home with one-of-a-kind pieces, we’re proud to bring you some of our studio Member's fantastic talents. Read on to find out more about the work artist Vera Ka-Bo Tse, painter Mark Buck, and illustrator Ellis Ricketts have available this season! 

Vera Ka-Bo Tse

Akin Yonge-St Clair Member Vera Ka-Bo Tse is a Canadian artist who was born in Hong Kong whose work attempts to create an imaginary world which acts as a reminder of one’s origins and natural place of birth which poses questions about our existence and memory of where we came from. The objects represent a state of meditation to connect humans to their origins and earth with principles of wellness and sustainability to remind us that we all come from the same beginning and share commonality in birth, life and death like water flows. Vera Ka-Bo Tse creates work in a meditative state in which she recalls her birth origins in Hong Kong. Her memories are translated into a narrative mythology with iconography and shapes inspired by the Canadian landscape and my internal expression of a calm meditative shapes.

 

A close up of an arrangement of prints by Vera Ka-Bo Tse on a table with a white tablecloth. The prints are of abstract paintings printed and lined by white mattes arranged in three rows. On the right side, there’s a information poster, with the title “sustainable market art + design. At the edge of the arrangement are small prints with the S’MAD logo on them. 

 

Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s work explores the intersection of art and contemporary design combining techniques of traditional craft using materials like ceramics and metal and paint which create a dialogue that challenges traditional notions of craft and design, beauty, materiality by juxtaposing different media which are like yin and yang to create tension of expression. She coined the artist manifesto Mosaicismal-ism. Mosaicism is the genetic act of combining two or more different genes that produce a mutation that is a hybrid of evolution. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence involving small parts or fragments of genes that recombine to form new combinations with new functions. Design and Art can be sub-divided into sub-categories that are from various sub-divisions of training and education that can be combined into infinite combinations of mutations deriving from the original pure disciplines to create something new that could not have existed before.

Find more of Vera’s work on instagram @smad.artdesign and on her website www.mosaicismalism.com

 

Am image of Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s sculptures arranges on a table. Large blue-green sculptures are spread around the table with smaller gold sculptures.  The table is covered with a blue tablecloth. 

 

Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s work can be found at the S’mad Holiday Market held at Malvern Town Centre December 9th, 31 Tapscott Rd., Scarborough, from 11am to 5pm. Be sure to check out this event hosted by Councillor Jamaal Myers – City of Toronto, where Vera is organizing a Q & A with one of the original members of the Guild Inn History - Guild Inn Estate to discuss the history of art and craft in Scarborough and the connection to Cedar Ridge Creative Centre to connect the past to the future.

For more information visit @smad.artdesign

 

An image of Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s table at an outdoor art fair in summer. A table displayed with prints of abstract painting in oranges, greens and blues, and an arrangement of ceramics, yellow and green sculptures.  

 

Ellis Ricketts

Akin Dupont Member Ellis Ricketts is a painter, illustrator, and mixed media artist who lives and works in Toronto as a concept and graphic artist in the film industry. He's a graduate of Humber College for 3D Animation and sometimes uses 3D arts in creating creative environments and textures. Every chance he has, he puts towards creating art for work and entertainment.

 

An image of Ellis Rickett’s standing beside his painting with this hands folded together. He wears a black and white printed baseball cap, wears circular rimmed glasses and a black, white and red printed shirt. His painting, propped on a table, is a lush, psychedelic looking gardenscape, primarily in green with flowers in purple, red and orange. 

 
 

Ellis Rickett’s painting Legacy Warrior, two antique war helmets  reminiscent of the Trojan era, well worn and slashed, sit amidst a background of red, blue and yellow abstraction.

 

Ellis Ricketts' main media is traditional pen and ink, or digital illustration but is pursuing a career in painting larger scale pieces. Currently, he is dabbling with acrylics on canvas and wood but is still experimenting with different materials like metals and plastics.

View Ellis’ work on his Instagram @paperscarifications and his work can be purchased on his website: www.ellisricketts.com/shop

 

Ellis Rickett’s ink drawing on natural textured paper of an army tank with heads of cars, guns and army equipment piled on top of it. 

