"WANDERING" GET TO KNOW THE ARTISTS

Twist Gallery is excited to present WANDERING, an engaging abstract exhibition featuring the works of eight local artists. Each artist offers a distinct perspective on movement, exploration, and the unknown. With bold colors, textures, and fluid shapes, the exhibit explores themes of curiosity, transformation, and the spirit of wandering beyond the material world. WANDERING invites viewers to dive into the art, uncovering emotional and imaginative layers with every piece.

adi zur

1. You use newspaper headlines in your paintings. What makes a headline stand out to you when choosing one for your work?

The newspaper headlines that I gravitate towards when making selections for my artwork are those that grab the attention of the heart rather than the mind. When there is a headline that is personal and emotional, as well as symbolic and metaphorical, it resonates with me and becomes a compelling candidate for my canvas. 

2. How do you feel your paintings bring a sense of calm in a world full of media and noise?

My artwork is often described as deeply layered — both literally and figuratively. In a similar vein, the sense of calm that my paintings bring to viewers is also layered. On the surface are, most often, calm colours, and the very act of touring the painting with one’s eyes is a meditative experience. Beyond that, the content and messages embedded in the artwork mirrors life itself and as such validates the observer’s own very human experience — leaving one with the calming and reassuring notion that they are not alone.

3. Your background in philosophy and teaching seems unique. How do those experiences influence your art today?

Having a background in both philosophy and teaching influences my art in my efforts to awaken reflexivity and thoughtful contemplation in the viewer — especially in the realm of the abstract. That said, even before I explored philosophy and teaching, I was rooted in expressing the intangible. Rather than choosing to pursue figurative or landscape art, abstract was what spoke to me — even as a child. In fact, when I was in art class in kindergarten a little classmate of mine was dumbfounded by my choice of artistic expression. I painted God, while the rest of my class chose flowers, and family, and pets.

4. You talk about a lost connection to ancient knowledge. How do you hope your art helps people reconnect to that?

Ancient knowledge is replete with those aspects of ourselves that evolved over hundreds of thousands of years: the instinctive, the emotional. Recently, in our modern times, we have moved away from developing those core features of self.  By gluing headlines to canvas my artwork grounds us in the contemporary and reminds us that we are severed from the connection to our ancient pasts.

robin potter

1. Where does your story stem from? Have you grown around art or did your passion start as you grow? Is there a certain age you knew for sure this is something you’d want to be doing for the rest of your life – possibly on its own or alongside other things?

I’ve always had a connection to art. It began with an avid interest in literature, dance, and the visual arts. When I was younger I learned classical ballet and pursued degrees in literature, with a strong focus on modernist and contemporary texts and theory. During this time, I also pursued a passion in painting and still have artwork I completed in my teens. Art has always informed my life and similarly my life has informed my artist practice. While I did take a hiatus from painting while pursuing my career and raising a family, I began devoting more time and attention to painting about seven years ago and am now exploring thematic streams.

2.You’ve mentioned that your art explores themes of gravity, organic transformation, and modern life. Why are these themes so central to your work? Is there a personal experience or event that sparked your interest in these concepts?

I was raised in semi-rural Quebec and had an intense connection with nature because that was all that was around me. At the same time, I had an awareness of the progress of civilizations and cultures which I gained early on through literature and more recently through news media. I began to explore the apparent disconnection between technologies and the experience of the natural world through my art by juxtaposing natural, organic forms that are in nascent stages against backgrounds representing constructed environments. Through these paintings I hope to express my deep concern or sense of gravity for the imminent perils brought about by our focus on technologies.

3.Your work often contrasts natural, organic forms with structured, geometric backgrounds. How do you approach this balance in your process, and what do you think it reveals about the intersection of nature and the human-made world?

Most of us work and play with technologies, which are constructs of our modern personal and work lives; they in fact consume much of our attention. When I paint, I feel released from the constraints of computer worlds, and feel that I enter a playground of sorts where I can create and recreate ecological spaces using a variety of materials— human-made and natural. The process of applying materials on the canvas, designing shapes, exploring the themes and currents of weight, sadness, consternation, balance, weightlessness, precariousness, and emergence helps me to feel that somehow I can the defy the gravity that surrounds us.

