TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND:

Q: Since you consider your taste in art tools to be “unconventional”, can you elaborate on why you prefer to use those specific tools instead?

A: My use of paintbrushes is reserved for absolute necessity (small spaces, tight lines) as it can often make me feel disconnected from the canvas. My preferences are tools that lessen the gap between myself and the canvas - my hands, cloths, and sponges. I like to feel the texture of the piece as I'm creating, and my process lends itself to the use of pressure and tension more often than the delicacy that comes with brushwork.

Q: Many of your art pieces include eye-catching vibrant colours, is there a message or feeling that you hope to convey?

I think colour is incredibly emotional. Music is also incredibly emotional. Emotional attachment to music and colour can be personal or universal, and everyone can find something within both that moves them. Since most of my work is inspired by music, my use of vibrant colours is in the pursuit of representing the same emotional experience that exists in music, but visually for the viewer.

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it? 

A: I was always a crafty kid. I grew up surrounded by artists but as I got older I felt the pressure to choose between visual and performing arts. When I decided to pursue the performing arts, my crafty inner child took the back seat and the kid that grew up making things with her hands day in and out felt unfulfilled as an adult where all my artistic pursuits hinged on how I was able to perform and not what I was able to create. It wasn't until a medical scare in 2015 that put a whole lot into perspective for me as a human, but also as an artist and I decided that I didn't have to choose one over the other, that I could do both. I finally began my journey back into the visual world that brought me so much joy as a child. I don't think I'd change a single thing about this detour - art came back into my life in full force at a time when I was truly able to appreciate it.

Q: You mentioned that your current art pieces for the Collide exhibit are a “visual mixed tape of song inspirations”, would you say that music influences all your art pieces in some way?

A: I think I make a conscious effort for it too. Every now and then I enjoy approaching a blank canvas with zero idea of where it will take me and following each individual impulse to an unknown end point. However, I much prefer an art practice that comes from a place of intention. As someone who is a visual AND performing artist - being able to represent both mediums in a single practice (the storytelling found in music, film, literature and the beauty of fine art) is incredibly special to me. Using a unique song as the inspiration and story for a piece or a series gives me the road map for my process, at every turn the song tells me what I need to know to get to the finish line. I like my work to tell a story, and almost always music is the best tool I can use to let it speak.

NATALIA ACKERS

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: After years of focusing on my legal career, I was starting to feel frustrated and burnt out and was looking for an outlet to help deal with the negative headspace.  I picked up a canvas and some acrylic paints as part of a friendly painting challenge in 2016 and rediscovered the fun of making art that I hadn’t experienced since high school.  I found that, in addition to long walks with my dogs, painting really helped me get out of a mental funk.  Plus, being focused on colours, and textures, and just getting lost in the process, brings me joy and also inspires me to keep creating!

Q: You mentioned that you “strive to create a piece that evokes a positive interplay of emotions”, how do emotions play a role in your pieces?

A: 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 vibe to their spaces.

Q: Do you think your own journey had a role in how you perceive art in the current moment? Would it have been different if you started your journey earlier?

A: Definitely. During my post-secondary studies, I was so focused on academics but now that I have gotten back into creating art myself, I have a greater appreciation for all types of art and see inspiration everywhere. I used to dismiss abstract art as something anyone could do, but after spending hours working on my own pieces, I have come to learn that was a very naïve assumption. I think the primary thing that would have changed if I started my journey earlier is the number of my own paintings I have hanging in my residence!

Q: How does your background in the legal field influence your work? 

A: 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

COLLEN TODD

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: I have always loved being creative, when I had my daughters it was a great excuse to have countless “art days”. However, at the beginning of 2022, I felt like something was missing in my life. I needed to do something just for me, to feel challenged, creative and inspired. As many of us did during the pandemic I found myself going down negative self-destructive “rabbit homes” on the internet. I needed an escape and to break away from this bad habit. While talking with a fellow artist friend I told her I would love to paint like you, she said “What’s stopping you?” That’s exactly when my painting journey started. It has given me so much enjoyment, escape, purpose, fulfillment, challenge and knowledge.

Q: You mentioned that you’ve been involved in some form of creative pursuit, do you have any other creative hobbies that you enjoy?

A: I’m always open to trying different creative activities. I enjoy gardening and have always had a love for photography. Interior design is a big passion for me too and at one point it almost became a career. Recently,  I tried a hand knitting class and really enjoyed it. 

Q: Since you specified that you continue to experiment with your painting styles, is there a specific style that aligns with you the most?

A: I’m most drawn to abstract expressionism where I can be spontaneous in my brush strokes and mark-making. Many of my paintings are textured and layered which comes naturally while painting but I also love working on transparent, flowy pieces that have an ethereal feel.

