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

Akin Member Highlight: Liliana Botero Rey

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Liliana working in her studio at Akin St Clair. She is wearing headphones, glasses, and an apron over her blue shirt. Her dog, a miniature schnauzer, sits on her lap and leans her head on an open drawer.

 

What is Akin without our fantastic artists? There’s no other way we’d rather celebrate our 15th anniversary than by showing off our amazing members.

We’ve reached out to some of our longest-serving members  to hear their Akin stories, starting with Liliana Botero Rey who has been an Akin member as well as a member of the Akin Team for ten years. 

Since 2013, Liliana has been a big part of our studios. She’s made a lasting impact on our community, and has created some beautiful work during her time at Akin!

Liliana Botero Rey

Liliana Botero is a glass artist who studied and trained in Colombia, the United States and Canada, to specialise in different techniques to expand her knowledge in glass handling such as: stained glass, fused glass, mosaic, lampwork jewellery, and and more techniques. At the same time she studied Graphic Design. She owned and operated a glass art studio in Bogota-Colombia for 12 years before she moved to Canada in 2011 where she opened a glass studio in 2013.

Liliana has been enjoying working with glass since she was a student when she wished to become a professional glass artist and work with it all her life. Glass is her passion!

She feels satisfaction when she creates, but more when the people are attracted to the pieces she makes and pays to keep them. She loves living the life of an artist,  working with her hands, creating through inspiration.  

You can find more of Lili’s work on Etsy or on her instagram, @destellosglassart and keep reading below for our interview with Liliana to learn more about her long history with Akin and her creative work.

What brought you to Akin?

At the end of 2013, almost newly arrived in Canada, I came across this fabulous idea: Akin Collective, an affordable shared and dedicated spaces, as the home of my small business. After tirelessly searching in Toronto, for where I could land my ideas as a glass artist.

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

My first studio in 2013 was super small. I asked for the space they offered me to be partitioned because it was out of my budget. This was in the Lansdowne location, where I shared beautiful moments and made my first friends in this beautiful country, Canada. One of the coolest things is the exchange of ideas and techniques that you can share and at the same time receive from my studio mates.

Currently, the studio where I work is Akin St.Clair, my space is larger and more comfortable, "My Happy Place" where I work with all the equipment and tools that I have acquired over these 10 years, expanding the techniques with which I work with Destellos-Glass Art, my business.

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

The programs and events that I have participated in with Akin have helped to promote and give recognition to my brand and at the same time promote the products that I make in this wonderful place.

Also, I can bring my furry baby Lara every day, she is my partner in crime. 

 

Liliana is sitting in her studio at Akin St Clair. She is wearing a blue baseball cap, an apron, and her dog, a miniature schnauzer, is sitting on her  lap. The walls of her studio are lined with work tables filled with a wide array of tools, beads, lighting equipment, and brushes. A framed photo of another schnauzer is mounted on the wall. A dream catcher is hanging from the ceiling.

 

A couple of years ago, my husband thought about leaving our condo and moving into a house. Where I would get "The whole basement" for my studio. The truth is, I'm not interested in staying isolated at home, I change having my workplace surrounded by the artistic environment, sharing with other artists and being able to expand my network? No way!!

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

I miss Lansdowne studios, it was a cozy and warm place with a lot of friends I could connect with during my first years with Akin, from there I made my first friends in Canada.

I like my current studio at St. Clair West. It is more comfortable. From here I also expanded my business.

An image of Liliana’s former studio in 2014. A table with a white tablecloth holds an elaborate display of her colourful glass work: picture frames, coasters, sculptures, jewellery. Necklaces and earrings are mounted to the wall in frames. In the corner is a desk with a rolling chair. 

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

The earlier, the better. For me, it is so important to take advantage of the momentum that your body lets you bring. The best time is from morning till afternoon, sometimes late at night too, depending on the inspiration and/or the orders you can extend the work hours. Sometimes 8, 10, 12 or when I get crazy (in a good way) 14 work hours.


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

Consistency and belief in what you make with love. People get attracted by them. It is all the emotions and energy you input into your work that makes the pieces so special and people feel this and pay for it.

 

A picture of Liliana Botero, Oliver Pauk, and Michael Vickers at Akin’s 10th Anniversary party in 2018. Behind them are large golden balloons which spell “Akin”. Oliver and Michael are wearing button up shirts and shorts, Liliana wears a pink dress with a jean jacket.

 

A huge thank you to Liliana for taking the time for this interview. We also thank you for your hard work in the studios every single week for the last 10 years keeping our spaces beautiful and safe for our members - and thank you for being a part of this community for ten years! We will be highlighting more Akin members this month as we continue to celebrate our 15 year anniversary!  