4.Your work has been showcased in diverse spaces—from the Ontario Legislature to the AGO. How does the setting or context of each exhibition influence the way you present your art and why Twist Gallery?

The setting of each exhibition offers opportunities to create resonances with the art pieces that augment their meanings and sometimes take their significance in different direction. Not only does the space affect how an artwork “glows” but every person who views the work brings with them their own rich interpretation and sentiment. Twist is a beautiful space set in Toronto’s urban landscape. It’s open space gives room for the artwork to breathe, and in the company of the work of other artists, it can create resonances that are at once coincidental and unexpected.

markus moos

1.Your art blends influences from pop-art, surrealism, and graffiti. How do you decide which elements to combine in your pieces?

This is very much an instinctive process. My art rarely starts with a specific plan. I begin by combining colours and shapes which then take me in a particular direction. I let the art guide me in terms of what seems to come together. Each piece has a unique story in terms of its evolution. I am guided by what seems to work visually. There is a lot of trial and error in my work. I think that's critical to the creative process, trying things out and seeing where they lead. I do often look for visual contrast and find ways in which I can use colours and shapes to create patterns that evoke interest by way of contrast.

2. You explore themes like mental illness, identity, and nature in your work. How do these personal experiences shape the way you create art?

My art is deeply personal, and always a reflection of me and my thought patterns, emotions, and so on. I also find the process of creating art very restorative and calming so it's helpful to make art in terms of grounding me during difficult times. Some of my art draws directly on personal experiences for inspiration, other pieces are more indirectly shaped by my own unique circumstances. I also hope my pieces instil a sense of hope through the use of colour and natural images. I live with OCD and social anxiety disorder, and part of the reason I make largely abstract and “messy” art is to overcome perfectionism that can come with these disorders. There is also a lot of emphasis on neurodiversity, non-binary ways of looking at the world, and the importance of rest and contemplation in my art. I like to convey a sense of hope through my work, hope that we are capable of working through difficult times and help each other feel like we all belong. Most of my pieces include many layers, and as such each piece conveys several parts of my own lived experience in some form.

3. How do you know when a piece of art is finished? Is there a specific moment or feeling that tells you it’s done?

There is definitely a feeling that tells me when a piece is done. It's difficult to describe. I can 'just tell' when a piece feels finished. When done, the colours, shapes, and overall composition come together in a way that instills a sense of completion. When a piece is complete, I feel a sense of joy about having brought shapes and colours together in a way that communicates something. My pieces never feel done until they communicate some sort of message that I can get behind. Some pieces are finished relatively quickly but most come about over a longer period of time, working on them in many sessions. Because I work with digital art, there is also flexibility to combine previously unfinished and finished pieces into new ones.

4. As a self-taught artist and urban planning professor, how do your two worlds influence each other? Does your background in planning impact how you approach your art?

The two worlds definitely shape each other. At first, it was my interest in visuals and communication in urban planning that brought out my art. Some of my art is directly shaped by academic research projects, for instance on the changing nature of cities, the importance of high-quality public space, and the role of high-rises in our communities. Art also shapes my academic work in that it has given me a greater appreciation for unstructured processes. I tend to be much more goal oriented in my academic work whereas I am more inclined to let my art evolve on its own. There is a healthy tension between these two worlds, I think, that continues to allow me to move forward and grow but not in an overly deterministic way. Ultimately urban planning is about how to shape our communities and my art tries to capture various parts of our natural and built forms in new ways.

Briggite Boulay

1.Your work draws inspiration from the idea of wandering through the forest and seeking a deeper connection with nature. What personal experiences or memories from your own life have influenced this theme?

I have always felt a deep connection with nature and animals. I was born sensitive to the environment around me and learned to seek peaceful places from a young age. The world can be a very noisy place! Nature and the arts have been consistent interests in my life, which help me stay grounded. Some notable experiences in nature include gardening with my grandmother, canoeing through Algonquin Park, swimming with turtles in the Caribbean, jumping off a cliff in Jamaica, and taking in all the colourful flowers and natural scenery during my travels in Europe & Canada.

2.You mention the powerful impact Chris McCandless’ story had on you, especially with Eddie Vedder’s soundtrack. How does music play a role in your creative process, and do you have other pieces that have been influenced by music in a similar way?

