"CAPTURE" GET TO KNOW THE ARTISTS

Step into a world of diverse landscapes at CAPTURE, a photography exhibition featuring the work of 8 talented local artists of the GTA.

This compelling showcase delves into a range of themes, from the peaceful serenity of nature to the vibrant energy of urban life, highlighting the beauty often hidden in everyday scenes. With striking stills of cityscapes, rural vistas, and even the vastness of outer space, CAPTURE offers a unique perspective on both our earthly surroundings and the cosmos beyond.

Raju Alexis

1.How did you land on Photography as a medium, how did your journey as an artist begin?

I bought my first point-and-shoot digital camera in 2003, marking the beginning of my journey into photography. Growing up, I used to indulge in drawing and painting, which perhaps played a role in shaping my understanding of composition, light, and colour. Photography, however, offered a unique advantage—the results were immediate unlike the long process of creating art on a canvas, and this instant gratification sparked a deep enthusiasm for the medium. Over the years, traveling and taking pictures became a way for me to connect with the world, and continue exploring my artistic vision.

2. Are there any challenges in capturing a sense of stillness in a world full of constant motion? How do you overcome them?

Capturing a sense of stillness in a world full of constant motion is one of the defining challenges of long exposure photography, but it’s also what makes the results so rewarding. Scouting the ideal location and a vantage point for the perfect composition is my primary goal. Using neutral density (ND) filters also helps to further extend exposure times, allowing the camera to smooth out chaotic elements. Tripod stability is critical, so I ensure it’s secured to prevent vibrations, even in windy conditions. Patience and flexibility is key and there is a lot of trial and error that goes into creating long exposure images. Post-processing also plays a role in enhancing the desired mood, where distractions are minimized to preserve the serenity I seek to capture.

3. What role does light and atmosphere play in shaping the mood of your photographs?

I shoot only during the blue and golden hours around sunset because they can transform nature into breathtaking compositions with soft, diffused light. The interplay of these natural light conditions not only enhances the textures and colours in my photographs but also allows me to experiment with mood and storytelling. 

4. What was your process in choosing these particular pieces for the capture exhibit?

I wanted to choose images that truly reflected my style of photography. Over time, I have found immense joy and fulfillment in creating long exposure waterscapes, where resulting images exude a sense of calmness and peacefulness. There's something almost meditative about the process - slowing down, and observing the subtle play of light and movement. 

Leanne Hay

1.Some of your work, like “The Sweet Spot” and “The Morning After,” explores unique lighting conditions. What draws you to blue hour and golden hour, and how do you use these moments to convey emotion? 

My favourite thing about this time of day is the anticipation and the surprise of not knowing what you’re greeted with when you get up early and head out in the dark. It can often be the calmest part of the day before the wind whips up and the birds and wildlife are more vocal. With the blues, pinks and mauves that are often present reflecting off the clouds, I like to slow it down and take a longer exposure which smooths out the clouds and water, enhances reflections and intensifies the colours creating a dreamy, serene surprise. I have always liked vibrant colours;from the turquoise of the ocean, to the colour of my car and the clothes I wear.

2. What's the most challenging part of taking photos in a time sensitive window?

The most challenging part of working in a time sensitive manner for me is to calm down and take in the scene. For example, during the various phases of a morning (nautical twilight, blue hour, golden hour, and sunrise) each phase only lasts about 15 minutes. When I see amazing colour starting in blue hour, I get too excited and want to be everywhere at once. I don’t do my best photography when I am running from one place to another. I like to be in the moment and peruse the scene and look for different compositions and perspectives. Are there awesome cloud formations and reflections that would benefit from a longer exposure or is it a pretty golden hour devoid of any clouds with wildlife action requiring a faster shutter speed. I was recently in Botswana during dusk shooting the full moon when a giraffe walked into the scene. I got so overwhelmed with what I was seeing. Before I realized my camera settings were off, he strode out. Most often you have another opportunity to try for the shot, not so with the giraffe.

3. What do you hope viewers experience when they see your work, particularly the pieces featured in CAPTURE?

I hope viewers will experience the awe and joy that I feel when I’m out in nature and be inspired to get out and explore the world for themselves; whether it’s in their own city or travelling further afield. There is so much beauty around us. Going for a walk, taking a weekend drive, or CAPTURING your own sunrise; be present in the moment as you never know what the future

Benjamin Gibson 

1.What does the word capture mean to you personally? Is it about freezing a moment, telling a story, or something else entirely?

