Ontario: new beginnings in craft
8 locations
Ontario, known as the Land of Lakes, is considered one of the most diverse provinces in the world. Home to more than 200 ethnic groups speaking over 140 languages, Ontario is shaped by the journeys of its people, the stories they carry and the lives they chose to build. This itinerary introduces you to seven craftspeople whose paths took an unexpected turn. Each of them left behind a career or field of study to answer to a new calling: craft. Although driven by diverse motivations, these artisans align in their intention to create works rooted in meaning, patience and passion. From photography to ceramics, from office routines to textile studios, each of their journeys reveals the courage it takes to start again and create with intention. We invite your to discover these makers not only with your eyes, but also with your heart.
©Brooke Schaal Photography
1
artisan
Alexandria Carmona
Alexandria Carmona moved from fashion studies into pastry, to specialise in sugar craftsmanship. She shapes accurate botanical forms and flowers by hand, using her own gum paste.
Address upon request, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
©Christina Gapic
2
artisan
Jen Arron
After a career in photography, Jen Arron discovered weaving during a weekend workshop and now creates delicate wall hangings from raw and recycled fibres, layering wool, silk and linen into textured compositions.
Address upon request, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
©Calvin Nicholls
3
artisan
Calvin Nicholls
Trained as a graphic designer, Calvin Nicholls gradually turned to paper sculpture, developing a meticulous process to create wildlife scenes built from hundreds of carefully shaped paper strips.
Address upon request, Kawartha Lakes, Canada
By appointment only
©Nicholas Stirling
4
artisan
Susan Collett
Originally a printmaker, Susan Collett discovered clay later in her studies and went on to develop a ceramic practice exploring light, fragility and layered forms.
261 Niagara Street, M6J 2L7, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
©Geneviève Lesieur
5
artisan
Coralie Huckel
Coralie Huckel found her way back to clay after a career in academia. Today, she creates quietly expressive pieces marked with the textures of leaves, stones and flowers.
911 Rue Western, J0E 2N0, Waterloo, Canada
By appointment only
©Daryl Barnes
5
artisan
Loren Kaplan
After illness, Loren Kaplan resorted to working with clay. In ceramics, found a tactile and meditative practice that now shapes her hand built vessels and sculptural lighting.
Address upon request, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
©All rights reserved
6
artisan
Dale Tomlinson
Leaving a long career in the non-profit sector behind, Dale Tomlinson turned to quilting to create large-scale quilts that explore colour, structure and the changing rural landscape.
Address upon request, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
©Ian Patterson
7
artisan
Charlotte Blake
To explore a more open and tactile process, Charlotte Blake traded in painting for weaving. Today, she shapes woven materials into bold, 3D textile sculptures.
Address upon request, Toronto, Canada
By appointment only
