Form is an Exhibition that displays the inhibitions of some of the city’s finest abstract artists. Keep reading to discover what inspires their work, what drew them to art and how they stay motivated in this day and age. Explore their journeys and learn more about their histories.
Kathryn Doner
Artist Statement
Kathryn’s process inherits insatiable curiosity and boundless energy resulting in an experimental and vigorous approach to art - tempered with her keen eye for balance and detail. Her career as a graphic designer has influenced her desire to seek balance and harmony between loose organic strokes and controlled shape. Abstraction is her personal journey to seek the full experience of creating a problem and solving for it through balance, layers, blocking, transparencies, color and form.
Artist Bio
Kathryn is an artist of Métis descent who is based in Toronto, with over fifteen years of experience in the graphic design and tech industries. She channeled her experience into focusing on what she loves most: Visual Art, Illustration, Animation, Murals, and solving any design problem that comes her way. Kathryn’s work is all about creating beautiful experiences and thoughtful stories through approachable design solutions.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
Form represents the configuration of the abstract world into the physical world and I am inspired to find form and balance in each piece I create. My process is my personal journey to create something out of nothing through problem solving.
What inspired this new series? What would you want your viewers to feel when perceiving these pieces?
This new series was inspired by texture, form and depth through transparency and colour combinations. I want my pieces to bring a sense of calm to my viewers. I want them to see the depth of each piece and the story that comes to life through their unique layers.
You said that your approach to art is experimental, how do you find your creative style evolving with each exploration?
The explorative component to my work is in the initial stages of my painting process where I am totally free to be self-expressive. This phase and style has evolved even further as I experiment with new techniques, texture applications, colour combinations and layers.
Do you find that your knowledge of graphic design strengthens your work?
Absolutely. My experience with graphic design has trained my eye to seek perfect balance and composition. My eye has been trained to be very detail oriented which is what gives my work a "graphic" feel to it. There is a digital component to my process that feels so natural to how I work. It just made sense to have my computer come along with me in my art journey.
When creating pieces that showcase the harmony between loose organic strokes and controlled shape in your work, do you find that nature is an inspiration to you?
Yes! Nature always seems to shine through in my pieces. This is very much a subconscious outcome that seems to manifest in my work - and I love it
Natalia Ackers
Artist statement
With each painting, I strive to create a piece that evokes positive emotions, ranging from calm tranquility to vibrant energy, through the use of shapes, patterns, colours and textures. I approach each canvas with a general concept and palette in mind and then let the composition take form as it evolves and takes on a life of its own with each drag of paint across the canvas. The shapes and patterns, along with the interplay of colours and textures, bring about a different emotional reaction in each viewer based on their personal history, allowing each work to take on a different meaning and produce an individualized reaction based on the eye of the beholder.
Biography
Natalia is a late-blooming, emerging Toronto-based abstract painter. As a teenager, her bedroom walls were covered with posters of her favourite bands and with various drawings and paintings she created for school assignments or for fun. Natalia took as many visual art classes as possible throughout high school and yet, despite enjoying and excelling in the arts, she felt the pressure of being the first Canadian child in an Eastern European family and her post-secondary journey ended with an honours bachelor of science followed by a law degree. After years of dedicating herself to her legal career, she was feeling burnt out and frustrated, started re-evaluating what she wanted to do going forward and felt drawn back to the arts. Fast forward to the fall of 2016 when a friendly painting challenge led to Natalia picking up a paint brush for the first time since high school and she hasn’t stopped painting since! She continues to work as an in-house lawyer as her day job, but her primary focus is now on painting and creative expression.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
When it comes to my abstract paintings, I consider the element of form to be the combination and interaction of gestural marks, textures and free flowing shapes and lines. This approach inspires me to create works that elicit positive emotional reactions from what, at first glance, may appear to be a random composition.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
When it comes to my abstract paintings, I consider the element of form to be the combination and interaction of gestural marks, textures and free flowing shapes and lines. This approach inspires me to create works that elicit positive emotional reactions from what, at first glance, may appear to be a random composition.
What kind of external factors do you take the most inspiration from?
I love being outdoors, especially by the water. Several collectors have pointed out the presence of nautical undercurrents to many of my pieces. Being in nature both calms and revitalizes me, and long walks through our City help me to reset and focus on my next project.
How do you balance being both a lawyer and an artist?
This is a constant challenge, but all I can say is that it is probably not much different than any artist who needs to balance a day job with their creative pursuits. I aim to set aside large blocks of time on weekends or evenings to paint, or even squeeze in short sessions when I need a mental break and reset.