Thinking about the word “capture” it’s only the first step in the process. The most important, but the first. To capture something is to secure it in place – a moment in time perhaps. To keep something is an entirely different scenario. Good hunters don’t just shoot to kill. They gather it, skin it, butcher it and treat the meat, they give it attention and make it into a part of their life. With photography the same can be said, there is a moment of capture, but then a time comes for choice, and care in the processing of the photo, which photo to print, what format and what size? How to frame it? There is a whole life around works of art as there is a wild animal in the woods. Instead of nourishing the body, the images nurture the soul. I’m a vegetarian for the record.

2. Your work explores the intersection of grit and beauty. What draws you to this duality, and how do you bring it to life in your urban landscapes and portraits?

The more I ventured into commercial photography and filmmaking the more I tried to fight the grit of reality. That’s a lot of what advertising does. The deeper you go into beauty the more you realize perfection is only an illusion that’s very shortly broken by reality. In this series in particular series authenticity of the photos was very important, so processing was kept to a minimal and no retouching was done. I like to keep the grit in the work because it makes it more real, more believable, and maybe not more palatable, but more closely aligned with our shared reality. Through this series of work I embraced the grit of real work, unfinished roads, large industrial ships, dirt and imperfections that despite being pre-conceived as unattractive are actually central to our world and a necessary and inevitable factor to life. And to Canada, the overall subject of the greater series.

3. Are there specific pieces in this exhibit that you feel best represent your artistic philosophy or style? Can you share their backstories?

Light & Lines (Photo taken in Calgary) does a pretty good job of representing the way I look at the world. It’s momentary. Often because moments pass so quickly. I’m often surprised I had the wherewithal to take a photo at all when life moves so fast. Maybe that’s part of why the concept of Capture is interesting Somethings are not looked at as beautiful until you see them in a new way. In this moment, the sun hitting the concrete was beautiful. A minimal and simple abstract painting happening in nature. This photo was part of a short timelapse, trying to capture the suns movements, but the single image represented what the moment was, more than the video in this case.

4. If there’s one takeaway you want people to have after experiencing your work, what would it be?

If people take anything away from my work, I’m grateful. If I could choose, I would want people to step outside of themselves for a moment when they look at my work. Get lost in a moment that looks at something in a unique perspective. They are now experiencing a thing it in a different way. I would like the viewer to take away the understanding that many perspectives exist and are valid. Be it through the eyes of someone else’s moment or a share moment in time. Moments that will never really exist again. I’d be more interested to learn more about any given viewer, their life, and their loves, than they might realize, for instance. And I of course would love it if they visited my website and followed me on Instagram to keep up with new work.

Anastasiia Khvostyk

1.Your work beautifully showcases bustling urban life and serene natural landscapes. What draws you to explore this duality, and how do you balance these contrasting worlds in your photography?

The duality of urban life and natural landscapes fascinates me because it reflects the diverse experiences that shape our world. Urban scenes offer vibrant energy and dynamic stories, while nature provides a sense of calm and timeless beauty. Balancing the two in my photography lets me explore both sides of life, highlighting the unique character of each—whether it’s the hustle and movement of city life or the tranquility of a quiet forest.

2. How do you adapt your techniques and style when transitioning between photographing urban environments and natural landscapes?

Photographing urban environments often means focusing on compelling angles, creative framing, and capturing fleeting human moments. Nature, on the other hand, is unpredictable—it’s shaped by shifting weather, light changes, and unique moods, like the drama of a sunrise or the softness of a cloudy day. This unpredictability makes every nature shot distinct and pushes me to be patient and adaptable, creating imagery that feels truly connected to the moment.

3. How has living in Toronto influenced your artistic perspective, and what unique opportunities has the city provided for your photography?

Living in Toronto has profoundly shaped my artistic vision, offering a vibrant mix of cultures, architecture, and green spaces to explore. The city has given me incredible opportunities, such as showcasing my work at exhibitions like “Capture” at Twist Gallery. These events not only allow me to share my art but also connect me with like-minded individuals who inspire and support my creative journey, helping me set and achieve new artistic goals.

Alex Christoforou

Image via Alex Chistoforou

1. Can you share more about the transition from your abstract work to architectural photography? How has that evolution influenced your artistic vision?

My past abstract work was largely made up of mirrored objects creating an abstract form.  Soon after I began applying this to architecture, I was inspired to focus solely on the buildings in their original form.  While I have largely moved away from abstract, the mirrored technique can still be found in my recent work including “escalate” which is part of this exhibition.  This gradual change has influenced the way I perceive architecture.  Abstract principles have always encouraged me to look beyond the surface and not take things at face value. 

2. How do you decide which architectural details to highlight in your work, and what draws you to a particular structure?

