Community

This artist and art instructor from Kitchener, Ontario—Melissa Fitzgerald, known as "The Green Witch"—is all about embracing nature, tapping into her creative spirit, and adding a dash of joy to life. Growing up, Melissa was always a creative soul, whether it was jewellery making, crafts, creative writing, or her most recent passion—painting and illustrating. It was only natural for her to express herself this way, given that both her grandmother and mother are artists. While she's largely self-taught, she has been fortunate to have many mentors and teachers who continue to inspire and guide her. Melissa's art reflects her deep love and respect for nature and earth-based spirituality. Recently, she's been focusing on depicting fungi, plants, and animals in a magical, folkloric style. "If we slow down and listen, we can learn a lot from nature. The trees, the wind, the waves, birds, and bugs all have messages for us." She views her art as a devotional to these messengers, a way to celebrate and acknowledge their stories. Ink, wash, and wonder Melissa adores classic children's book illustrations, especially those by Beatrix Potter. She's also a big fan of fairy tales, folklore, and vintage botanical illustrations. Watercolour is her favourite medium because of its soft and translucent qualities. She finds it ideal for use with waterproof ink fine-line pens in an ink-and-wash style, but it's also exceptional on its own.  Over time, her style has become more detailed; she loves spending hours on a piece, watching it come to life with each tiny brushstroke. For her, the process is as important as the outcome—perhaps even more so. "Art is therapeutic," she explains, "and it should never be rushed." Play, experiment and have fun Melissa teaches watercolour classes for older adults, and they just love her! "It's such an honour to teach art in a community setting," she says with a big smile. "When I developed my classes, I wanted to share watercolour with beginner-level students in a way that emphasizes play, experimentation, collective learning, and community building." She believes art should always be accessible and enjoyable. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel comfortable enough to take risks and make "bad" art before they start to feel more confident with the medium. "I make bad art all the time!" she laughs, her eyes twinkling. "I don't take art too seriously. For most of us, it's something we do because we love it, not because we are striving to be the best. Pressure and competition really get in the way of creativity. I don't want anyone to leave my class feeling discouraged or like they don't belong. I want everyone to feel like they can do this!" We are surrounded by magic When Melissa is fully immersed in nature, time seems to stand still. She enters a nourishing state of flow, and spending an afternoon wandering the woods becomes "medicine for the brain." Crawling around the forest floor to observe bugs and fungi or getting her sneakers wet for a better glimpse of a frog in the swamp are all part of the experience. Her camera roll is filled with photos from these excursions, each one influencing her art. Sharing these magical findings with others brings her joy. "We are surrounded by magic; you just gotta go outside, take your time, and not be afraid to get a bit dirty," she says. In her painting and sketching, Melissa always references what she has learned about the subjects, both scientifically and symbolically. She's passionate about nature and folklore, exploring how different cultures throughout history have engaged with their natural surroundings. It's easy to forget that "we ARE nature." Adding whimsical touches—like a cowboy hat on a toad—is her way of reinforcing that connection. It makes her smile and breaks down the barrier between humans and animals.  "We should care about our fellow animals and be mindful of our impact on the planet we share with them."     What's on Melissa's exhibit, "The Dark Half: Mabon to Samhain," is a tribute to two of the three harvest sabbats celebrated in September and October. Themes of magic, gratitude, and abundance are woven throughout the pieces, along with concepts of symbiosis and natural cycles, including death. She believes in the balance of nature—embracing the entire cycle rather than resisting the dark and dreading the cooler nights. This mindset has shaped her work, as she aims to honour these themes and the ever-changing seasons. Visit Melissa's exhibition at the Waterloo City Hall, Berlin Tower ARTSPACE from September 13 to October 31. It's a great chance to experience her magical world and find your inspiration to connect with nature.

