A ‘WiP (Work In Progress)’ FOR SEPTEMBER

The field of art is one with a heavy burden of expectation; perfectionism can often be the death of great creativity. Fears of failure and rejection are ultimately at the centre of this weight, and it is this very crux we wish to subvert through this exhibit WiP {Work in Progress.}

Retrieved from: https://clyffordstillmuseum.org/blog/clyfford-still-as-a-teacher/

The act of painting is an ongoing exploration of light, texture, materiality, patience and skill abounding in trials, errors and happy accidents. Studies lead to different compositions of shapes, colours and techniques without fear.

 “Within those moments of uninhibited freedom, magic happens.” (Project Art Toronto, 2022)

WiP (Work in Progress) shares the work of 5 artists from Project Art Toronto’s studio. A glimpse into their painting process and the artists' dialogue between subject matter and media. 

Each artist brings their approach to the creative process and unique artistic style and identity. Through the works of these artists, we will be able to experience the joy of exploration and self-discovery.

In the spirit of free-flowing creativity, here are 5 strategies to help capture inspiration:

1. Let go of your fear

It’s important to approach all our endeavors equipped with a sense of self-assurance and confidence! Embark on every new project with a sense of wonder and discovery, and the knowledge that your creative process is part of your art. Fear should be parted with to achieve creative flow.  It was Claude Monet when asked to give advice on painting who said to not be afraid of making mistakes. This is crucial for creativity, to let go of the things holding us back so we may let our creative spirit flow. A Harvard Business Review article by Tom Kelley and David Kelley, explains that there are four common hangups that block our creativity. They include fear of the first step, fear of being judged, fear of the messy unknown, and fear of losing control.

These fears can be the kryptonite to our creativity, but with courage and confidence, we can overcome them.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

It’s said that to become a master of any skill, one must be prepared to dedicate over 1,000 hours. Practicing the techniques that we have learned can make inspiration more readily available. In a similar way to how one must learn to run before they can play basketball, or to play the violin before being able to play in a symphony, mastering the physical techniques and mediums we wish to work with will make it much easier to use them in our creations. 

3. Iteration is the mother of creation

It is easy to fall into the trap of wanting our first attempt to be the best and only one, but more often than not having multiple attempts and versions is what is most likely to lead to dissatisfaction. The progress made with each iteration is where the magic of creativity lives.

Retrieved From: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/113153009366238711/

4. Reboot your brain

Often the best way to rekindle our focus and inspiration is to step back from our project altogether. Psychologist Robert Epstein, PhD, a Harvard graduate, says stress and time constraints can squash your creative process.

Here are a few ways to give your mind a reset:

• Snack break: Sometimes we focus best when we satisfy our stomachs. Find a snack to munch on while you think!

• Shake it out: If you are having trouble focusing or finding your inspiration, physical movement can be a great energizer. Get up, stretch, take a walk, or do a little dance, give your limbs and joints a shake, just move!

• Shift gears: Diverting your focus to another project or subject can help get the creative juices flowing when the well is running dry. Consider switching to an old project, watching a video about a different type of art, or even reading a book to give your brain a different influx of ideas.

• Siesta time: Sometimes the best way to reset our mind is to shut it off completely for a moment and rest. Set a timer for 15 minutes and find a cool and comfortable spot to catch a few Z’s, it can be just what your creative brain needs.

• Space out: There can be times when we can benefit the most from just disengaging our minds. Why not lie on some grass and watch the clouds pass by?

5. Take a second look

Take a moment to pause your mind, and look around you at all of the things you usually encounter, but this time, try to look beyond what you normally see. Find in its countenance the beauty or interest you might have missed. How would you describe this object, colour, or texture to someone who could not see it? 

Find the grace in the curves of a vase or cup on your table, and take in the rhythm and movement of the branches and leaves of a tree you are familiar with. Be sure to take notes of your observations and thoughts, these are just for you, so don’t worry about editing, write any thoughts that arise, or take a picture to refer back to at a later time.

 When we take a second look we can be surprised by the inspiration we find. Approaching our day-to-day surroundings with curiosity and wonder can bring about great ideas.

6. Relish where you are at

Every masterpiece has been a Work in Progress until the creator decides it is completed.  Unfinished projects possess a special quality of possibility and transition, which is beautiful in and of itself. Take a moment to appreciate your progress and the stage your project is in, without judgment or criticism, and let yourself love every aspect and minute that is a part of its journey.

