Issue 13

L8R BOI / P. 9 JOEL / P.14 GLASS – EVENINGWEAR MINI COLLECTION / P. 21 AMONG THE TREES / P. 24

MIRROR MIRROR / P. 31 COUCH POTATO / P. 36 RESILIENCIA / P. 41 VESSEL: OPEN AND EDIBLE - A SALAD / P. 46

STILL / P. 53 CAPSTONE - STORIES FROM PERSIA / P. 58 CONNEXT / P. 66 PRIMER / P. 71 iNDiViDUALS / P. 74 296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / P. 82 OPEN SPACE / P. 89

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN

The future is creative.

The future is creative.

Faculty of Communication & Design

Faculty of Communication & Design

THE TEAM

Editorial Admin EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaylah Wilson MANAGING EDITOR Abigail Chevalier INTERIOR DESIGN EDITOR Katie Regis FASHION EDITOR Mia Yaguchi-Chow

PUBLISHER Amelia Ball VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE Avery Tarek-Kaminker ADMIN ASSISTANT Sabrina Yussuf PARTNERSHIPS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Alexandra Anisman

CONTENT CREATOR Aisling Gogan

MARKETING MANAGER Zerlina Lac

CONTENT CREATOR Brooke English

MARKETING COORDINATOR Amanda Tran

CONTENT CREATOR Peyton Mott

EVENTS MANAGER Claire McCulloch EVENTS COORDINATOR Cory Pitman

Art Incoming ART DIRECTOR Alexander La

EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Bartosiewicz

PRE-PRESS MANAGER Winnie Lee

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Romy Arsenault

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Afrah Idrees

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jessica Augurusa

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emmanuelle Cabalatungan

EVENTS MANAGER Lois Oginni COPY EDITOR Lannii Pettiford CONTENT CREATOR Olivia DeRoche CONTENT CREATOR Julia Spensley

Editor’s Letter It’s been quite the year for RAD; for Ryerson students, for me, and honestly for the world as a whole. As we slowly come out from the other side, it feels as though we’ve collectively gone through a mental reset that refocused our priorities, wants, and needs. From the pandemic, to the masses of people who have rallied together against police brutality in support of BLACK LIVES MATTER, to the small personal changes made in our day-to-day lives, we’ve all been challenged in new ways.

This year has been a back and forth of emotions and ultimately the challenges we’ve faced have set us up for so much change. Change is inevitable and so as we’re faced with unexpected obstacles and new territory, we’ve also been able to reach new heights of collective [and, I’m sure, personal] awareness.

Being in isolation allowed many of us to reflect on our relationship with ourselves and also commit to making that relationship better. Whether that be through spending time journaling, cooking, sleeping, working, researching, or creating. The arts community has always been a place of serenity for me, a place where I can feel safe and welcome; and so it has been so hard to have our community shaken in the way that it has been this year.

Although it was relaxing for some and terrifying for others, it is the collective effort of our community and the endless support and determination to succeed that made all the difference. New ideas, businesses, and initiatives were started, young creators were encouraged and supported, marginalized and underrepresented communities had a space to speak and be heard. We’ve been given an opportunity for a cultural reset and although this year has been a whirlwind, RAD has still been able to do exactly what it has always sought out to do — to be a platform for artists, creators, and voices; as a matter of fact, it has been able to do so in new ways. I have been so blessed to be a part of a team full of my talented peers and I am so grateful for the journey I’ve taken with them.

Thank you always for your support and I hope you hold this issue of RAD as close to your heart as I do.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fashion

GLASS – EVENINGWEAR MINI COLLECTION / PG 21 RESILIENCIA / PG 41 CAPSTONE - STORIES FROM PERSIA / PG 58 iNDiViDUALS / PG 74

Photography JOEL / PG 14 COUCH POTATO / PG 36 STILL / PG 53 PRIMER / PG 71

Design

AMONG THE TREES / PG 24 VESSEL: OPEN AND EDIBLE - A SALAD / PG 46 CONNEXT / PG 66 296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / PG 82

RAD L8R BOI / PG 9 MIRROR MIRROR / PG 31 OPEN SPACE / PG 89

L8R BOI / RAD ORIGINAL

L8R BOI

Team CREATIVE DIRECTORS Aisling Gogan Brooke English PHOTOGRAPHERS Mia Yaguchi-Chow MODELS Cynthia Johnman Jaicyea Smith BEHIND THE SCENES Greg Gordon AISLING GOGAN / BROOKE ENGLISH

L8R BOI / RAD ORIGINAL

/9

“Although there are more females breaking into skateboarding, it is still a heavily maledominated space.This is visible by looking at the design of most skateparks. Most lack proper washrooms, water fountains, and the organizers leading events are usually boys’ clubs.”

