Creatively Thinking With Carolyn B

Being an award winning artist is one of many roles Albert Slark inhabits in his multifaceted career. Beginning with an interest in drawing superheroes Albert began exploring classical painting and drawing graduating from Alberta University of Arts. He continued taking classes at Michael John Angel, and even studied with Max Ginsberg in New York privately. 

Slark started working as an illustrator and began illustrating for ads for commercials, video game ads, and Sci-Fi covers. This led him to finally start illustrating paperback covers in a myriad of different genres from adventure to western to romance. He has become a sought after Portrait artist for his style has developed into masterful compositions that are uniquely original.

https://portraitsbyalbertslark.com/contact

Kezleigh, also known as Amy Merritt, is a new media, digital artist from Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. Her work focuses on expressing the fragility and complexity of a psyche as it struggles with flaws and irregularities in memory and the subconscious communication of dreams.

Her work starts in the digital realm, cathartically piecing together a moment using various software programs. The work is UV-laser printed on the back of acrylic glass and laser-cut into shapes. Custom work is often site-specific and seamlessly integrates with the chosen location. 

Andrea Berger is an award winning Canadian landscape and floral painter,  who has been able to capture some stunning moments across our Southern Ontario landscape. With deep colours, tones and exquisite textures she has discovered the quiet within and loves to share her discoveries.

Searching out these hidden and obvious gems around us, Andrea is delighted to share what drives her to push herself creatively in her mediums, her compositions, and what she can leave out to communicate an effective story. Currently following an Artist that is producing fabulous art at 103 - that is part of the wonder and joy.

To Connect with Andrea Berger: 

https://www.lambethart.com/a-berger-gallery#:~:text=Andrea%20is%20an%20acrylic%20painter%20with%20a%20keen,top%20selling%20artists%20in%20Canada%20and%20the%20U.S.

Podcast Credits:

Audio Links from https://freemusicarchive.org/
Podcast by Carolyn Botelho

         Anne MaClear has been making art for over 50 years. With a background of training at York University and Ontario College of Art; and regular classes for ongoing technical exploration, and occasional inspiration. She works in a variety of media and artistic styles. 

       Currently Anne focuses on abstraction and collage. In the past MaClear has worked in printmaking, encaustic, oil, acrylic, pastels, oil stick, textile art, silk and embroidery. With Anne's abstract work she has been influenced by the work of Rothko and Motherwell as well as children’s art.  Recently, MaClear has been working in pastel and experimenting with oil stick to allow for more immediate results. And a little bit of chaos never hurts.

To Connect with Anne MaClear: https://propellerartgallery.com/members/anne-mcalear/

Beverley Daniels makes art mostly from salvaged materials. It began as an ecological concern, but now it is a preference for the process of it. Preferring the process; with cut, torn, woven or fused plastic or paper, making work that is more evocative than that which was made from paint or ink, pen, pencil, or brush. Heaps of brightly-coloured paper and plastic come into our households unbidden every day; why not use that rich colour? 

The time that a sculptor might spend carving a stone I spend in nature searching for a stone that is carved over millions of years by the natural elements. I have no control over what I see in the stone but if it is speaking to me strongly I feel it is meant for someone like you. My gift is in revealing what I see and I’ve learned that less is more with the oil paints that I use to define the features in the stone. 

I search for unique refined pieces of driftwood smoothed by the element of water that I use to cradle the stone for display. When this truly unique one of a kind art piece is in your home it will enrich your space with the spirit of the land. It will impart it’s ancient wisdom over time and remind you that are never alone. You are always a part of and will reflect in everything surrounding you in the natural world.

My paintings offer 'fresh eyes' on the world. Through paint I can turn pain and struggle into JOY and beauty.

…I'm Callie Gray, an award winning international artist, and I create vibrantly colorful canvases that I'm passionate about. My art is infused with my thoughts - my history - my joys - and - my pains.

People tell me my art is “happy art” or that…”it’s so beautiful, it draws me in”.

Take a wonder through my paintings and see if there is a connection. You may not understand why you are drawn to a certain piece; perhaps it awakens a kind of soul stirring and a strange curiosity. I hope it lights a spark, and makes you feel ALIVE and happy. If it connects with you and brings your life JOY, then I know I have done my job.

Christine Kim is a Korean-Canadian paper artist. She lives and works as an artist and arts educator north of Toronto. Christine explores portraiture through drawing, painting, cutting and layering. Through this process of collage, Kim examines the surface, shape and volume to conceal and reveal the figure. The interplay between layers and the shadows they cast offer the viewer moments of stillness and movement, fragility and solidity, rigidity and organic flow. 