For as long as I can remember, music has been an integral part of my life. Coming from a family of professional musicians, I've been exposed to a wide array of styles and instruments. When beautiful poetry is set to music, the words come alive, breathing into your soul and touching something deep inside. Being naturally sensitive, I feel the power of music profoundly. An artist's work, from their lyrics to the instruments they choose, creates something so special that it resonates within me, inspiring me to create in their honour. For instance, my piece entitled "Jeremy" was created for Jeremy Dutcher, a classically trained Canadian Indigenous tenor, composer, musicologist, performer and activist. He honored his people with his angelic voice and incredible compositions, transforming something sacred into an extraordinary musical experience.

3.In your artist statement, you talk about escaping to discover who you really are. How does creating art allow you to explore and express that deeper sense of self?

When you create, you are engaging in a deeply sensory experience. You must delve into not just the intricate details, but what inspired you to create. While knowing the artistic rules and guidelines is important, what truly makes art resonate is capturing that elusive feeling – that unique place only you know and have now shared with the world. It involves embracing what takes your breath away, both the good and the bad. Through art, I am communicating from my soul and discovering what drives my creative expressions. From the beauty of flowers and trees to activism and the continuous expansion of my artistic styles, I am growing and speaking to you through these experiences.

4.Your professional journey includes formal education, workshops, and private lessons. How have these different learning experiences shaped the way you approach your art today?

If you look closely, you’ll notice elements of folk art, palette knife techniques, brush work, fabric sculpting, paper arts, and more. As a little girl, my mother would take me along on her many artistic adventures. Since then, it's been a continuous journey of nurturing my artistic curiosity. I took my first painting classes with my mom when I was 11 years old. I believe that each piece I create embodies a part of everything I’ve learned, all stored in my creative reservoir.

Robert Ross

1.Your art is all about the movement and interaction of colours. Can you explain the process you use to create these effects and what draws you to this approach?

Executing this process requires careful control to keep the colours on the canvas. Achieving a thick, viscous consistency of paint is crucial to create elaborate lines and edges. Imagine the canvas laid flat, an arrangement of colours poised to mix, as the pigments move and converge by way of gravity, intricate details are created almost organically. The delicate threads of colour positioned side by side and other details make each piece impossible to replicate by hand. They will always remain genuinely unique. Additionally because these works are genuine abstractions that don’t represent any specific form, they can have lasting impact. Each day, a viewer may observe new details, keeping the experience of the artwork fresh and captivating for years to come.

2.You’ve been experimenting with your style since 1998. How has your work evolved over the years, and what keeps you inspired to refine your technique?

The pursuit of perfection is a significant motivating factor for me. I aim to create an iconic looking piece that resonates with viewers. My work has evolved through adding colours, experimenting with various colour combinations, and learning to maintain control of the free-moving paint.

3.One viewer described your artwork as "looking at God.” How do you feel when people have such deep, personal reactions to your work?

I believe these works can enhance any empty wall but I am always amazed and flattered when someone expresses interest in acquiring one.

4.Each piece has a unique title like "Requite" and "Myopia." Can you share the stories or ideas behind some of these names and how they relate to the artwork?

The titles are chosen based on the beauty of the arranged letters — not their meaning, but their visual appeal. Similarly, the paintings focus on the beauty of the paint itself, rather than trying to convey an impression of something else.

Roxana Bahrami

1.Your work focuses on the resilience and adaptability of natural ecosystems. How do you personally relate to these themes, and how do they shape the way you approach your art?

For me, resilience and flexibility are essential not just in nature but also in art and life. As a self-taught artist, I’ve learned to embrace challenges, adapt, and grow through experimentation. My journey with pointillism has been one of patience and persistence — building intricate dot by dot mirrors the steady resilience found in nature. Just as water carves its path over time or forests regenerate, my creative process requires trust, adaptability, and an openness to change. Fluidity reflects these values, reminding me that both in art and in life, we thrive when we allow ourselves to evolve with our surroundings.

2.Pointillism requires incredible patience and precision. What is it about the process of building an image one dot at a time that resonates with you, and how does it reflect your approach to life or mindfulness?