One of the many aspects I like to focus on is the directionality of lines and light.  I use these two variables in tandem to draw the viewers eye.  This influences my decisions as to what details to highlight.  I’m usually drawn to various forms of architecture including brutalism, neo-futurism, Georgian revival and gothic.  I usually am drawn to a subject for their architecture as well as their surroundings.  Since simplicity is the hallmark of my style, empty skies and buildings standing alone typically catch my attention.

3. What guided your decision in selecting these specific pieces for the Capture exhibit?

I wanted to display my signature style as well as some new concepts I’ve been working on.  As an artist I’m always trying to find new ways to expand my approach, adding more uniformed images to separate from my black collection.  All of the selected works fit my minimalistic style, while still highlighting the immense detail.  I also choose to use metallic paper for all my black images, bringing out more of the silver and gold, while also affecting how light interacts with the physical image.  

4. How do you hope viewers connect with your body  of work?

The balance and simplicity in my work creates an immersive experience, while also offering viewers the space to focus on smaller details in each structure.  There tends to be more scrutiny with minimalist works as the details tend to be emphasized.  My hope is that each person who views these works are able to pick up on how the isolation in each piece affects not only the buildings themselves but the entire composition. 

adam cohen

1. How do you decide which celestial subjects to focus on for your projects?

I decide which celestial subjects to focus on for my projects based on a combination of personal interest and current astronomical events. I keep an eye on planetary alignments, meteor showers, and significant space missions. I also consider the accessibility of certain celestial events from my location and the equipment I have available. Sometimes, inspiration comes from the stories and myths surrounding different celestial bodies, making them intriguing subjects to capture and explore.

2. Can you elaborate on how working with your mentee, an astrophysics graduate, has influenced your creative process?

Working with my mentee, an astrophysics graduate, has greatly influenced my creative process by introducing me to new scientific concepts and perspectives. Their deep understanding of astrophysics challenges me to think beyond the visual aspects and consider the scientific significance of what I am capturing. This collaboration enriches my projects, allowing me to create images that are not only visually striking but also scientifically informative. It's a dynamic exchange of ideas where science meets art, leading to a more comprehensive narrative in my work.

3. How do you think astrophotography contributes to a greater public appreciation for science and the universe?

Astrophotography plays a significant role in fostering public appreciation for science and the universe by making the cosmos more accessible and relatable. Through the lens of a camera, distant galaxies and nebulae become tangible, sparking curiosity and wonder. These images bridge the gap between complex scientific discoveries and the general public, inspiring a sense of connection to the universe. By showcasing the beauty and vastness of space, astrophotography encourages people to explore and learn more about the cosmos, ultimately enhancing public understanding and appreciation of science.

Varad Thalnerkar

1. What drew you to photography as a way to express yourself and connect with others?

As I ventured out to practice and experiment, photography became more than a hobby—it became a way to connect with others. Meeting people who shared my passion was inspiring, and the love and support from this creative community have kept me motivated to grow and bring my best to the table. Photography, for me, isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and expressing emotions that words often can’t convey.

2. How has exploring various types of photography enhanced your creativity and approach to storytelling?

Each genre has taught me something unique. Portraits taught me to capture the essence of a person; street photography honed my ability to find beauty in the everyday; and astrophotography deepened my patience and appreciation for the vastness of the universe. These experiences have not only expanded my creative horizons but also allowed me to use my camera gear to its fullest potential. By embracing diversity in my work, I’ve become a better storyteller, able to weave emotions, light, and perspective into a narrative that resonates with viewers.

3. What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who are exploring different genres of photography?

Consistency is key. Keep capturing moments, experimenting, and learning from your mistakes. Remember, every photograph tells a story, so take the time to understand what you want to say through your work. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. Photography is as much about personal growth as it is about creating art.

Colin Shillingford

Image via Colin Shillingford

1. How did you select the pieces featured in the Capture exhibit, and what themes guided your choices?

I chose images that were all shot at locations along the Toronto waterfront, featuring picturesque views of the skyline. Each piece I’ve chosen communicates a sense of stillness and serenity which I experienced while capturing all of these unique moments in my daily life.

The collection as a whole is vibrant and full of colours that are deeply saturated and harmonious with each other, or complementary with the other selections. All of the compositions combine to create a snapshot of Toronto’s beauty and essence.

2. What kind of response do you hope to evoke in viewers through your body of work?

I hope that viewers feel compelled to meditate on the peaceful energy that exists within the images I create. The feedback I receive about my art often refers to the emotions and moods that are contained in my photographs. 

Blue is the colour that appears most in my photos and I love the way it resonates with others. I try to combine different tones and shades of blue in order to evoke an energy that people associate with tranquility, spirituality, nature, depression, love, sadness and other other similar meanings.