L8R BOI / RAD ORIGINAL

Artist Statement L8R BOI is an exploration of Toronto’s skateboarding culture. This editorial sets out to unpack gender biases that exist within the skate community by providing Cynthia and Jaicyea, two female-identifying skaters, with a platform to share their experiences and express their individuality. We set out to emulate 90’s skateboard magazines with a high contrast primary colour palette and fisheye lenses, along with using baggy clothing to challenge beauty norms.

Although skateboarding is a very accessible sport with the genuine camaraderie of the skate park bringing people together, female skaters are deterred from skating due to the space being heavily male-dominated. In the 1980s, male skaters often referred to female skaters as “Betties” - a term which carries a negative connotation, deployed to undermine their efforts. However, in recent years female skaters have begun to reclaim it as an empowering symbol of female determination.

Not only is the act of skateboarding alone heavily associated with masculinity, but in addition, it’s important to dismantle the existing biases around skate fashion. Highlighting two female skaters who are a part of an ever-expanding female skate community in Toronto, we hope to empower the next generation of ‘Betties’.

Jaicyea is an avid skater and activist who runs @torontoskatestop, a group of individuals who are currently advocating for an indoor skatepark in downtown Toronto. Five years ago, Jaicyea noticed issues of homelessness in her local skate park which inspired her to take a more active role in the community. She has been working with the city to advocate for accessible housing along with organizing events to gather and feed community members. She spoke at the Skate for Solidarity event, a peaceful skateboard protest in support of Black Lives Matter, and has collaborated on projects with Sick Kids and Converse. She recently completed a graduate program at the Ontario College of Art and Design University for Inclusive Design with a passion for creating accessible, inclusive spaces in skating.

L8R BOI / RAD ORIGINAL

L8R BOI / RAD ORIGINAL

JOEL

Mariah Barlow MARIAH.BARLOW@RYERSON.CA @MARIAH.ANNALISE

/ 14

Mariah Barlow is a Toronto-based photographer and visual artist. She is currently entering her third year in Ryerson University’s Photographic Studies program. Mariah tends to explore analogue mediums such as 35mm film photography, Super 8 filmmaking, and other darkroom techniques. Her past projects often dealt with themes of vulnerability, intimate moments, and relationships. She is heavily inspired by the interactions with those she photographs and often incorporates handwritten text into the majority of her work. In the future, Mariah hopes to continue creating work that resonates deeply with those who view it.

JOEL / PHOTOGRAPHY

MARIAH BARLOW

JOEL / PHOTOGRAPHY

JOEL / PHOTOGRAPHY

Artist Statement This series explores the relationship between Joel and clothing. I’ve known Joel since he was in grade 8 when his older brother and I started dating. For as long as I can remember, he has been so intrigued by his fashion and how he presents himself to the outside world. I’ve been lucky enough to witness the evolution of Joel’s style preferences, and see him come into his own confidence. Throughout his high school years, he would experiment with different articles of clothing, often changing his mind about what he likes a few months later. Something I so deeply admire about Joel is his ability to fearlessly try new things in his own fashion. For this project, Joel and I sat together in his bedroom pulling out one clothing item after the next. Before we knew it, it looked like a tornado had ripped through the place – a curated chaos if you will! We packed up his favourite pieces and spent the day together taking photos, talking about fashion in general, and his hopes for future explorations. I view these images as a time capsule to this point in his life and the clothes that make him feel happy.

JOEL / PHOTOGRAPHY

GLASS - EVENINGWEAR MINI COLLECTION / FASHION

Glass – Eveningwear Mini Collection Junshu Hu JUNSHU.HU@RYERSON.CA @SSSHUKY23

JUNSHU HU

Junshu (Shuky) Hu is a portrait photographer, illustrator, and a second-year fashion design student at Ryerson University.

