#meetyourmakers

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Meet Your Makers: Michael Hingston

Presented by TIX on the Square

If you’re a collector of beautiful books and ephemera, you’ve likely heard of Michael Hingston. If not, you’re in for a treat. He’s half the team at Hingston & Olsen Publishing, an independent press known and loved for its Edmontonia Trading Cards, Short Story Advent Calendar, and deluxe boxsets. Finding stories and giving them a permanent home is Michael’s passion. As you’re about to discover, so is writing, reading, collecting, and being a big stubborn believer in paper books. Meet this week’s maker, Michael Hingston.

TIX: We’re taught to believe it’s what’s inside that counts, but it’s impossible to ignore the beauty of your books and boxsets. Tell us about your decision to not only publish books but also celebrate them as art.

M.H.: Well, thank you! When Natalie (my co-publisher) and I decided to form Hingston & Olsen, in 2015, one of the first things we agreed on was that our books would be beautiful objects in their own right. At the time it seemed like everyone was panicking about the future of publishing in the age of e-books. We decided to double down on the qualities that you can only get from physical books: the tactile feel of paper, pops of colour, and an interactive presentation that you just can’t replicate on a tablet. It’s a better reading experience, not to mention a better deal for our readers in the long term. Ten years from now you probably won’t have access to an e-book you bought today, but every book on your bookshelves will still open up like it always did.

TIX: Which of your strengths (or experiences) as a writer have helped you succeed as a publisher?

M.H.: I’d say it comes down to empathy. Publishing is an act of faith between writer and publisher, and understanding the creative process—with all its up and downs—gives me an extra level of appreciation for the work that our writers entrust us with. That’s not something we take lightly. All of our editorial and design choices are made with the goal of presenting the text in the best light possible. I want writers to love working with us, and to feel that their work is in good hands.

TIX: What’s the first thing you wrote that inspired your career path?

M.H.: That’s a great question. The truth is I didn’t start reading or writing seriously until I was in university and fell in with the student newspaper there. I remember my first few production nights—which routinely kept us in the office until past midnight—where I would frantically write something on deadline, then look at it in print the following week and think, “Huh, that’s actually not bad.” Then we had to do it all over again for the next issue, which was a big part of the charm.

TIX: Tell us about your Edmontonia Trading Cards and what inspired the idea.

M.H.: The Edmontonia Trading Cards are a set of all-ages collectible trading cards that showcase this odd, charming, mostly frozen city of ours. Each card features original artwork

from one of 12 different local artists on the front, and an entertaining and informative write-up about that subject—from landmarks to urban wildlife to the four phases of West Edmonton Mall—on the back. They come in randomized packs of 8, and there are 60 total cards to collect. You can get them at independent shops around the city, or from our website (edmontonia.ca).

The idea for the cards was two-fold: (1) Thinking how cool it would be to make a set of non-sports-related trading cards, and (2) Figuring out what to do with all these odd little stories I was gathering about my adopted home. When I first moved to Edmonton, back in 2008, I kept having all these questions about what I was seeing. Like, why do all these buildings look like pyramids? What’s the deal with magpies? Sure, it’s cold, but what’s the coldest it’s ever been? As soon as those two ideas merged, I got to work, and I’m really proud of how it all turned out.

TIX: Your projects all seem to celebrate reading as an experience—combining the physical act of opening a beautiful “gift” with the pleasures of reading. What was the inspiration for that equation?

M.H.: The age of paper being the default vehicle for communication is gone. Digital technology is way more convenient, and also generates less clutter in people’s lives. But that doesn’t mean paper has no function. As mentioned above, I’m a big, stubborn believer in paper books—and I think one of the things they do exceptionally well is ground the reader in a particular time and place, having a particular experience. Throwing in extra layers, like the element of surprise in the Short Story Advent Calendar or opening a pack of random Edmontonia cards, just makes that experience a little more fun.

TIX: Far too often, the conversations around print publishing are centered around worry for it and what’s being lost. What excites you about the future of print publishing and your role in shaping it?