My overall wish is that those who observe my work are left feeling soothed and stimulated to contemplate whatever range of thoughts or feelings that are sparked by their own imaginations.

3. What is your favourite part of the creative process when it comes to capturing photographs, and what aspect of it brings you the most fulfillment?

I typically begin the process of creating my images by taking a camera with me outdoors in search of locations that offer me a combination of picturesque views as well as an opportunity to shoot in solitude. This is why my shots generally do not have crowds of people in them. 

Capturing photos of Toronto that communicate a feeling of ‘loneliness’ (even at times when there are people out and about in the places where I’m shooting) is something I have become more and more drawn to along my journey as a photographer. There’s an aura of mystery and enchantment that I feel when I look back at my images that fuels me to continue further down that path. 

Considering that millions of people live in the city and the downtown area is so densely populated, I feel like the work I do is a testament to the fact that peace and moments of seclusion can be found in urban environments if you make the effort to search for them.

My favourite activity apart from documenting beautiful sunsets (and sunrises) and learning different shooting techniques with my camera has to be the editing process. I get to relive each moment in front of my computer screen and breathe life back into the moment so that the moment can be experienced for an eternity by myself and others. It’s at this stage where I really get to pour my artistic instincts and sensibilities into each picture. Tweaking the colours and lighting, and finding the right balance of saturation and contrast until everything feels right is the most rewarding part of it for me.

To fully immerse yourself into the exhibit, visit Twist Gallery in person at 1100 Queen Street West, Toronto. The exhibit will run from Jan. 3rd to Jan. 27th, 2025. All artwork sizing and pricing is available on Twist’s art for sale page. 

Meet the Gestures Artists

With work so breathtaking, words are necessary to describe the beauty of Gestures. Twist Gallery’s two-month-long exhibition displays 8 local Toronto artists’ brush strokes, showing just how intentional and deliberate each stroke is. Experience the feelings illustrated in this exhibition, it is sure to leave a mark

→ Join us at 1100 Queen Street West, Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM ←

Gestures Opening Reception

Join us for light appetizers, refreshments, music, and a chance to meet the artists.

Thursday, April 7th, 2022 | 6 pm to 9 pm

1100 Queen Street W

Along with the incredible works done by our various artists it is important to us that we get to know each artist more personally. We asked each artist to send in a short paragraph explaining a bit about who they are in order for us, and you to feel more connected to them outside of their work! All of the artists from this exhibit have such incredible stories and explanations for why they love their craft, and we invite you to learn more about how they came to be who they are, and why they decided to create. Keep reading to get the full story!

MEET THE GESTURES ARTISTS

Alice Kelso

Alice Kelso is a Canadian artist, teacher, and social advocate. Though based mainly out of Hamilton and Toronto, she has also shown her work at pop-up exhibitions in the UK. As a graduate of OCAD University's painting program (BFA) and Sheridan College's social services program (SSW), she teaches (and learns) through an anti-oppressive and holistic framework. Alice's work is abstract but representational and her process is expressive and cathartic. It showcases the patterns created by natural growth through texture, mark-making and colour harmonies; conceptual interconnectivity between art and science, people and the world around them.

Andrea Higgins

Andrea is a contemporary self-taught artist with a background in music, film and dance. 

Her work is physical and improvisational, driven by emotion captured through an abstract lens. She describes her works as a dance with one's self, spontaneous and free, releasing energy and emotions in a limitless direction. 

Similar to the way music creates a soundtrack to our lives, colours play a role in the background of our everyday moments yet carry meanings that vary from person to person. 

Andrea lives and works in Toronto, Canada.

Andrea Rosara

Andrea Rosara is an interdisciplinary artist from Venice, Italy. He works primarily in the media of painting and drawing and has an interest in printmaking. He holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Art and a Master’s of Fine Art/Visual Studies in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. Andrea has exhibited his work in a wide variety of solo and group exhibitions in Venetian galleries and art festivals including Atelier 3+10, the Festival of Contemporary Art Giudecca, La Fenice Gallery, Techwood Venezia, and Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. He is now based in Toronto, Canada.

Caroline Chorazy

Caroline Chorazy is a self-taught, Toronto-based abstract artist specializing in acrylics and gold leaf. She draws her inspiration from natural elements in an attempt to capture organic movement and flow in all of her artwork. Her use of gold leaf and pigment gives each piece a unique gesture and ability to change appearance or shape in cohesion with the room and light.

Moses Salihou

Moses is a contemporary artist whose artwork reads like visual poetry; subjective & limitless in its interpretation.  His inspiration and creativity are sourced from his surroundings, the environment and his imagination.  Moses’ creative process is guided by a desire to establish a dialogue through his work without setting any limits.

