East End Spotlight is a monthly news piece where we highlight a series of east end artists, arts organizations, creative spaces & professionals that we want to shine a spotlight on💙!
November East End Artist Spotlights
For November 2021, we got in touch with some new artists who live or work in east Toronto. Scroll down to read more about the following people this month:
*Banner image is a letter press print of Sameena Anis’ art titled: ‘Cat In Hand’.*
1. Artist Spotlight: Kendra Thompson-Phillips
Name: Kendra Thompson-Phillips
Discipline: Visual Artist
Artist Website:
kendrathompsonphillips.com
Artist on Social:
Instagram @unearthingktp
Artist Pronouns: She/Her
Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your art:
I am Jamaican by birth, Torantonian by choice, having lived in the city for almost 10 years, a graduate student, Early Childhood Educator(ECE) and self-taught artist. Though my interest in art is long standing, for a large part of my life I did not have the opportunity or resources to learn and pursue this passion. My career as an ECE provided me a path back into art through the creation of chalkboard art. Perhaps one of the brightest spots, for me, throughout the lockdown was the ability to revisit, embrace and develop my art; it was my solace and nature was my muse. Watercolor, my preferred medium, has allowed me to capture the beauty of the world, with botanicals being my favourite subjects.
What are you excited about for the future of your arts practice?
Growth is important to me. I am excited to continue improving as an artist, as it can be a vehicle for self discovery as much as it can be an exercise in expanding your level of competency. Beyond this, I understand some of the issues around accessibility and would like to push for greater access. A large part of that is personally developing the skills and competency needed to help others to grow their passion for art.
How can audiences support the work you’re doing right now?
Currently, my online presence includes a storefront at kendrathompsonphillips.com, where my art can be viewed and prints and stationery can be purchased. For the upcoming Christmas season a limited edition watercolor collection of greeting cards is available. Beyond this, people can see what I am working on, my subjects and sketches on my Instagram account @unearthingktp. I get a lot of joy from interacting on this platform and that sense of community that has been cultivated is important to me.
What are some upcoming Toronto arts events, programs or initiatives you’re interested in?
I am curious about the Toronto Artisan Market, I follow them and it looks fun and interesting. This is all fairly new to me but I am always looking for opportunities to volunteer and collaborate with other artists and art lovers.
What does #EastEndLove mean or look like to you?
For me it conjures a sense of community and diversity, fostering the value of supporting each other and giving time towards the growth of what is local, quirky and artistic.
A fun fact about you for our readers:
I have none of my earlier art. My highschool friend would beg me for my sketchbooks and I’d simply give it to them because it brought them joy.
2. Artist Spotlight: Sameena Anis
Name: Sam / Sameena Anis / dairysam
Discipline: Arts and Crafts, Digital Arts, Film and Video, Visual arts and Multidisciplinary Arts. In specific, Illustration, Print, Ceramics, Fabric arts, Poetry and other creative writing.
Website:
dairysam.wixsite.com/portfolio
Artist on Social:
Instagram @dairy.sam
Artist Pronouns: They/Them
Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your art:
My art ranges and even mixes many mediums, a lot of times! I love exploring all genres and art styles, but mostly my art explores the surreal. I love playing with colours, characters and stories relating to myself, but also how I perceive the world. I am a passionate artist, trying new things always. I am from South Asia, queer and disabled!
What are you excited about for the future of your arts practice?
I am excited to keep learning and expanding my art skills! I have big dreams, to make more projects and collaborate with many artists!
How can audiences support the work you’re doing right now?
You can support financially, by commissioning or buying my art (I have a highlight on my Instagram!). There are also other ways, like sharing my art, and sharing resources and new opportunities!
What are some upcoming Toronto arts events, programs or initiatives you’re interested in?
I’m in Doorstop Dairies, which is an art program with elders, and workshops with different artists! I’m teaching comic making in November. Also, Inprint Studio is having a Ghost Print gallery with different prints you can buy!
What does #EastEndLove mean or look like to you?
East End means acknowledging the Native land it belongs to! Toronto is on the land of Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. East end love means land back, and supporting Indigenous people as much as possible.
A fun fact about you for our readers:
I have a cat named Toto!Â