 

Mark Buck 

Akin Dupont Member Mark Buck is a Toronto born artist who has been involved in the art business for over 40 years. After managing two Toronto art galleries he taught secondary high school students visual art, Photoshop, and photography for 19 years. Mark has been a member of Akin  Dupont since 2016. His premiere exhibition was held at Youngplace Artscape from June 4- 16 2018. Mark's multilayered 3D kinetic acrylic paintings called "Mondragams" were featured at the 61st Toronto Outdoor Art Fair from July 10-17 2022. Mark’s acrylic paintings, Mondragams and Mixed Media 

 

Mondragam #4. An image of Mark Buck’s work, Mondragam #4 Colour Wave #1. A bright work with 3D squares of various depths arranged in a symmetrical way. The squares are primarily red, yellow, green, brown and blue 

 

Lost Ankh. Mark Buck’s work, Lost Ankh. A collage of texture and shape, including  letters, mountains, an eye, and various textures and prints arranged in squares to appear woven together 

Paperworks are being offered at 50% OFF during his annual Winter Sale (until December 31 2023).  Studio visits are by appointment only. No obligation in-home or business visits within the Toronto (GTA) area are welcome. 

Mark's ARTALOG (Art Catalog) pays homage to his/Canada's first digital art gallery. His artwork is three-dimension. It is sculptural. Mark combines his love of art, culture and teaching by featuring the Bauhaus Colour and Shape Design in his artwork. Mark's acrylic paintings sometimes represent his favourite artists such as : Agam, Haring, Lichtenstein, Mondrian, and Picasso. 

Mark’s work can be purchased on his website www.markbuck.art

Check out Mark’s BLOG on “How To Buy Artwork”

Hey! Who Ya Lookin’ At? An image of artist Mark Buck’s collage, Hey! Who Ya Lookin’ At?  Three collaged figures are in the image, on the left hand side, a the figure has blonde hair, one eye and lips. In the middle, a figure wears a hair, and a button down shirt, suit jacket and tie. The third figure, on the right side of the picture has voluptuous blonde hair and white and blue spotted skin. A speech bubble above their head reads “Hey! Who Ya Lookin’ At?” 

A huge thank you to Vera, Ellis and Mark for participation. Stay tuned for more maker highlights coming to you throughout the month. 


Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.  

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council 

Request for Proposals. 2024 Waterfront Toronto, Temporary Floating Public Art.

Waterfront Toronto
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Waterfront Toronto is seeking to commission a professional artist or artist team to create a temporary floating artwork for Harbour Square Park Basin. Artists are asked to submit proposals for installation during summer 2024. The artwork will activate the basin by engaging with the local community and visitors to the waterfront. This RFP is open to all interested artists and artist teams in Canada with relevant experience and expertise as practicing professional artists. Waterfront Toronto strongly encourages that artists use local subcontractors.


Harbour Square Park is located on the shore of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Containing one-fifth of all surface freshwater on Earth, the lakes are a vital source of drinking water and food. Throughout history these interconnected bodies of water have been critically important for trade, human settlement and migration. They are sacred to Indigenous Peoples, who have inhabited the shores and fished in their waters since time immemorial. The lakes’ unique ecosystems are host to a diverse array of plants and animals, and their shores and waters provide recreation for millions of people.

 

Happy Castaways, 2022, Demers-Mesnard. Photo by Nicola Betts.

 

Today, water pollution, climate change, over-extraction, invasive species, and wetland loss are all taking a toll on their watersheds. Water scarcity, often perpetuated by climate change, is one of the most pressing global challenges today, particularly in its relationship to migration. It is imperative we remain engaged with the importance of these waters and with the challenges they face. 

With this context in mind, artists are asked to develop work that explores water as a connector. They should consider the history and importance of these waterways and their role as geographical, ecological, political, economic, social, and spiritual connectors. In keeping with sustainable practices, Waterfront Toronto encourages ready-made artwork submitted as a proposal.

Waterfront Toronto intends to identify one successful Artist or artist-led team to undertake this project, according to the specifications described below. 