As a versatile artist, Moses uses various supports (canvas, paper, reclaimed materials) and mediums (oil, acrylic, watercolour, pigment and charcoal).  Originally from Cameroon, Moses now calls Toronto home and his artwork is proudly featured in private collections in Canada and abroad.

Seokhoon Jun

Seokhoon Jun loves family, friends, and nature. Currently studying art therapy at Toronto Art Therapy Institute with an interest in how art and spirituality come together in life. Glad and grateful for the opportunity to connect through art.

Valentina Youkhanna

Valentina Youkhanna is a self-taught artist who has always had a creative side since childhood. She spent a lot of her time as a kid drawing, colouring, and painting. In her early 20s, she began painting with acrylics and it’s been love ever since. She is not only passionate about the arts and creativity but also had a career as a mental health worker and facilitated art groups for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. In her late 20s, Valentina decided creativity would take the main seat in her life and pursued an education in hairstyling which ultimately led her to work in both professions. By 2019 she would dedicate and commit more time to her creative outlets and left the mental health sector to solely focus on her hairstylist career and art. 

Valentina is passionate about healing through art and believes everyone is creative. She believes everyone has gifts and talents in the arts but as time goes on and people “grow up” they forget what it means to play, to have fun, and let your mind be creative. She hopes to see more people tune into their intuition and create from the heart and soul to express or heal. She values community, supporting one another and believes there is abundance for all in the art world and no need to compete because as she states, “no two people can draw the same line.”

Vian Ewart

Vian’s early career was in the graphic side of journalism. About 15 years ago Vian had the opportunity to go to the Gallery School at the AGO, and then the Toronto School of Art, and then the three-year adult art course at Central Tech Art School. For several years since, Vian has been part of the ProjectArt studio group in Toronto. He has also been involved with a number of group exhibitions from the Praxis Gallery to Lennox Contemporary to Don Valley/Forest Hill and most recently Gallery 1313. Last year he completed a couple of commissions in Canada and the U.S.

We hope to see you there!

This exhibit is one of the longer ones, and we felt that this was necessary due to the complexity and emotional depth inherent in a lot of the artists pieces. We hope that this blog post gave you some insight into why each artist decided to express themselves through this medium, and how their art has helped shaped their life. We are excited to see you at the new exhibit Gestures and hope this work will inspire you in the way it was meant too.

Get to Know the Artists From Chromatics! March 2nd-26th

This month Twist Gallery has chosen 7 local Toronto artists to be a part of our Chromatics Exhibit. Each of these artists has their very own unique inspirations, creative processes and messages they display in their art. Their artwork communicates the same theme of expressing themselves through the use of bold and vibrant colours. How they use and express these colours is entirely unique.

→ Join us at 1100 Queen Street West, Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM ←

Liz Szymczak

Liz Szymczak’s painting journey started in 2018 as therapy for anxiety, post-heart attack. She initially started painting rocks that she gathered from her walks at the lake. From there she jumped to small canvases, and now Liz’s largest piece to date is 36” x 48” and she hopes to go even larger! Painting opened up in her a well of creative energy that lay dormant for most of her life. Now painting is her sanctuary! All of her work is intuitive and many of her works have appeared to her in dreams. Liz’s only hope is that her art makes the viewer feel- because that is what makes life so beautiful!

Tamar Kevorkian

Tamar is an Armenian Canadian painter born in Beirut, Lebanon. Tamar grew up in Montreal, where she studied Fine Arts at Concordia University and Photography at Dawson Institute of Photography. Her infinite imagination and inspiration from her life experiences along with the influence of Pablo Picasso give life to an empty canvas.

Tamar’s preferred mediums are acrylic, oil pastel, charcoal, and ink, using brushes and palette knives of various sizes. She brings forth harmony to explore and create the visual imagery of her cubist graffiti paintings. Now living in Toronto, Canada, Tamar actively paints both on canvas and on digital media.

“Art should have no boundaries, therefore I paint freely and boldly because Art always matters.”

— Tamar Kevorkian

Judith McKay

Judith McKay is a Toronto-area abstract surrealist artist. Her intensely coloured, vibrant landscapes and portraits are influenced by magical realism and surrealistic dreams. The concept underlying her work is that of inseparable and contradictory opposites. The playful duality of abstract and representation—altering perception and reality. Interconnectedness and dissolving boundaries permeate her work—one element flows into another, merging and mixing, creating something altogether new. We think we recognize the places and people in these paintings but they are not as we remember them.

