The Learning Zone

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the art that you create?

I’m in 3rd year Drawing & Painting but I don’t do much painting anymore. I focus mostly on embroidered drawings.

How long have you been interested in art? How long have you known that you wanted to pursue art as a career?

My whole life, I knew that I had always wanted a job in the arts. The only time I questioned myself is when family and friends discourage me from pursuing it as a career.

What influenced your decision to major in Drawing & Painting?

I was most exposed to drawing and painting before I enrolled in OCAD but I think I’m better suited to the Sculpture or MAAD programs. My art is very dependent on installation and rarely just stops at painting.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I like the flexibility, they are very open to other mediums.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by conversations that I have with other people and my daily experiences. For example I recently did an extensive mold series because I had a lot moldy food in my house. I write a lot of notes and to-do lists so I made work about text. I like to include my hectic life into my art.

What is your creative process?

My creative process begins with writing and talking, rarely any sketching is involved.

What is the best art tip you ever received?

I overheard an instructor advising a student to make artwork that you can relate to, don’t make artwork that you have no association to.

What are your favourite tools to work with?

Thread, needles, different fabrics and dyes.

What two art tools could you not live without?

Needle and thread.

How would describe your work?

Very detail oriented and committed, it begins with an end in mind. I have to know where it will end up.

Has attending art school helped you develop your own personal style? If so, how?

Coming to OCAD taught me the importance to have a specific style so that people can recognize your work. It comes through a lot of failed art.

What are your plans when you graduate?

I’m divided between travelling or finding a good job. Maybe, I will pursue an art residency or internship.

What do you do to relax?

Drink wine and watch movies with friends.

What is your favourite thing about studying in Toronto?

The art scene is enormous, everyday it seems like there is a new gallery opening. Diverse neighbourhoods, you can walk one block and it’s like you are in a different city.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing students and artists today?

The massive sea of art, it seems that you come up with a great idea and somebody has already done it. You have to recognize when your idea is verbatim and to adjust it. Know enough about the art you are interested in, who’s done what.

Where is your favourite place to eat around OCAD U?

The Village Idiot and Pita Village.

The Learning Zone is pleased to announce the return of Materials Trading Post, a collaborative art supply swap event where ideas, knowledge and materials are shared.

Here’s how it works, bring in left over or underused supplies to exchange them for new ones or enjoy the creative process — experiment with new materials and techniques.

If you are unable to attend this event but would like to donate art supplies and materials, please contact us to arrange an alternate drop-off time. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated!

Mark off your calendars for Wednesday January 22nd between 1 – 3 pm. We look forward to your visit.

A new exhibition video, Toronto Harbour 1688 – 2013, is currently screening at xpace’s off-site gallery External Space hosted by OCAD U Learning Zone.

Toronto Harbour 1688 – 2013, it’s a stop motion sand animation by Marjan Vestappen which captures the shifts in form of the Toronto waterfront shoreline as an imprint of the city’s development.

Verstappen’s first animation, a medium that allowed her to play with the sense of time, tell history through shapes, and set static perspectives in motion.  — Britt Wray

On until February 25th at the Learning Zone.

Maybe you’ve noticed artworks scattered around the Learning Zone. They’re taking over every surface: covering the walls, the counter tops, the cabinet. It’s all part of a new exhibit featuring the work of first year students.

featuring artwork from J.J. Kiroulos, Mateo Jose Herrera and Cleo Halfpenny

The EC/Static 2014 exhibit — featuring photography, print making, 2D animation, Indigenous sculpture and more — officially launches tomorrow night at an opening reception party, running from 5:30 to 6:30pm in the Learning Zone.

If you can’t make it to the opening reception, stop by before January 27th to have a look at all the work on display.