 

The Peacemaker's Canoe, 2021, Jay Havens.
Photo by Celene Tang.

 

Submission Requirements

For consideration, artists and artist-led groups are invited to include in their submission:

  1. Maximum two-page Artist Statement describing the artwork, how the public will interact with the artwork, installation method, as well as all relevant dimensions, anticipated weight, and materials.

  2. Up to 8 digital images of the proposed artwork(s).

  3. Proposed budget breakdown and schedule.

  4. Up to 5 images of previous and relevant work.

  5. Artist CV. For artist teams, one CV for each team member.

  6. Three references.

Please refer to the complete submission requirements at Waterfront Toronto: www.waterfrontoronto.ca

 

SOS Safety Orange Swimmers, 2019, Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier A+J Art+Design. Photo by Nicola Betts

 

Budget

The total commissioning budget for this project is $80,000 +HST.

This fee includes all expenses related, but not limited to, Artist fees, preparation and submission of drawings and renderings, coordination and technical consultations including engineering approval or other expertise as required, permits, preparation of installation documents, anchoring plan, meetings and site visits, travel, insurance as required by Waterfront Toronto ($5M liability insurance is required for water installation), rental of studio and storage space, materials, shipping, delivery to site, signage, installation and removal, maintenance manual and artist statement for completed work.

Project Timeline

October 26, 2023 – RFP Issued

  • December 11, 2023 – Deadline for Questions

  • December 18, 2023 by 2pm EST –
    Deadline for Submission of Proposals

  • January 2024 - Artist Selection 

  • February 2024 – Artist Contract Issued

  • February to June 2024 – Design & Fabrication

  • Early July 2024 – Installation

  • Mid to late September 2024 – Artwork De-Install

 
 

Please direct all enquiries regarding this RFP to: publicart@waterfrontoronto.ca, and include Floating Art 2024 in your email.

The information presented here includes only the basic terms of this Request for Proposals. Please read in full the Waterfront Toronto Call for Proposals document which contains complete instructions, evaluation criteria, submission requirements, site details and technical requirements, and terms and conditions.

Submission Deadline: December 18, 2023 by 2:00pm EST

Akin 15th Anniversary celebration: Former Akin Members, Where Are They Now?

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Clockwise from top left: Stephanie Avery, Natalie Waddell, Michael Vickers, Miles Tsang and Shanna Van Maurik and the Akin log with the words “Former Members Highlight!”

 

Akin studios have played a part in the creative journeys of hundreds of artists in Toronto. For fifteen years, makers across the creative spectrum have gathered in Akin studios to work alongside one another, to use these spaces to grow and nourish and grow their practices.  

As Akin’s 15th Anniversary celebrations continue, we reached out to some of Akin’s former members, artists who have once called Akin Studios their home, to see what they’re up to now, and to hear how Akin Studios influenced their creative journeys.

Stephanie Avery

Former Akin Studios: Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG (formerly “The Akin Studio Program at MOCA" and  Akin Ossington 

Stephanie Avery’s CV is packed with murals and exhibitions and creative projects internationally, Find more of Stephanie’s work through her website www.stephanieavery.com and instagram @stephvonawesome

“I am a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist who explores and subverts our collective relationships to public space. Even though I went to school for art and have never stopped practicing, being at Akin MOCA was the first time I fully dedicated myself to my art and considered it as a viable full-time job. Now, five years later, I'm a full-time artist.”

 

Steph Avery lays across a white workbench inside the light therapy room inside the Museum of Contemporary Art. Steph wears a white coat, red print tights and blue printed socks. Beyond the bench is a white table with a laptop open, in a room with white walls and windows.

 

“I was with the first group of artists at Akin MOCA, when it was a one year studio residency, and we really bonded as a group. It's hard to choose just one memory because we made so many. But I'm going with the light therapy room. The winter we were there, MOCA had a light therapy room installed on the same floor as our studio, so we had access to it at any time. All through the season, after gallery hours, we would gather there to relax, converse, goof around and soak up as much light as we could.”