Her artworks featured at the Chromatics exhibit depict powerfully ethereal women spirits and sensual flowing skies, birds, and flowers in vivid, hopeful colours. Her mission in creating these works is to offer an alternative elsewhere, an escape from the chaotic world we find ourselves in. She uses acrylic on canvas; painting with swirling motion to give a sense of floating in ambient air. 

Recent exhibitions include the Loft Gallery Group Exhibition, The Artist Project, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, HIRAETH, a solo show at the Urban Gallery, Toronto and FUSION, a shared solo show with Moses Salihou at the Freedom Factory Gallery, Toronto. Her work can also be found in private and corporate collections across Canada, the US, and overseas.

Adeeba Aslam

Adeeba comes from a deeply artistic family of painters, potters and clothing designers with roots in Pakistan. She is a self-taught artist who derives inspiration for her work from her spirituality, lived experiences and interactions with her community.

Over the past several years Adeeba has been trained with and is currently under the mentorship of a prominent Canadian artist, Catherine Shea.

Influenced by expressionist painters, Adeeba typically doesn't have a plan before exploring the canvas. She works with acrylic paint and selected mediums using unconventional tools and techniques to create her abstract pieces. Using bold colours, spatial and organic structures, Adeeba’s paintings evoke an ethereal depth and drama in telling her stories. The process of painting is both a deeply emotional and meditative experience for Adeeba.

Adeeba’s work has been featured at various locations in Toronto, where she was born, raised and currently resides.

For more information about her work, contact adeeba.aslam@gmail.com. Check out her Instagram: @adeeba.aslam.art.

Andrea Higgins

Andrea is a contemporary self-taught artist with a background in music, film, and dance. Her work is physical and improvisational, driven by emotion captured through an abstract lens. She describes her works as a dance with one's self, spontaneous and free, releasing energy, and emotions in a limitless direction. 

Similar to the way music creates a soundtrack to our lives, colours play a role in the background of our everyday moments yet carry meanings that vary from person to person. 

Andrea lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Check out her Instagram: @andreahigginsart.

Giuseppe Mandarino

Rooted in Italian tradition, Giuseppe was born in November 1976 and raised in the Downsview neighbourhood of Toronto. Giuseppe has been passionate about putting paint to canvas since his childhood. Experimenting with his artistic style by fusing a combination of textures, colours, and mediums his creations are one of a kind pieces developed through emotions, surroundings and human connections. Giuseppe speaks through his work, and each paint stroke is an expression. His art is created to channel feeling, movement, and inspiration for those that view it. With a love for his hometown of Toronto, Giuseppe has created custom work for an array of local art collectors, entrepreneurs, and admirers. The world that surrounds us has inspiration everywhere if we take the time to notice it, which Giuseppe displays on his canvas.  

“Do something you really enjoy and it will never feel like work. I’m grateful for my family’s support, and for the opportunities I have been given.”

— Giuseppe Mandarino

Kim Benoit

Creating art is the perfect occasion for an artist to explore happiness. Experiencing art is a mindful activity which allows time and space to experience an emotion. In the paintings from Kim’s series “What Is Happiness?”, she proposes to expound on happiness. What aspects of art make someone feel good? Making a painting that aims to have someone explore their happiness or even to guide them to feel happy is no easy task. She needed to find a visual vocabulary to define happiness. All artists choose a palette to convey the mood. Dark colours can be calming or depressing, bright colours can be uplifting or overwhelming. The use of space can attract or repel. Loose brush strokes and flowing organic shapes can be freeing or disorienting. Strict movement and controlled geometric shapes can evoke safeness or confinement. All of these elements affect the experience. In Kim’s series ‘What Is Happiness?’ She selected paintings that are bright, flowing, and organic for the Chromatics exhibition. To see Kim’s other paintings which express stricter controlled geometric expressions, go to kimbenoitart.com.

The artist’s portion of the proceeds of the sale of these paintings will be donated to research and programs which support people with a mental illness.

We hope to see you there!

Meet Aml Sultana!

“I enjoy creating abstract art because I had the opportunity to explore a new way of expression and could use so many different skills and techniques to create texture”

— Aml Sultana

“Extracting the Abstract” artist Aml Sultana

What inspires you?

I am inspired by everything ranging from people, my past experiences, and especially music. Even though there are so many different people in my life, they each serve an important purpose in life and help me grow. After deciding to seriously pursue art, I realized that everybody expresses themselves through a form of art, whether they realize it or not. I am a strong believer in experiences telling the tale of your life, so my paintings are created in a way to tell stories from my past experiences. Music is an important aspect of my life so it is attached to every piece of work I have created. When looking at my past work, I can recall what music I was listening to which also reminds me of how I was feeling at that moment. Lana Del Rey, who I discovered in the 9th grade, has been the most impactful artist for me and she is a part of almost every piece of art that I have created since high school.

