Rapid fire Q&A with 2020 Honourable Mentions!

"Kaitlin’s scarves are drawn meticulously with coloured pencil. The medium and the subject both seem so simple, yet there's something magical about the elegant complexity of Kaitlin Mason's final pieces."

– Danielle Krysa of The Jealous Curator, 2020 Judge of 2D Works and Painting

Image: Autumn Floral #1, Kaitlin Mason, coloured pencil on wood panel, 2020

Kaitlin Mason, Honourable Mention – 2D Works

Supported by Gwartzman's Art Supplies

Kaitlin is an award-winning artist based just outside of Toronto, whose drawings are created by adding multiple layers of coloured pencil on wood. This layering technique builds the colour saturation and vibrancy of each fabric creating a painterly effect. The raw wood panel adds an additional element of organic detail which is unique to each piece. Her drawings investigate the figure and the vacancy of human presence as a purposely arranged garment. By playing with light and shadows, the piled piece of fabric transforms a mundane item into a sculptural entity.

Image: Kaitlin Mason, next to her most recent works hanging on a wall

Describe your TOAF experience in 5 words or less: Making amazing memories and connections.

Describe your current body of work in 3 words: Vibrant, detailed, luxurious

When you were a kid, you wanted to be: For the longest time, I wanted to be a teacher. As I got older, it changed to an architect, then interior designer, and it wasn’t until college that I knew I wanted to be an artist.

Your vice: Dark chocolate

www.kaitlinmason.com/
@kaitlin_mason_

Image: Inside Allan Gardens, Erin McCluskey, oil on board, 2020

"Erin McCluskey's oil paintings capture moments of quiet, capturing light with unexpected palettes. Both her still life pieces and figures are very strong… I can't wait to see where she takes her work from here."

– Danielle Krysa of The Jealous Curator, 2020 Judge of 2D Works and Painting

Image: Erin McCluskey in front of one of her oil paintings

Erin McCluskey, Honourable Mention – Painting

Supported by Above Ground Art Supplies

Erin is an emerging artist from Ottawa, currently practicing in Toronto. She recently earned a BDES in Illustration from OCAD University. In her painting practice, she explores nature, the city, and themes of alienation. Working in oils, her work evokes a sense of calmness often amongst an overwhelming busyness.

Describe your TOAF experience in 5 words or less: Online surprise in covid times!

Describe your current body of work in 3 words: Colourful, Natural, Vibrant

When you were a kid, you wanted to be a: Figure skater

Your vice: Sweets

www.erin-mccluskey.com/
@mcclusk

Gifts of Heart continues

Image: Frontline worker, Joy L. holding artwork she selected through the Gifts of Heart campaign

With your support, we continue to extend our heartfelt thanks to essential workers by bringing them the joy of art while supporting TOAF artists. Read about the impact of the campaign in 2020 in our Annual Report.

Giving is very simple:

Donate ($50, $100, $250 or more) towards art gift cards. Each Gift Card is valued at $250. All donations are tax deductible.*
We send these Gifts of love and appreciation to frontline workers to buy a beautiful artwork directly from artists on the TOAF website between July 2–11, 2021.
Our delighted artists will send out the artwork along with their heartfelt thanks and receive the full value of the Gift ($250) when redeemed.

Spread the word to your network, friends and family. Feel free to give a shout out on social media and use the hashtags: #ISupportGiftsofHeart #TOAF60

*Consider adding $60 to your donation to support TOAF's 60th Anniversary and our efforts to give gifts.

Rapid fire Q&A with 2020 Honourable Mentions!

Kaitlin Mason, Honourable Mention – 2D Works

Erin McCluskey, Honourable Mention – Painting

Gifts of Heart continues

Giving is very simple:

Donate today

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