N.S.F.W, Matthew Walton, Acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and pencil.
Dive into the Worlds of
Matthew Walton and Emily Conlon
Matthew Walton’s star has been shining bright since his very first show at TOAF. His work is instantly recognizable for its bold, graphic figures that transform everyday intimate moments into playful and at times mischievous vignettes. Fresh, vibrant, humorous, and personal, Walton’s practice continues to captivate curators, collectors and viewers alike. It’s no surprise he has received the Best of 2D Award two years in a row, generously supported by Extrudex Aluminum.
Emily Conlon’s work is intimate in a quieter way. Her intricate, organic etchings on delicate paper feel almost weightless, sometimes interwoven with threads that drift gently from the surface. The pieces invite you to step closer and follow the subtle lines and quiet details you notice. Emily received the Best of Paper Award, supported by our friends at The Japanese Paper Place.
Remember —you only have a few more days until the end of March to acquire work from TOAF64 artists on TOAF.ca.
Coincidentally, all members of the TOAF team have collected a Walton or a Conlon❣️ We are especially delighted to see I Come Bearing Gifts, Laura Thipphawong’s piece, fittingly featured in our $65 Gift Campaign, find a wonderful new home. Don’t miss your chance to see her work in person at the upcoming Artist Project, from March 26 to 29.
Use this final chance to make a TOAF64 artist’s work yours!
Best of 2D
Matthew Walton
On Matthew’s practice
Matthew’s mixed-media practice combines drawing and painting. His works on paper consist of figures drawn with pastels and coloured pencil over a watercolour wash, then encased with a flat acrylic background. Inspired by graphic design and the human form, his compositions merge geometric precision with fluid expressiveness. This marriage results in bold, figurative compositions that boast striking textural contrast, an effect that is heightened by a high-contrast colour palette. Walton explores moments of personal intimacy with self, as well as interpersonal intimacy, these moments are usually harvested from his own lived experiences as a gay man.
Hear from Award Judge Mony Zakhour
“Bold, vulnerable, and vivid. Powerful yet fun scenes that feel both intimate and universal. Graphic style through an unapologetically queer lens. Walton deserves the 2D Award for the way he brings gestures, body language, and identity to the forefront of his contemporary, figurative art.”
— Mony Zakhour, Artist & Art Director, Crybaby Gallery
Best of Paper
Emily Conlon
Emily on her practice
“My practice is motivated by a desire to document personal experiences within natural spaces to serve as a form of remembrance and preservation. I interpret my surroundings similarly to how one recalls memories – non-linear, fragmented, concealed, and sometimes reduced to shapes and patterns. My work aims to translate states of decay and impermanence into something tangible and reimagined. I primarily work with printmaking and drawing, mediums that allow my process to be intuitive and take shape as a form of note-taking and personal reflection.”
Hear From Award Judges Nancy Jacobi and Tara Moore-Jones
“We were first impressed by the lightness and beauty of the natural subject matter. The layering of slightly translucent papers gives unexpected depth to these fine line etchings, bringing new life to what Emily describes as states of decay and impermanence. In today’s fractured world, the calming effect of the breathing space within the work offers a welcome reprieve from the surrounding noise and chaos.”
— Nancy Jacobi, Founder, The Japanese Paper Place & Tara Moore-Jones, President, The Japanese Paper Place
Fun Rapid Fire
Get to know Matthew and Emily. What fuels them, inspires them, and shapes their practices…
Go-to Studio Sound Track?
“This depends on which phase of work I am in at a given time. For high-focus work (sketching / drawing / planning a composition): various film scores. For slow, monotonous phases of work: podcasts (‘Talk Art’ and ‘Las Culturistas’ are my go-tos). For everything in between: Beyoncé.“
— Matthew
What’s your non-art hobby?
“I love to knit!“
— Emily
What has been the most unexpected source of inspiration for you?
“I think most of my sources of inspiration come as a surprise to me. An idea for a piece is usually inspired by some boring every-day activity that I observe myself or others doing. I guess I’m most surprised that toe-nail clipping inspired one of my most favorite recent works.“
— Matthew
What is your dream artist residency location?
“My dream residency location would be in Japan, with its rich history in printmaking and paper-making. I’ve also always been interested in book arts and would love an opportunity to study traditional techniques while exploring ways of integrating them into my practice.“
— Emily
Matcha, tea or coffee?
“Tea first thing in the morning is a MUST. Orange Pekoe, some milk and sugar.“
— Matthew
Demystifying the Art World Session
Join us at the TOAF Office for our upcoming Demystifying the Art World session. When exciting opportunities arise — from curator invitations to commissions or acquisitions — knowing how to navigate them is key. This session will explore contracts, collaborations, and professional expectations.
April 1, 7 PM, 401 Richmond Street West, Unit 262. Hope to see you there!
