We all evolve from love, the foundation upon which we exist and thrive. We’re connected, brick by brick, to something greater. This collection brings that concept to canvas.
The collection starts in the City of Toronto and four of its vibrant neighbourhoods. The work reflects a sense of pride in where we live, history, responsibility, and planning for the future. Keeping our communities clean and safe or getting involved in local events, contribute to creating stronger, more cohesive neighbourhoods.
The design of the word love, in which the letters lean on each other reflects human connections, and the dependency we have on each other to strengthen and enhance our communities. The simple use of primary colours reflects the basic premise that loving your city starts with loving your neighbourhood.
Toronto: Over 150 bricks represent all that makes Toronto great, encompassing the inner workings of our city including parks, schools, theatres, sports and organizations, which come together abstractly. Cabbagetown and Riverdale are interlocked representing the geographical and social proximity of these vibrant neighbourhoods. The inclusion of hip and affluent areas alongside under-resourced communities is a main focus such as the interlocking bricks of Bloor West and St Jamestown. The interlocking of Union Station and High Park is a recognition of green balance as our city grows. Somewhere in the piece, is an empty brick, which is sure to be a conversation starter.
Love Queen West, 2015. Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil. 12″ X 24″. Available.
‘Eclectic’ summarizes one of Toronto’s favourite neighbourhoods. The oldest continuous running hotel in the city, The Gladstone could not be omitted from this piece, along with its hip neighbour, The Drake. Diversity is a main concept in this collection, as is appreciating the wide variety of organizations that help the citizens of our city to a better life. In this piece, CAMH is recognized.
Love Parkdale, 2015. Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil. 12″ X 24″. SOLD
A major neighbourhood in the history of Toronto, Parkdale was once one of the most affluent. Major change came about at the onset of the Gardiner Expressway in 1955. Parkdale Collegiate is one of the oldest schools in Toronto and Victorian row homes can still be seen with their original gaslights today. This piece etches the history into brick, honouring Parkdale’s past.
Love Liberty Village, 2015. Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil. 12″ X 24″. Available.
Being the home of the artist, the inclusion of a special edition piece was a must. Toronto’s Central Prison (1873-1915) is given prominence, and the piece reflects the people and places that make this a special community. In addition to 12 condominium buildings, the Liberty Village Resident’s Association’s 4000 members are recognized. The LVRA plays a vital role in setting an example to our city. Reverse graffiti was incorporated, and a colour splash added to connect the piece to the collection.
Love Etobicoke, 2015. Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil. 12″ X 24″. Available.
A main feature of this piece is the name Etobicoke, derived from the Mississaugan word, ‘wadoopikaang’ – the place where alders grow. Southern Etobicoke is home to the practice rink of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a number of public parks, most notably, James Gardens. This piece welcomes improvements to the area by recognizing new projects and street names.
