Figuring Identity: declarations and dreams

Annabelle Diamond “I have always loved art: Ever since I could pick up a pencil, I’ve been drawing; and ever since I’ve been drawing, I’ve been trying to convey meaning with my art. My inspiration mostly comes from my life, and those experiences are reflected in my work. I want to make sure that my work has affected someone in some way and makes people think. I want people to feel emotions from my paintings, and I don’t care if it’s not the same emotions I felt when creating the painting. For me, as long as you’re feeling something from my work, it makes me happy. “


Artemis Lishman is an 18-year-old artist working hard to launch his art career. He has been painting and drawing since he was three, supported by a family of artists. He has recently found his voice through art, focusing on telling his story while expressing the otherworldly beauty he sees in himself and the world. His works aim to inspire us to romanticize everyday life and appreciate the beauty of our bodies, as they are perfect the way they are. 


Jace McIntyre “At 17 years old, I am still trying to figure out how to live my life and that uncertainty and feeling of being lost is reflected in my work. I never want someone to know exactly what I was thinking when I made it, because I paint through the many different emotions I’m feeling. I mostly work in painting and sculpture, using dark muted colours in my work, but I also explore digital art and I am inspired by work that uses sharp, black, lines. Art, for me, is something I use for self expression; I find it calming.”


Masinjah Aloh “I was born in Illesha, Nigeria before I moved to Canada. In Grade 2, I became interested in art, but it wasn’t until Grade 10 when it became a passion of mine. Throughout high school I have taken art classes, which have helped me to broaden my horizons, experience all the different ways one can make art, and push my art in any way I can to see if I can go bigger, brighter, and more realistic. I am inspired by nature and the people around me, for whose support I am so grateful. In my art, I enjoy making wearable, textile-based, art because it blends form and abstraction, and allows me to communicate my feelings and emotions. Art is subjective and I enjoy how one work can bring so many different emotions to the viewer.”

Ruby Carbert “I grew up In Toronto and have been drawing and painting since I was a young child. Art has always been present in my life and it is something that connects me with my great grandma and dad. I have always painted to express myself and capture different expressions of emotion, and the  beauty and joy of colour. I am about to graduate high-school and know I will keep painting since it has helped me so much in life.”