M.H.: As more of our lives go digital, the funny thing is that people actually become hungrier for offline entertainment. (Have you seen the internet joke about spending all day at work looking at the bad screen, then coming home to look at the good screen? I hate how much I relate to it.) We all want to unplug, or at least to stop doomscrolling for a while. This is a big opportunity for print! It’s one of the few modes of entertainment we have that doesn’t require electricity. That’s one reason H&O doesn’t do e-books. We want to give people a different experience, because we believe there’s value in it.

TIX: Your books and advent calendars have become a favourite gift to receive. What’s a favourite book you’ve been given (and who gave it to you)?

M.H.: I love books about books, and two of the chunkiest and most beloved ones on my shelves were gifts: John Sutherland’s Lives of the Novelists, given to me by my friend Jeremy before he moved away (he’s actually since moved back; hopefully he doesn’t want the book returned, too), and Michael Schmidt’s The Novel: A Biography, which was a Christmas present from my brother.

TIX: You’ve said that the retirement of your Advent Series has freed you up to work on some exciting new ideas. Can you tell us a little about them?

M.H.: We try to keep a pretty tight lid on things at H&O, but I can tell you we’re planning to release more titles in 2021 than we ever have in a given year before. That’ll include something new for the holidays, as well as our first-ever standalone novel.

Want more? Visit hingstonandolsen.com, edmontonia.ca and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Michael and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Michael Hingston is a writer and book publisher. He is the author of three books, including Let’s Go Exploring, a history of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. His journalism has appeared in Wired, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post. Hingston is also the co-founder of Hingston & Olsen Publishing, an independent press specializing in deluxe boxsets like the Short Story Advent Calendar and the Ghost Box. He lives in Edmonton with his family.

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Meet Your Makers: Riyaz Sharan

Presented by TIX on the Square

Sometimes, the thing you need is right in front of you — only you don’t know it. That’s not the case for Riyaz Sharan, a photographer and illustrator who sees potential everywhere. Whether he’s looking up at a skyline, through a camera lens, or even at a neon sign, finding beauty in the everyday is his passion. So too is sharing it. In this week’s Meet Your Makers, we had the pleasure of chatting with him about all things inspirational — from his love of everyday wonders to his gratitude for community. Meet this week’s maker, Riyaz Sharan.

TIX: There’s a real sense of place attached to your artwork. What story are you telling through your depictions of our city?

R.S.: The story that I am trying to tell is how unique and romantic Edmonton really is. Sometimes, a landmark or setting is overlooked, and what I try to do is to make the viewer smile or give a warm fuzzy feeling. My goal is to get the viewer to feel like they are sharing in the moment with me, whether it be in my photos or illustrations.

TIX: You recently transformed a series of Edmonton landmarks into six very popular puzzles. Why did you choose puzzles as a medium? Are there plans to grow the series?

R.S.: I chose puzzles as my medium because of the pandemic. No one was able to go out and about. A couple followers on Instagram reached out to me in early 2020 and asked if I would ever consider turning my illustrations into puzzles. I kind of shelved the idea, as I didn’t really know if it was a venture I wanted to go with. However, in the fall of 2020, even more people asked, so I did some research and decided to go ahead with the idea. What was meant for my small group of interested followers, turned into a very popular idea. And now having my products in stores is such an amazing feeling. The support by Edmontonians and people from around the world has been humbling… the stories I hear from people about how my puzzles and art brought their families together during the holidays meant a lot. Hearing about stories of peoples’ childhood memories, in particular with the neon lights museum illustration, and how certain signs meant a great deal to them—just a great feeling.

I do plan on getting more puzzles created; however, I need to get the inventory of what I currently have out the door. Ha! If anyone has a suggestion on what they’d like to see, I welcome their feedback. My plan is to have more puzzles in hand for spring/summer of this year.

TIX: How would you describe your artistic style?

R.S.: That is a really good question. I don’t really know how you would describe my style. Perhaps, contemporary? I envision an idea in my mind and draw it out until I like it. I like to use my photos as the stepping off point to help get the creative mind going. Sometimes, I have been inspired by other people’s photos shared on social media—that gets me creative.

TIX: There’s a strong creative community in Edmonton. Are there any local artists, photographers, or graphic designers who you look up to or who inspire your work?