Does you work as a lawyer influence your art? How so?
Painting provides an outlet for creativity that is not always present in my day-to-day work. While I am sure that there may be some impact that being a lawyer has on my art, I actually find that abstract painting is quite liberating whereas my work is a lawyer can be adversarial and regimented, and it is important for me to leave work at work. In other words, painting is my escape from the legal world.
You said that at one point in your career, you were feeling burnt out and chose to pursue your passion in art; How did this big shift in your life inspire your art?
Like anyone dealing with burn out, your brain can keep you stuck inside some dark and negative headspace. I found that in addition to long walks by the lake with my dogs, painting really helped me get through those periods. Being focused on colours, textures, and just getting lost in the studio for hours, gave me joy and introduced me to some very cool people with similar interests. The joy that I get from being in the studio is what inspires me to keep creating!
What do you wish viewers would take away from your work?
I hope that my paintings elicit positive emotions. Be it the colours, patterns, or just the overall feeling that the piece generates in viewers, I want them to feel calm, energized or -- just happy. My collectors generally gravitate to pieces that bring a positive vibeS to their spaces.
Rina Kazavchinski
Artist Statement
I create art because it takes me away from my everyday life. It lets me focus on the task at hand and brings me into a meditative state. When I'm creating art, time stops, and all my worries and anxieties disappear. Creating brings me joy and I find relief in this practice mentally and spiritually. I am also very fascinated by the ability to create something that has never been created before.
I love using bright and vibrant colours. I mostly use acrylic and some mixed media to create a lot of heavy texture to create art that pops right off the canvas. All my paintings start and end with the palette knife as no brushes are used in my work. My ultimate goal is to brighten up my viewer's life with bright textured pops of colour to bring joy to the viewer’s life through colour.
Biography
Rina Kazavchinski has honed her artistic skills as a successful Canadian abstract artist and digital illustrator specializing in vibrant abstract pieces and digital illustrations. She creates textured abstract paintings that brighten up any space. Her paintings are unique and can be recognized anywhere. Using bold texture and special palette knife techniques. She is mostly inspired by nature and mental health. She also specializes in body-positive illustrations highlighting the human form.
Rina has exhibited her work at several in-person and online art shows. Most recently she exhibited at her largest show yet, the winter One of a Kind Show in Toronto in December. Rina has sold over two hundred original paintings and hundreds of digital illustrations. Recently her work was featured on Season 2 of Sort Of, a hit show airing on CBC Gem and HBO Max.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
To me, Form means flow and creativity. Abstract art is important to me because it's imaginative and not what is obviously seen. It is imagination and the creation of a fantasy world where anything and everything can exist. This inspires me because there are absolutely no rules to follow and everything goes. I feel free and am able to flow naturally from the heart.
You said that creating art brings you into a meditative state, do you think the same can be said for when viewers are seeing your art as well?
I'm not sure if they feel the same all the time. It really depends on the painting and the colours that I used. Sometimes they can feel excited, inspired or calm.
I'm not sure if they feel the same all the time. It really depends on the painting and the colours that I used. Sometimes they can feel excited, inspired or calm.
Are there colours that you gravitate towards? And for what reason?
I've been gravitating towards warm and vibrant colours such as purples, teals, pinks, blues and whites. These colours make me feel at peace and calm. I try to portray a similar feeling to my viewers when I use these colours.
Your paintings are created entirely with a palette knife, what makes this style unique in both the process and outcome?
This makes it unique because it's unconventional and different. This is unique in the process because it makes me feel closer to the painting. I'm able to layer on thick coats of paint which adds a lot of texture. I'm also able to change the strength of my palette strokes to create different kinds of effects. The outcome of using palette knives and other special tools, adds luscious texture and art that pops out of the canvas. I love when paint pops out of the canvas because it becomes very tactile when touched.
Which external influences do you take the most inspiration from?
I am often inspired by the beauty of the colours of nature. Whether it's a vibrant sunrise or the golden glow of golden hour right before the sun sets, I often use these colours from nature to recreate the calm feeling I feel during those times through my art. The colours that make me feel the calmest are colours such as; various shades of blues, lilacs, teals, purples, and whites.
I am often inspired by the beauty of the colours of nature. Whether it's a vibrant sunrise or the golden glow of golden hour right before the sun sets, I often use these colours from nature to recreate the calm feeling I feel during those times through my art. The colours that make me feel the calmest are colours such as; various shades of blues, lilacs, teals, purples, and whites.