Miles Tsang

Former Member at: Akin Ossington 

Miles Tsang illustrates for major clients in the music industry such as Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and the Avett Brothers Find more work on Miles’ website www.milestsang.com and instagram @milestsang

 “I currently operate out of a shared office studio where I produce intricate commercial illustrations for screen printing applications, mostly in the music industry. Recently I've begun to prioritize personal work and intend to create a curated body of it for release sometime in the future.”

 

Miles Tsang stands in his studio, working at a silkscreen press. He is wearing a gray shirt and black pants, and wears a black mask. The studio is filled with shelves and drying racks. 

 

“I have many pleasant memories that all blend together consisting of long nights cleaning, setting up and printing large runs of posters. It’s hard to be specific as I often lost myself in the process and basically loved the entirety of my time there.”

Michael Vickers

Former Member at: Akin Dufferin, and  Lansdowne. Former Akin Staff member serving as Studio Manager, and then Co-Director for Akin Projects.

Michael Vickers, the former co-director of Akin, has continued on with a fantastic career both as an artist, and with the Brampton Arts Organization. Find more of Michael’s work on his website www.michaelvickers.org and on instagram @michaeljohnvickers

An image taken from a high angle of Michael Vickers and Oliver Pauk in the Akin Dufferin Studio in 2017. Michael, on the left, wears a black jacket, black pants and brown boots, he has brown hair. Oliver Pauk wears a checkered shirt, grey pants and a green toque. Around them are the work tables and white  divider walls which separate each studio, which are filled with art supplies. One person in the background sits at one of the desks with a laptop open, and another walks down the hall. Photo Credit: Vince Talotta / Toronto Star

Michael Vickers is a community activator, cultural leader and practicing artist focused on providing meaningful advocacy, support and growth for the arts sector at the local level and across Canada. He is currently the Senior Program Lead for Brampton Arts Organization and was previously Co-Director of Akin, having also held roles with the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto and Ottawa Art Gallery. Vickers holds an MA in Art History from the University of Toronto and an Honours BA in Visual Arts & Communications. His work has been exhibited locally and internationally, including presentations at Volta Basel, Mercer Union, Dutch Design Week, Art Toronto and Design TO and has been supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts.

“I was involved with every Akin studio from 2011 to 2021! A decade of different spaces.”

An image of Michael Vickers leading a gallery crawl event. He stands in a gallery with white walls and a concrete floor, art on the walls, facing  a crowd of about thirty people, who are standing or sitting, facing him in a circle and listening to him speak.

“There are so many special memories from my time with Akin- from walking into Akin Dufferin and meeting Oliver as I looked for a studio space in a new City to the excitement of new locations opening or securing opportunities for the folks we served. What has always stood out is the immense sense of community Akin can cultivate. In moments of doubt or difficulty (studio evictions, various worries) it was the encouragement of our collective group- a collaborative spirit that propelled us forward. No artist stands alone. Our organization grew from a small space with a few friends to hundreds of creatives and my time as Co-Director will always be one of the most meaningful and special eras of my career (and life as an artist). Akin is testament to the transformative power of the arts—a sanctuary where creativity thrives and people can be themselves in a safe, artistic way.”

Natalie Waddell

Former member at: Akin Dufferin, Akin King

Natalie Waddell will be a judge of a new CBC television series, Canadian Pottery Show! Find more of Natalie’s work on her website www.ClayGirl.ca and instagram @claygirlceramics

 

Natalie Waddell working on clay on a pottery wheel. Natalie is wearing a blue shirt, has dark brown hair pulled into a bun with blonde highlights. Behind her, a shelf holds a vast amount of art supplies.

 

“I create unique and precious ceramic objects handcrafted to enhance your life and environment. With emphasis on functional forms I love to know the pieces I make can be used in regular day to day life. Each item I make is designed and decorated to connect function and art. I believe using handmade objects in our daily lives brings a sense of connection, grounding and appreciation for work, art and nature.” 

 

Natalie Waddell’s studio, with her sign “Clay Girl” hanging on a wall above a work table. Shelves mounted to the brick wall and work table hold stacks of pottery.