Pointillism has taught me patience, presence, and the beauty of intentional slow creation. Each dot requires focus, yet the full image only emerges over time — just like in life, where small, consistent actions lead to meaningful outcomes. This approach extends beyond my art; it shapes how I navigate challenges, embracing the process rather than rushing to the result. Mindfulness is at the heart of my practice, as placing each dot becomes a meditative act, grounding me in the present moment. Through my workshops, I encourage others to experience this mindful rhythm, using art as a tool for relaxation, self-expression, and inner balance."

3.In your "Fluidity" series, you explore the interconnectedness of environmental elements. Can you share how you translate the complex dynamics of nature into the textured, detailed style of pointillism?

I hope when viewers experience Fluidity and my dot painting pieces, they feel a sense of calm, curiosity, and connection. The intricate details and layered textures invite them to slow down, observe, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the artwork — much like nature itself encourages us to pause and reflect. Through Fluidity’s movements I want to evoke a feeling of balance and harmony, reminding viewers of the quiet resilience and beauty found in natural ecosystems. Many have shared that my work brings them a meditative or even therapeutic experience, which resonates deeply with my belief that art can be a form of mindfulness. Ultimately, I hope my pieces inspire a greater appreciation for both art and the natural world, encouraging a moment of stillness in our fast-paced lives."

Kareen Hague

1. Your art mixes realism and impressionism. How do you decide when to use one style over the other?

I like to have the viewer look at the painting and imagine what they see. What they see will come from their life experiences. My hope is that the painting will remind them of a place that they have been or remind them of a feeling they had at some point in time. I want the paintings to have a realistic feel with an impressionistic blend of colour. When you get up close and really look at the marks of the painting, it is hard to imagine what it is until you step back and the image reveals itself.

2. Nature is a big inspiration for you. What is it about birch trees, lakes, and wildflowers that draws you in?

I love birch trees because they are a symbol of new beginnings and they have an amazing ability to renew. I started painting my signature birch trees at a time of new beginnings. They provide me with hope for the future.

The tree is known to carry ancient wisdom and yet appears forever young. I love this! I also love water and just sitting and listening and watching the sparkle. You can see so many colours. The water can be calm or raging waves, it is always peaceful. And wildflowers are just beautiful. I can sit and watch them sway in the wind for hours. I like to represent them abstractly in my landscape paintings or paint them so that the viewer feels that they are sitting right in the field.

3. You use a mix of tools in your work. Is there one tool or technique you love most for creating texture?

 I use many different items to add random marks and colour to the paintings. Scraps of plastic, cardboard, old worn out brushes, rollers, plastic bags. I find that the unusual marks really help to allow the under layers of colour to show through because of the textural background. My favourite might be adding marks with the side of an old worn out brush.

4. You talk about seeing beyond the surface in nature. What do you hope people notice when they look at your art?

Seeing beyond the surface really is what the viewer experiences from the painting. What field or view or time of their life does it remind them of, beyond the visual view of the painting. When I am walking in nature, I find you can look directly beside you or you can look through the foliage and imagine what is deep in the woods or far beyond the field in view. 

Shawn-Paul Thompson

1.Your journey from corporate life to pursuing art is inspiring. How did that transition unfold for you, and what challenges did you face in shifting from a structured environment to the freedom of creative expression?

The transition to a more art inspired focus is ongoing, as a balance a full-time role in Film Distribution, and pursue my art career. Since I work in the entertainment industry, there are creative components which compliment my work in art, and give me the skills I need to market, submit and present my art in a professional, yet creative and artistic way.

2.You describe your work as having a sense of movement and resilience. How do you translate those feelings of motion and transformation into your abstract pieces, and do they evolve as you work on them?

I use the words movement & resilience, because I am always building and removing components to find the abstract story.  I have the luxury of a home studio, so I can work on my art whenever I am inspired. There are lots of circles and movement in my pieces. I like a story that is moving towards my next adventure in life, and on the canvas.  I know when a painting is done; I feel it.  Sometimes the story reveals itself early, sometimes the process takes months.

3.As an artist who's embraced both solo shows and online platforms, how do you feel about the intersection of traditional gallery exhibitions and the digital art world? How has building an e-commerce platform influenced the way you connect with your audience?

