The Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD)

Maryam Hafizirad is an international award-winning Deaf Canadian Persian painter and sculptor. She is a freelance visual artist, art curator, teacher, mentor, and advocate for Deaf artists. A graduate of Isfahan University of Fine Arts (2002), her exhibitions have been featured in Iran, China, Germany, Malaysia, India, Canada, and the United States.

Her paintings and sculptures have been shown in both solo and group exhibitions worldwide, and she has received numerous grants and awards for her visual art. In 2022, she was invited to collaborate with the University of Toronto on the Sustainable pARTnerships project, creating an animated video based on her artwork. This collaboration has been extended through 2024.

Since 2022, Maryam has been working as a Curator for Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD)’s award winning DEAF CULTURE CENTRE. Maryam is recognized as among the first Deaf Canadian art curators.

Instagram: @m.hafizirad

Betty Dare began learning lip reading many years ago due to her family. A visual artist by profession, she spent 17 years working as a graphic designer, never drawn to traditional painting.

Eventually, she challenged herself to learn painting. She tackled on additional challenge with experimenting with three-dimensional techniques and textured surfaces rather than flat, conventional styles. Her early artworks were not considered De’VIA, as she had not yet been introduced to the concept of De’VIA, particularly about the Audism.

That changed when she joined the Deaf Arts Academy. Under the guidance of her teacher, Maryam Hafizirad, she was introduced to the true essence of De’VIA. The themes of Deaf oppression and Audism deeply moved her—ideas she had never previously considered. At last, she began creating authentic De’VIA artwork.

Instagram: @dare_me_creativity
https://deafculturecentre.ca/betty-dare/

From the moment I could hold a brush, painting became my voice. As a congenital Deaf artist, I discovered that colors and forms could express emotions and ideas beyond words. Since childhood, my paintings have been a bridge between my inner world and the outside, capturing the beauty, depth, and resilience of  Deaf experience.

My art is a reflection of my journey. Each brushstroke carries my soul, each color tells a story. I am drawn to the endless possibilities of color, creating unique and expressive compositions that evoke emotion and connection. Through my work, I invite viewers to see the world through my eyes, where silence is not an absence but a powerful presence filled with visual poetry.

Instagram: @elika.keshavarz.style
https://deafculturecentre.ca/elika-keshavarz/

When diagnosing deafness, the medical professional prefers to use clinical terms, which would be “hearing impairment” or “hearing loss”. For many people, being deaf is a medical or physical condition that needs to be corrected, by way of cochlear implant or hearing aid.

For a deaf person, it is more than just a hearing loss. It is a Deaf Gain: in culture, community and a rich language full of expressive gestures and body language.

In my work, I explore ASL, a sign language used by the North American English-speaking Deaf community, and focus on non-verbal communication that transcends understanding.

Instagram: @laurieartist
https://deafculturecentre.ca/laurie-landry/

Luna Quinlan is an emerging Toronto-based artist celebrated for her unconventional approach to art. A graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design, Luna’s work delves into themes of communal resistance through her evocative mixed media paintings.

Residing in a charming apartment adorned with cherished hand-me-down furnishings and an eclectic collection of photos and paintings, Luna finds inspiration in her vibrant surroundings. Her life is further enriched by the company of her partner, small child, and two beloved cats, who bring joy and balance to her creative process.

Luna’s art reflects her unique perspective and commitment to exploring complex social themes, inviting viewers to engage with her work on a deeper level.

Instagram: @L.q.arts
https://deafculturecentre.ca/luna-quinlan/

My work explores the collective experience of the human condition through studying skeletal anatomy and interpreting emotion through paint. As a person who experiences chronic fatigue and pain, I am drawn to expressing painful emotions with a touch of whimsy and humour.

“Existentialism” comes from a series of paintings that explore documentations of physical somatic manifestations with a skeleton as a main subject. Phosphorescent paint is used in this series as a way to illuminate the bones and inflammation. The moment of inspiration came when I looked over to my mini skeleton friend laying on a book of mine, looking incredibly sad and defeated. Just as a human would with the crushing weight of existing, surrendered to the whims of universal rules.

Instagram: @lissabarts
https://deafculturecentre.ca/melissa-brunner/

I have turned my challenges into my passion as a deaf artist.  I have been learning to draw and paint since the age of three when I first learned how fun it is to create something from nothing.  I love to use all kinds of mediums while doing my art work.  I love how rich and deep the colours are, and how they mix and contrast on the canvas. I use my paintings to express myself. I don’t speak but my brush strokes speak. My art is inspired by different cultures, surroundings, and feelings and my life experiences. I was born and brought up in India. An artist since my birth, I furthered my artistic practices throughout my life, including graduating from Punjab University with a fine arts diploma.  I have been exhibiting my work in many exhibitions in India as well as in Newfoundland. I am an active member of Eastern Edge gallery and Iceberg gallery. Along with that I have been participating in many Art markets in Newfoundland.

Instagram: @artist_nikitasachdeva
https://deafculturecentre.ca/nikita-sachdeva/

My artistic practice is interdisciplinary, incorporating media that reflect my identities, culture, trauma, daily experiences, and meliorism—my belief in progress and hope. Through my artwork, I evoke emotions and visualize perspectives using materials, symbols, languages, colours, textures, and soundscapes that create meaningful connections.

The ILY project aims to spread positivity in response to societal challenges like inequality and adversity. Featuring repetitive art, reminds us that it’s okay not to be okay as others may see it. Inspired by signing “ILY” during goodbyes, it highlights embracing differences and shared humanity. The project also raises awareness of Deaf culture, promoting love and support through art, drawing from pop culture, themes, and social issues.

Instagram: @rae.rezwell
https://deafculturecentre.ca/rae-rezwell/