R.S.: I love the Edmonton arts community. There is world-class talent all over this great city! There are so many creative people out there that I look up to or that have been very supportive to me. It’s too hard to name one or two. I feel like all the art that’s out there is so unique that it inspires me to challenge myself and draw inspiration from what is being created.

TIX: What advice would you give to up-and-coming graphic designers in our city?

R.S.: The advice I would give to up-and-coming graphic designers is to challenge yourself to think outside the box, no matter how crazy an idea may or may not be—just have fun. There are so many talented artists in Edmonton, reach out and ask to collaborate so you can learn new techniques or new way of thinking to allow creative ideas to flow.

TIX: Is there an illustration or project in your portfolio that you’re particularly proud of? If so, which one?

R.S.: Oh, gosh. There are so many projects that I have done that I am really proud of, but there are two that I need to brag about.

Giving back to the community—One thing about me is that I like to give back to the community when and where I can. The community has supported me so much with where I am today that I like to give back. With fundraising efforts being a challenge in 2020, I was able to fundraise in total over $1,500 for WWF Canada, Rainbow Refuge, Santa's Anonymous, and the Christmas Bureau. This was by sales in posters, greetings cards, and puzzles.

Neon Lights Museum—This illustration is something I’m most proud of. When you look at the illustration, you cannot tell if it’s real or not. It took me over 80 hours to complete.

TIX: Are there any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

R.S.: I am trying new techniques with my illustrations and showcasing wildlife. Also, I am doing illustrations from around the world that I have taken photos of during my travels. My most recent piece was an illustration of the City of Calgary that was shared by Mayor Nenshi. To see what I am up to, follow me on Instagram @ryzshrn.

Want more? Visit rssdesigns.ca and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Riyaz and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Riyaz Sharan’s unique talent as a photographer, artist, and graphic designer lies in his ability to find beauty in simplicity and remind us that our world is anything but ordinary. As a member of the LGBTQ2+ community, a passionate supporter of all things local, and pet dad extraordinaire, Riyaz uses his creative prowess to celebrate the hidden, everyday wonders that are woven into the exquisite fabric of our experiences.

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Meet Your Makers: Jennifer Jong

Presented by TIX on the Square

What do a process engineer and a ceramics artist have in common? Everything. Just ask Jennifer Jong, who by day, designs, experiments, and uses creative thinking and problem-solving to understand the “whys” of a process and, by night, applies those same skills to clay. The results? JYJ ceramics, a collection of handmade, small-batch pottery that celebrate the beauty of functional objects. In this interview, Jennifer chats with us about her personal esthetics, a love of possibilities, and the process of letting go. Meet this week’s maker, Jennifer Jong.

TIX: Tell us about the first time you worked with clay. Was it a natural fit from the start?

J.J.: The first time I worked with clay, I was living in Houston and took a class for something to do in a new city. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t really click until I moved back to Edmonton and started taking classes a few years later—I’m not sure what happened, but I fell in love with clay and over the years, took as many classes as possible—eventually registering for two classes a week!

TIX: I’ve heard small-batch, handmade pottery described as “imperfect by design.” What do you want people to know and appreciate about handmade ceramics?

J.J.: The thing I love about handmade ceramics is that every part of the piece you get to hold has been considered by the artist. Every little bump is smoothed by hand. Every bottom is hand sanded. Each piece spends hours and hours with me through each step of the process and is truly unique. And while they may be part of a collection made to look similar, no piece will really ever be exactly the same.

TIX: What’s your favourite part of the creative process?

J.J.: My favourite part of the creative process with ceramics is the chance to constantly experiment. Since I have no formal education in the discipline, I learned the basics in adult/community classes, and that was sort of it. Over the last 1.5 years since I’ve been renting a space at The Shop Art & Ceramics studio, I’ve had the freedom to try more time-consuming things that community classes didn’t afford me. This has opened things up to try—things like plaster mold-making and slip casting, as well as making my own glazes. My background is technical, as I am a process engineer by trade, so having the time to experiment, adjust, retry, alter, and understand the why of what happens in ceramics is right up my alley.

