An artist profile of Melinda Josie
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Describe your process of creating a piece. What materials do you normally work with?
I often find frames at antique markets and vintage shops and make the artwork to fit the frame. Sometimes that’s my starting point, the original inspiration for a piece. I draw a lot of inspiration from folklore and childhood memories and photos. I love Scandinavian design, and that has a lot of sway in my work as well. I often don’t do great detailed sketches when starting a piece. When I get an idea, I like to use that initial spark and jump straight into a painting.
What projects are you working on? What do you have coming up?
I have an exhibition that just went up at Narwhal Art Projects (the new gallery space run by the owners of Magic Pony). It’s titled Life Drawing, and is a group show with eight other Canadian artists. I’m working on a couple of illustration projects and some personal work. I’m also writing some grant proposals, so that’s keeping me busy!
When are you most productive?
I find I like to get up and start working first thing in the morning. If I do that, I can work all day.
When did creating art become important in your life?
It’s always been a very important part of my life. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t making art of some sort.
What are some of your favourite spots in the city?
I have a lot of favourite neighbourhoods. Each one has a different feel. I love grabbing coffees at the Common and Ella’s Uncle. That’s always a treat. I also love going out for brunch. It’s probably my favourite meal to eat out. I have a few brunch places that we frequent, but I think a couple that I can’t do without are Saving Grace and Aunties and Uncles. I bike everywhere, but the best neighbourhood to bike through is probably the Annex. It’s bike-friendly, and there are lots of nice houses to gawk at.
What are you currently obsessed with? Any blogs, podcasts, films, artists?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of audiobooks while I work. I find it distracting to listen to music, because you have to start a new album every half-hour or so. With an audiobook you become engrossed in a story and forget you’re even working. Quite often while I’m working, a painting will take on some tiny detail from a story I’m listening to, and every time I look at that piece afterwards I can’t help but think of that story. I also love checking blogs when I get the chance. A couple of my favourites are the workroom’s “make something” blog and Apartment Therapy.
What are your thoughts on the Toronto art scene compared to everywhere else you’ve experienced?
I find Toronto’s art scene very cozy. That’s not to say that it’s not edgy or forward enough, but I feel comfortable being in the middle of all the creativity that’s going on around me. I have a lot of friends who are artists, and it’s a very close-knit community.
What is your favourite food to make at home?
Hmmm… that’s tough, because I love making lots of food, sweet and savoury. I cook a lot, but prefer baking a big batch of cupcakes or zucchini loaf. I think my ideal meal to make at the moment is beef bourguignon. It’s the ultimate comfort food. Or mushroom risotto. Yum.
Any last words?
Please go check out the show at Narwhal! It’s a beautiful new gallery space and a fun show to see.
