Akin Studio Program Member Highlights Blog #2: Mel Hayes & Erin McCluskey
This year’s cohort of Akin Auto BLDG studio program is packed with talent! We caught up with a couple of them to ask them some questions about their practise and inspirations, in advance of the Open Studio Day at Akin Auto BLDG, 158 Sterling Road, where we’ll be opening the doors for a public walkthrough October 14th, 12-4pm.
Mel Hayes
Mel Hayes is a multi-disciplinary artist who pushes the boundaries between visual arts and graphic design. Originally trained as a graphic designer and BDes graduate from the Alberta University of the Arts. Her studies informed her approach to abstract painting, relying on shapes and composition to elevate her ideas and evoke strong emotions.
“I would describe my process as fluid, guided by impulsive movements and deliberate choices balanced with my own unconscious inclination. My process is non-linear and takes on a mind of its own. Stopping to reflect is an essential part of my process, taking time to step back and look at the work from different perspectives. Contemplating on the composition, energy, and brushstroke to ensure it evokes the feelings and ideas I want to communicate. Sometimes, this includes putting pieces away and returning to them later. I listen to music when working to help me get into a zen state where I let my thoughts run free.”
“Right now, I’m finding a lot of inspiration from architecture and interior design. I have been drawing into interior design, for they play with colour, shapes and textures in different spaces.”
Where is your favorite place in the city to buy/get art supplies, tools and materials?
Above Ground and hardware stores like Rona or Home Depot are my go-to places for art materials. Hardware stores are great places to find interesting materials and objects you can use to make unique textures. I have also started incorporating found material into my work, which I collect when walking around my neighbourhood.
What is the most inspiring place in the city for you right now?
Now that it is fall, I’m spending a lot of time outdoors in nature. I’m finding a lot of inspiration from local parks and fall colours.
What is your favourite place in the city to view art?
There are lots of great galleries in Toronto. Some of my favourites are Patel Brown, Olga Korper Gallery and Blouin Division Gallery.
Learn more about Mel Hayes’ work on her Instagram or on her website
Erin McCluskey
Erin McCluskey visual artist originally from Ottawa now based in Toronto. She earned a BDES in Illustration from OCAD University and a BA in Theatre from the University of Ottawa. In her artistic practice she explores nature, urban spaces and the body. She is interested in capturing intimate and fleeting moments. Working as a painter, illustrator and muralist, she creates images that exist on paper, walls, objects, spaces, and stages. Erin has created over 20 murals throughout Toronto and the GTA. She has created work for CBC Radio, Second Story Press, The Walrus and others.
“I live quite far away from my studio space. I spend about an hour biking through the city lost in my thoughts. So by the time I get to the studio, I am ready to jump in and create! Before I start, I like putting on my paint covered jumpsuit like it’s a uniform. Maybe it’s my theatre background, but I feel fully in the role of a painter. I always make time at the end for aimless sketching/painting/creating, often using whatever materials are left over from the day. This has become a really important part of my practice–it’s the most freeing, intuitive, least judgmental exercise. It taps into subconscious thoughts and ideas. More often than not, it ends up showing me new things within my art and informs the work I make after.“
“I am inspired by the confessional art of Tracey Emin, the tender & otherworldly paintings of Naudline Pierre, and the existential & melancholic music of Bright Eyes.”