My signature shows are solo ones, and in a non-traditional environment, that opens art to a larger audience. Making art approachable is key to expanding your buyer or client. E-commerce and digital platforms, magazines, and galleries expand your audience internationally. More eyes on your work, and your name. As an artist, I want to meet my client and for us to have a connection.  A part of me will be in their home or office, so it is nice to have a personal connection with the artist and their work.  As a marketing tool, digital arenas expand your reach, they can't duplicate a gallery, or a physical connection to the art.

Visit our WANDERING exhibit from February 1st - April 27th, 2025. Meet all of the above artists in person at our opening reception for the exhibit on Feb. 27th from 6-9pm.

"FORM & FREEDOM" GET TO KNOW THE ARTISTS!

In honour of the theme, Form & Freedom, Twist Gallery is scrapping our usual form of only month long exhibits. Form & Freedom will be Twist’s first 3-month long exhibit running from Oct. 3 to Dec. 16, 2024. This theme explores the dynamic relationship between structure and expression. Featuring bold abstract works, this collection celebrates the tension between form and fluidity, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of artistic freedom and the power of creative exploration. 

The vibrant, abstract art exhibit features the dynamic works of eight local artists, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and forms. Each artist brings an unique perspective, blending bold hues and imaginative techniques to create captivating visual experiences. The exhibit celebrates diversity and creativity, offering visitors an immersive journey through contemporary abstract expression, reflecting the rich talent and innovation within the local Toronto art community.  

Twist Gallery will be holding the opening reception for the Form & Freedom exhibit on October 24th, 2024 from 6-9pm. Each artist involved in the exhibit has unique perspectives, techniques, and creative processes. Although, they all experience artist intuition in their own ways. 

ellee sy lee

As a Korean-Canadian, Ellee SY Lee is influenced by Eastern and Western cultures which helps her to create art shaped by the dual influences. She’s fascinated by how post-impressionists used colour emotionally and expressively, employing basic shapes and distinct brushstrokes.

“I’m intrigued by the philosophical and spiritual notions rooted in Eastern traditional landscapes, which emphasize simplicity, spontaneity, and naturalness, often expressed through simple lines and shapes,” said Lee. 

Lee combines these influences in her work to experiment with new visuality through the interplay of bold colours and simplified shapes and lines. After returning from a decade-long break, Lee aimed to create paintings that evoke positive feelings, offering a “temporary respite from a fatiguing and monotonous world.”

“I had realized art is powerful enough to console frail souls and enrich our lives after spending time away from my artistic practice,” Lee said. 

In the past, Lee created abstract painting influenced by abstract expressionism and non-representational art, without reference to anything outside of artwork. Now that she has grown an appreciation for nature and its significance, Lee creates semi-abstract paintings where natural motifs recur, and referential images are often used. 

“I see the interplay of colours, lines, shapes, and perspectives as a metaphor for mutual interactions occurring in nature and life, making the world interconnected,” said Lee. 

Lee hopes viewers feel a sense of connectivity while experiencing positive energy and expanding their imagination through her art. 

colleen todd

Each of Colleen Todd’s paintings has a “one of a kind” identity. Ironically, she doesn’t set out to make each of her paintings unique and one of a kind. It simply happens organically. 

According to Todd, each piece is influenced by the mood she’s in the day she starts her painting. From the colours and tools she chooses to use, to the mixed media pieces she decides to incorporate, the end result is always unexpected. 

Todd says it’s an amazing feeling when one of her pieces creates a connection with someone. When looking at abstract art, it isn’t a recognizable object or scene and yet it can tap into feelings and emotions that are unexplainable, helping create emotions, intrigue and mood.

Todd believes in art “speaking to you” and hopes her pieces evoke that feeling in others. Her pieces decide when they are finished. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes months but it happens when it feels like there’s nothing more to add. 

douglas robinson

Before Douglas Robinson returned to painting full-time, he had a successful career in advertising. His desire to get back to his creative roots helped him decide to leave the advertising space. 

“As a creative person, I believe painting is one of the purest expressions of creation,” said Robinson. “The creation of art is an individual pursuit, a quest for freedom and self-discovery.” 

Robinson has always felt he was meant to paint, draw and design. His paintings are visual stories formed by his life experiences, his journey, and his connections. 

“These stories through design, colour, texture, mark making, and sheer abandonment create a connection, evoke emotions and reactions,” said Robinson. “Colours help to connect with moods and desires while contrast is used to convey energy and reactions.”