She is an explorer and traveler who is always excited for the unknown. Outside of school, she is working for University of Toronto Action Pie as the Co-founder of the club, as well as being the President of the design department. Also, she is passionate about portrait photography and has captured over 20 series in the past year while traveling and living shortly in places like Singapore and New York. Combining her education and passions, Shuky produces illustrations and cartoon characters based on portrait photography and fashion design figures. She loves futuristic styles and fantasies and loves using design principles in her work to allow her fantasies to come true.

GLASS - EVENINGWEAR MINI COLLECTION / FASHION

/ 21

Artist Statement

Due to COVID-19, I can only observe the world through the window. I found that there are many glass products around me, such as a glass cup, a perfume bottle, and a coffee maker. They are all transparent and clean; each of them have their own special shapes. Their bodies have reflections of things around them. They remind me of the universe. There might be a glass star with glass fairies living on the star. I decided to use blue as my primary colour since it is the colour of the sky and ocean, and is as reflective as glass. I decided to use soft TPU fabric, satin, and mesh (net) to mimic glass shards for my design, which are all see-through and structural. I hope I can use shape, texture, and detail to create a world of glass fairies.

GLASS - EVENINGWEAR MINI COLLECTION / FASHION

Among the Trees

Sarah Ryner SRYNER@RYERSON.CA @SRYNER_DESIGNS

/ 24

For Sarah, completing her Bachelor’s Degree at Ryerson School of Interior Design (RSID) has helped her hone in on a passion for sustainable design with a contemporary approach. Studying at RSID has helped her develop a range of hands-on and digital experience. She has tailored her love of sketching and model-making into a practical tool for communicating ideas. Now, Sarah is excited to start a new chapter of traveling and implementing a sustainable lifestyle. She hopes to incorporate all these aspects and learning experiences into the next steps of her design career.

AMONG THE TREES / DESIGN

SARAH RYNER

AMONG THE TREES / DESIGN

Artist Statement The site for this project is located in Kawartha Highlands, Ontario. This remote cottage is water access only, making the 15-minute boat ride full of anticipation and excitement for visitors. The magnificent views to and from the cottage are what make this destination so special. The proposal for this cottage is primarily to highlight and echo the surrounding environment. The goal was to design an experience of being in an interior and exterior space while walking among the trees. Different connections between interior and exterior spaces have been created, guiding visitors outside towards the magnificent scenery. While preserving the lakeside view, this form will also produce new, communal, multipurpose areas for visitors. The circular cut out enhances by framing the scenery. All natural elements have remained untouched, making the design work around its environment. Each tree has been mapped out and given a generous amount of breathing room from the new structure. Proper transitions between the interior, screened in porch, and exterior extension allow for natural air circulation and temperature control. All materials were carefully sourced with the purpose of longevity and recycled qualities.

AMONG THE TREES / DESIGN

MIRROR MIRROR / RAD ORIGINAL

Mirror Mirror

Team CREATIVE DIRECTORS Winnie Lee Mia Yaguchi-Chow PHOTOGRAPHER Mia Yaguchi-Chow MODEL Lannii Pettiford SET ASSISTANT Zerlina Lac

WINNIE LEE / MIA YAGUCHI-CHOW

MIRROR MIRROR / RAD ORIGINAL

/ 31

Artist Statement MIRROR MIRROR / RAD ORIGINAL

In a time where quarantine and self-isolation is encouraged, many have been left to their own devices. Long term plans and goals have suddenly ground to a halt - and with nobody and nothing else to depend on, it has created an environment for true self-actualization to occur. As a result, there has been no better time to look inwards.

Self-actualizing requires deep introspection and self-reflection, and often possessions turn out to be the physical manifestation of such thinking. One’s possessions are often

symbolic of the self - whether that be ideals they live by, how they would like to be perceived, or a simple representation of one’s defined purpose for life. This editorial aims to show the self-reflection that occurs within isolation and the physical symbols that appear in one’s life as a result.

Each image in Mirror Mirror embodies unique yet shared experiences in relation to one’s manifestation of the body, mind, and environment.

MIRROR MIRROR / RAD ORIGINAL

COUCH POTATO

Madison Bowman MADISONBOWMAN@LIVE.COM @MBOWMANPHOTOGRAPHY BOWMANPHOTOGRAPHY.CA

/ 36

Madison Bowman is a Toronto based artist, originally from Mississauga. She is a student of Ryerson’s Image Arts: Photography Studies program. In school, Bowman’s focus is in fashion and street photography. Drawing inspiration from contemporary artists such as Nan Goldin and William Eggleston, Bowman works with mundane environments and objects. After graduation, she hopes to use her education to expand her artistic career into art direction and social media branding.