Kirk Sutherland
Artist Statement
I feel my creative process bridges, and somewhat amalgamates both intuitive, and conscience realities. My paintings do not imitate life, but perhaps harness the energy and the essence of life. In life we are conscience of present realities, yet travel forward with no actual conception of what to expect. My art making process seems to find itself in the same unpredictable reality. For I surrender a degree of control, yet I feel profoundly that my work does not fall into what could be defined as random or chance.
I feel the process is equally as important as the finished piece. It is a spiritual experience. I find myself channeling to a higher energy or light, in which the medium, the action, and the paintbrush in a sense are an umbilical between the soul, the essence and that of the material world.
Artist Bio
Kirk Sutherland is a Toronto-based Canadian artist. He has exhibited his work under the representation of many art galleries internationally over the last 30 years. Many of his pieces are included in both private and corporate collections globally. Sutherland graduated with high honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in 1991, majoring in Contemporary Art and Drawing and Painting from the Faculty of Experiential Arts. Kirk Sutherland is a renowned colourist who was born with synesthesia. This blending of senses very much enhances his perception of colour and his overall creative Process. Kirk Sutherland is also known for working with the Hollywood Film Industry, creating and designing public art in urban environments and working with the music industry creating album cover designs.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
Form is elemental and a physical reality in the material world. When I think of formal constructs, I envision substance monolithically. I suppose I'm inspired mostly by the visible shape and configuration of what we define as form, as well as the spatial realities, both negative and positive.
How has your synesthesia influenced your artwork and creative process?
I was born with synesthesia. I know no other way to be, so I wouldn't say it influences me, it's just a part of who I am. As a synesthete I have an acute sensibility to colour and I cross senses, which results in an ability to witness and experience multiple realms at the same time.
Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?
Most of my inspiration comes from within. I'm inspired by the unseen metaphysical realm. I'm influenced by nature and by lived experiences as well as the world I perceive. You could say my work finds its origins in a stream of consciousness so to speak. Of course, I’m influenced by other artists, including many contemporary masters.
What does from mean to you? How does this inspire you?
Over the last 30 years I have used a myriad of media and materials. In the last 10 years I've gone back to using acrylic based paints and resins. I tend to paint on traditional surfaces these days which would include either primed or raw linen canvas or wood panels. I tend to use many unorthodox techniques, which in a sense I have invented while experimenting and exploring the medium within my creative process.
What do you hope that the viewer feels when seeing your work?
I believe in the Universal Law of Freewill. Everyone perceives the world uniquely and subjectively. The content within the body of my work is void of any obvious narrative, so I believe my art functions as an undeliberate mechanism for provoking emotion, energetically or otherwise. I would hope that my paintings resonate at a level that promotes healing and positivity.
Cobie Cruz
Artist Statement
I begin on a blank canvas without a preconception of the final outcome. I allow things to develop according to my thoughts, feelings and moods and how these shift and change as my painting begins to unfold.
I don't start with a colour order, but find the colours as I go. The whole business of spotting the small areas of color in the canvas, how the edges meet, how accidents are controlled----all these things fascinate me.
The colours in my paintings are juxtaposed to support and contrast. They are chosen to evoke thoughts and emotions.
I don’t fear change throughout the process. Images are often altered, destroyed, erased and even returned as I feel my way to the best way to bring a painting to life. I call this stage in my process – “push and pull”. My challenge is to constantly push myself and test the limits of my imagination in the hope of creating impressions that are distinctly mine.
What does the word form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
The word form means shape or configuration. It can also mean appearance in
terms of style or design.
My art style relies heavily on compositions using forms and shapes but these
forms are not premeditated. They appear as I work, applying colour and texture,
layer after layer. My process is like a discovery, even to me, with each stroke,
colour and texture creating a new form and inspiring the next move.
What made you make the change from being an art and TV director to a professional painter?
I loved my two previous careers and they taught me a lot about discipline and
creativity. But painting affords me a freedom that I did not have in my two past
lives. Painting lets me express myself with each stroke of my brush. I am not
answerable to a client – only to myself. As a painter my only restrictions and
boundaries are my own imagination.
You said that when you’re painting you make decisions as you're feeling, do you find the ideas for the painting evolving as you do so?
Yes, absolutely! My eyes and mind are not fixed to one possibility. I explore as I
progress or sometimes regress. There are times when I’m not happy with the
result so I stop and look for other sources of inspiration and allow the inspiration
to redirect the trajectory of my work. I like to be playful throughout the creative
process.