Twist Gallery is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting WiP (Work in Progress) for September with Project Art Toronto. An anticipated exhibit to be featured at our space. Stay tuned for more on WiP and how the process came to life with an amazing group of artists from Project Art Toronto. 

Retrieved from:

*Harvard Business Review, Reclaim Your Creative Confidence in August 2022

**American Psychological Association, The Science of Creativity in August 2022

***Greater Good Magazine, How Mind-Wandering May Be Good For You in August 2022

Surfacing Opening Reception: A Huge Success!

Our opening reception was a huge success on Thursday, June 2nd! We curated a space that encapsulates the spirit of PROJECT ART TORONTO and it turned out looking amazing. The Surfacing Exhibit displays passion, hard work, collaboration, and creativity. Ewa Stryjnik is the director of PROJECT ART TORONTO, an art studio where artists can rent the space, attend art classes, or workshops. 

The turn out was amazing and we just wanted to thank everyone for coming! This event brought together many people around the Queen West community to acknowledge the result of expression and skill. We were pleased to host such a meaningful experience for our amazing guests and artists.

The Surfacing Exhibit is showing 21 studio artists’ supportive and passionate work, most of which were created during the times of Covid-19. Their pieces represent a time when the group encouraged each other to create, explore, and grow.

While the art was observed, our community was achieving something much more meaningful, a night of face to face communication and personal connection. Something many have lost within the past few years.

Our own Twist Gallery communications team showed up to the event in support of Twist Gallery because we love seeing the gallery filled with art and art lovers!

We are so pleased to be a part of PROJECT ART TORONTO’s exhibit and allow them to use our space to display their Surfacing pieces. It was an absolute pleasure working with a larger team this month. While we are not often approached by groups, this community allowed for an easy transition and cohesive selection of pieces to work with. PROJECT ART TORONTO utilized our space and gave us something to really admire: their passion and hard work. Ewa and PROJECT ART TORONTO’s studio artists truly love being artists and they inspire our audience to start a passion of their own, whether that be art or anything you are passionate about. 

The artists also came together during the Opening Reception to surprise Ewa with flowers and a card to show their appreciation!

Ewa Stryjnik not only inspires artists to continue their passion for art. But guides each artist to maximize their creative potential. This was perfectly displayed during our installation day and throughout our Opening Reception. Styjnik’s energy churned our blank canvas gallery into a perfectly curated template for students to display their art and a cohesive journey for patrons to participate in. While she envisioned where each piece thrived, she communicated that to her students and worked with them to find a balance between visual satisfaction and the space as a whole.

We would just like to say thank you again for coming to the Surfacing Opening Reception! We had a great time, and we hope you had a great time as well! The Surfacing Exhibit is open until June 25th, so if you missed the Opening Reception don’t worry, come experience Surfacing at Twist Gallery all month long at 1100 Queen Street West. We are open every Tuesday-Friday from 11:00am-6:00pm and Saturday from 11:00am-4:00pm. 

Looking forward to seeing you again and hearing your thoughts on the Surfacing Exhibit!

June ‘Surfacing’ Group Exhibit with PROJECT ART TORONTO

This June, Twist Gallery is excited to partner with PROJECT ART TORONTO to showcase the ‘Surfacing’ Group Exhibit. ‘Surfacing’ will showcase art from 21 studio artists, created during the two years of Covid-19. ‘Surfacing’ is about strength, hard work and supportive camaraderie. The exhibit will run from June 2nd- 25th, 2022. ‘Surfacing’ will be having an Opening Reception at Twist Gallery on June 2nd, at 6pm- 9pm. Meet the artists and supporters of PROJECT ART TORONTO and Twist Gallery. The Opening Reception and exhibit are both free to attend. 

Ewa Stryjnik is PROJECT ART TORONTO’s director since the studio opened in May 2010. PROJECT ART TORONTO is an art studio that offers classes, workshops and studio spaces for artists to work on their own. “The studio is alive 24/7. PROJECT ART is an unfolding art pursuit,” Ewa says.

Photo by PROJECT ART TORONTO.

We had a conversation with Ewa and she shared a little more about PROJECT ART TORONTO and what ‘Surfacing’ means to her.

Twist Gallery: Why was PROJECT ART TORONTO started?