Robinson uses form to create a journey through each piece. Form helps to create a flow, guiding you through each painting. He uses form in his work like a visual beginning and end through a novel.

“My journey is a creative path with no limitations and the courage to follow my heart,” said Robinson. 

Freedom is a concept that Robinson uses in his work to express the type of energy he wants. He uses large spontaneous strokes to create more energy and voice, whereas smaller strokes and mark making create quieter conversations. Robinson sees painting as a journey of self-discovery. 

“I’m at a point in my return to painting that I’m beginning to follow the spontaneity within me and the more I do that, the freer I paint,” said Robinson.

His work is constantly evolving everyday that he paints. He is pursuing imperfection and not perfection.

Tina ding

Tina Ding often draws inspiration from the countries she has travelled to, transforming real scenery and objective facts into lyrical and contextual images. Her journeys help allow her to see the world not just as it is, but how it feels, “a synthesis of reality and imagination.” 

The experience of immersing herself in such places around the world transforms her artistic perspective. This led Ding to focus on the flow of colours and shapes that reflect her emotional connection to the scene. 

One of Ding’s goals is to paint the “joy of living” and bring happiness, peace, and delight to her audience. To convey this she focuses on vibrant colours, dynamic movement, and organic shapes that radiate life and energy.

“Colour is a central element for me,” said Ding. “I use bright, bold hues that can uplift and energize, evoking emotions of happiness and warmth.”

Ding also pays close attention to the flow and rhythm of the composition. 

“By creating movement through brushstrokes and abstract shapes, I aim to capture a sense of vitality, a pulse that mirrors the experience of being in the moment and feeling connected to life,” said Ding. 

Her goal is to offer her audience a moment of peace, joy, and reflection by immersing viewers in an environment where light, colour, and form come together in harmony, drawing them into a space of serenity and delight.

Balancing the lyrical and contextual elements in her art comes from emerging the emotional impact of a scene with its physical presence. While she begins with real-world inspiration — a landscape, a moment in nature — her focus shifts towards translating the feeling the place evokes, rather than reproducing it.

“The contextual aspect grounds the work, often providing recognizable forms or details, while the lyrical dimension emerges through my use of colour, abstraction, and expressive brush work,” said Ding.

Over the years her painting style has evolved from a more representational approach to one that embraces abstraction and emotional expression. She has increasingly become more focused on how to convey the essence of a scene through colour, movement, and composition rather than depicting it exactly as it appears.

“Ultimately it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, not just its appearance,” said Ding. “By blending the concrete with the poetic, I invite viewers to experience both the beauty of the physical and the deeper emotions it stirs with them.”

Recently, Ding has been experimenting with more vibrant, contrasting colours and looser brushstrokes to capture the energy of nature. Her materials have also shifted towards a mix of thicker acrylics and layered textures to achieve a sense of depth and fluidity. This allows Ding to explore how abstract forms can evoke both visual and emotional qualities of the natural world. 

Amy Armstrong 

Amy Armstrong uses texture to tell a story with her art. Each layer she paints adds depth and intrigue, each layer building on the one before. Armstrong compares this to life — every year, every lesson, every adventure building off the one before. Each experience, whether bad or good, is important for making a fulfilling life. 

“Each layer matters and without the layers that make up the texture in art, it wouldn't be the same or have the depth that I long for — in my art and in life,” said Armstrong.

When viewers look at her artwork in person, the various layers and how each builds on the next is clear. There are pops of colour shining through along with markings, patterns and expressive brush strokes.

Acrylics are her favourite medium for achieving depth, and building on each layer. How thick each layer is depends on what she is trying to achieve. Much of Armstrong’s process is an intuitive response.

“There’s part of me that knows when a certain colour or marking should show through the layers or when much of it should be concealed,” said Armstrong. “This is the part that I love about creating abstract art and letting things truly flow when I’m painting without having too many rules and restrictions.”

The first thing Armstrong thinks of when she hears “Form & Freedom” is organized chaos. The collection that’s currently at Twist Gallery represents having a plan but allowing spontaneity to be included too. The first few layers of her collection represent the freedom part of the exhibit with markings, whimsical and expressive brush strokes, unusual patterns, and various layers. 