Can you elaborate on your “push and pull” process and the way you use it to create?
This “push and pull” process can also be called editing. I usually apply this in the
final stages of my painting. This is where it gets exciting for me because I am
challenging myself to improve the piece I am working on. There are times when I
am not fully satisfied with a form and I try to see whether I should add something
(push) or take something away (pull) to enhance the overall composition.
Are there colours that you gravitate towards? And for what reason?
I’ve never met a colour I didn’t like! My paintings are a testament to that; they are
full of bold colours. But I will work with certain colour combinations or themes for
a specific series of paintings, mostly driven by inspiration from something I saw
or a mood I am in.
Rhonda Hewitson
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
Form to me is abstract and loose and can be interpreted by colours and texture. It's more than just an object or shape; it's movement and energy and feelings. Form can be anything you imagine, and isn't limited to what you see. It inspires me to create art that speaks to the viewer and invokes a connection to my work. Through form, I add depth, flow and movement to my pieces in an effort to take the viewer on an emotional journey; inviting them to look at my work through all these aspects, and see the form I have created with an open mind.
There is movement in your pieces, how does this style help you convey your intention?
Movement to me is very important in my work. My intention is to make the viewer to feel as though they are being swept away from the everyday life, into a world of imagination and creativity. I want them to forget their troubles and hardships, but rather feel passionate and energized every time they look at my work. I want the flow of the paint on the canvas to reach out and grab the viewer's attention and give them a positive experience that will resonate with them. I use loose strokes, sweeping lines and blended colours to provide the movement and hope that succeeds in giving the viewer a story they will enjoy.
Being a self-taught artist, how did you find the process of trial and exploration to develop your style?
As a self-taught artist, there is a lot of exploration and experimentation in my work. There's a lot of trying new techniques and materials to see what not only suits my creativity, but what is also an enjoyable experience for me. My style has evolved over the years from linear patterns to broad strokes, and light and airy to moody and dark. But over the years, I have experiemented mixed media elements to add depth and texture to my work. I enjoy playing with bursts of colour and mediums to add interest to the pieces I create. But it's through these trials that I learned what works for my style, what my audience appreciates and what speaks to them.
You said that your art is a form of catharsis, how did channeling your emotions affect your pieces?
My work is very emotionally charged. When I pick up the paint brush or the palette knife, I channel all of my emotions into those tools and put them on the canvas. If I feel moody, the colours are darker and richer. If I feel happy, the colours are brighter and bolder. Texture adds peaks and valleys to those moments and nuances, reinforcing those moods and emotions. I paint to get my feelings out of my system, to release energy, and to feel contentment. The result is a piece of art that defines how I felt in the moment. And I hope, ultimately, the viewer will understand that, connect with it, and engage in conversation about it.
Do you find that your knowledge of photography and graphic design strengthen your work?
Having experience with photography and graphic design definitely lends a hand to my artwork. Photography has given me an eye for details, which I try to incorporate into my work. It has also taught me how to draw the viewer's attention and capture their focus. Graphic design has provided me with experience with colours and shapes, which I consistently utilize in my work. It enables me to think outside of the box and push boundaries within my work. Both photography and graphic design are very creative tools that I definitely pull from in all of my pieces.
Andrea Higgins
Artist Statement
Form represents the building blocks of artistic expression - the lines, shapes, and structures that come together to create a composition. It is the foundation upon which I can explore color, texture, and other elements of art to create a visual language that is expressive and dynamic.
For me, form is about more than just the physical structure of an artwork - it is also about the emotions and ideas that it conveys. By exploring form in my work, I aim to create pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Form and free expression are closely connected. By working with form in an abstract and open-ended way, I am able to create compositions that allow for a wide range of interpretation and invite the viewer to bring their own experiences and emotions to the piece.
Artist Bio
Andrea Higgins is an abstract expressionist painter who creates vibrant and gestural paintings bursting with spontaneous energy. With a background in music, film and dance, Andrea brings a sense of rhythm and movement to her work, creating compositions that are dynamic and expressive.
Andrea's paintings are inspired by her own emotions and experiences, and she uses color, line, and texture to create compositions that are raw and powerful. Her process is intuitive and spontaneous, as she allows the paint to flow and move across the canvas in bursts of energy. Through her work, Andrea aims to capture the essence of the human experience, and to create art that is raw, authentic, and emotionally resonant.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
For me, form is about more than just the physical structure of an artwork - it is also about the emotions and ideas that it conveys. By exploring form in my work, I aim to create pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
You said that both form and free expression are closely connected, since these two seem contradictory, where do you find this balance?
