Talking to Artists

Synopsis: Sage joined me from beautiful Salt Spring Island. We had a very interesting chat about her theme - human impact on the environment as well as artist residencies, public art and her next project about "invasive" species. About the Artist: Sage Szkabarnicki-Stuart is a 24 year-old emerging photographer living in Toronto. She mostly uses herself as the subject of her photographs, which is b...

Synopsis: A deep conversation about the role of emotions, specifically shadow emotions, that get processed and integrated into our work. About the Artist: Intrigued by the evolution of the human spirit; Harte seeks to translate intimate thoughts, moments, and feelings of daily life into art works. Harte’s use of symbolism, as well as hidden and fractured images, draw the onlooker into multilayered...

Synopsis:  We talked about how motherhood influences Corynn's work and the place of figurative work in art society. She shared her inspirations and how volunteering has helped her build her business knowledge and grown her network. Artist Statement: Corynn is a full-time artist and mom of three. Having given up painting for over a decade to raise her family, her reinvigorated practice merges...

Synopsis: We had a lively conversation about creating public installations, the mental health benefits of creating and experiencing art and how collaborations can sometimes be a challenge but can grow your creative inspirations. Also a shout-out to Deserres - a Canadian art supply company! Next show for both of us is ArtWalk in the Square Online. Artist Statement: "I’m a Toronto-based contemporary...

Synopsis : We had an engaged conversation about creating in a collaborative workspace, commissions and the unexpected transition to full-time artist. Artist Statement: "Forging out a moment of reprieve in a hectic world by taking a deep breath and looking up to the sky. That’s the experience I try to recreate with my paintings.  Treading a wobbly line somewhere between abstraction and realism...

Synopsis: A great conversation today about commissions and the power of a connected community - both as an artistic inspiration but also as a powerful support network. About the Artist: Gordon Leverton is a contemporary painter of urban landscapes living in Hamilton, Canada. . He breaks down the city into component parts. Shadows, buildings and skylines, all become part of the same plane and trans...

Synopsis : An incredible chat with glass artist Layne Verbeek who created kiln formed and cast glass sculptures. We talked about how he moved quickly during Covid to offer in studio and in home classes with his "Glass in a Box". Artist's Statement: My work is an exploration in capturing nature’s movement and its many mottled textures and colours. And, my hope is to create unique sculptural forms t...

Synopsis: Had a wonderful conversation with landscape artist Andrew Cheddie Sookrah. We chatted about the best way to manage a commission to ensure client and artist is happy with the final piece. We talked about the influence of culture and travel (and Tom Thompson) on our work and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Ran out of time to talk about his stint as a finalist on the Canadian L...

Synopsis: In this week's chat, we talked about Jennylynd's musical upbringing, her inspiration, taking risks and painting people without faces! . About the Artist: Jennylynd James is a “Renaissance” woman: an artist, writer, and Classical music singer with a long work history as a food scientist! Jennylynd earned a Ph. D. in Food Science at McGill University, working in industry for companies in t...

Synopsis : Marjolyn, Memory Art Girl, talked about how her work has changed during this 'great pause". Her work is about nostalgia and this feeling is what people are drawn to in these uncertain times.  Marjolyn has also taken this time to create a program that helps artists become more proficient in social media and digital marketing - helping them step out of their comfort zone.  About...

Synopsis : We chatted about how we have had to pivot during Covid when the art shows we usually do have been cancelled. Artist Statement: My art jewellery practice is concerned with the use of line and colour and how the intersection of these elements define form. With a background in music composition, I made the transition to metal 5 years ago after obtaining a jewellery certificate at George Br...

Synopsis: Chatted with Carolyn about how her practice has changed since COVID and how she pivoted to making beautiful masks from her backyard studio. As I was doing this interview from hospital, we also chatted about all the hazardous material artist use. Artist Statement: Carolyn Laidley Arn studied interior design and currently juggles being an artist with commercial real estate. An emerging art...

Synopsis: We talked about the importance of helping other artist succeed through a strong and supporting community. Mary shared her experiences with licensing her work and we got a tour of her studio (see @katetaylorart for details)  Artist Statement: I am a contemporary landscape & abstract painter.  The natural elements, large expansive sky, peaceful water, quiet green forests, the...

Synopsis : Julia talked about expanding your business by doing custom and embellished prints. We talked about her process and how her Friday Live painting sessions has increased her reach to both artists and art lovers.  About the Artist: Julia Veenstra is a Canadian artist whose work is found in collections around the world. Julia has lived in four different countries, and brings the influen...

Synopsis : Helen shared her experiences painting Plein air on stunning Vancouver Island and how this feeds her soul – especially in these Covid days. She talked about how the practice of Shinrin Yoku is something she practices in the BC forests as well as integrates into her oil and cold wax paintings. We shared our thoughts on the fast pivot of digital; artists needing to have a digital presence...

A brief discussion about the reasons why I decided to start Talking to Artists. During Covid, I missed my artist community so doing weekly Instagram interviews was a great excuse to reach out. I wanted these interviews to be more like 2 friends sitting across from each other at a kitchen table, nursing a hot cup of coffee. I wanted them to be spontaneous, candid and authentic - not polished and no...