Every community thrives on the support of its members. This month, we're excited to feature our Super Fan—Amna Wali from Scarborough, Ontario. Amna, a mom of three, immigrated to Canada in 2018 and has been one of our most active members since 2022. She skillfully balances raising her kids with exploring diverse creative activities. Is it a 24/7 job? Definitely, but she handles it with creativity.   Tell us a little bit about yourself. I'm Amna Wali, a homemaker and mother blessed by the grace of God. Though my background is in Food Science and Technology, I've always been drawn to the arts. My family nurtured this passion from a young age, encouraging me to be creative. Even though I pursued a different career, my love for art has never waned. I enjoy exploring various mediums like colored pencils, gouache, oil pastels, and acrylics. While I'm not a professional artist, I'm always eager to learn and try new things. What did you do as a Food Science & Technology specialist back then?I developed and refined food products, ensuring they were safe, high-quality, and produced efficiently, all while minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact. What do you love most about Arts & Crafts?When I moved to Canada, art became my source of comfort, helping me cope with many challenges as a newcomer. It later grew into a passion that helps me relax and connect with others. Through art, I've found a way to express my feelings and creativity, making it an essential part of my life, alongside caring for my children. Thanks for creating a pixel art for Cantoo City. What drew you to pixel art?I started with pixel art by hand on graph paper. When I discovered the Pixilart app on Instagram, which hosts contests, I began creating it digitally. It’s a lot of fun, and I hope to bring it to canvas one day. Can you recall a memorable experience from the past few years?One special project was a digital portrait of my mother that I entered in a Women's Day competition. It was a heartfelt tribute to her lifelong support. Winning the competition was an emotional moment that deepened my connection to art. What upcoming projects are you excited about?Right now, I’m fascinated by gelli plate printing and experimenting with different colours. Also, I'm eager to explore watercolour combined with calligraphy and to dive into landscape art. The unpredictability and thrill of trying new forms keeps me motivated. What's been your proudest moment so far?I recall receiving the 'Sinf-e-Ahan' women's award in Pakistan for my mandala work years ago. It was incredibly fulfilling and marking a major milestone as an art enthusiast. What's a hobby you have that might surprise people?People might be surprised to know that I love shopping at Dollarama. It's a treasure trove for finding unique items for my next project! What's your favorite comfort food?Tea with biscuits, especially during my creative sessions. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?I'd go to Pakistan to visit my family. It's more than just a trip; it's a chance to reconnect with my roots and draw inspiration for future endeavors.     Amna, your passion is a huge part of what makes our community so special. Thank you for sharing your story with us—we’re excited to see where your creativity takes you next! Join Us in Celebrating Creativity at Creator Square! Join us in supporting and inspiring each other on the shared journey. Keep sharing, creating, and growing together. 

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending the National Art Material Trade Show in New Orleans. Amidst the bustling aisles, I met Jessica Rudolph, the Founder and CEO of "My Very Own Blanket." Her small booth, filled with beautiful handmade blankets, instantly caught my attention. Jessica's passion was evident as she shared the heartfelt story behind her organization. I knew immediately that her journey deserved to be shared with a wider audience. My Very Own Blanket is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing love, comfort, and hope to children in foster care through handmade blankets. Thousands of blankets are donated each year and personalized with the child's name. For the past 25 years, they have impacted countless lives, thanks to the dedication of volunteers who craft each blanket by hand with care. What inspired you to start My Very Own Blanket?It all started in 1999 when I was knitting by my child's crib. In that quiet moment, I realized that I could use my knitting skills to help children in foster care. The lack of personal belongings and the constant movement from one place to another struck a chord with me. I wanted to give these children something they could call their own, something that would provide them with comfort and a sense of belonging. Thus, "My Very Own Blanket" was born. What is your mission?I want to provide love, comfort, and hope to children in foster care through the gift of a handmade blanket. Each blanket is a labor of love, crafted by volunteers who share our passion. We believe that these blankets offer a sense of security and a tangible reminder that someone cares deeply about them.  "It takes a village to raise a child...Volunteers donate their time to make a profound impact on a child's life.” Why is this cause so important to you?Children in foster care face numerous challenges, often feeling lost and alone. A blanket may seem like a small gesture, but it represents so much more. It's a symbol of love and stability in an otherwise turbulent time. Knowing that I’m making a difference in these children's lives is incredibly rewarding. Where are you located, and how can people get involved?We operate primarily in Ohio, but our reach extends to Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, and the US Virgin Islands, with our network of dedicated volunteers. Everyone can get involved by making a blanket or quilt. They can also support us by donating, providing transportation, or hosting a blanket-making event. We welcome "blanket angels" of all ages, from Scouts to seniors and everyone in between. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us achieve our goal of bringing comfort to children in foster care. To get a better sense of the person behind this heartfelt mission, we asked Jessica a few personal questions. What's your favorite comfort food when you're knitting a cozy blanket?I absolutely love enjoying a warm cup of tea! It complements the coziness of knitting perfectly. Tell us about an amusing or surprising talent you have beyond knitting.Apart from knitting, I also dabble in creating stained glass pieces. If you could host a blanket-making event with one famous figure, living or dead, who would they be and why?I would choose Sandra Bullock. I admire her values, morals, and ethics, and I believe she would be the perfect partner for a meaningful blanket-making event.     Jessica's dedication has made "My Very Own Blanket" a symbol of hope for children in foster care. In her words, "You are doing something profound, something that has a long-term impact on someone's life." When you donate locally, you contribute to a meaningful cause and get to see firsthand of impact. This year, Jessica aims to bring 40,000 handmade blankets to children and teens in foster care and in need. So far, they have delivered 19,898 blankets.  Will you help her reach the next milestone? Visit My Very Own Blanket to learn more and get involved.

Mother’s Day is special to a lot of people, and this time around, we have invited Susan Fitzgerald as our special guest. The mother of three, loves moments with her children and also the simpler things in life. However, nothing compares to the joy she finds in watercolour painting.  Susan, can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Susan Fitzgerald. I married my best friend 50 years ago, I’m the mother of 3, (6 if you count their spouses, which I do) and Nana to 4 darling hooligans. I enjoy a forest walk, beach combing, travelling, knitting, sewing, puttering my garden and watercolour painting. When I'm creating, I'm in my element, and it brings me immense joy. On the flip side, when I'm not creating, I can get a bit antsy 😊 How has your upbringing influenced your creativity? My mom was a significant influence on my creativity. She was always engaged in various creative activities like sewing, knitting, and oil painting. She excelled as a porcelain artist, which became her true calling. Growing up, creativity was a way of life in our household. Whether it was sewing clothes or crafting with found objects, there was always an opportunity to create. We had plenty of drawing and colouring supplies, which further fueled my passion for creativity. "...never give up, embrace life with a light heart, and understand that age is just a number." What led you to discover your passion for watercolours? It began unexpectedly at the start of the pandemic lockdown. It was a time of uncertainty, and my son decided to order some basic art supplies for me. It quickly turned into a daily obsession. I found solace in painting, and it became a form of meditation for me. The process of creating with watercolours allowed me to quiet my busy mind and immerse myself fully in the present moment. Painting alongside my daughter, despite our differing styles, further deepened my love for the medium. Now, I take joy in sharing my art supplies with my grandchildren, encouraging them to explore their creativity. While I may not be a full-time artist in the traditional sense, the endless possibilities of watercolour painting continue to fascinate me, and I find immense joy in the experimentation and learning it brings. Can you share the story behind your favorite artwork? One of the most meaningful pieces I’ve created was a commission—a gift for my friend's husband in memory of their beloved pets. Despite initial nerves, witnessing her emotional reaction was rewarding. It was truly gratifying to see that I touched her, and her vision was fulfilled. That is the ultimate gift I could receive. What are your must-have art supplies in your studio? My must-haves in art supplies are simple. Good paper, an assortment of watercolor paints (dry and tube), and some basic brushes. I augment my supplies with sticks, feathers, and salt—anything with which I can mark paper. What new mediums or techniques are you wish to explore next? While I adore watercolor, I'm eager to explore new mediums and techniques. Experimenting with alcohol inks holds a particular fascination for me, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. If life were a masterpiece, what would you consider its title and medium to be? Well, life is a masterpiece, isn’t it? I cannot envision it as a piece of art, per say, but rather as a feeling. The sounds of wind in the trees, birdsong, sunlight and inky dark sky, warm hugs, laughter and tears, experiencing new places, new ideas, meeting new people, and cherishing dear friends and family. Nature paints in broad colourful strokes; her medium is earth, air, fire and water.  My plan is not to age gracefully, but to live life outrageously ❤️     As we wrap up the chat with Susan, her story leaves us feeling uplifted. As someone who loves creating things, she reminds us how good it feels to be creative. Let's celebrate Mother's Day together and keep finding inspiration in our creative pursuits. Follow Susan on Instagram @susan.fitzgerald.art and show your support. For inquiries about our blog, feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com.