Q: In your artist statement you said that each of your paintings end up being a journey, is there a specific painting that you feel is your favorite to describe, or one that has a meaning behind it?

A: It is quite hard for me to pick a favourite and describe my paintings. Every painting ends up being a journey and I never know how I’ll get there or even when. What I love most about painting is there is no explanation. (I often don’t even have the right words to describe it) My paintings come from somewhere deep inside me, a creative force that needs to be let out. What I love about each one is that they are a part of me that I’ve been able to communicate without any words at all. 

ANJUM MOTIWALA

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: I was initially creating art for myself and no one else. I simply loved to watch and respond as an idea for some object emerged in my imagination and evolved on canvas and other media. I am still inspired by what I experience around me, everyday, the colors, the textures & the visuals that escape a casual eye.

Q: In your artist statement you say that you work with layers of paint and that the meaning and mood of the artwork emerges organically, what would you say is the most challenging aspect of this process?

A: The hardest part of using layers of paint and letting the meaning and mood of the artwork develop naturally is finding the right balance between planning and letting things happen as they come. It’s like trying to control a wild dance while also letting it flow freely.

Q: As an internationally recognized artist, do you feel that these diverse experiences play a role in inspiring your work?

A: Absolutely, my travels & diverse experiences play a significant role in inspiring my work. Each experience brings unique perspectives that enrich my creative process and help me to create more nuanced and meaningful artwork.

Q: You mentioned that you have participated in over 100 international art fairs and exhibitions, if you had to pick one valuable piece of advice, would it be?

A: If I had to distill it down to one after my years participating in over 100 international art fairs and exhibitions, it would be to stay true to your artistic vision and authenticity.  Maintaining your unique voice and perspective will not only set you apart but also resonate deeply with audiences who connect with your genuine expression.

ALINA SUKACH

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: I felt like I was always missing something, I had a need that I could not fully understand. I also had a lot of changes in my life, for better or worse, my perspective was changing and I felt the need to document it. After a long solo trip where I spent a lot of time by myself, I realized with my on and off efforts in art, I never did what I truly wanted - full expression with colours, not constricted by any rules. I’m just thankful I cracked that code for myself and I think everything happened at the right time, I would not change a thing.

Q: What is something specific that you learned through different properties of colour and methods that you can elaborate on?

A: I find a lot of parallels between music and colors. I find it amazing how you can create whole harmony of colours and bring a certain mood with their relations.

Sometimes when the elements on the painting seem too predictable, I find myself thinking “It needs some jazz”.

Q: You mentioned that your inspiration sometimes comes from falling into daydreams. Tell us more about this inspiration and how it reflects in your work?

A: I always seek new experiences and new information daily, whether it’s something major or something rather small, like going into the area of a city I have not been to before, or having a deep conversation with someone I have not known well before, experiencing new tastes or smells or researching for hours for a new topic of interest.

For a while I keep thinking over the experience, and sometimes I want to leave a memory of it, like a journal entry. I believe that there is a mood, a character and a type of a dynamic for each experience, sometimes it’s easier when the experience is visual - then you get a whole palette too!

Q: Since there is a lot of emotion and thought within your pieces, is there anything specific that you do before you start so that you can get in the right mindset?

A: I try to organize my space to make sure what is needed for my painting is within my reach. It helps me to fully concentrate on the process. I usually try to paint when rested and with a clear mind, this way every decision I make during the session is well thought through. It helps with transcription of my impressions and memories into shapes and colours.

CAROLINE CHORAZY

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: I love to create. I’ve always loved to create. But I was always hesitant to share my creations with others. I didn’t think others would like my artistic expression. It wasn’t until covid forced everyone into isolation that I started posting my art publicly to Instagram. So to answer this question, I was inspired to start my art journey more vigorously during a difficult time in my life, but it really started long before that and if I could change one thing it would be my initial hesitation.

Q: We love the colours in your work! What elements inspire this color palette?

A: My biggest inspiration is nature. More specifically fragments or elements you might find in the natural world. A ripple or reflection in the water, a sandbar, mineral deposits, different types of vegetation and flora. As such my colour palette reflects these compositions and contrasting ideas found in the world around us. Calming ocean blues or warm earthy tones highlighted with subtle gold hints to add dimension and movement.

Q: In your artist statement you said that observing details that might go unnoticed helps influence your pieces, what are some observations that you’ve made in the past?

A: Similar to my colour palette, I like to narrow in on tiny fragments of a much bigger idea. I love to play with textures and contrast. As such, I might focus in on a particular detail of the greater landscape. Perhaps the smooth and rough surfaces of an outcrop or the meeting of the ocean with the sandy shoreline and the turbulence that might cause. I imagine magnifying my camera lens until my inspiration is broken down into its individual elements. Often times this process evokes certain emotions and I find myself painting to a particular song on repeat which helps in the making and naming of my pieces afterward.