“Plated Guilt” by Aml Sultana

Why are you drawn to this subject?

Before creating this collection and being introduced to abstract art, I had the wrong perception that art had to be “clean” and “perfect. I used to believe that realistic paintings were the basis of creative art and that every line and detail had to be perfect. My first submission piece for this exhibit was out of my comfort zone because there was no plan and it was all emotion, which is what my past work was about. I enjoy creating abstract art because I had the opportunity to explore a new way of expression and could use so many different skills and techniques to create texture. Abstract art unlocked a different artistic skill that I did not know that I had and I will definitely will be exercising it in the future.

What is your collection about?

My collection focuses on my favourite pieces of work that I have created so far. I was finally able to step out of my comfort zone during the creative process, as I used different materials and an even bigger canvas. This collection tells my story of this past summer and all of the amazing opportunities that I had. I was able to discover new skills, such as murals, and experienced a new feeling of motivation and confidence towards my creative artwork. I am excited to be a part of an exhibition in a gallery that I have admired for a long time. It’s about being sure that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

“Auriferous” by Aml Sultana

Meet Maureen Doody!

“I believe that art can forge the path to one’s true self-expression and nurture a mind-body-spirit connection. I hope to engage, inspire and help others find and nurture their true purpose in life through art.”

— Maureen Doody

“Never Enough” by Maureen Doody

How did you start out as an artist?

Art has always played an important part in my life. I’ve always been connected to it in one way or another as a professional athlete, photographer, writer, anthropologist, and business analyst. Painting has always been a natural outlet; a way to escape and speak to a nonverbal part of my existence. It was not until a cancer diagnosis in 2017, however, that I was ‘awakened’ to fully pursue my life-long passion for painting. Holistically, it provided me with a sense of clarity and purpose towards fulfillment of living my most authentic self.

How did you get into creating abstract artwork? What does abstract art mean to you?

I seek to express intangible thoughts and emotions that I do not quite have the words for. Abstract is a language of its own. It is a means to communicate on levels often not yet understood and to expand one’s perceptions beyond the five senses. Abstraction has allowed me to distill and better communicate my emotions and ideas about life, nature and our respective place within it. Abstract does not always have to make sense or dictate a clear narrative. In abstract, you can be anyone you want to be and express anything you want to. Abstract itself is the solution and a remedy; it’s therapeutic. It is a means of exploring subjective experiences as a gateway to broader human concerns. We see art in everything around us every day; but, how we see it is different based on our own personal experiences. To be able to capture that art and interpret it in my own way is what fascinates me. Abstract art requires you to have an open, inquiring mind; you must enter the painting and see where it takes you.

“The Other Side” by Maureen Doody

Is there something that you want to convey through your artwork?

I believe that art can forge the path to one’s true self-expression and nurture a mind-body-spirit connection. I hope to engage, inspire and help others find and nurture their true purpose in life through art. I too, believe in the power of art to heal. From our first lifeline the umbilical cord, as the root that grows in the ground, we are all interconnected to each other and the world around us. The release of love through one’s lifelines and its transformation into energy and mind-body-spirit are one with the earth. Life, bound with love turns into energy in nature, light, music and eventually other people; and, how fluid the boundaries really are. I hope my work is appreciated in emotional terms, serving as a key to within, and letting the beauty be in both the painting and the viewer’s mind.

Walk us through your journey of creating an art piece.

My artistic journey is one of the intrinsic personal explorations. Employing unconventional colours, compositions and tonal schema, my paintings are an authentic expression of ‘revelations of self’; and by virtue, seek to capture the transient nature of life and the essence of the human condition. As an anthropologist, my paintings reflect my connection to the world around me, where one can discern recurring themes of truth, unity of nature, healing, reinvention, resilience, and the power of “I am”.

My process is very intuitive and emotionally driven; with other art forms such as film, music, movement and photography lending inspiration. References in my work to the appreciation of lines, light, and expression reflect a synthesis of these style influences. For me the canvas is a mouthpiece; it comes from its intention. It allows me to speak with vibrant colours, bold strokes, and fine lines. It is a means to whisper my secrets, share my passion, express my anguish, and taunt your sensibilities. Entering the studio is a time of letting go: of expectations, of structure, of rules, and of my own ideas about what’s possible and what’s not...in life and art.

“Hold On” by Maureen Doody

Is there a particular artist who inspired you to become one? Whose techniques do you study, admire or aspire to follow?

