When Josh and I first moved in together in February of 2023, we tried to set up a weekly art time. Our first attempt was memorable for all the wrong reasons—the heat went out, and we ended up having a very chilly, albeit creative, night. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and we didn’t continue our art sessions.
Several months later, I asked Josh a question I often ask people: “If you could be doing anything with your life, what would it be?” After much deliberation, he came back with a clear answer: “art.” From that moment on, I made a deliberate commitment to help him move toward that goal. We carved out specific time each week for art, no matter how busy we were.
Our journey began in earnest during a day trip to Montreal. While I was on set for a short film, we took the opportunity to explore Old Montreal’s art galleries. This gallery hop served as a catalyst for our creative endeavors. We decided to start with collage art, a medium that felt accessible and flexible, and that we had plenty of materials for.
Josh’s style quickly developed into a whimsical, surrealist form that I absolutely adore. His art resonates with me deeply, and I realized he might be one of my favorite artists because of his unique approach.
This year, Josh had his first solo exhibit at Art in the Branches through the North Dundas Arts Council. It was an incredible success, complete with a newspaper article highlighting his work. This recognition early in his journey, even though he had been creating art of other styles for years off and on, was a significant milestone.
One of our most memorable collaborative pieces was a large, recycled canvas. We worked together, arranging various collage elements and textures. When Josh went to set it up at the exhibit, he discovered a hidden switch on the thrifted canvas. It turned on three flickering candle flame lights, adding an unexpected and magical element to our piece.
Despite our busy schedules, we make a point to prioritize our art time. Only emergencies or necessary travel can override this commitment. We even have plans for art from afar when we’re apart, potentially livestreaming part of it. It’s really important to me to set aside specific time regularly with Josh to do something that we’re both passionate about.
Creating art together has been a way for us to connect on a deeper level. It’s not just about the finished pieces but the process and the time spent together, fostering creativity and supporting each other’s dreams.
**Art is for Everyone**
Josh and I share a core belief as artists: art is for everyone. We are committed to making art accessible to all, and to that end, we offer low-barrier, easily accessible workshops, collage kits, and subscriptions. These offerings are designed to inspire creativity and make art a part of everyone’s life, regardless of their skill level or experience. By providing these resources, we hope to encourage more people to explore their artistic side and experience the joy that creating art can bring.
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