During my recent visit to Japan, I explored several local trade shows. Among them, "Value Books," a used bookstore nestled in Ueda City, immediately captured my attention. Operating both online and in store, they embark on a mission to breathe new life into used books. Since 2007, Value Books has moved beyond selling books; it transforms unpriced ones into everyday products, continuously adding value to what others might discard. Imagine this: Every day, Value Books receives a staggering 20,000 books from all corners of Japan. The twist? About half of them, couldn't be priced and were destined for waste paper collection. Recognizing the environmental impact, Value Books turned the challenge into an opportunity by collaborating with partners to give these unused books a fresh start.  The "Notebook that was a Book" project began with the aim of preserving the essence of books; it encourages users to contemplate the value these books hold. The raw material for each notebook, the "paper that used to be a book," contains fragments hinting at its previous life as a comic, magazine, or poetry book. It serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, enabling each piece to narrate its story before embarking on a new chapter. But their story doesn't end there. Later, I discovered their mobile bookstore, the "Book Bus" where 1,000 books at a time rolling into local communities, parks, and spots where little bookworms can immerse themselves in the joy of reading. This isn't merely a bookstore on wheels; it's a new approach to delivering knowledge and nurturing community. The profound value goes beyond the wheels; it's a belief in delivering these treasures to areas where they're needed the most. Apart from these two initiatives, Value Books has developed various programs that are making a significant impact locally. Their dedication to purpose-driven efforts has touched my heart. They have shown me that incredible things can happen when businesses are guided by a strong sense of purpose. Just like every repurposed book, each person has the potential to start a new chapter, contributing meaningfully to the world around us. See you next time.  Sherry, Founder & CEO of Cantoo City     Source: www.valuebooks.jp; IG@valuebooks_press Don't miss out on the opportunity to share your story with us. We'd love to hear you! Drop us a message or comment below to share your journey with our community.  For inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

Frequently, business travels connect us with remarkable individuals. This month, we've had the pleasure of meeting Sakurai Miyuki, a young designer and emerging artist from Tokyo, Japan. Miss Miyuki is our featured guest of the month. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I am Sakurai Miyuki, a native of Tokyo, Japan. My journey began in childhood with a passion for drawing and a particular interest in Manga. Initially aspiring to be a fashion designer during my elementary school years, I later delved into oil painting, majoring in it at Art School. Post-graduation, I embarked on a journey into freelance work, showcasing and selling my works at various events. It's been quite an adventure. What style of art do you specialize in? My expertise lies in creating oil and watercolour paintings that convey a fantastical narrative. My process involves allowing the canvas to capture the essence of the moment, drawing inspiration from my favorite elements. My illustrations are rooted in childhood memories and experiences. What really gets your creative juices flowing? Animated cartoons, particularly those from Ghibli and Disney, have significantly influenced me. Despite being raised in an urban environment, I have a real love for nature, which often finds its way into my work. It's like blending a touch of the great outdoors into the cityscape of my canvas! What tools do you always have on hand for your art? Any go-to brush, paint, or technique you love? I'm all about using both oil paint and crayon. Crayons bring in that cool textured, hand-drawn vibe that I truly love. Playing around with unexpected shapes and colours – it keeps things interesting. Got any cool fun facts about yourself? I'm always jamming out to music while I'm in the creative zone. I draw inspiration from all sorts of genres. Every now and then, a specific song totally captures me, and its vibe becomes the fuel for my work. Looking ahead five years, where do you see yourself? I'm dreaming of setting up a cozy cafe and art studio in an old house surrounded by trees. Just imagine the sound of birds and a view of a wooded area, creating the perfect vibe. Oh, and I can't forget my border collie and cat – they'll be right there with me, adding to the creative energy 💕 If you could be any animal, what's your pick and why? I'd go with an eagle or falcon – their majestic flight is just too cool. Imagine soaring gracefully through the sky, checking out distant landscapes with those sharp eyes. That's the dream! And there you have it – a glimpse into the imaginative world of Sakurai. We can't wait to visit her cozy cafe and studio surrounded by nature next time. Thank you, Sakurai, for sharing your art and dreams with the community. Here's to hoping your dreams come true! https://pockethoheto.wixsite.com/sakurai-miyuki   Follow Sakurai on Instagram @hoheto1022 or visit her website to show your support. For inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