My earliest and probably most significant influence in painting stems from my late father, renowned Newfoundland ceramicist William Doody. Under his guidance and mentorship, I developed and honed my skills as a painter in both oil and acrylic mediums. He bestowed in me the work ethic required to be an artist and the importance of precision and detail in my work. 

I find beauty and inspiration in a variety of artists, artwork and art forms. For me, it is about the art in whichever form in relation to the people and the universe around us. Art is often examined through the interaction of the principles and elements of art. The principles of art include movement, unity, harmony, variety, balance, contrast, proportion and pattern. The elements include texture, form, space, shape, colour, value and line. The various interactions between the elements and principles of art help artists to organize sensorially their personal stories while also giving viewers a framework

within which to receive and interpret those stories internally. The dynamic between how these formal qualities are used to create a visual and visceral experience inspires my process and understanding.

Helma af Klint is an artist that defies and challenges the boundaries of these artistic parameters, via her use of colour, form, texture, pattern, and composition, to evoke an emotional experience in the viewer.

Meet Anna Medvedeva!

“I truly have a passion for creating art in whatever form. There’s beauty everywhere. I can interpret that and bring what I feel to the viewer and that is the most important thing for me. The amazing world of colors is my day-long joy and obsession.”

— Anna Medvedeva

“Extracting the Abstract” artist Anna Medevedeva

What is your collection about?

 My search for new forms of expression led to my Color Field painting series. My paintings are all about nature, feelings and elements of landscapes.

How did you start out as an artist?

I began painting in my early childhood. I studied in Kustodiev Art School and Academy of Fine Arts in St-Petersburg, Russia. In early 2000’s I moved from traditional realism to my current abstraction.

“Green and Blue” by Anna Medvedeva

What inspires your art?

My inspiration comes from everyday experience and extensive travels. I try to convey the mood and feelings of places and perceptions of those memories. I transform my vision into poetic abstraction, diffused with spiritual resonance and discover the hidden beauty harmony of colour.

Can you walk us through your process of creating an art piece?

My current passion is monotype printmaking. Its unique and original painting made on smooth surfaces such as silicone pad, plexiglass or gelli-plate and transferred on paper. Thanks to this technique, I create unique paintings that cannot be copied or repeated.

The medium of monotype is a form of painting favored since the 17th century by artists such as Rembrandt, Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Gauguin, Sam Francis, and many others. I spend a lot of time coloring and re-coloring shapes and lines until the dynamics between elements come together and a definite composition arises. I had many lovely and calming feelings working with this series.

Meet Susan Weisz!

“My aim in painting is to explore the creative process. I constantly experiment with different techniques, the goal being to produce paintings that are thought provoking and visually appealing. Ultimately, I paint because it brings me great pleasure. If I can transfer some of that pleasure to viewers of my art, then I have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.”

How do you describe your relationship with art? What does art mean to you?

Art can provide a variety of reactions: it can soothe, challenge, provoke, inspire, delight, or evoke no emotion whatsoever. Art allows me to see things differently and provides me with a creative outlet that can be either rewarding or frustrating, but always encourages me to push forward.

Same Story, New Perspective #1, 24x24, $575

How did you get into creating abstract artwork? What does abstract mean to you?

I began painting mostly landscapes, seascapes, and florals. Eventually I started to think of different ways to paint things beyond the traditional. I liked the results. Being able to explore different ideas without feeling constrained appeals to me. I find it interesting how the same painting can evoke strikingly different responses from different observers.

Walk us through your journey of creating an art piece.

There is no single path to creating one of my pieces. The concept for the artwork could be extrapolated from photographs, from which I isolate different sections and use each of them as a reference to create an abstract painting. A series may develop almost by accident, by observing how a specific paint reacts on certain papers. The exploration continues by deciding how these new designs can be made into esthetically pleasing pieces of artwork. Other times I may be preoccupied with a shape, such as a circle or something more random, like drips, and I would experiment, creating a series or paintings. Sometimes there is no plan to begin with- just a substrate, paint, (and perhaps other media), and the tools used for application. My paintings may be used to send a message or just to create an image born from my imagination.

Dollar & Sense #1, 24x24, $575

Whose techniques do you study, admire or aspire to follow?

I studied the techniques of the instructors whose art classes and workshops I attended. I enjoy the work of artists who cover a broad range of styles such as Steve Driscoll, Angela Leach, Lawren Harris, Tom Thompson, Jackson Pollock, and the black and white pieces of Paul-Émile Borduas, to name a few.

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You can find Susan’s work right now at Twist Gallery until Friday, February 28th, 2020 and purchase her work under our “Artwork” section. Follow Susan Weisz’s work on her website and Instagram.