NATASHA
Natasha's love for art started when she was very young, with her Dad always making time for creativity a priority. Natasha received her BA in Art and Art History with a focus in printmaking and painting from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College (it was there she met Christina). After graduating, Natasha moved to Calgary where she became the team lead of a small local art studio. In this position, Natasha unearthed her passion for teaching andhow the act of creating, exploring and play provides therapeutic techniques for people of all ages and abilities. This led Natasha to pursue her current occupation as recreational therapist. Natasha currently works closely with adults with Alzheimer's and other vulnerable populations in Orillia, Ontario. Through her work, Natasha develops accessible art projects and techniques for her members within her community. Natasha's work continues to be displayed all over Ontario. She has illustrated books, greeting cards and during her free time, she can often be found in her home studio where she is constantly painting. Natasha's biggest inspiration comes from her love for the outdoors, where she hopes to create art that is as organic, colourful, and as whimsical as nature and the forests that surround her.
CHRISTINA
Christina discovered her undeniable passion for art when she was very young. Through high school Christina became enthusiastic about teaching and encouraging others, and so she went on to study Child and Youth Studies at Brock University. Although teaching was very important to her she wanted to combine her worlds and pursue art as a driving motivation in her life. She decided to further her artistic skill set and return to school to study Visual and Creative Arts at Sheridan College. Being surrounded by creative minds and collaborating with others was always a highlight during her time in the program. At this time she began her artistic relationship with Natasha that grew into the partnership that they have cultivated today. Christina currently works as an Arts Education Coordinator at Centre[3] for Artistic & Social Practice, a highly recognized artist run centre that creates social change through the arts. Over the years, Christina has worked on multiple projects using art as a vehicle to support children, youth, adults, and seniors within the Hamilton and surrounding community. In 2018, Christina received two emerging artists awards at the Hamilton Arts Awards, the first for “Arts Education and Community Arts” and the other for “Arts Management.” Christina's biggest influence in her work has become the manipulation of shapes and colours, being inspired by fleeting organic moments that she comes across in her everyday surroundings.