Community

This month, we had the pleasure of inviting Tish Leupen, a seasoned quilter, to share her artistic journey with us.  Let's get started! How did you first get interested in quilting, and what inspired you to start this craft?  My name is Tish Leupen, and I would describe myself as a modern quilter. I have been sewing since I was 11 years old and studied Clothing and Textiles at University. I made my first quilt as a teen, before I knew anything about the traditional methods of quilting. I started quilting in a big way about 20 years ago by taking classes at a local shop. After creating traditional quilts for some time, I realized that assembling hundreds of identical pieces didn't fulfill my creative soul. About 10 years ago, I discovered modern quilting, which captivated me with its vibrant colours, clean lines, and originality. Attending QuiltCon has been a tremendous source of inspiration. Additionally, I'm an active member of two local quilting guilds.  Can you tell us about your favourite creation? What makes it special to you?  Usually my favourite quilt is the last one I finished. Making quilt tops is the fun and inspiring part for me, The actual layering and quilting the layers together is less interesting. As a result, I have a large inventory of tops that are not finished!  Are there any fabrics or materials that you prefer to use in your quilts? Why?  I have accumulated a large collection of fabrics over the years. I am drawn to bright colours and geometric designs, as well as unique quilting fabrics. What is the technique you find yourself using the most?  Hand appliqué is my go to technique for making quilts. I also use the traditional needle-turn technique, and love that I can take it with me anywhere.  Do you have any advice for beginners who are interested in learning how to quilt?  My advice for beginner quilters is to take classes and join the online community. The library is a great resource, and there are YouTube videos for everything you can imagine. Trying new techniques often leads to new directions for your craft.  Are there any fun facts that you want to share with the Cantoo City community?  In the 1990’s, I was a Decorative and Tole painting instructor. I painted mainly with acrylics, but also learned oil painting and watercolor. This background, along with my collection of fabrics, has led me to my other love, mixed media collage. I love that I can create art from anything that I have on hand.  I have had 2 art quilts accepted in a traveling exhibits in the US. Retirement has allowed me the freedom to do more. I am never bored!  In our community, Tish's story was just one thread, woven among countless others. Each individual, with their unique experiences and artistic journeys, played a role in enriching the fabric of community. Together, let's nurture a space where passion, inspiration, and possibility unite as one. Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of knitting? Follow Tish on Instagram @quiltish and let the your adventure begin! For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

This month, we had the pleasure of inviting Tish Leupen, a seasoned quilter, to share her artistic journey with us.  Let's get started! How did you first get interested in quilting, and what inspired you to start this craft?  My name is Tish Leupen, and I would describe myself as a modern quilter. I have been sewing since I was 11 years old and studied Clothing and Textiles at University. I made my first quilt as a teen, before I knew anything about the traditional methods of quilting. I started quilting in a big way about 20 years ago by taking classes at a local shop. After creating traditional quilts for some time, I realized that assembling hundreds of identical pieces didn't fulfill my creative soul. About 10 years ago, I discovered modern quilting, which captivated me with its vibrant colours, clean lines, and originality. Attending QuiltCon has been a tremendous source of inspiration. Additionally, I'm an active member of two local quilting guilds.  Can you tell us about your favourite creation? What makes it special to you?  Usually my favourite quilt is the last one I finished. Making quilt tops is the fun and inspiring part for me, The actual layering and quilting the layers together is less interesting. As a result, I have a large inventory of tops that are not finished!  Are there any fabrics or materials that you prefer to use in your quilts? Why?  I have accumulated a large collection of fabrics over the years. I am drawn to bright colours and geometric designs, as well as unique quilting fabrics. What is the technique you find yourself using the most?  Hand appliqué is my go to technique for making quilts. I also use the traditional needle-turn technique, and love that I can take it with me anywhere.  Do you have any advice for beginners who are interested in learning how to quilt?  My advice for beginner quilters is to take classes and join the online community. The library is a great resource, and there are YouTube videos for everything you can imagine. Trying new techniques often leads to new directions for your craft.  Are there any fun facts that you want to share with the Cantoo City community?  In the 1990’s, I was a Decorative and Tole painting instructor. I painted mainly with acrylics, but also learned oil painting and watercolor. This background, along with my collection of fabrics, has led me to my other love, mixed media collage. I love that I can create art from anything that I have on hand.  I have had 2 art quilts accepted in a traveling exhibits in the US. Retirement has allowed me the freedom to do more. I am never bored!  In our community, Tish's story was just one thread, woven among countless others. Each individual, with their unique experiences and artistic journeys, played a role in enriching the fabric of community. Together, let's nurture a space where passion, inspiration, and possibility unite as one.     Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of knitting? Follow Tish on Instagram @quiltish and let the your adventure begin! For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com Share this post:

This month, we’re excited to delve into the artistic journey of Helen, a long-time supporter who has been with us from the early days. Helen's participation in our quizzes and her generous sharing of her creative work have made her collaboration invaluable. Today, we have the privilege of exploring Helen's story and gaining insights into her passion for art and her inspiring journey.  Can you tell us when your interest in art first began?  My passion for art started at a young age. I always had a knack for drawing, especially designing houses. It was in high school when I encountered an exceptional art teacher who recognized my talent and provided invaluable guidance.  Did your passion for art continue to grow after high school?  Absolutely. After high school, I took on the responsibility of designing stage sets and creating posters for the drama club. Despite my parents' doubts about art as a viable career, I continued to pursue my passion through drawing whenever I had the opportunity.  What were some of the challenges you faced along your artistic journey?  One of the main challenges I encountered was finding a balance between my artistic pursuits and starting a family. Juggling both responsibilities proved demanding, but I always found ways to express my creativity.  Could you share a specific artwork or moment that you are particularly proud of?  I take pride in two pieces I created depicting leopards. These drawings posed significant challenges, but I persevered and achieved results that I am immensely proud of. Additionally, I am thrilled about a piece I created that ended up being used as an album cover, showcasing my artwork to a wider audience.  How has art continued to be a part of your life since your recent retirement?  With my professional career behind me, I now have ample time to dedicate to my artistic pursuits. I spend a minimum of five hours each day in my studio, indulging in my passion for drawing and exploring my creativity.  Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your artistic journey in the future?  I consider my house, filled with my own art, as a significant accomplishment. It brings me immense happiness. Moving forward, I simply want to continue finding joy in creating art and exploring new avenues of expression.  Helen's story inspires us to embrace our artistic pursuits wholeheartedly, knowing that we all have the power to enrich our lives with boundless happiness and fulfillment.     To learn more about Helen, you can reach her via Instagram @hjrose1. For any inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com. 

During a weekly trivia on Instagram, we discovered Ryan and his unique illustration style. Ryan's talent for storytelling through art instantly captivated us. Today, we are thrilled to feature Ryan as the first guest in our blog post. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? "I am first and foremost a thinker," says Ryan. "I write stories, poetry, and music, and I draw whenever words are not enough." Ryan's artistic repertoire spans various mediums, including oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolor, markers, ink, charcoal, pencils, pastels, digital art, and experimental techniques. Nature and animals inspire him, and he often finds solace strolling through the serene paths of the Etobicoke Creek. What inspires you to pursue art? Ryan recalls watching his mother draw characters as they enjoyed cartoons together, sparking his passion for illustration. His wide scope of interests, ranging from math and science to history and the natural world, informs his art. "I am always reading, studying, and observing; I find inspiration everywhere," he explains. As an illustrator, how do you approach storytelling differently?  Ryan's approach involves deeply understanding his characters. He spends hours drawing them in various scenarios until he feels a profound connection. "Knowing who the characters are is crucial," Ryan emphasizes. "Once I am satisfied with their portrayal, I can imagine their story." The visual language of art, including light, tone, and color, allows him to convey emotions without relying solely on words. What is your most memorable project from the past three years? Ryan's most cherished project involves painting a portrait of Sammy, a rescued American bulldog mix with a troubled past. Despite being sweet and friendly towards people, Sammy had difficulties around other large dogs, and an unfortunate incident occurred one summer. As Sammy battled progressive cancer in her final week, Ryan received a heartfelt request from his former manager and friend to create a lasting tribute by painting her portrait. This project holds a special place in Ryan's heart as a tribute to a beloved dog who was misunderstood. Which artwork is your personal favorite and why? “I believe that behind every exceptional piece of art lies a compelling story.” If he were to choose one collection of work, it would be Bill Waterson's Calvin and Hobbes. The comic strip sparked his imagination as a child with its dynamic characters, expressive poses, and beautiful watercolor backgrounds. Ryan holds great admiration for Bill Waterson as a true artist who brought the captivating world of Calvin and Hobbes to life. What does success and happiness mean to you as an artist? "If you can love every piece you create, that is success," Ryan emphasizes. He recognizes the distinction between commissioned works and the pieces that emerge from deep within, eliciting an unabashed smile. "Success comes from an established career and a deep fondness for what you do. The greatest success is sharing your story with the world." We were genuinely inspired by Ryan passion for art and his ability to breathe life into stories. This experience has ignited a sense of excitement as we continue to uncover the hidden talents within our community. The journey has only just begun, and we look forward to what lies ahead. Until next time.     To learn more about Ryan, you can reach him via email at r.c.thompson@live.com If you have any questions about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com