Form comes in when Armstrong uses unique techniques to create lines that cover the layers but still allow certain parts of the underlayer to be visible in different ways. The lines she uses are vertical and horizontal which adhere to the form part of the exhibit.

“More layers, colours, and markings were all needed to create more depth and tell the full story,” said Armstrong. 

Some of the pieces in this collection have so many layers because she felt like the pieces weren’t finished yet. It is an intuitive decision for Armstrong, and she knew some of the piece’s stories weren’t done yet.

helena krolak

Helena Krolak was inspired to transition from a long career in the tech industry to becoming a full-time artist after reaching a tipping point. She says she kept receiving signs that she should return to the art industry but would continuously ignore them. This went on until one day she had enough. Krolak decided that she would invest in herself wholeheartedly and try a different path. She took a chance, and started painting again.

She decided she would commit to three months and go from there. After the first three months, she decided to give herself another three months, and so on.

“It wasn’t easy, but by making that initial choice, I gave myself permission to try regardless of the outcome and that was the pivotal factor,” said Krolak.

Krolak often uses themes of healing, harmony, and authenticity in her work. To her, freedom is achieved when people are most themselves.

“It’s not a place you reach, but a state that you embody; to freely express your truth and authenticity,” said Krolak.

Krolak’s journey then became about reaching that embodiment. In order for her to feel truly free, her journey included healing her limiting beliefs and past trauma. Her journey also included radical acceptance, a deeper understanding of herself, and a willingness to be open to larger internal shifts.

As Krolak worked on healing, she evolved and found more harmony and balance within herself. WIth that inner understanding, she could clearly see the balancing and harmonizing outside of herself which led to freely expressing what was previously unexpressed. 

“The fluidity and flow of my work in this exhibit captures the feelings of that healing, evolution, and that ultimate expression of that embodiment of freedom,” said Krolak. 

Krolak feels like her creative process continues to evolve. This evolution includes more exploration of various levels of play and doing away with any perceived boundaries. Each evolution, Krolak focuses on various elements and combinations. Whether it’s remembering past skills or trying completely new misting or splatter techniques. As Krolak evolves, by extension, her work evolves too. 

“Not only do I feel the shifts internally, but I get to experience them through my art and see them in my finished pieces,” said Krolak.  

maylin morales

Maylin Morales spent over a decade in the technology field as a programmer and data scientist. She uses painting to escape from her analytical mind and enter a state where she allows herself to be playful and free.

“The ego needs to be removed to allow creativity to flow; stepping away from perfectionism and trusting the process,” said Morales. 

She also loves the physicality and movement involved in working on a big canvas for hours. Morales’s Cuban heritage is very present in her artistic process. She loves to listen to Cuban music and dance while she is painting a piece.

“It’s a great ingredient that reflects in the vibrancy of my work and I hope others can feel it too,” said Morales. “I am very proud of my Cuban heritage.”

Although the subject of Morales’ work is not directly related to the broader Latina experience, it’s a big part of who she is. Morales sees the theme of Form & Freedom as a paradox. Her experience managing software development projects has been helpful in managing her own art projects and setting goals as an artist. 

“I believe being an artist is a balancing act between both [form and freedom],” said Morales. “Experiencing artistic freedom and the structured aspects and discipline required to maintain an art practice in general.”

In the past, Morales has mentioned her process as a journey “from sounds to emotion, from emotion to colours.” Music is essential to her creative process as it has the power to evoke deep emotions in her.

“I intuitively translate those emotions and sounds into colours, so they can also be experienced visually,” said Morales.

When Morales hears drum beats, they make her feel grounded and connected to the earth. She then associates that feeling with red hues and the element of fire. These personal associations allow Morales to create her own language. 

kristen stephen

Kristen Stephen’s use of India inks on canvas is central to her creative process. They offer a fluidity that aligns with Stephen’s desire to create paintings where the canvas itself becomes an integral part of the work, not just a passive surface. She was inspired by Helen Frankenthaler’s technique of allowing pigments to soak into the canvas. Stephen embraces the idea that the material should interact with the medium. 

“By dyeing the canvas, I create a base that feels organic, as if the painting is growing from within rather than being applied on top,” said Stephen. 