Q: You said that “Nature has the ability to destroy, transform, restore, and rebuild”, how do you think this mindset shapes your creative process and mindset?

A: I find that my creative process is very intuitive. I often focus on a feeling or emotion. I am very much about overcoming adversity and growing from the knowledge and wisdom you gain as a result. A lot of what we find around us has endured for millions of years, and to do so has adapted in inspiring ways. I try to work that into my creations. Whether it’s the physical changes that occur as a result of hardship or roadblocks, or the emotional transformation and growth we gain from our experiences. This is reflected in things all around us like a river finding its path around a boulder, or a tree sprouting roots in harsh terrain. Intuitively I try and capture these moments in time, whether that’s the initial frustration or fear of a new experience or the resolution that comes with more time and understanding. 

KRISTEN STEPHEN

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: My motivation and inspiration to embark on my art journey stem from a deeply ingrained passion for creativity and self-expression. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the power of art to communicate emotions. Whether it was doodling in the margins of notebooks or experimenting with various mediums, art has always been a constant source of joy and fulfillment in my life. I am continually inspired by the world around me – the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotions.

Reflecting on my journey thus far, there is little I would change about it. Every experience, whether it be successes or challenges, has contributed to my growth and evolution as an artist. Each brushstroke and each experiment with colour has shaped my artistic voice and perspective.

Overall, my art journey is a testament to my unwavering dedication to self-discovery, growth, and the pursuit of beauty and meaning through creativity. I am grateful for the opportunity to channel my passion into my art and to share it with others, and I look forward to the continued evolution of my artistic practice in the years to come.

Q: What was your creative process when creating your artwork?

A: My creative process is a deeply intuitive journey that begins long before I touch brush to canvas. It often starts with a spark of inspiration—an image, a feeling, or a fleeting moment of connection with the world around me. This initial spark serves as the catalyst for my creative exploration, igniting a cascade of ideas and emotions that I seek to capture and distill into my artwork.

The process of dyeing my canvas with India Inks marks the first tangible step in bringing my vision to life. This act of dyeing is not merely about applying color to a surface; it is a deliberate and intentional act of imbuing the canvas with energy and atmosphere. Each brushstroke becomes a vessel for emotion, as I allow the ink to flow and meld with the fabric, creating organic patterns and textures that serve as the foundation for my painting.

Once the canvas is dyed and stretched onto the stretcher, I enter into a state of deep immersion and flow as I begin to paint.

Q: In your biography you pointed out that your interest in the arts comes from working in your mother’s gallery. Can you elaborate on this and list a few things that you learned during that time?

A: Working in my mother's gallery was a formative experience that deeply influenced my appreciation for the arts and laid the foundation for my artistic journey. From a young age (14!), I was immersed in a vibrant and dynamic environment where creativity flourished and artistic expression was celebrated. One of the most significant lessons I learned during my time in the gallery was the importance of art as a cultural cornerstone. My experience in the gallery exposed me to a diverse array of artistic mediums and techniques. From traditional oil painting to experimental mixed media, I had the opportunity to explore and appreciate the endless possibilities inherent in artistic expression. This exposure not only broadened my artistic horizons but also instilled in me a sense of curiosity and experimentation that continues to shape my creative practice to this day.Overall, my time in my mother's gallery was a transformative period of growth and discovery. It cultivated within me a deep-seated passion for the arts and equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the arts with confidence and conviction.

Q: What colors are you drawn to the most?

A: Blues. I love all of the blues, especially galactic and prussian.

SOPHIA YEH-CHAU

Q: What was your motivation or inspiration to start your art journey? Is there anything that you would change about it?

A: My art journey started the summer I turned ten. My friend had a watercolour set and with that, my small world changed. I quickly discovered that I had a whole new way of travelling and discovering at my hands, a new dimension of which I could pour every ounce of my presence onto.

I parked my creative journey for a decade while raising my family, in hindsight I think I should have carved out time and space for myself to continue the practice.

Q: In your artist statement you say, “I depicted landscapes within Ontario where the natural elements drastically changed”, what elements do you connect with the most?

A: Weather for sure, the sudden change in weather brings an element of vulnerability that I find so intriguing. It’s a humble feeling of insignificance while surrounded by a grand scale of a system.

Q: Do you feel that your schooling and time in Sweden has helped your perspective on art?

A: My schooling in Sweden was very liberal. Where individualism is highly nurtured, my formal training in fine arts and sculpture was very much a push to discover through form and colour. It has without a doubt shaped me as the artist I am today.

Q: While exploring elements and senses such as sounds, smells, and visuals, what sense do you think helps you the most during this process?

A: The visuals help me locate the scene while the sounds and sometimes the smell will bring that memory to life, this is often reflected in the colours and brushstrokes of the piece.