COUCH POTATO / PHOTOGRAPHY

MADISON BOWMAN

COUCH POTATO / PHOTOGRAPHY

Artist Statement

Our lives have been completely altered and as a result, it has created an unhealthy environment both mentally and physically. My time in self-isolation has allowed me to explore my changing relationship with my home. I am no longer solely living in my environment, but feel as though I have physically become an aspect of it. Inspired by the phrase “couch potato�, this series attempts to explore this changing relationship. Working through this series has given me the opportunity to delve deeper into my own psyche while I manage feelings of claustrophobia. These images reflect my identity as nothing but the environment in which I live, providing the viewer with visual representations of emotions that are difficult to articulate during these uncertain times.

COUCH POTATO / PHOTOGRAPHY

RESILIENCIA / FASHION

RESILIENCIA

Lili Asghari CONTACT@LILIASGHARI.COM @LILIASGHARI.CO LILIASGHARI.COM

LILI ASGHARI

Born in 1994, Lili Asghari graduated from the Fashion Design program at Ryerson University in 2020 where she showcased her first collection, Resiliencia. The Lili Asghari brand is a mix of contemporary fashion and classic silhouettes combined with elements of grunge and a little twist of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With the goal of creating something authentic, Asghari always seeks to bring new materials into the world of clothing.

RESILIENCIA / FASHION

/ 41

Artist Statement

RESILIENCIA / FASHION

Resiliencia is a womenswear evening collection for Fall/Winter 2021 inspired by Catherine of Aragon. Seeking to create a strong presence intertwined with elegance and brought to life in a gothic fashion, Resiliencia puts an emphasis on high quality materials, fabric modification and sharp geometric designs.

RESILIENCIA / FASHION

Open & Edible

Sabrina Thomason @SAB_THOMASON

/ 46

Sabrina Thomason is currently a mature student going into her third year studying at the Ryerson School of Interior Design. She is passionate about sustainable and function driven design as she believes that great problem-solving requires a holistic approach and simplistic methodology. Driven by the principles of hard work, self learning, and growth, Sabrina founded an initiative to improve waste management, as it pertains to building materials, with the hopes of reducing harmful single-use plastic. This initiative has now expanded into eight maker spaces across the Ryerson campus, both within FCAD and other faculties, to include the sorting and recycling of acrylic sheet material and 3D printing material waste.

With the environment in mind, it is Sabrina’s goal to graduate and secure a job at a design firm that not only promotes sustainable building practices but pushes the boundaries for what is possible when building green.

OPEN & EDIBLE / DESIGN

SABRINA THOMASON

OPEN & EDIBLE / DESIGN

OPEN & EDIBLE / DESIGN

OPEN & EDIBLE / DESIGN

Artist Statement Function and form are principles that govern the way we design, as well as the way we cook and eat.

As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes first, and I believe the same is true of design. However, the function of our proposed resolutions - which in this case is the way in which we go about cooking and then eating our food - is equally important for an outcome to be truly successful. So the question has become, “can a plate be more than a vessel of form for serving?�. Does its function remain singular, or can it play a role in both cooking and eating - as a utensil as well as a dish.

OPEN & EDIBLE / DESIGN

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

Still Abigail Chevalier ABIGAIL.CHEVALIER@RYERSON.CA @ABBYCHEVALIER

ABIGAIL CHEVALIER

Abigail is beginning her third year in Media Production at Ryerson University with a minor in Photography Studies. She has an interest in exploring many different mediums but her passion has always been photo. With travel, she discovered nature to be her muse yet continues to develop her artistic style with a constant flow of inspiration from her surroundings in Toronto.

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

/ 53

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

Artist Statement

Throwing ourselves into an unknown environment can make us feel vulnerable, lost in a search to find stability. This series pulls a young sixteen year old out of his element into a state of isolation and silence. With trust, he finds himself able to float effortlessly in this empty void, finding a higher level of calm and comfort. With a minimal colour palette, the attention of the viewer can be drawn toward the emotional aspects of these images, putting an emphasis on finding peace inwardly.