This unique approach allows for harmony and spontaneity as she layers inks in a way that feels instinctual, constantly responding to how the inks absorb and flow. When approaching a blank canvas, Stephen relies entirely on her feelings or experiences, letting her instinct guide her. This process is deeply subconscious for Stephen. There’s no predetermined image or structure for her pieces. 

“I allow the painting to unfold naturally through many layers of ink, with each mark feeling like an expression of something deeper,” said Stephen. 

Her work embraces Carl Jungian’s ideals and explores the subconscious by using her spontaneous actions to reveal the inner truth of the piece. Blue frequently dominates Stephen’s palette, as it feels most aligned with her emotional state. Love, sadness, and the human spirit are all recurring themes in her work. These themes emerge organically, echoing her emotional landscape. 

“Despite differing opinions of my use of glitter and diamond dust, I find them irresistible,” said Stephen. “They add a touch of seduction and allure to the depth of the work.” 

While Stephen’s work often reflects her personal insights and emotions, she finds it difficult to openly explain the specific stories behind them. The process of painting allows her to express these feelings without the need for words, creating an emotional connection between the piece and the viewer. Attending art gallery openings is still an important part of Stephen’s practice, as it helps her stay connected to the broader art community and inspires new directions in her own work.

Growing up in her mother’s gallery was a formative experience that profoundly shaped Stephen’s relationship with art. From an early age, she was exposed to a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles, which fueled her curiosity and passion for painting. Being immersed in that environment nurtured her understanding of how artists express themselves and how art connects with people emotionally. This early exposure instilled in Stephen a sense of dedication and discipline towards the craft. 

To fully immerse yourself into the exhibit, visit Twist Gallery in person at 1100 Queen Street West, Toronto. The exhibit will run from Oct. 3 to Dec. 16, 2024. All artwork sizing and pricing is available on Twist’s art for sale page. 

Twist Gallery will be holding the free opening reception for the Form & Freedom exhibit on Oct. 24, 2024 from 6-9pm. This is where viewers can engage with the artists and fellow art lovers to further explore the stories behind the artwork. 

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 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.

A brief history of abstract expressionism

Before we dive into the history of abstract expressionism, we must examine the foundation that was placed before it in originating abstract art. Abstract art has its origins in the 19th century and can be described as “art that is not a representation of something from the visible world.” The shift from art being imitation to an expression of the imagination began to take place slightly before WWI with artists like Robert Delaunay, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Vladimir Tatlin starting to create art with no recognizable objects. Between WWI and WWII, abstract art had seen very little growth due to totalitarian politics along with a resurgence in realism and surrealism. It was the chaos caused by WW2 that helped birth the movement known as abstract expressionism.

“9” by Toronto artist Daniel Mercier featured in Twist Gallery’s “Abstracting the Extract” January/February 2020 Exhibit

During the late 1930s, as WW2 was impending, many European artists that practiced surrealism had migrated to the United States. During this time, the surrealists’ drive to create art that examined an undermining reality-based human consciousness, in addition to the anxiety and trauma experienced through the world wars, had caused artists to value art as an expression of the self and chaos within the subconscious. After the war, when the United States found itself in a time of economic despair and cultural identity crisis, abstract expressionism became America’s first real contribution to the international modern art world and lead to the eventual dominance that came along with it.  

Three Approaches to Abstract Expressionism

Action Painting

Action painting is characterized by random, loose, rapid and sometimes forceful handling of paint by brushstroke or techniques partially controlled by chance such as dripping or spilling paint onto the canvas. This style was most commonly used by painters Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Willem de Cooning.

Abstract Impressionism

Abstract impressionism is seen as a middle ground between imitation and expressionism. This style can be described as more structured than action art but still very abstract in terms of shapes and techniques used. This style was popularized by artists Philip Guston, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, and Adolph Gottlieb.

“Sunlight” by Toronto artist Anna Medvedeva featured in Twist Gallery’s “Abstracting the Extract” January/February 2020 Exhibit

Colour-field Technique/Meditation

 The final approach to abstract expressionism doesn’t really have a name, but for the purpose of calling it something, we will refer to it as the “colour-field technique”. This approach describes an artist that uses large fields of colour and specific abstract images to invoke a meditative experience in the viewer. Barnett Newman, Ad Reinhart and especially Mark Rothko specialized in this approach to abstract expressionism.