Claudia Dorey is a contemporary visual artist based in Montreal, Canada, celebrated for her transformative paintings and intricate line drawings. Through her self-taught artistic journey, Claudia has turned personal challenges into powerful expressions of emotion, connection, and healing. Her work invites introspection and celebrates the fluidity of life’s perspectives.

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A Self-Taught Artist Rooted in Creativity and Healing

Claudia’s art journey began as a deeply personal response to overcoming chronic illness and emotional blockages. By channeling her experiences into her creative process, she discovered the healing power of art. Claudia forgoes traditional art education, embracing intuition and energy to guide her work, allowing each piece to flow naturally from her emotions and inner state.

Damian Agostini has been for years making beautiful driftwood sculptures of birds and other wildlife near the pathway running along Lake Ontario at the Humber Bay shoreline. He is known as Woody, the wood man Savannah artist, driftwood artist. He loves to carve and sculpt wood.

After graduating from the Ontario College of Art and Design University in 1992, David Brown embarked on a remarkable 30+ year career in the global art and design industry, earning multiple awards for his outstanding contributions. In 1996, he received recognition from Toronto’s Design Exchange for his impactful work featured in the “Type Culture” exhibition, highlighting his pivotal role in Canadian Typography. 

David’s artistic talents extend to abstract encaustic paintings, monotypes, and sculptures showcased in numerous galleries and museums across Canada and the U.S. His solo exhibition at The Painting Center in Chelsea, NYC, is a recent highlight. His works adorn private and corporate collections in North America, Europe, and Asia, while the products he designed have enjoyed successful sales across the continent.

Edward Moffat is a Visual Artist living in Brampton. He does commercial photography and videography. Fashion and various forms of portraiture work have taken him coast to coast in Canada. He has been published in Canada, the US and Mexico. Edward also runs MoffatCreative.ca, a full-service boutique photography and videography studio.

Emily Zou is a Toronto-based Canadian-Chinese multimedia artist, sculptor, illustrator, painter, and maker of earrings. Emily is a 2020 OCAD University alumna with a BFA in Drawing and Painting. Her art practice explores the intersection of climate awareness and mental health. Emily creates intricate small to large-scale sculptures of found objects to confront material waste and unsustainable consumerism. Through sourcing her materials from community donations, close connections, and the street, she gives trash a new life.

These works are capsules of the chaotic emotional energy felt during their creation. A metaphor for transformation, change, and healing, trash is upcycled and takes on a new life. Zou hopes to spark dialogue with people about their stories and experiences with mental health; wanting to inspire people to see their darkness as a source of strength, and challenge to what we define as “trash.”

Born and raised in beautiful BC, I studied in Denver at Colorado institute of Art in Denver, before returning home to Vancouver to finish my degree in design. I’ve worked with countless mediums throughout the years, including graphite, acrylic, watercolor, india Ink, and oil. I’ve had the privilege to work as an illustrator, portrait artist, teacher and photographer, but my truest love is painting beautiful landscapes that bring a little joy to every home they find themselves in.

Today, I’m a landscape artist with a penchant for capturing moments of beauty that the Canadian landscape so frequently provides. I love everything about the creation process, from taking photographs for future works to sketching new ideas and laying paint onto canvas, and I enjoy working where two particular styles meet.

Georgia Fullerton BA, ExAT Practitioner – is a professional mixed media artist, arts educator and a graduate of the CREATE Institute’s Expressive Arts Therapy program. She is a member of the board of directors for OEATA (Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association) and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, Ontario. Georgia’s original art is held in public and private collections in Canada, United States, Australia and the Caribbean. 

She also facilitates Expressive Arts groups in a variety of environments with diverse populations. Georgia shares her community arts experience and knowledge within long-term care facilities, hospitals, galleries, museums, public schools and homeless shelters. Georgia is currently pursuing her RP status with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario and creates her original art at her home studio in Ajax, Ontario.

Accomplished, multi talented, graphic designer, photographer, event coordinator and marketer with over 32 years of corporate experience.
Extensive knowledge of industry standard software. Highly motivated team player. Strong skills in complete digital print media.

Graeme Luey is an Artist + Designer.
Director | Curator at #Hashtag Gallery @hashtaggallery
Director at @casa_lienzo Artist Residency
🌿
Fine Art Account: @glueyart

www.artsy.net/hashtag-gallery/artist/graeme-luey

Gwen Tooth is an experimental and expressionist painter. She has in recent years completed several series of acrylic paintings revealing the moods and energies of water – whirlpools, waterfalls, and tsunamis. Gwen is a member of Propeller, Gallery 1313, and an Associate member of the Society of Canadian Artists. Gwen holds a B.A. from Western University, a BFA (Honours) 2005 from Ontario College of Art and Design University and a Fine Arts Certificate (Honours) from Humber College.