 

“The impact of practicing my art and growing creatively within the Akin spaces was transformative to my ceramic career. Forming connections and relationships with artists across multiple mediums is some of my best take away from that time.”

Shanna Van Maurik

Former member at: Akin Dupont 

Shanna Van Murik continues to create breathtaking work, with an ever growing online following, Find more of Shanna’s work on her website shannavanmaurik.com and instagram @nogobed 

 

Shanna Van Maurik stands inside her studio at Akin Dupont. Shanna has shoulder length pink hair, and wears a colorful, tie dye shirt and black boots. Colorful portraits are mounted against white walls. A large window in the foreground is surrounded by bright green plants, and a pink work table holds notebooks. Photo Credit: Spencer Robertson

“Looking back, the little moments at Akin DuPont mean the most to me, talking with friends made there and building a community. There was a great sense of openness and sharing among members that created a great energy. Not to mention, the sunsets in my space were really special!”

 

An image of Shanna Van Maurik’s studio at Akin Dupont. A yellow-green velvet chair sits against a white wall, behind which stands a tall shelf filled with art supplies. Beside the shelf is a large window showing a vibrant sunset of pinks and purples.

 

A huge thank you to these talented artists for their participation, we’re so proud of them, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!

 

Want to celebrate in-person?

Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 5 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia. 

 
 

You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

Akin Member Highlight: Suzanne Dennis and Andrea Bailey

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An image of Andrea Bailey’s artwork, Collage #2, a colourful collage of layered prints in blues, reds, whites and pinks, with a painting of a blue haired figure over top

 

We’re back with another highlight of some of Akin’s long-term members.

Andrea Bailey has been an Akin studio member since 2012, and Suzanne Dennis since 2014. We’re so proud to have provided a creative home for these fantastic artists, so, to celebrate Akin’s 15th Anniversary, we reached out to them to learn more about their work and their Akin journey.

Suzanne Dennis

Suzanne Dennis is a Toronto artist who paints abstract and nonobjective images on canvas and paper using acrylic paint and mediums.

The inspiration for much of her work has come from details found in nature and man made objects. A favourite source is ancient and modern stone surfaces and architecture. These provide not only interesting compositions, textures and colours but are silent elements present in the places where we live our lives, and where history is made.

Suzanne records images in photos and sketches using them as a roadmap to create the compositions and then lets her intuition and joy of painting take over. Suzanne invites the viewer to enjoy the interpretation she presents and to share the story of its creation. Suzanne has been painting for 25 years and exhibits and sells her work in Toronto at shows, galleries, commercial venues and clubs.

You can find more of Suzanne’s work on her website, www.suzannedennis.ca or on her instagram, @Suzannedennis01 

Suzanne Dennis3: Suzanne Dennis stands in front of an easel in her studio. On the easel, and on the wall behind her, are abstract paintings of green, blue and red. Suzanne is holding up a piece of cloth covered in multicoloured paint, she’s holding it up to her face, her eyes peeking over it.

What brought you to Akin?

I moved to a condo leaving a home where I had a basement studio space. With nowhere to paint I started the process of looking for studio space in Toronto. I was at the Apple store, learning how to organise photos, and the instructor noticed all the images of my work.

He asked me where I painted and I said I had no space any longer. It was really my lucky day. He was a member of the Akin Collective.

He gave me the contact information for Oliver Pauk. I called Oliver and met him that week and secured studio space on Wade Avenue. I always consider this one of the luckiest things that has happened in my art career!

Can you give us a timeline of your Akin Journey? Where did it start? Which studios have you been a member at?

I met Oliver in September of 2014 and secured my first studio space on the ground floor at Wade Avenue. A number of years later the ground floor studios were “Reno-evicted” by the landlord. Jen Pilles quickly secured a space for me at the Dupont Studios (room 204).

The studio turned out to be too small and after a few months I moved within the same room to a larger space which I have enjoyed for a few years. Due to some family personal issues I was unable to get to my studio very often in the last year so I have moved again to a smaller space by the window. And I absolutely love it, and think it is the perfect spot for me. A total of four moves in 10 years! 