TIX: Your designs seem to celebrate two very different esthetics: vibrant florals with bold geometric patterns and very elegant black line drawings. How do they each represent your sensibilities?

J.J.: In general, I always like to think my personal aesthetic is modern with a lot of clean/straight/sharp lines and clean angles. It shows in the way I decorate my home, and I think it also appears in the shapes I make. I believe that’s why I’m drawn to the geometric patterns and also the cut glass shapes that I like to make molds of and slip cast. The florals come from my love of plants/colour/flowers, and I adore the juxtaposition of pretty florals layered with almost stark geometric patterns. I like to think that they represent my logical/practical side with my love of just beautiful things. I realize about myself that I like things to be practical and orderly, which is why I always gravitate to making functional ceramics, rather than say, sculptural work, but I like to toss in the florals and colour because practical doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful to look at!

TIX: What’s a project or technique you’d love to explore more?

J.J.: I would love to explore more glaze-making and firing techniques. Our studio has an electric kiln that fires to mid-range in an oxidation atmosphere. I’d love to have the chance to experiment with high firings/reduction atmosphere firing, soda firing, salt firing, and wood firing. There are magical results you can get using other firing techniques that I think would open up a whole new world of ceramics for me. Glaze-making goes hand-in-hand with experimenting with kiln firing, as there are so many variables that can change what a glaze can do in a different atmosphere. I get excited and overwhelmed thinking about the possibilities!

TIX: Who’s an artist inspiring you right now?

J.J.: There is a Japanese ceramic artist, Shigeki Minami, that Danny Ross from EAC and TIX actually shared with me over Instagram (@minamishigeki) whose work I am fascinated by. He carves intricate geometric patterns into beautiful porcelain forms, and his work is breathtaking.

TIX: What has pottery taught you about yourself?

J.J.: I’m not so sure if it’s something it has taught me about myself or if it’s more what pottery has taught me, but it would be to learn how to be capable of letting things go. What I mean by that, is that ceramics is a long process with so many chances for failure along the way, so over the years I’ve learned to be okay with losing things along the way, even after spending hours working on them, and knowing that a failure along the way doesn’t mean a complete failure (It can sometimes take weeks for a piece to make it from a raw lump of clay to a finished, functional piece!). Perhaps what it has taught me about myself is that I really am often interested in the process as much as I am about the final result.

Want more? Visit jyj-ceramics.square.site and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Jennifer and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Edmonton-based ceramic artist, Jennifer Jong, creates functional ceramic wares with clean, simple lines. A full-time process engineer, Jennifer uses ceramics as a means to express her artistic side while still preserving her logical tendencies, resulting in distinctly decorated and practical wares. With no formal ceramics education, Jennifer developed skills through a combination of community and local classes, self-study, and practical experience. Her work focuses on wheel-thrown pottery and slip-casted ceramics using plaster molds made from found objects. Jennifer works out of her studio at The Shop Art and Ceramics Studio in Edmonton.

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Meet Your Makers: Jason Blower

Presented by TIX on the Square

Few things are more powerful than our stories. They’re how we make sense of the world and our place in it. This week, we profile an artist who does just that — connects people to their memories through visual art. His name is Jason Blower, and you’ve likely admired his work or visited his online home, Snow Alligator — a whimsical collection of art and décor that takes its cues from Jason’s own story: a childhood of imaginative play, a spirit of positivity, and the desire to create communities from memories. Meet this week’s maker, Jason Blower.

TIX: Architecture, skylines, and the history behind city landmarks are strong themes in your work. Why do those narratives speak to you?

J.B: My Father has a grand knowledge of the history of the city, and as a kid I was often quizzed on names of places or told tales of what happened or used to be there. As I got older and talked to friends, I realized how many people know the history of places around the world, but barely grasp the history of our city—which is important. How are we to understand ourselves and the culture of the city if we don’t know or understand the choices of our past. I focus on so much of that to highlight that idea and for us to reflect on our own memories and choices of living in this city.

TIX: There’s also a lot of joy and humour in your work. Why are they important to you and your storytelling?

