Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Vera Ka-Bo Tse, Mark Buck, and Ellis Ricketts
As winter approaches, it's the perfect time to celebrate the craftsmanship of Akin’s fantastic artists and makers. Whether you're on the lookout for unique gifts or something to bring warmth to your own home with one-of-a-kind pieces, we’re proud to bring you some of our studio Member's fantastic talents. Read on to find out more about the work artist Vera Ka-Bo Tse, painter Mark Buck, and illustrator Ellis Ricketts have available this season!
Vera Ka-Bo Tse
Akin Yonge-St Clair Member Vera Ka-Bo Tse is a Canadian artist who was born in Hong Kong whose work attempts to create an imaginary world which acts as a reminder of one’s origins and natural place of birth which poses questions about our existence and memory of where we came from. The objects represent a state of meditation to connect humans to their origins and earth with principles of wellness and sustainability to remind us that we all come from the same beginning and share commonality in birth, life and death like water flows. Vera Ka-Bo Tse creates work in a meditative state in which she recalls her birth origins in Hong Kong. Her memories are translated into a narrative mythology with iconography and shapes inspired by the Canadian landscape and my internal expression of a calm meditative shapes.
Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s work explores the intersection of art and contemporary design combining techniques of traditional craft using materials like ceramics and metal and paint which create a dialogue that challenges traditional notions of craft and design, beauty, materiality by juxtaposing different media which are like yin and yang to create tension of expression. She coined the artist manifesto Mosaicismal-ism. Mosaicism is the genetic act of combining two or more different genes that produce a mutation that is a hybrid of evolution. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence involving small parts or fragments of genes that recombine to form new combinations with new functions. Design and Art can be sub-divided into sub-categories that are from various sub-divisions of training and education that can be combined into infinite combinations of mutations deriving from the original pure disciplines to create something new that could not have existed before.
Find more of Vera’s work on instagram @smad.artdesign and on her website www.mosaicismalism.com
Vera Ka-Bo Tse’s work can be found at the S’mad Holiday Market held at Malvern Town Centre December 9th, 31 Tapscott Rd., Scarborough, from 11am to 5pm. Be sure to check out this event hosted by Councillor Jamaal Myers – City of Toronto, where Vera is organizing a Q & A with one of the original members of the Guild Inn History - Guild Inn Estate to discuss the history of art and craft in Scarborough and the connection to Cedar Ridge Creative Centre to connect the past to the future.
For more information visit @smad.artdesign
Ellis Ricketts
Akin Dupont Member Ellis Ricketts is a painter, illustrator, and mixed media artist who lives and works in Toronto as a concept and graphic artist in the film industry. He's a graduate of Humber College for 3D Animation and sometimes uses 3D arts in creating creative environments and textures. Every chance he has, he puts towards creating art for work and entertainment.
Ellis Ricketts' main media is traditional pen and ink, or digital illustration but is pursuing a career in painting larger scale pieces. Currently, he is dabbling with acrylics on canvas and wood but is still experimenting with different materials like metals and plastics.
View Ellis’ work on his Instagram @paperscarifications and his work can be purchased on his website: www.ellisricketts.com/shop
Mark Buck
Akin Dupont Member Mark Buck is a Toronto born artist who has been involved in the art business for over 40 years. After managing two Toronto art galleries he taught secondary high school students visual art, Photoshop, and photography for 19 years. Mark has been a member of Akin Dupont since 2016. His premiere exhibition was held at Youngplace Artscape from June 4- 16 2018. Mark's multilayered 3D kinetic acrylic paintings called "Mondragams" were featured at the 61st Toronto Outdoor Art Fair from July 10-17 2022. Mark’s acrylic paintings, Mondragams and Mixed Media
Paperworks are being offered at 50% OFF during his annual Winter Sale (until December 31 2023). Studio visits are by appointment only. No obligation in-home or business visits within the Toronto (GTA) area are welcome.
Mark's ARTALOG (Art Catalog) pays homage to his/Canada's first digital art gallery. His artwork is three-dimension. It is sculptural. Mark combines his love of art, culture and teaching by featuring the Bauhaus Colour and Shape Design in his artwork. Mark's acrylic paintings sometimes represent his favourite artists such as : Agam, Haring, Lichtenstein, Mondrian, and Picasso.
Mark’s work can be purchased on his website www.markbuck.art
Check out Mark’s BLOG on “How To Buy Artwork”
A huge thank you to Vera, Ellis and Mark for participation. Stay tuned for more maker highlights coming to you throughout the month.
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