New Exhibition at the Akin Vitrine Gallery On Now! Theresa Hopkins’ installation Kiddo
Image Description: Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation, Kiddo, hanging in the Akin Virtine Gallery. A cylindrical round of beads hangs from the ceiling of the gallery. The beads are white with pink clouds, with blue beaded tassels hanging from the bottom. Blue beading across the white and pink sky read “chin up kid’.
We’re excited to announce a brand new installation at Akin’s Vitrine Gallery! Running until January 30th, Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation Kiddo will be viewable from the street at Akin St Clair, at 1747 St Clair Ave W. Be sure to swing by and check it out. In the meantime, we reached out to Theresa to learn more about her work and inspirations.
Theresa Hopkins is a black multi-disciplinary artist and arts organizer living and working in Toronto. She focuses on themes surrounding identity, emotion, and her interactions with the world through her unique lens. Using colourful and tactile materials and subject matter, her work draws on nostalgia juxtaposed with mature themes. Her installation entitled Kiddo, runs from December 1- January 30th.
Image Description: A photograph of artist Theresa Hopkins standing against a blue background. Theresa has long wavy black hair, blue eyeshadow and wears a white t-shirt. She is facing the camera, holding a flag with a cartoon of Roger Hargreaves’ Little Miss Chatterbox.
About the Installation
‘Kiddo’ represents the vast majority of adults born as millennials who are currently experiencing arrested development, Kidults, and people who are failing to launch. Is there a place in your life you think you “should” be by now?
What are you curious about right now? What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration?
Theresa Hopkins: “These days, I’m focusing on play. I believe relationships are garnered and watered through the ability you have to play together. Whatever the capacity. Being “silly” is so important. To get inspired I convene with nature, I make up scenarios with friends, I play children’s games.”
What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now?
TH: “One of my first mediums was definitely beads. I used to be obsessed with friendship bracelets and animals made out of pony beads strewn with elastic string. When I was 15 I used to make beaded cuffs and bracelets for friends I used to rave with. It’s funny how I’ve returned back to it now. I guess we are creatures of habit after all.”
Do you have a studio routine?
TH: “I am definitely someone who has project focused spurts of inspiration. I tend to do many projects at once though so perhaps it’s actually hurting me more than helping me since finishing work takes me a while.”
Image Description: A close-up photos of Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation, Kiddo, hanging in the Akin Virtine Gallery. The beads are white with pink clouds, with blue beaded tassels hanging from the bottom. Blue beading across the white and pink sky read “chin up kid’.
Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?
Honestly most of art happens away from the canvas. It’s easy to berate yourself for not “working” on your work when I think in actuality, we are constantly working on work by just living our lives. I don’t try to limit myself to only mediums I’m comfortable in. I find it helps me to make art that “doesn’t have a purpose” it’s in those moments when I can really experiment.
As in regards to self-care I think it’s important to have a healthy community that can be a sounding board for ideas. Take criticism graciously and always ask questions to yourself. Give yourself time and show up for yourself.
Is there an artist you'd like to go back in time to meet? Or someone you'd love to invite to dinner right now? Who is it and what would you ask them about?
TH: “Not really, most of the artists I like are here, now.”
What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?
TH: “I love having a community around that inspires me. Seeing other artists in different phases of their practice gives me hope for the future of the arts in this city. Working at Akin has given me purpose like no other, and being able to serve a community I’m a part of is extremely fulfilling.
I joined Akin after a 3 year hiatus of making or showing my artwork. I had convinced myself for a number of years that being in survival mode and putting all my effort into working to pay rent was top priority. I decided one year to make a painting for a friend and needed a place to work. I ended up joining Akin and it’s one of the best decisions I could of made for my practice.”
What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at?
TH: “Wish I was better at attending art shows, it seems like I only get out when someone I know is involved. I’ve made this a goal of mine for the upcoming seasons!”
Check out Kiddo at the Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W, viewable 24/7 from the sidewalk, on till January 30th, 2024.
See more of Theresa Hopkins’ art @Thopkinsart
Akin St Clair / Akin Vitrine