J.B: I suppose it’s because of my rose-coloured-glasses look at life. I tend to look at the positives and see life as an adventure. Frame of mind is so important in the pursuit of life because the “world” is an unforgiving place—it’s hard and there are setbacks, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also beautiful and full of fun, too.

TIX: You’ve described your work as having a warm, mid-century modern aesthetic. What about that style suits your artistic strengths and sensibilities?

J.B: I think that the eras that grew out of the end of the Second World War were such a time of re-vigour—the change in the status quo and the feeling of optimism that came from the abundance that post-war offered. This was reflected in the artwork, design, and cartoons of the time. The simplicity of the style is appealing and easy to understand. Mixing the optimism and simplicity of the aesthetic, I think, brings back nostalgic feelings of youth. And most of us miss the days of our more carefree youth.

TIX: Tell us how your storybooks and comics evolved. Had you always wanted to combine writing with illustrating?

J.B: Oh, yes! Imaginative play was the foundation of my childhood. Action figures, running around in the ravines roleplaying, and reading comics were what nurtured me growing up. That sort of play evolved into games of “what if” and just built upon themselves until you were only making up your own stuff and no longer just copying things that you had already seen. For a long time, my artwork has been just glimpses into the stories that are in my head, or they have

been the explorations of figuring out the right stories. The storybooks and comics have just naturally evolved from single images, to a series of images, to a thread of images that are telling fuller stories.

TIX: In one of your blog posts, you talk about how the art on people’s walls says a lot about them. What does the art in your home say about you?

J.B: Oh, this is clever! I don’t have any of my own work up on the walls. I think that’s because I see them in my head all the time, so to have them on the walls would be redundant. Seventy percent of the art on my walls is that of my fellow art school friends, things we did in the final years of school. It takes me back to those days when we were learning and trying out so many new things. The other 20% is of artists I really admire. Their work is my own north star and reminds me of the path that I am on and the destination that path will take me. I suppose that’s true of all people—they have things up that say who they are or have been and want to be. The last 10% is of travel artifacts, visual journals that tell the adventures of where I have been.

TIX: In addition to buying artwork, how can people support artists and the art community?

J.B: Oh, by far, being an advocate is the most supportive way that people can support the arts community. The arts is what makes us human, without it we would be living in total utility. Living to just live is not much of a life. So to share the things that make you happy, what they mean to you, and demonstrate a life worth living is the best way for other people to see and appreciate the same things in life that you value.

TIX: What are you currently working on?

J.B: Currently I am working on completing a series of 12 Alberta landscape paintings, writing and development of a handful of storybook and graphic novel ideas, and a rotating list of commercial client projects.

Want more? Visit snowalligator.com and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Jason and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Jason Blower, a freelance painter, illustrator, and lover of all things whimsical and 80s, creates work inspired by the minimalism of the mid-century movement and naivety of folk art. His online home and brand, Snow Alligator, showcases whimsical and nostalgic illustrations and products that tell regional stories and spark fond memories of place and childhood through visual art.

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Meet Your Makers: Shauna Force

Presented by TIX on the Square

Sewing, screen printing, designing, pattern-drafting, knitting — there isn’t much that Shauna Force doesn’t do, and do well. Lucky for little ones everywhere, she’s refocused that creativity on turning her artwork into a beautiful line of illustrated, screen-printed, and hand-sewn home and baby textiles. That labour of love is Fenwick & Co., a new hub for the new phase in this incredible artisan’s path. Meet this week’s maker, Shauna Force.

TIX: You describe your product line as “designed with parents and baby comfort in mind.” What do you hope parents will appreciate about your design choices?

S.F.: By parent comfort, I’m thinking more of the psychological side—knowing that your little one is in good quality, natural fibres, made using socially responsible practices. Choosing locally made doesn’t hurt either.

As for baby comfort, I just tried to choose super soft, cozy fabric they can move in and a nice wide waistband so there is no pressure on the tummy. I find a nice fitted cuff is great for putting under winter-wear gear and sliding into boots without riding up.

TIX: Have both form and function always been paramount to your design sensibilities?

S.F.: I tend to gravitate towards making things that have function and, hopefully, function well. Like Marie Kondo says, “does it spark joy?” I think the things we surround ourselves with should be appealing and enjoyable to look at, as well as use.