Stay tuned throughout the month of November as we celebrate our anniversary on the Akin blog with more member highlights!  

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 Vitrine Q&A Series: Chico Togni installation "Portable Moon (with physics)"

Akin Vitrine Gallery
in ,

Akin Vitrine Q&A Series:
Chico Togni installation “Portable Moon (with physics)”

Oct 27 until Jan 7, 2024

The Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W

 

An image of Chico Togni’s sculpture, Portable Moon (with physics) in the Akin St Clair’s Vitrine Gallery. An American flag (without the white stars), sewn against a beige sheet appears to be waving. The flag is attached to a pole sunken into a sculpture of a jagged rock.

 

Be sure to swing by Akin St Clair’s Vitrine Gallery at for Chico Togni’s new exhibition, Portable Moon (with physics), which will be on until January 7th, 2024. We caught up with Chico to learn more about his art, inspirations and favorite places in the city. 

Chico Togni works with cardboard, fabric, wood, metal and other found materials to create images and large sculptures. He also creates situations and happenings within the structures he builds. Most recently he exhibited his work at Kunsthaus Dresden and the Museum der Bildenden Kunst (MdbK) Leipzig, in Germany. He was an artist in residency at Cité International des Arts in Paris and Museumquartier in Vienna amongst other institutions, including the Artist Research Fellow at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., EUA. Chico Togni holds a Bachelor in Sculpture from São Paulo University, Brazil. Chico is currently based in Toronto where he is experimenting with quilting and developed the Bellaroche Stories, an expanding series of quilts and collages that narrates the trajectory of rocks, power tools and visual paradoxes.

Tell us about your exhibition 

“Portable Moon with Physics” is a scientific contemplation. Crafted from paper maché, cardboard, and found material, this piece offers a fresh perspective on the moon's iconic flag. This sculpture represents the lunar flag, as if it were experiencing Earth's gravity, mirroring the calm and stillness of a terrestrial flag on a windless day. 

A fan generates a gentle breeze that delicately rustles the flag, preserving its position as if unaffected by the lunar environment. "Portable Moon with Physics" invites observers to reflect on the fascinating interplay of scientific principles and creative interpretation. It pays homage to the delicate equilibrium between the celestial and terrestrial realms, where even in the absence of a terrestrial atmosphere, the presence of gravity remains ever-present. The sculpture's title, "Portable Moon with Physics," encapsulates the humorous blend of science and art, reminding us of the unbreakable connection between fiction and science... 

This is the first attempt of the artist, to merge the clean and neat necessities of the world of quilting fabric and the dirty and chaotic sculptures with cardboard, found materials and paper maché. 


What are you curious about right now? What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration? 

Collage and Sculpture.

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

Cardboard and Cardboard.


Do you have a studio routine ie: Are you a daily ritual person or are you project-focused in spurts?  

Both! Studio routine and project focused, depending on what I'm working on, the routine gets just entirely focused on the next mission!


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

I just keep trying to do everything with found materials, “survival mode” on.

 

A detailed, close up image of Chico Togni’s piece, Portable Moon (with physics), a fragmented American flag, missing its white stars, is sewn into a beige fabric in such a way that it appears to be waving in the wind.

 

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

To share a space and feel part of a group with similar needs.

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

Bureaucracy...

Where is your favorite place in the city to buy/get art supplies, tools and materials?

Dollarama / Street / Home Depot (last option)

What is the most inspiring place in the city for you right now?

Ikea... the challenge of going there and trying to buy nothing, just try everything...

What is your favorite place in the city to view art? This could mean either in a gallery, a museum, or in a public space.

Whimbrel Point at Colonel Samuel Smith Park

 

An image of Chico Togni’s sculpture, Portable Moon (with physics), an American flag (without the white stars), sewn against a beige sheet appears to be waving. The flag is attached to a pole sunken into a small red and beige stool. The sculpture is outdoors, on gravel ground with tire tracks, behind the sculpture are dirty snow piles, reminiscent of a ploughed parking lot. 

 

Chico is an Akin studio member as well as a 2023 recipient of the Newcomer Space Award. Created by Akin, the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, the Newcomer Space Award provides newcomers credit for an Akin studio membership and to Akin’s Remote Gallery. This award not only provides funding and space essential for professional artists to grow their practice, but also supports artists in growing their network through the shared studio space model. 

Find more of Chico’s work on his Instagram @bellaroche_stories and website

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

The Akin St Clair Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W

 

Akin Vitrine Q&A Series: Tiana Robinson installation 'A Simpler Time'

Akin St Clair Vitrine Gallery
in ,

A Simpler Time, an exhibition by Tiana Robinson 

Sep 22 until Oct 22, 2023

The Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W

A closeup of the paintings in Tiana Robinson’s exhibition, A Simpler Time, against the white walls of the vitrine gallery. Amidst poems, the vibrant, colourful paintings on paper are detailed renderings of flowers and a young girl blowing a dandelion.