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

STILL / PHOTOGRAPHY

Capstone Stories from Persia

Sara Mirza CONTACT@SARAMIRZA.CA @SARAMIRZAOFFICIAL SARAMIRZA.CA

/ 58

Sara Mirza, Co-founder and Creative Director of Sara Mirza, was educated at Ryerson University School of Fashion. She has been passionate about fashion since early childhood. She emerged into the fashion industry at the age of 17 with her first collection and ever since has been active in the Canadian/Iranian fashion industry.

CAPSTONE / FASHION

SARA MIRZA

CAPSTONE / FASHION

Artist Statement Capstone - Stories from Persia tells the story of Persian culture in a Western context. Canada is a diverse nation and many celebrate their Canadian identity and cultural heritage from previous generations. In this collection, vivid patterns of heavenly gardens and Persian poetry come together to tell stories from the infamous Middle East. This collection unifies the eastern and western elements for the women of

today who search for a story behind the pieces they wear.

It’s an introduction of centuries-old traditions for everyone to appreciate. The chosen design language is based on combining traditional fabrics with modern silhouettes. Each piece has its own story, which is written as a poem by the designer. This collection is about unity, a celebration of culture, and the expression of femininity for all.

CAPSTONE - STORIES FROM PERSIA / FASHION

CAPSTONE / FASHION

CAPSTONE / FASHION

CAPSTONE / FASHION

CONNEXT Laura Trinchini LAURATRINCH@GMAIL.COM

/ 66

Laura Trinchini is currently a third year student at the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University. For Laura, the beauty of space and environments lies in the interaction between raw or transformed materials and the emotional response. Experiential design is a primary focus of her work. Laura learns best from her surroundings, whether working alongside her peers or traveling the world, she discovers transformative solutions all around her. Through a range of projects, from hospitality to exhibition design, her creativity has been inspired by the aim to enrich the lives of others.

CONNEXT / DESIGN

LAURA TRINCHINI

Artist Statement The central hub anchors the space of Grip Limited’s new home in the Junction Triangle. Functioning as both an office space and production facility, Grip Limited requires a balance between activities. Through the development of a central mass, which includes break-out spaces, telephone rooms, and a dining experience, the daily actions of the two will be controlled and encouraged. This will inspire a collaboration grounded in action and communication - key elements of Grip Limited’s existing space. The chosen materials aim to bind the duality of the space. Using a variation of Grip’s core colour scheme, each area is distinctive in colour while maintaining cohesion: green for creation, orange for concentration, and blue for collaboration. The space is accented by natural stone and woods, which provides a blank canvas for the creatives at play.

CONNEXT / DESIGN

CONNEXT / DESIGN

Primer

Marco Moro MARCOMORO6@GMAIL.COM

Marco Moro is a filmmaker, writer, photographer and mixed media artist.

@MARCOMORO__

MARCO MORO

PRIMER / PHOTOGRAPHY

/ 71

Artist Statement

Primer is a mixed media project made by Marco Moro in collaboration with @vintageoutlaw.

The title refers to the material used in painting where a coating is applied on a surface to provide a consistent base for topcoats of paint. This work features experimental layering of paper types, printing profiles, and scanning methods to create a visual transformation of the image. As its title suggests, primer serves as a foundation to future work in mixed media and visual experimentation.

PRIMER / PHOTOGRAPHY

“The Build-Up”

by iNDiViDUALS Studio Roy Luo INFO@INDIVIDUALSATAMFI.NL @INDIVIDUALSATAMFI INDIVIDUALSATAMFI.NL

/ 74

iNDiViDUALS is the fashion studio by AMFI – Amsterdam Fashion Institute established in 2006. The studio is a collective of creative minds changing every season. iNDiViDUALS consults industry companies throughout all parts of their fashion businesses. This creates a continuing narrative, responding to the evolving zeitgeist. All tasks and responsibilities are run

by Design, Management, and Branding students. Fusing these three departments makes for the successful formula that is iNDiViDUALS - iNDiViDUALS is an initiative of AMFI - Amsterdam Fashion Institute and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