Do you have any special memories associated with your time at Akin?

A favourite memory is my participation in “The Art of Healing” arranged by the Akin Collective in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. I participated in 2015 and again in 2016. I was invited by Michael Vickers to participate as one of the 23 artists to craft a piece of art with a child staying at the House. The work produced with the children was exhibited and auctioned to raise funds and the joy it brought the kids and the artists, it’s one of my favourite memories.

Suzanne Dennis poses with two kids during Akin’s Art of Healing event in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House. The child to the right of Suzanne wears a red baseball cap, a striped shirt, and wears a nasogastric tube. The child on the left wears a blue shirt and a green lanyard. They stand beside a bright red abstract painting, accented with forest greens. The painting sits on an easel. 

What was your favourite Akin studio to work out of, and why?

My favourite studio was the first one on the ground floor at Wade Avenue. The space there was very large and open. The ceiling was high and I was surrounded by artists of all kinds, costume designers, book illustrators, jewellery makers, and I felt a sense of real community and creativity. I would see Oliver, Michael and Jen frequently and always enjoyed the interaction. 

Do you have a routine for art making at the studio? Any special rituals to get your creativity flowing?

I’d like to take a large piece of paper and scribble all over it and take out a brush and make marks just to get myself loose.


You've been creating art for a long time! What do you think is the key to keeping the practice going, long term? 

Not everyone has the opportunity to keep creating art throughout their life, whether that is because of the expenses associated with it, or the time that it deserves. For me, it always sits in my mind as a destination I’ve got to make my way to. It is my source of pure joy, and I won’t sacrifice that.

Andrea Bailey

Andrea is a self taught abstract artist working in acrylic and ink, and most recently, collage. She is known for her use of colour; bold and confident, but also subtle and complex. Born with challenges which never defined her, she works from a home studio and the Akin Logan studio.

You can find more of Andrea Bailey’s work at her website, www.yummyarty.com and on her instagram @yummyartyab

 

Andrea Bailey stands inside of her Akin River Studio. The white walls have prints of her world arranged in a pattern. There’s a black foldout chair against the wall and a grey table with a painting in progress on it, alongside large containers of paint brushes.

 

What Brought you to Akin, originally? 

A desire to be in a creative space with other creative people and to learn and develop along with them.


Can you give us a timeline of your Akin Journey? Where did it start? Which studios have you been a member at?

I joined in 2012. I have had studio space at Lansdowne (one upstairs and one downstairs), River Street and now at Logan Avenue.

 

Andrea Bailey painting inside her Akin Logan Studio. She is wearing a purple shirt, black pants and winter boots. She’s painting an abstract painting filled with lines which lays on a table.  Another painting sits beside it. Behind her is a shelf filled with paint tubes.

 

Do you have any special memories associated from your time at Akin?

I always thought Oliver was the greatest. At an early art sale from the Landsdowne main floor studio, I gave Oliver one of my favourite paintings. He gave me a photograph of my plastic paint table covering that turned a mess into an abstract work of art. It is framed in my home to this day

What was your favorite Akin studio to work out of?

Lansdowne, main floor

 

An image of artist Andrea Bailey in her Akin Lansdowne studio, Andrea stands in front of a white wall lines with canvases, she’s wearing black pants and a grey jacket, she has brown, shoulder length hair. In the foreground is a large abstract painting, of circles, lines and dots in reds, purples, greens, blues and pinks.

 

Do you have a routine for art making at the studio? Any special rituals to get your creativity flowing?

It is just something I have to do every day.

You've been creating art for a long time! What do you think is the key to keeping the practice going, long term? 

Don't be afraid to try new things and remember that not everything will work.

Thanks to Suzanne and Andrea for your participation, and for your beautiful work! We’re so thankful to have you both as such strong, vital members of our community.  As we continue to celebrate our 15th Anniversary, later this month  we’ll be highlighting some of Akin’s former members: where are they now? So stay tuned! 

 

Want to celebrate in-person?

Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 5 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia. 

 
 

You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council