VANESSA MCKERNAN: THE ART OF WANDERING

A few weeks ago, I discovered the work of Vanessa McKernan. There was something about the dreamlike quality of her paintings that immediately stayed with me.

Originally from Toronto and now based in the Ottawa Valley, Vanessa creates intuitive works that weave together themes of memory, motherhood, and the complexities of the feminine psyche.

I was able to visit Abbozzo Gallery to see the exhibition in person and had the chance to ask Vanessa a few questions about her process and the recurring themes that appear throughout her work.

INSIDE THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN TORONTO ARTIST HAYLEY AXELRAD AND LEGENDARY DESIGNER MANOLO BLAHNIK

Photo courtesy of Hayley Axelrad c/o Manolo Blahnik

If I were a character in a painting looking to have fun, I'd like to hang out in a piece by Hayley Axelrad.

Axelrad's world is as colourful as glamorous, with a pinch of humour, which is why I was thrilled to find out of Hayley's recent collaboration with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. 

In fact, I was so happy about this I had to hop on a call with Hayley to know more about how this collaboration came to be. It's always great to see Toronto artists making waves internationally.

Watch our conversation on YouTube.
Transcript available below.
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WHO READS ART BLOGS ANYWAY?

Earlier this week, I came across a video on TikTok that said something like: "If no one is coming to save you, no one is probably coming to stop you either". It's such a simple idea that felt surprisingly powerful and, dare I say... liberating? Maybe this is the friendly advice I needed to start posting again? 

PRINTABLE YEARLY CALENDARS

 

Customizable horizontal yearly calendar via elvery.net

Vertical yearly calendar via neatlink.net

HOW CURLING STONES ARE MADE

 

I had never heard of curling until I moved to Canada over a decade ago but I actually don't mind watching it from time to time and I would even like to play it at some point. 

Little did I know it originated in Scotland in the early 1500's! And, the rocks that are used in the sport, all come from the same Scottish island, which are harvested under ecological supervision.

Fascinating!

Read more on Reuters

P.S. Round of applause to the Reuters team who created this piece! The animations and illustrations make this truly a delight to read!