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💙!
October East End Artist Spotlights
For October 2021, we got in touch with some new artists and arts organizations who live or work in east Toronto. Scroll down to read more about the following people and organizations this month:
*Banner image is a photograph of a garage mural by Wandy Cheng, it features a pink background, showing the tail of a cat passing behind a large planter.*
1. Artist Spotlight: HAENAHHH
Name:Â HAENAHHH
Discipline: Mural Artist & Illustrator
Artist Website:
behance.net/haenahhh
Artist on Social:
Instagram @haenahhh
Artist Pronouns: She/Her
Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your art:
I like drawing people, plants and the space we’re living in. And still looking for more things to draw!
What are you excited about for the future of your arts practice?
I’d like to keep study/practice on digital works such as stop motion and motion graphics. Also want to keep up with canvas paintings, and if I can be more adventurous I’d like to try clay, wood and metals!
How can audiences support the work you’re doing right now?
Enjoy 😀
What does #EastEndLove mean or look like to you?
Looking back, I’ve lived in the east side more than west side whether in Seoul or Toronto. EAST feels more friendly to me, I guess.
2. Artist Spotlight: Natalie Very B.
Name: Natalie Very B.
Discipline: Illustrator & Muralist
Website:
www.natalieveryb.com
Artist on Social:
Instagram @natalieveryb
Artist Pronouns: She/Her
Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your art:
Natalie is a Polish-Canadian illustrator, muralist, and educator. She is currently concluding her studies at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) in pursuit of a graduate diploma in Art Therapy. Having grown up in a country with a strong patriarchal regime and an obvious system of inequality, she strives to use her art to educate people about the importance of anti-oppressive practices.
Her bold and bright murals depicting the themes or nature and modern female empowerment can be found across Canada. She makes public art with the goal of changing preconceived notions of feminism by promoting self-love and body neutrality in the world.Â
What are you excited about for the future of your arts practice?
As an art therapist in training (graduating soon!), I am so excited to have the privilege to facilitate safe spaces where people can experience the empowering nature of art and witness their unique journey. To me, art is so much more than meets the eye. It is a powerful tool for healing and a concrete proof of personal progress. I cannot wait to help more folks find their own voice.
How can audiences support the work you’re doing right now?
You can commission me to do a mural on your garage door, buy a sticker or a custom portrait on my online store, connect me with folks who might love my art and share Instagram posts so that more people can see them :).
What are some upcoming Toronto arts events, programs or initiatives you’re interested in?
In the coming weeks, I am delighted to participate in a public mural painting organized by Women Paint, to facilitate a creative ink workshop for seniors with East End Arts, and to paint an virtual reality mural for Toronto Junction.
What does #EastEndLove mean or look like to you?
It means being a supporter of justice, equality, and feminism; being respectful of the complex intersectionality of those around you; being mindful of everyone’s unique experience in the world; and, most importantly, being loud, proud and unapologetic for making art!
A fun fact about you for our readers:
I didn’t start drawing until I was 18, and I still made a career out of art 😉 I am a living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Â
3. Artist Spotlight: Wandy Cheng
Name: Wandy Cheng
Discipline: Illustrator
Website:
www.wandycheng.com
Artist on Social:
Instagram @wandy_cheng
Artist Pronouns: She/Her
Tell our readers a bit about yourself & your art:
I am a multidisciplinary illustrator from Hong Kong whose work embodies contrasting textures and repeated patterns through various creative outputs, including ceramics, paper-cut and public art. My work is vibrant, colourful and often inspired by architectures, geometry and environments. In recent years, my illustration can be seen both on the streets of the city and within the pages of international publications.
What are you excited about for the future of your arts practice?
- Trying new things!
- Deepening my knowledge of illustration in order to work smarter.
- Using my work to tell important stories and share impactful work.
How can audiences support the work you’re doing right now?
It would mean a lot to me for people to support any independent maker and artist they resonate with with any means possible. With the holiday season approaching, you can:
- commission an artwork for your loved ones
- purchase an item from their existing inventories
- show your friends artists you admire and works you love
- cherish the one-of-a-kind artworks in your homes
On a more personal level, I would love for readers to learn about Hong Kong and how its recent political reforms threaten the safety and freedom of people living in the city. This anecdote from writer Karen Cheung may be a good starting point. The city is really important in shaping who I am as a person, so any and all emotional support is appreciated.
What are some upcoming Toronto arts events, programs or initiatives you’re interested in?
I am excited to browse and shop zines published by independent artists and publishers during Canzine in October; enjoy screenings from Reel Asian International Film Festival in November; stroll through One of a Kind Show in December, and attend DesignTO Festival in January 2022! I am especially excited to see what the Year of Public Art brings to the city.
What does #EastEndLove mean or look like to you?
To me, it means that everyone that makes up East End is thriving without having to constantly stress about having their basic necessities and needs met. Everyone is doing their best to be kind and considerate to look out for one another in the community.
A fun fact about you for our readers:
I love listening to podcasts! I have a list of suggestions for those looking for audio entertainment.