It’s through free expression that I find form. working with form in an abstract and open-ended way, I am able to create compositions that allow for a wide range of interpretation and invite the viewer to bring their own experiences and emotions to the pieces
What about the human experience inspires your artwork?
Emotion. Connection. Expression. Communication. Colour. Energy. Soul. Movement. People. Magic.
With a wide background in the arts, including music, film and dance, do you find yourself connecting them together when you are feeling creative and inspired?
It’s all connected. when I’m creating I just let what ever wants to be expressed come through. Rhythm, sound, music and movement is just part of my dna. It all goes into a piece whether I’m consciously aware of it or not.
Where, or when, do you feel most compelled to create?
I’ve always felt the urge to create no matter where I am. I live in my head. I daydream a lot. I can’t seem to shut it off! I often have big feelings that need to be expressed and enjoy finding new ways to do it. I carry a notebook everywhere and go on lots of walks. Walking usually triggers ideas. I try to create something everyday because it just feels good.
Iman Sheraz
Artist Statement
Born in Peru, my Pakistani family immigrated to Canada when I was very young. Since then,growing up just outside of Toronto has meant blending my cultures to find my balance, and spending my early twenties honing my craft. My grandfather, Askari Mian Irani, was a distinguished Painter and a Professor at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan. His work specialized in Calligraphy and Islamic Architecture,and for me, it has been essential to carry this legacy through my work. My work centers around communication and its parallels. I began my artistic journey by writing poetry to story tell, while engaged with photography as a method to capture moments around me. Over time, I was drawn to painting to capture abstract emotions. Since I have connected storytelling techniques seen in poetry, and layers, levels, and vibrancy in photography as a foundation for my paintings. In my latest series “Time Flies” each painting represents a distinct stage of emotions when entering a new phase of life.
Biography:
Iman is an abstract painter intrigued by the parallels of communication. Through vibrant color palettes and layers, she captures emotions found within situations of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. From a line of artists, she uses her diverse cultural backgrounds and degree in communications to story-tell and bridge worlds together.
What does form mean to you? How does this inspire you?
When creating abstract work, visually the idea of a piece isn’t seen concretely, and this is where form comes in. I enjoy the process of creating distinct shapes along with layering to create levels that strike a balance in my paintings. Form allows me to differentiate and draw similarities from my works over time and provides a sense of direction visually.
You stated your grandfather was a distinguished painter, how did this influence you as a person and artist?
My grandfather’s work played a massive role in me finding my passion for painting while growing up. Seeing his work from a young age definitely was and continues to be inspiring but has also instilled a sense of ambition early on. His work has always provided direction for me and I feel as though with every painting I further myself in it. I love when looking at his paintings I always get the opportunity to learn something new and connect with him.
How have you used storytelling techniques in your work?
When creating a series I gravitate to having a narrative structure and each piece following a set order within it. I’ve recently done this in my new series titled “Time Flies” which follows the stages we go through emotionally during new phases of life. The series structure goes from initial excitement to feeling overwhelmed but eventually gaining a sense of control. I enjoy having cohesive themes that flow throughout and connect a body of work together.
How has blending your culture’s inspired your work?
Culture, more so conceptually than visually definitely impacts how I approach the process of painting. Growing up I’ve been exposed to South Asian, South American, and North American cultures, and I’ve really gotten to see the differences in interactions among people. Emotions that stem from interpersonal communication are key to my paintings as strokes at times represent interactions I’ve experienced with others.
What was your reasoning behind using both warm and cool tones in your series Time Flies?
Every painting in “Time Flies” has a distinct set of emotions. With the series based on perspective created from personal experience, I wanted to explore color palettes that visually told a story immediately. “Copacetic” is the second painting in the series and is a warm piece that shows the excitement new experiences bring. The piece needed to pop for its placement in the series, and I thought the shades chosen would deliver vibrancy for that idea.
For “The Newfound Navigator” which is the last piece within the series, I wanted it to blend feelings of happiness and sadness that ultimately lead to a sense of contentment—bringing the excitement from the shades of pink, paired with the deep blues to bring sadness created the balance I wanted for the piece. The name of the piece solidifies finally gaining confidence, so mixing warm and cool tones was integral to ending the series with a sense of control.
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