It’s time to take you into the captivating and moody illustrations and paintings of Sid Sharp.
Sid’s compelling body of work and contemporary folklore narratives earned them the Best of Student award. They received the Marie Collins Memorial cash award of $1,000 and the Artscape Award* ($2,500 Value).
Sid is the latest addition to TOAF’s roster from the annual partnership with OCAD U’s Career Launcher program. Every year, we are blown away by the myriad of talent, beauty and new voices we get to know. The bustling Student Zone, in particular, has been the “it” place even before the age of websites, Instagram and pop-ups. Artists like Sid are the ones who keep up the buzz and reputation of TOAF as a treasure trove for the discovery of emerging Canadian artists for decades now. We can’t wait to see who we’ll discover next. Our Call for Artists opens next month, and that’s where the journey begins.
Please spend some time getting to know Sid more. And, if you hurry, you can still get your hands on their work and bring their sense of magic and mystery to your world.
*The Artscape Award grants Sid the opportunity of a one-week self-directed artist residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point where they can ideate and create in the gorgeous Toronto Islands in preparation for a one-week solo exhibition in the Hallway Galleries at Artscape Youngplace in 2022.
About Sid Sharp
Sid is an artist and illustrator from Toronto who makes paintings, drawings, and comics. They are mostly interested in folklore, horror stories, and finding good sticks for their stick collection. Sid just finished their Illustration degree, works in a bookstore, and is developing their first graphic novel for kids with Annick Press.
Left to Right: Giantess and Host, Sid Sharp, 2021, Acrylic, watercolour, and pencil on paper
"I was first drawn to Sid’s work because of the beauty of their drawing and material play, but I was taken in by the complexity of their compositions and the multi-faceted narratives depicted. There is a darkly tender commentary on gender, identity and disembodiment that carries throughout Sid’s work. This is combined with elements that look like they were taken from old fairy tales or ancient tapestries. I appreciate that these works allow for whimsy and fun, yet are mature and compelling. I find Sid’s drawing style very unique and I look forward to seeing more work from them. Congratulations on a great TOAF presentation!"
– Stanzie Tooth, Artist and Judge of the Best of Student Award
Forlorn Star Pursued by Lecherous Thundercloud, Sid Sharp, 2020, Acrylic, ink, and watercolour on paper. Still available at TOAF.ca
"It means so much to me as a recent graduate to begin my journey on this note, and I'm so grateful for your generosity."
– Sid Sharp on receiving the Best of Student Award
View more of Sid Sharp's works
Call for Artists opens!
Save the date! The Call for Artists opens on December 1, 2021.
Artists can choose to participate:
- 3 Days at Nathan Phillips Square + 10-Day Online Fair, or
- 10-Day Toronto Online Art Fair
Early Bird Deadline: February 28, 2022 (11:59 PM)
Final Deadline: March 8, 2022 (11:59 PM)
Curated Collections
View more autumnal art from this month's Curated Collection! Celebrating the season when nature shows its brilliant colours to signal transition, the TOAF team has selected the following poetic and cozy assembly of art for you to enjoy and bring to your homes.
Falling Into Fall, selected by the TOAF Team
Portal Nº3, Samuel Choisy, 2021, Archival Inkjet Print. Both still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
November (from the series 12 Seasons), Becky Comber, 2019, Limited Edition Print of Hand Cut Photograph. Both still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
