HMCS IRONSIDE, K MacLean, 2025, Oceanwood, wire, clock parts, vintage hardware & acrylic.
The World of K MacLean
Quiet, captivating, and deserving of another award
K MacLean is no stranger to the TOAF community. His sculptures have been delighting art lovers since 1992. He is a veteran TOAF artist and it’s remarkable how consistently his work evolves. He continues to transform unassuming, ordinary, overlooked materials into intricate, otherworldly, and somehow familiar works. His brilliance wowed the award judge once again, earning him the Best of 3D Works Award for a second time. This award is generously supported by the Lindy Green Family Foundation in memory of Al Green.
Please take a moment to dive deeper into his world of quiet storytelling.
Once again, the online art sales wow us. We are so happy to see works finding new homes at all price points. A beautiful piece, Under the moonlight1, by Moojan Nazmi Ansari just headed off to a very happy space last week. Thank you!
Before we go, a couple of opportunities to reconnect in person next week:
- We’re hosting a special gathering with collectors, artists, and the community. It is the beginning of something wonderful that we will share with you soon. A few tickets are still available if you’d like to join.
- Join us at 401 Richmond’s Holiday Open House with a small Pop-Up Holiday Market featuring 12 TOAF artists. The whole building comes alive with open studios, soulful gifts, and lovely encounters—perfect for memorable holiday finds.
P.S. Our Call for Artists opens December 1, and very BIG news is coming soon. Stay tuned.❄️✨
Meet K MacLean
“I am an artist based in Halifax, Canada, with a practice spanning over three decades. My work primarily involves the use of found and repurposed objects. Objects tell stories and I aim to honor, through illustration and sculpture, the small things that often pass unnoticed yet are vital to understanding the larger ecosystems in which we live. These elements are not just aesthetic or symbolic; they are carriers of history, folklore, and a quiet wisdom that connects us to the earth and one another. The connection between these materials and their environments – local stones, ancient structures, forgotten industry, and natural elements – is something I strive to capture in my work.”
Hear from Award Judge Ginette Legaré
“In the context of so many skilful candidates and wide-ranging creative approaches to 3D works, it was a difficult task to choose the award winner. Still, this year’s “Best of 3D Works Award” winner’s outstanding works clearly demonstrate artistic excellence, originality, and unique workmanship. K MacLean’s artworks are at once unassuming and fantastic. Combining ocean wood, or tiny doll’s hands and feet, with various found materials and hardware, the artist has created two compelling bodies of works: a fleet of imaginary vessels and a series of exquisitely choreographed moments. These succeed in offering the viewer a lot more than first meets the eye. In their quiet stance, they captivate us materially, metaphorically, and whimsically.”
— Ginette Legaré, Professor, Faculty of Art at OCAD University.
Rapid Fire with K
Your Studio Vibes: creative chaos or meticulously organized?
Meticulously organized chaos.
What’s your definition of success?
Have not defined that yet… seems to be all in the mind.
What is your non-art hobby?
Gardening, snorkelling, rogue apple picking.
What has been the most unexpected source of inspiration for you?
The death of my partner pushed me to live more fully and not put off doing things and not be afraid of trying new adventures in art, life, and residencies.
Your New Artist Newsletter
New to TOAF this year, From Studio to Square is your weekly guide to navigating the TOAF application process and preparing for the Fair. Each edition is packed with tips, resources, and insights to help you strengthen your work, connect with the community, and feel confident in your application. Call opens December 1, 2025.
Festive finds await!