TIX: You’ve added pattern-drafting and sewing to your new phase of work. What’s a new life skill you’re bringing with you, too?

S.F.: New life skill, hmmm… parenting? Does that count? Haha. I have been playing a lot with watercolours. I really love how they have the ability to be so fluid and soft. I have worked a lot with just black ink for illustration screen print designs, so the flexibility and versatility of watercolours is fun to explore.

TIX: The shop local movement has resonated with a lot of consumers this past year. How does that support translate to you as an artist, as well as to the local economy?

S.F.: The shop local movement has been growing steadily over the last few years, but this pandemic seems to have made everyone more conscious that if you don’t use it, you will lose it. And, sadly, we have lost many local businesses in the past year.

The support here has been really great—especially around the holiday season—we just need to remember to make it an all-year thing. As an Edmonton-based artist/maker, any money I make goes right back into our local economy and keeps other small businesses alive. I try to support local businesses whenever possible because I know how much every dollar means to them.

TIX: How have you grown as a creative person throughout your career. What’s changed, what’s stayed the same?

S.F.: I have always loved creating wearable things. I have dabbled in so many mediums, from sewing clothing and bags, to jewellery-making and knitting. What has changed is my perspective. I now also like to dress up my surroundings by making home goods, and I can’t resist making things for tiny people. They are just so much cuter.

TIX: On days when you just can’t get started, what’s your favourite way to procrastinate?

S.F.: With a wee one in the house, some nights I don’t get as much sleep as I would like. I find that it is hardest to get started on those days, so if I can, I give myself the gift of procrastination in the form of naps.

TIX: What are you currently working on?

S.F.: Oh, so many things—I really have to remind myself that sometimes less is more. I want to make all the things! I’m currently working on a new print for the baby joggers, a new tea towel print, and just for fun, I’m making a felt animal mobile.

TIX: Who’s an artist inspiring you right now?

S.F.: I have really been loving watercolour lately. I really admire artists like Gloria Ho. She paints beautiful watercolour animals, and I have many of her prints around the house. I also just came across this gal who works under the name Peak Paper Co. She does the most amazing pet portraits, and who doesn’t love a good pet portrait!

Want more? Visit fenwickandco.com and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Shauna and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Shauna Force has been a life-long maker. But when she became a mother, her decision to turn her creative attentions toward designing, screen-printing, and sewing baby and home goods was a natural progression.

Her company, Fenwick & Co., focuses on quality, natural fabrics that are comfortable and easy to care for. She hopes that people will enjoy her new offerings as much as she loves making them.

[yegarts]

Meet Your Makers: Leo Lemke

Presented by TIX on the Square

Leo Lemke might be new to his art career, but he’s wise in his understanding of belonging. His sense of community, admiration for peers, and excitement for a lifetime of doing what he loves is truly inspiring. So too is his work — a thoughtful collection of handcrafted ceramics, featuring motifs that connect him to the land he is from. Self-aware and eager to keep learning, he’s already discovered what some never do: the importance of loving what you do and knowing you’ll always find a way to do it. Meet this week’s maker, Leo Lemke.

TIX: Tell us about your first experience with ceramics. What drew you to it?

L.L.: My first proper experience with ceramics was in a high school class, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I didn’t realize how much room there was for creativity, and I was constantly amazed by the ability to create a physical piece of artwork, beyond what I had expected out of sculpture. Every spare minute I had was spent trying to soak up as much information as I possibly could about this new art form, and I finally felt like I had a place.

TIX: You’ve said that the name of your brand, “Wild Woods,” is a tribute to nature’s unbound beauty and the magic that one can only find beyond the trees. In what ways does that tribute show up in your work?

L.L.: I’ve always found the beauty of nature very breathtaking, there’s nothing quite like a good hike, and growing up camping in Alberta certainly gave me a deep appreciation for the mountains. One of my favourite designs to do is a ring of mountains across the bottom of a mug, sometimes paired with an animal that you might find in the great wilderness. I love featuring animals, and when I get to thinking about how vast the forest really is, I can’t help but think of cryptids as well. I find it very enchanting, the idea that there are great creatures and beasts out there that perhaps aren’t ready to be known.

