The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and two cropped details of the two artists work in this blog post.

Welcome to the final edition of Akin’s Winter Makers Highlight series! If you still have anyone left on your holiday shopping list, then look no further - we’ve got you covered. We’re excited to introduce you to Akin Dupont member Michelle Lee and Akin Yonge-St Clair member Heidi Keyes. They’ve got lots of exciting goodies available for purchase online and in person. Read on to find out more!

Michelle Lee

Michelle Lee is a Toronto-based visual artist creating works that are small and light enough to carry with you under any circumstance! Humorously, she conceptualized 'pocket works for the apocalypse', an ongoing series of paintings on hand built ceramics. The images she creates are dreamlike interpretations of places and people; each alludes to a bigger story, while exploring subtle moments of relation and transformation. The handheld size and wearable form offers a tangible connection to the body. Michelle’s studio practice is balanced by her work leading art and nature based programs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She received her BFA from OCAD University, and has exhibited in Ontario. Stay tuned for her participation in local art markets!

“My current process has really grown out of the desire to work with my hands in a slow and contemplative way. I’m interested in creating work that can be held and touched; that can become a part of the person who owns it. I’ve found small-scale work can invite this level of intimacy. There’s a need to approach them closely, with intention and care to really get a sense of their story. By having the pieces wearable, my work aims to connect this concept even further, having the art move with you, wherever you may go :)

Each clay piece is hand built and intricately painted with underglazes using the tiniest brushes I can find. My go-to size for detail is ‘0000’, though I’m always on the lookout for a finer brush! All the pieces are then fired with a glossy clear glaze on top, and finished with either a chain to turn the work into a necklace or stainless steel hooks for a pair of earrings.

An image of a table, containing various vials of different coloured paint, and Michelle Lee’s hand holding a fine paintbrush. She’s working on two ceramic pendants, both identical, a blue, airy scene with the black outline of a person, with hair blowing in the wind, layered on top.

My inspiration for the imagery initially comes from places that I’ve visited; often while out walking in nature or exploring new locations. From there, I’ll take reference photos to revisit when I'm back at my desk. Through drawing, I begin to reimagine and “deconstruct” the scene captured. I’ll pull forward certain formal elements that have caught my eye and I want to emphasize, while playing with colour and abstraction to shift the feel and composition. I like to leave hints and traces of the original subject matter, yet ultimately depict a new space open to interpretation, and where others can find their own personal connection.”

Check out Michelle’s work on her online shop www.pocketworksfortheapocalypse.com or on instagram @mieve_lee

An image of Michelle Lee’s ceramic necklace called ‘Sisters” The pendant is crescent moon shaped with a chain attached on both ends. The pendant is painted with a series of lines reminiscent of a horison, with two shapes side by side, their shadows outlined with a dotted line.

Heidi Keyes

Heidi is a mixed media artist residing in Toronto. She is from the Kingston area of Ontario and is part Nordic. Her practice seeks to uncover spiritual truths, which will help in creating what she has called "The Earth Idyllic". One of her influences is Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. Heidi believes that by continuously focusing on intelligent insights, wisdom and solutions and positive thoughts that we can realize a successful transition to a new Earth Idyllic.

“Most of my works are acrylic on canvas with various acrylic mediums. I do some works on paper. I am using a special pallet which resembles pastels and is intended to create a feeling of warmth and a frequency vibration of love. They are generated through layers of underpainting and a layering paint, the end result is a very glowy work. Spiritual truths arise during the painting process. Each piece deals with a separate aspect of human existence and provides some direction and guidance as to how we could improve.”

An image of an artwork on the wall of a home. The painting is done by Heidi Keyes, an abstract work in pinks, purples and blues. In the room is a modern style table, lamp, and stool.

You can see Heidi’s work in an upcoming exhibition at Mit-Far Cafe at 1098 Yonge Street, at Roxborough.The exhibition runs till January 20th, 2024. @mitfarcafe.

See more of Heidi’s work on her instagram @heidi.e.keyes

Thanks so much to Heidi and Michelle for their participation! And thank you to our beautiful community of art makers and art lovers, for your support of local artists! We encourage you to shop locally and support artists with your purchases all year long!

Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council