“THE BUILD-UP” BY iNDiViDUALS STUDIO / FASHION

ROY LUO

“THE BUILD-UP” BY iNDiViDUALS STUDIO / FASHION

Artist Statement As the local fashion market is facing major operational challenges due to COVID-19, iNDiViDUALS STUDIO identified critical vulnerabilities within sourcing and production for local business relying on businessto-business connections specifically. Based on these observations, iNDiViDUALS created a new value chain that offers an alternative approach to the business of fashion. Realising there is a lack of comprehensive review on the topic, iNDiViDUALS STUDIO put this approach to the test with a collaborative design process called: THE BUILD-UP.

iNDiViDUALS STUDIO put their observations, conclusions, and recommendations together in a fashion documentary that aims to inspire small and locally focused fashion businesses. With THE BUILD-UP, iNDiViDUALS STUDIO uncovers the potential of its pivotal statement: local sourcing & global sharing.

iNDiViDUALS STUDIO developed a collection consisting of three sections designed to offer optimistic relief from the pandemic.

Starting with physical looks - The Iconic Looks embody the concept like no other. These looks are an inspiration and a direct translation of the pivotal statement: ‘local sourcing & global sharing’.

As the team struggled with social distancing and isolation, they realised that the digital world has become immensely important. Exploring collaborations through digital mediums was the emphasis for the Digital Iconic looks.

While embracing THE BUILD-UP approach also means that action is key to change. The Blank Canvas styles strive to motivate the community to work alongside iNDiViDUALS STUDIO.

“THE BUILD-UP” BY iNDiViDUALS STUDIO / FASHION

“THE BUILD-UP” BY iNDiViDUALS STUDIO / FASHION

“THE BUILD-UP” BY iNDiViDUALS STUDIO / FASHION

296 Brunswick Ave. Hotel Renovation Pansy Wong PANSYWONG2000@GMAIL.COM PANSYWONG2000.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

/ 82

Pansy Wong is a second-year student at Ryerson School of Interior Design. Her years at Ryerson have brought to her attention the need for mental wellness. In a city as hectic as Toronto, she believes design plays a major role in encouraging spaces for mental healing. She is often inspired by the human experience in her work and enjoys integrating different styles and languages into her projects.

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

PANSY WONG

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

Artist Statement This idea of an urban retreat targets individuals in the city who are looking for a place of wellness. The intent behind the hotel is to provide a guided process aiming to rejuvenate the individual by the time they leave. The organic shape of the walls divide the building into areas of private zones in the spa. The lobby of the hotel is a three-storey space. Carefully placed windows create streams of light that enhance the grand height of the entrance. The accommodations provided heightens the experience of bathing and relaxation in order to provide an sustained recovery of stressed individuals. This hotel concept takes into consideration of people’s mental health by designing a place to rejuvenate the mind and body.

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

296 BRUNSWICK AVE. HOTEL RENOVATION / DESIGN

OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

Open Space

Team

CREATIVE DIRECTORS Pegah Peivandi Alexandra Anisman INTERVIEWER Aisling Gogan SUBJECT Harry Clarke

Artist Statement

Open (Space) reflects on Harry Clarke as he explores and reconnects with his suburban home. This piece is a self-reflection of emotions from Harry’s state of mind, all whilst dissecting his identity in these personal spaces. When reflecting, he takes the time to question the imbalance and waves of emotions that arise as he is taking a step closer to re-discovery in his home. The colours represented in the piece are colours that Harry himself feels connected to and that compliment his extremely creative mind.

PEGAH PEIVANDI / ALEXANDRA ANISMAN

OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

/ 89

Sitting Room

WHAT DO YOU DO IN THIS SPACE? The sitting room is a meditative and relaxing space. I find myself here when everything in my day has been too much, or if I’m having a terrible day. In this space, I mostly read or sit and stare at the paintings on the walls. Not anything super engaging, but that’s the point. I put my energy into being present to recenter myself. DO YOU HAVE ANY MEANINGFUL OBJECTS IN THIS SPACE? We have these paintings from Jamaica on the walls. Some evenings I will pour myself a glass of wine and observe them, like a gallery experience. They remind me of my grandma, who knew a lot of artists in Jamaica and likely acquired them

from one of her friends. Observing them transports me to Jamaica, a lively and energetic place from the stories my mother has told me. The furniture was passed down by my grandparents and has provided a warm sense of familiarity when brought to every new space we’ve moved. WHAT FEELINGS DOES THIS ROOM EVOKE WITHIN YOU? This space has a calming effect that eases the internal pressure I often feel. It’s challenging to balance the side of my brain that urges my mind to relax and ingratiate myself into the arts, with the side that desires to do more. I visit the sitting room to silence the buzzing internal voice, allowing myself to take space to reorganize my thoughts.

OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

Calm, Consciousness, Re-centering OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

Balcony: Exhilaration, Creativity OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO ESCAPE TO THIS SPACE? If the sitting room is me re-organizing my thoughts, then the balcony is me trying to leap into action.

I go out to my balcony to gather inspiration. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? East Gwillimbury has enormous trees and an open sky. The bright landscape never fails to inspire something within me. After having a smoke and admiring the nature that surrounds me, I feel I have caught something if only momentarily, that will become a catalyst for new

ideas. All I have to do is see the changing colours in the sky or the wind blowing through those huge clumps of trees, and it is better for me creatively. Sometimes I bring my laptop or collage work out there to see where the inspiration will take me. WHY IS VISITING THIS SPACE IMPORTANT TO YOU? If I could do everything, even sleep, in this space, I would. It offers me a moment to recharge and gather energy from the world around me. On the balcony, the world is open to me.

OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

Bathroom: Regenerative, Opaque, Impenetrability WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE BATHROOM SERVE? I use the bathroom as a multipurpose therapy room. I come here to de-stress in two distinct ways. The first is to take a long bath, a ritual I routinely practice and often in a melodramatic way as Joni Mitchell plays, echoing verses that drown out the world’s noise. The second is to sit on the bathroom floor and read. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE JONI SONG? That’s hard. There’s this one from the 80s’ called Moon at the Window. It’s a song about not being so hard on yourself in those moments when I feel overwhelmed and self-critical. It reminds me of the indelible fact that

the moon is always up in the sky, a consistent glow right outside my window. HOW DOES THIS SPACE ELICIT VULNERABILITY? It is here that I am found in my lowest mood and want the world to change. However, the bathroom has a lock, an essential feature for me as it ensures the emotions I am processing can be contained in one space. The tininess of the room creates a compact vacuum that removes me from the outside world. If on the balcony I am open to the world, then in the bathroom, the world has disappeared. Everything is quiet, and I can finally reflect on my thoughts and emotions; I can regenerate.

TITLE OF THE PIECE / DISCIPLINE

Bedroom: Perseverance, Dread, Hope HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BEDROOM? The bedroom is like a factory. It is where my creativity finds the brainpower it needs to push past exhaustion to complete creative projects. Here you will find me staying up until 5 am to finish an article for StyleCircle or meticulously editing a music video for somebody. It isn’t a super relaxing space, but it is rewarding. I do sleep here, but it’s intertwined with work. That is until I collapse onto my bed, relieved and languid like a surgeon after performing surgery. ARE THERE ANY OBJECTS IN THE SPACE THAT HELP MOTIVATE YOU? Yes! I find it extremely helpful to keep inspiration nearby. I have several art books lying around. My favourite, a collection of Cezanne paintings, helps spark inspiration continuously,

as do my favourite albums up on the wall, such as Kate Bush. When I work late at night, my kaleidoscope helps me remain in the right headspace – the pulsating strobes make my room feel less like an office. CAN THIS SPACE EVER DRAW DISCOMFORT? This space can make me feel extremely uneasy in the morning and mid-afternoon.

Waking up in my bedroom is like waking up in my workspace and immediately thinking about all the things I have to get done. Mid-afternoon, I return to the room to figure out what I’m going to do for the day, which evokes stress. I’m like Sisyphus, back where I woke up, and I still feel no different. But this space is filled with hope because it’s where I wake up each morning.

OPEN SPACE / RAD ORIGINAL

Find Us Here RYERSON ART SPACE 401 Richmond Street ryersonartspace.com CAMPUS BOOKSTORE 17 Gould St A DIFFERENT BOOKLIST 779 Bathurst Street adifferentbooklist.com SOOP SOOP 1315 Dundas Street soopsoop.ca GENERAL STORES 28 Bathurst Street / Unit 1-109 shopgeneralstores.com SWIPE DESIGN 401 Richmond Street West swipe.com LIKELY GENERAL 389 Roncesvalles Avenue likelygeneral.com

Submit to Issue 14

RADMAG.CA RADMAG@RYERSON.CA /OFFLINERAD @OFFLINERAD