TIX: As a recent graduate from Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts, what’s your transition been like from student to working artist?

L.L.: I must admit, finishing high school in the midst of a pandemic was pretty off-putting, to say the least. It’s a little bit weird for me now too, to never have been to a physical market and have so little face-to-face interaction with other artists—it feels a little bit like I’m just floating until I can finally find my footing. I absolutely love spending my days in my studio, working on what I love, but I really look forward to the days when I can really immerse myself in a sense of community and get to know some of the people I’ve been admiring from afar.

TIX: What have you learned about yourself through your work?

L.L.: Probably the biggest thing that I’ve learned is just how much of a perfectionist I am. I struggle a lot with ‘imposter syndrome,’ feeling like my work is never good enough and comparing myself to other artists, but something I’m learning too is that I’m not the only one! I’ve been really surprised to read that really popular and successful artists feel the same way I do. It’s a reassurance in some ways, and a reminder that I need to be kinder to myself, and allow myself to make mistakes sometimes because it’s impossible to be perfect.

TIX: Your work motifs are all things you could find in the “Wild Woods.” If you were to invent your own cryptid, what would it be like?

L.L.: I love this question! The first thing that comes to mind is house cats with bat-like wings and curling horns, ranging from cat size to around the size of a wolf. I don’t think they’d be dangerous, but they’d stare straight into your soul, not unlike your average house cat.

TIX: What’s the best career advice you’ve been given, and who gave it to you?

L.L.: I think the most valuable advice I’ve received is from picking up on what I’ve heard other artists say, and that’s that there will always be a way to do what you love. I’ve learned a lot from my dad, as well, who runs his own business, and watching how much he genuinely loves what he does. I know that even if things don’t work out how I expect, there will be other paths I can take in pottery, or other ways to include it in my life. I think overall, learning to be flexible and let things play out sometimes is very useful.

TIX: What’s something you’d like people to know about you that they won’t find on your website?

L.L.: Something that I don’t talk about a ton is that I’m a pretty big nerd. I’m a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons, in particular, and other fantasy. I listen to podcasts of people playing D&D while I work, and I’ve had some ideas of mugs with fantastical creatures for a while, but I haven’t been able to find the time to test them out yet.

TIX: What are you working towards right now?

L.L.: Right now I have a ton of goals for both my personal and work life. I’m still working towards a place where ceramics can be a stable income for me, and I would really like to be able to save up enough for my partner and I to move into our own place. I’m also constantly looking for ways to get more involved in Edmonton’s art community. Most importantly, one goal of mine that will remain constant throughout my career is self-improvement and always seeing what there is to be done to bring things to the next level.

Want more? Visit wildwoodsceramics.com and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Leo and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Leo Lemke was born in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), Alberta, in July of 2002. He graduated from Victoria School of the Arts in 2020, where he was introduced to ceramics as a medium. He began working with it seriously in spring of 2020 and promptly started Wild Woods Ceramics, working to make a name for himself in the arts scene. Through ceramics as a medium, Leo feels a closer connection to the land he is from, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and creatures. The name “Wild Woods” is a tribute to the beautiful wild, the perfect freedom which comes only from within the trees.

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New blog post! Link is in the bio ❤ . . . #isupporthandmade #shopsmall #meetyourmakers #sewsweetpeas #gypsyspoonfulmarketplace #blog #supportsmallbusiness #knit #crochet #yarndyeing #blankets

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Good evening everyone!!! We are here tonight for a fun round of #meetyourmakers Here are some fun facts about us. 1. We are a mother/daughter duo 2. We were both born in January 3. We both LOVE to scrapbook but rarely take the time to do it 4. Dorane’s favorite Disney movie is Snow White 5. Marie’s favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast 6. We are both avid readers 7. Dorane is a tiny (big) fan of Survivor 8. Marie enjoys watching Amazing race 9. We started this amazing business 4 years ago in July 10. We have 4 dogs named Keno, Nicky, Jasper, and Clyde Hope you all enjoyed learning some info about us. Now it’s your turn tell us an interesting fact about you.