Late October, in Starbucks, Caterina sat quietly in the corner, sparking my curiosity. Little did I know, a creative mind was at play. Meet Caterina Sauro—a young artist, community builder, and entrepreneur from Mississauga, Ontario. Blending visual art and literature, Caterina's journey unfolds—from self-publishing book "Hi, My Name is Monella" to founding @exproseyourself. Join us to discover how Caterina's passion creates a story that goes beyond the usual.   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m a multi-disciplinary artist who loves storytelling through visual art and literature. Throughout every stage of life, I remain a creative individual. As I’ve aged and grown into adulthood, my desire to create art has grown into a dream of creating spaces and experiences where others can make art in community.  My favourite outlet as of recently has been creating digital illustrations. The ability to pick colours, brushes, and manipulate layers with precision gets me excited. It's also environmentally-friendly and takes up way less space in my apartment. When I want to write, I either write poetry or come up with silly stories. I was recently able to combine my two loves into one passion project when I self-published my book of poetry and illustrations, "Hi, My Name is Monella" in 2022. When I'm not creating, or brainstorming for my next project, I am cuddling with my cat Benedict, bingeing sit-coms from the 90s until bedtime.   What type of art do you specialize in or enjoy creating? My style varies piece to piece, although, as I've noticed consistencies in the pieces of mine that shine brightest, I'd have to say that I specialise in pieces that include nature, including florals, or food. It's important to note that pieces celebrating architecture and animals are tied for second.    What are your thoughts on digital art vs. traditional art? What are the pros and cons of each medium based on your experience? The comparison of digital art to traditional art is a difficult one to navigate as they are both incredibly valuable to the evolution of art and how we make it. We see art in museums on ancient pottery, portraits for dignitaries, and scenes celebrating religion from centuries ago across the hall from contemporary expressionism using digital art and other multimedia. There is more than enough room for both.  With digital art, you are able to truly create anywhere and at any time. You are also able to edit, undo, and refine your pieces as much as you like. Colour palette matching is a fave. On the flip side, you can always count on tech to crash so constant saving needs to be prioritised.  Traditional art offers a completely different experience. Mixing paints, holding the paintbrush, and feeling the texture of the canvas against brush bristles is the pro of all pros. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it takes up a lot of space. Yes, it's messy, but if you can make it work it's so worth it. There's a level of connection between artist and art with traditional outlets that digital lacks, but the environmental and anti-clutter lifestyle digital offers balances both methods. Do what you need to do, as long as you create.   Reflecting on your journey, can you share the details of the most challenging painting you've ever created and the reasons behind its difficulty? The most challenging painting I’ve ever created was a portrait of a family member. I tried so hard to make it look perfect, but my constant editing ended up making the piece unusable. This piece taught me that my work may not always be perfect, but if it’s complete then that is enough.   Who has had a profound impact on you or has been a source of inspiration in shaping your identity? There is an artist out in the world named Reyna Noriega. She is a digital illustrator who has grown into an incredible artist with a portfolio that speaks for itself. She showed me that the best thing you can do for yourself and your work is to just do it. Do it for you; the rest will come.   