Hugh Gardiner is a Brockville native who began his interest in visual arts attending Art classes at Thousand Island Secondary School and evening courses at the Brockville campus of St. Lawrence College with local artist Henry Vyfinkle.  At Queen's University, he took painting as an elective while studying for a Bachelor of Arts in History and continued to take Art courses from the Kingston campus of St. Lawrence College.  

He held summer jobs as a graphic designer for a silk screen business, and later had a part time business in sign painting and graphic design.  More recently, Hugh has taken courses with the Brockville SLC summer Art program and workshops offered by local artist Bob Shackles through the Arts Hub at St. John's United.

         Jacques DesCoteaux's background began as an Accountant, while his passion is art in a multitude of mediums. Practicing his craft for 25+ years he has weaved an intricate tapestry of  artwork that has a range many would be intrigued by. He loves the process of being inspired by where he grew up in Northern Quebec, and the places he likes to travel.

         Inspired by landscapes, although the longer you look at these compositions the more you begin to see what he says are the thin layers he uses to 'have the images create themselves.' That the layers he applied previously shine through the layers painted thinly on top. This he admits must be from his experience with working with pastels.

Madly in love with the creative spirit. ❤️ 🎨 🎵
Founder: @artshubartshow
Words: @jfluxwords_
Photography:@flux.visions

Kirk Sutherland is a Toronto-based Canadian artist, born in East York, Ontario. 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 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.

Laura Beaton is a Toronto-born visual fine artist with roots in Scottish bagpipes and  English tea.  My art is a fusion of aspects and styles from Chinese Brush Painting, Sumi-e, and western mixed media. 
 
As a child and during one or our monthly trips to Toronto’s Chinatown, my father purchased an antique tea wagon for my mother.  It had been painted with Chinese Brush Painting techniques and my passion for the art and art form was born. 

Born in St Thomas Ontario, and growing up in Montreal, Quebec;  Libby Hague has been creating sculptures and stories of contradiction, violence, love, death, disease, and vulnerability. Moving freely amongst these narratives has given her a unique vantage point as a storyteller.

Having such a curious and inventive mind Libby Hague has been a prolific Toronto based Artist specializing in video and large scale print installations. She has taught printmaking at Sheridan College, and is known for her paper collage and constructed installations.

I am a Toronto-based contemporary art photographer. In our increasingly noisy world I look to capture the silence. In 2016, I left the corporate world to become a full-time artist. Since then, I have been elected into both the Ontario Society of Artists, and the Society of Canadian Artists.

Along with my presence at the Toronto Artist Project, Saatchi Art's The Other Art Fair, and the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, my work has shown at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Paula White Diamond Gallery, Noodle Gallery. You'll find my work in several Canadian corporate collections, as well as private collections throughout North America.

In true entrepreneurial style, Lynden started her own art school at the age of sixteen.  She taught both youth and adults in her family’s home.  Later, as she began her career in nursing, married and had two children, she found it increasingly difficult to find time in her busy schedule to devote to painting.  

But when her grandmother passed away in 1986, Lynden returned to her love of painting as her way of dealing with the loss.  She quickly began entering competitions and won several awards.  Lynden released her first lithograph print, Alton Afternoon, in 1989.  Today, her original works can be found in private and corporate collections across North America and Europe. 

Marie Neys has always challenged herself to study. Many of the art styles she has mastered include acrylics, ink & rouge, pen & ink, pastels, watercolour, sculpture, pottery and calligraphy.

Marie divides her time between the rolling hills, vast plains and big sky country of Southern Alberta and the towering trees, cool breezes and unending ocean of West Coast British Columbia.

Noe Kuremoto’s work exists at the intersection of mythology, memory, and modernity. A ceramic artist of singular vision, she sculpts entirely by hand, using only the simplest of tools—an intuitive, almost ritualistic process that breathes life into clay. Her sculptural forms evoke the enigmatic presence of Japan’s ancient talismanic figures. Through her own reinterpretations, Kuremoto asks: What spirits do we need protection from today?

Born in Osaka, Kuremoto moved to London in the 1990s to study conceptual art at Central Saint Martins, a departure that marked not only a shift in geography but a temporary severance from the weight of tradition. "In London, I didn’t have to bow. No more rituals, no more ghosts. Just forward, forward, forward. Science had the answers, right?" she reflects. "But facts aren’t wisdom. And wisdom is what keeps you standing when life cracks open."

Yaw Tony is a curator, designer & artist based in Toronto. Yaw is formally trained in Architecture, graphic design, and Fine Art, and works in those areas as well as product designs and creative consulting.