Tiana Robinson is a Canadian artist, born in May Pen Jamaica, Her journey as an artist began at an early age, as she was always doodling in class, or at home. In middle school, she was nominated to participate in the Leaf Dreams scholarship program which gave her the opportunity to freely enroll in art classes at the Art Gallery of Ontario where she was constantly being exposed to instructors who were working artists themselves.

Tiana attended C.W. Jeffery’s Collegiate Institute special art program, and it was here that she was introduced to the Modern Batik Art Technique during a workshop. Batik Art involves the application of simple ink outlines, light-to-dark gradation of dyes, and using wax as a resist for separating colours. Tiana was a quick study and gained rapid recognition for her work, including her best-known image, “The Nation of Mothers”, which was purchased by the City of Toronto and now hangs in the Mayor’s office. Tiana graduated with a Bachelor of Design from the York-Sheridan Design Program and is currently working as a Graphic Designer while still exploring her love of art. 

Tell us about your exhibition 

A Simpler Time  was created using  watercolour & gouache paint. This work was based on a poem I wrote called A Simpler Time. It shows a moment we have all experienced in our childhood of blowing a dandelion and watching the seeds scatter. It’s about returning to a time in our lives when we were free to have fun and just follow what felt right, what felt fun, and what made us happy. Summer days are filled with possibility and lots of sneezes.

What are you curious about right now? What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration? 

What I am curious about right now is just exploring new media. I am trying to get reacquainted with my art process, and just let loose and explore what can come out of no expectations. I am working on being a bit more free with my expression and trying to find an authentic voice that is more representative of the woman I am now.

 

Tiana Robinson, wearing blue jeans and a grey t-shirt, is pictured inside the vitrine gallery installing her exhibition, A Simpler Time, hanging bright, colourful paintings done on paper onto clear string.

 

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

That was crayons, most definitely. Currently, I do mostly digital illustration and modern batik art with wax and dyes on fabric. I like the versatility of digital illustrations and the unique patterns created from the modern batik technique. Recently, I have been revisiting watercolours and gouache mediums and have been enjoying the learning curve of remembering how to work with the medium.


Do you have a studio routine ie: Are you a daily ritual person or are you project-focused in spurts?  

My daily ritual when arriving at the studio is to first put some sage into my little humidifier to set the mood, and set up any tools I need that day. I ask a quick question of where I should start today and flow with whatever my intuition tells me to go.


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

I look at images to gain some inspiration and when I feel that tingle of excitement I follow that thread to the next step. Sometimes I am guided by meditations or poems I have written before and recently I love to turn those poems or messages into a motivational video and utilise music and video to create inspiration for myself and others. I recommend this video to get you fired up.

 

Artist Tiana Robinson in her Akin Studio

 

Is there an artist you'd like to go back in time to meet? Or someone you'd love to invite to dinner right now? Who is it and what would you ask them about?

I would love to go back and revisit the younger version of me before I stopped doing art and tell her that only when you are creating can you be fully you, fully grounded, fully really free. I realized after starting this journey again that It’s not losing my identity as an artist that made me fall apart. It was that I lost that ritual that allowed me to discard all the pieces of me that didn’t belong to me. All the external burdens and responsibilities that were not mine to begin with. I was no longer able to shed away that skin imposed on me by external circumstances, and sadly other people’s projections, demands, and responsibilities imposed on me slowly became my identity. I became empty while others became fuller, and paradoxically my spirit became heavier while others became lighter.

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

In 2020 I became paralyzed after getting sick with COVID, and spent the better part of 2021- 2022 just getting well again. I struggled a lot with my mental health, depression, and anxiety, and can say since getting and coming to the studio I am no longer depressed, my anxiety has reduced significantly and I am a lot happier and more peaceful than a year ago. More confident, even though I don’t know where I am going I just know I will be damned if I am going to stop this again. My new mantra for life now is “protect my peace”.

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

I am not very good at asking for help, and at showing my work. I want to be better at showing every facet of me and just being present and stop overthinking life.

A view of the finished install of Tiana Robinson’s exhibition, A Simpler Time. The paintings and poems are hung on clear string fastened vertically from top to bottom of the white vitrine gallery. The paintings are colourful, intricate images of flowers. On the white floor of the vitrine are paint brushes and small palettes, and a small sign that reads the “A Simpler Time, Tiana Robinson”

See an extended video version of this interview below or click here to view it on YouTube.

Explore Tiana’s work further through her instagram and youtube.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

The Akin St Clair Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W