Ewa: For about 10 years, I was an art instructor at the Art Gallery of Ontario School of Art. 

In 2010, AGO School of Art received funding to renovate the school and all instructors, including myself, were laid off. My students encouraged me to find a new space where they could continue painting. In May 2010, PROJECT ART TORONTO was born.

Twist Gallery: Can you explain what PROJECT ART TORONTO is?

Ewa: PROJECT ART TORONTO is an art studio where students and artists can develop their paintings independently with guidance and suggestions from instructor Ewa Stryjnik. For years we offered structured classes but since most of the artists continued attending classes, it naturally evolved into an Open Studio practice where artists can experiment with different techniques and develop their own styles. There are scheduled Open Studio classes as well as the option to rent a studio space on a daily, weekly or on monthly basis. 

PROJECT ART TORONTO occasionally invites artist instructors to teach workshops. Instructors can rent our studio by the hour to teach workshops and/or classes. It’s a great way to share our space and for students to learn new perspectives and approaches. Our studio welcomes students and artists of all ages and we greatly value the camaraderie and support of our studio artists.

Twist Gallery: What does art mean to you as the director of PROJECT ART TORONTO?

Ewa: My biggest passion is to discover and point out the natural, creative talent in every person. Everyone is unique and should be proud of their own style and ideas. Secondly, I like to motivate all my artists to work hard and have a disciplined routine to master their technique and style. As I often say: “Passion to start, work to achieve.”

Photo by PROJECT ART TORONTO.

Twist Gallery: What does Project Art mean to you as the director?

Ewa: It means an Artist Studio! I’m happy that we have the space where we can paint, gather, chat, have classes, workshops and studio spaces for artists to work on their own. The studio is alive 24/7. Project art is an unfolding art pursuit. Also, I’m very grateful for all the friendships that developed throughout the years. In a way, our studio is our life and time capsule. A safe place where we can escape to and find a supportive camaraderie. 

Twist Gallery: When did the artists paint the ‘Surfacing’ exhibit artwork?

Ewa: Most of the paintings were created during the Covid times. The lockdowns allowed the artists to paint more. Our group encouraged each other to create, explore and grow.

Photo by PROJECT ART TORONTO.

Twist Gallery: Can you explain how the ‘Surfacing’ artwork represents irrepressible creativity, undeterred spirit and a commonality of strength?

Ewa: During the uncertain times of Covid, we pulled ourselves together. In our commonality of strength, we focused on painting and improving our techniques. Painting became a positive outlet, a haven from the anxieties of the outside world. We realized that the beauty of art is very much needed these days. I hope that the paintings in our group exhibition ‘Surfacing,’ will showcase and celebrate that beauty and positivity of life and humanity. 

Twist Gallery: How do you feel about Twist Gallery partnering with PROJECT ART TORONTO?

Ewa: It’s so great that venues like Twist Gallery exist. It is a beautiful, very cool gallery-event space that is large enough to host our group exhibition. We’re very grateful that Twist Gallery rents their space to the local artists allowing us to share our art with a new audience. I hope that our paintings will brighten up many lives and that we’ll be able to exhibit at Twist Gallery in the future. It is a pleasure to work with Twist Gallery art director Nadia Kakridonis and her team.

Photo by PROJECT ART TORONTO.

The 21 featuring ‘Surfacing’ artists are: Peggy Bell, Zora Bily, Maureen Bradshaw, Jeff Briggs, Geoffrey Cheung, Donna Chudnow, Marlene Etherington, Vian Ewart, Liz Haney, Andrea Higgins, Lisa Litowitz, Katharine Lochnan, Larissa Mattwich, Diana Menzies, Wendy Robertson, Janna Robins-Walters, Lisa Rose, Javier Silva, Linda Snowden, Ewa Stryjnik, and Selina Waxman. 

We are so excited to be partnering with PROJECT ART TORONTO for the ‘Surfacing’ group exhibit. ‘Surfacing’ is about 21 studio artist’s passion and hard work. Even in difficult times, the artists encouraged each other to create, explore and grow. Experience ‘Surfacing’ in person, opening June 2nd- 25th, 2022 at Twist Gallery. Don’t miss your chance to meet the artists, attend the Opening Reception June 2nd, at 6pm- 9pm. Twist Gallery is open Tuesday- Friday, 11am- 6pm, and Saturdays 11am- 4pm.