One of the wonderful things about living in Toronto now is that they are so many opportunities to view and purchase unique pieces by some of the great artists living in the area. This past week I grabbed my friend Ash and headed over to the historic Gladstone Hotel for the Annual Holiday Sale for
Speakeasy, a monthly gathering of Toronto’s creative community. Six times a year, people from the community come together to share ideas and keep in touch, while viewing what everyone else has been up to. The minute we walked in the door and saw all the displays, we knew we were in for a treat. Here are some snapshots of a few of the wonderfully creative artists that were there.
I'm always a sucker for handmade jewelery, so I made a beeline for
Kathryn Rebecca's table. I got talking with Kathryn and it turns out that she is always a small town girl (from Bala, Ontario!) who came to Toronto to further her career.
Her beautiful pieces reflect the nature that she grew up with in Muskoka, while still showing some urban flare of a live in the city. I love when an artists' work shows so many aspects of their own personal growth.
Plus these little pouches just about did me in. so cute! Perfect for keeping your iPod cozy this winter!
Looking for something different from the conventional spa gift baskets? Take a look at these great handmade 100% organic oil based soaps, shampoos and conditioners by
Enfleurage Organics.
The scents were heavenly, but not over impowering. Nothing like vitamins and pure essential oils to keep your skin revitalized over the winter!
I am firmly of the thought that women cannot possess too many purses, especially when they are as cute as the ones made by designer
Alicia Mansillo. What started as a hobby for Alicia has quickly turned into a beautiful collection of pieces that are perfect for any ladies on your list this year.
My friend Ash was happy to model this bag for me. Stylish enough for the city, but perfect for travelling too.
I have to say that my favorite exhibit was the
White Squirrel Club.
As a regular patron of Trinity Bellwoods Park, I am quite familiar with the legend of the white squirrels. For several decades albino squirrels have lived in the park in downtown Toronto and have become an urban folkstory, which is perfect displayed on these t-shirts, totebags and boxers by local artist Julia Burton.
Ironically the next display I saw had a small handmade Christmas ornament showing the infamous white squirrel attempting to steal from a birdfeeder.
There were so many adorable variations on the birdfeeders that I wish that I could make a tree full of them all. My mother would love this little one, as I'm sure it would remind her of the little cardinal that used to tap on her bedroom window a few years back.
Artist Wayne Murphy makes his figures out of wire, air-dried modelling paste, several layers of acryllic paint and finally protective sealer. His scultures capture a perfect moment, such as Santa soaking in a tub (presumably after a long night delivering toys), or a child making a snowman. More of his work can me seen at
http://www.statuesosmall.com/.
I was immediately struck by the beautiful presentation and stunning simplicity of the wood jewelery by artist
Alex Russel.
A perfect gift for the minimalist in your family!
You can't deny the Canadian nostaliga of
Offcut Studio's unique pieces. The wooden skate guards reminded me of
many winter nights spent as a child skating on the river behind our home.
Toronto furniture designer and cabin Cameron MacLean uses mostly offcut pieces of wood to create one of a kind, custom and limited edition pieces, such as these maple, walnut and oak clocks.
Jewelery is always an appropriate gift, and what better than the beautifully made pieces by contemporary designer
Shareen Woodford.
Shareen takes her inspiration from organic forms, the ocean, minimalism, retro patterns and even yoga.
Coincidentally, I came to the show right from the gym, so when I saw these bamboo facial cleansing cloths from
Kaia, I jumped at the chance to give them a shot. Sure enough they made my skin feel revitalized and happy all over again. These packs are perfect for throwing in your gym bag.
Soaked in vitamins and rich with natural ingredients, these cloths are a great natural makeup remover, that are ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Made by a local felt artist these whimsical and creative one-of-a-kind felted accessories are as not only unique by functional.
These photos do not to justice to the vibrant colours and creative textures.
And on a final note, I wanted to show the Green Wall in the Gladstone Hotel. Added in 2009, the wall is alive with lucious green plants that give the air fresh oxygen, while filtering out impurities. It makes me smile every time.
Thus concludes my tour of the Speakeasy Holiday Sale. Thank you to all the artists who kindly let me photograph their incredible work. Please support our great local artists here in Toronto and give the gift of creative works this year!