What art movement resonates with you the most, and how does it influence or inspire your work? Post-impressionism is my favourite art movement. Van Gogh’s work, specifically, influences my approach to layering colours, and his brush strokes are what inspire me to continue creating traditional art.   As the founder of @exproseyourself, could you provide some insights into the purpose and essence of this group? During a time when most of the world was at home, I found myself in virtual meetings with other poets, writing together and then sharing what we wrote. As we all grew more comfortable with leaving our homes, these meetings happened less and less and I missed the virtual community. Through Exprose, those of the local writing community within Mississauga have a location where they can come to write surrounded by others who are also excited to write about the same thing; the featured poet’s work. There is a symbiotic sharing and receiving that happens in this space, and that is exactly what I wanted to happen.   If you could inhabit the life of any animal on Earth, which one would you choose and why? I would love to be the beloved family dog in a suburban home. They get the most love out of any other animal I’ve ever seen.   Are there any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share with the community? When I’m not creating, I’m playing video games and learning how to code. Having a wide range of interests is important!     As we conclude Caterina's interview, I truly appreciate her diverse talent—from self-publishing a book to the community group @exproseyourself, she seamlessly blends creativity into every venture. Visit her website and follow her on IG to learn more. Your support not only acknowledges her talent but also contributes to the journey she embarks on. See you next time! Follow Caterina on Instagram @cat.sauro or visit her website at monella.ca  You can also reach out to her directly at caterinasauro3@gmail.com For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

We believe that the sharing of expressions lies at the heart of a thriving community. As a key contributor to “Creator’s Square”, we are delighted to welcome Manitoba-based part-time artist, Denee Johnson, to share her creative journey with us this month. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Denee Johnson, and I am a part-time independent, self-taught artist based in Northern Manitoba. I began my creative journey in early 2019, gradually making it the primary focus of my evenings by 2021. While I mostly work with acrylics, I also explore watercolours and oil pastels. My art aims to promote body positivity and encourage positive self-worth, intending to bring happiness to my audience. When I discovered art, I was dealing with challenges related to self-confidence, anxiety and depression. I channeled these emotions into powerful poses, complemented by bold and vibrant colours. What aspect of being an artist excites you the most? To me, the most exciting thing about being an artist is the paint itself, as wired as that may sound. I have found solace in the space I've created for myself, a small studio space in my basement. It's my time to dance, laugh, cry…I use the paint as a vessel for those emotions. I don't even need to paint anything cohesive, just a brush in hand and paint instantly uplifts my mood. Could you share the backstory of your favorite creation and why it's important to you?  My favorite piece to date (although they can all be considered favorites) would have to be a piece I completed in late 2021 and early 2022, titled 'Weed and Water,' on a repurposed canvas. It embodies a powerful, bold, and carefree spirit—something that every person should aspire to. It brings me so much joy to create and just throw paint around. I get lost in the process, and as a bonus, it's heartwarming to witness others embracing their own uniqueness and loving themselves for who they are. What are the main challenges you face as an artist today?  As an artist, my major challenges, in addition to mastering anatomical proportions, revolve around time. Being a part-time artist, I often find it difficult to stick to a specific piece due to the limited time frame I have for creating. This results in having numerous unfinished pieces for various reasons. What impact would you like your art to have on others? I aim for my art and its journey to resonate with viewers and eventually collectors, that you are powerful in every right and every season of your life. Your body is your own, your journey is your own. My first passion is promoting body positivity/neutrality & to be comfortable, dare it be. Proud of the skin you are in.  Thanks, Denee, for opening up and sharing your story with our community. Denee's journey shows the transformative power of art. If you've been inspired, it's time to show your support by sending her your appreciation. We look forward to seeing you next time.   Follow Deene on Instagram @deeds.bydee or visit her website at www.deetsbydee.com  For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

As early fall sets in, we're at the local coffee shop, delving into the story of our guest, Paul Cocker. Hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Paul is known for his pen and ink illustrations. Join us as we explore the world of art through Paul's unique perspective. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Certainly! I'm Paul Cocker, an art hobbyist from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. As a kid, art was my favorite class in elementary and junior high school. I was always doodling and cartooning whenever there was paper nearby. However, once I entered high school, other interests took over. It wasn't until about a 30-year break from art that I returned to the drawing board and rekindled my passion for illustration. I've been actively sharing my art online for the past 4 years now. Could you provide insight into your artistic style, and what are the central themes or motifs that often appear in your artwork? I'd describe my artistic style as pen and ink illustration with a preference for black and white. I love experimenting with different pens to create varying line weights and applying cross-hatching for texture, shading, and depth in my work. Most of my artwork draws inspiration from my love for comic books, caricature art, and the world of horror movies. Is there a particular experience that played a major role in shaping your choice to pursue art as a passion? There wasn't a specific moment when I consciously decided to make art my hobby again; it was more of a subconscious or even unconscious impulse. There's something zen-like and cathartic about spending time drawing cartoons and doodling. It also provides me with a sense of accomplishment when I translate my thoughts into tangible images. Often, what I end up scribbling on a blank piece of paper isn't precisely what I had in mind, but going through the motions always relaxes me. Even during my art hiatus, I would occasionally doodle, so I suppose the urge to draw never truly faded. All in all, I simply enjoy the process of drawing, and that's what influences me the most. Could you share the stories behind a few of your favorite art pieces and explain why they hold special meaning for you? I don't have one favorite piece, but there are some that mean a lot to me. Take, for instance, my Howard the Duck illustration. It's where I fell in love with cross-hatching, discovering how to make countless lines and ticks appear 3-dimensional and textured. Similarly, a hooded hag piece I created for an art challenge three Octobers ago impresses me. Balancing it alongside my full-time job, I marveled at how well it turned out. Recently, I embarked on a series of frog sketches for an August art challenge called #frogust. Straying from my usual black and white due to partial color blindness, I opted for BiC 4-Colour ballpoint pens, embracing the uncertainty. It was liberating and fun. Even a simple mouse sketch is meaningful to me. I produced it from a random scribble in my sketchbook, a creative exercise that I find both enjoyable and rewarding.  Have you ever faced creative blocks or periods of self-doubt in your journey? How did you overcome them? Creative blocks are a common experience for artists. When I encounter one, I change gears. Doodling, revisiting old drawings, or even experimenting with coloring books helps. If I hit a snag in a drawing, I persevere. It's gratifying to draw my way out of a challenge, even if the result differs from my initial plan. What brings you the most joy as a hobby artist? I've never really given something like that much thought. I like sharing my art on social media so that folks can see that art can be a fun pastime and that you can progress over time. I like seeing how I've progressed over time. Are there any fun or interesting facts about you that you'd like to share with the community? Besides my passion for art, being color blind adds a unique twist to my journey. Another interesting tidbit is that I'm an identical twin, each of us with our own distinct skills and talents.     Paul's story reminds us that creativity is endless, and art can play a big role in our lives. Now, it's your turn to share his story with your pals and spread the word about our community and the inspiring stories within it. Let's celebrate the creativity and joy that art has brought to our lives. See you next time :) Follow Paul on Instagram @pisceanpaul, linktr.ee/pisceanpaul to see more of his creations.  For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com