We are bringing you some exquisite brilliance and brightness today by introducing three outstanding contemporary jewellery artists from TOAF.
Lindsay MacDonald’s lustrous and skillful works garnered her the Best of Jewellery Award, supported by TOAF’s long-time friends Harry Enchin & Susan Friedrich.
Yuki Wong’s eye catching and architectural jewellery earned him the Student Purchase Award.
Anthia Barboutsis’ foray into the field with her elaborately ‘woven’ creations won her the Emerging Artist Award. This award gives her a one-year membership to the state-of-the-art facility and creative entrepreneurship hub at Artscape Daniels Launchpad — a fantastic opportunity for emerging artists to hone and expand their practice.
Carrying around an exquisite piece of jewellery is the most intimate, tactile and familiar art experience one can have. We hope Anthia, Yuki and Lindsay’s work inspire you to treat yourself to this special experience.
Lindsay MacDonald – Recipient of the 2021 Best of Jewellery Award
"I was immediately entranced by the intricate and meticulous construction of Lindsay’s jewellery designs. The carving of mother-of-pearl and the integration of 14K Gold with acrylic is such a dynamic juxtaposition. The cyclical patterns within each piece captures a vibrant energy, I envision wearing them and feeling synergies within the circles. The attention to detail is striking and the designs unique, opulent and mesmerizing. I commend MacDonald on her journey of mastering this craft.
– Simone Elizabeth Saunders, Textile Artist and 2021 Judge of Best of Craft & Design
Synodic Double Necklace, Lindsay MacDonald, 2020. Hand pierced mother of pearl, sterling silver, lathed machine. Still available at TOAF.ca
Lindsay MacDonald graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with an MFA in Designed Objects (2009), and from NSCAD University with a BFA in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing (2004). She was an artist-in-residence at the Harbourfront Centre metal studio from 2004-2007 and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally. Lindsay has been a jewellery instructor at multiple institutions including NSCAD University and The Shanghai Commercial School (through Selkirk College). Currently she is a sessional instructor at OCAD University, with a concentration in Jewellery History and Concepts. She maintains an independent studio practice in Ottawa. She is proud to currently be included in the collections at L.A. Pai Gallery, at The Craft Ontario Shop and at Galerie Lewis.
Chain Maille Structure 2 Earrings, Lindsay MacDonald, 2020. Hand pierced mother of pearl, sterling silver, lathed machine. Still available at TOAF.ca
"Winning the Best of Jewellery award in 2021 was a tremendous honour for me. It’s humbling to exhibit alongside such exciting emerging and established artists, let alone to have been acknowledged amongst them.
TOAF has been integral to my growth as an artist since my very first experience exhibiting there as a student in 2004, and throughout my time as a Harbourfront Resident. Simply having all of those “eyes” on your work is a powerful experience that only ever leads to great things.
TOAF is a leader in representing Fine Craft in Canada. It’s an annual touchstone to reconnect with the maker community across the country. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that TOAF provides."
– Lindsay MacDonald, on receiving the 2021 Best of Jewellery
Chain Maille Structure 1 edition 2, earrings, Lindsay MacDonald, 2020. Hand pierced mother of pearl, sterling silver, lathed acrylic. Still available at TOAF.ca
View more of Lindsay MacDonald's works
Yuki Wong – Recipient of the 2021 Student Purchase Award
Diffraction 1 Brooch, Yuki Wong, 2020, Sterling Silver, White Cubic Zirconia. Still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
Yuki Wong is a recent graduate in Material Art and Design Jewellery at OCAD University. His passion for jewellery is about designing and making jewellery that is unique and conceptual. His works are structural, abstract, and geometric. He also creates holloware and art objects with precious metals. He has exhibited in Crafting the Future: A National Student Exhibition 2017.
Small Flow Pendant, Yuki Wong, 2020, Sterling Silver Tubing. Still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
"TOAF is important to me as an emerging artist, and also helped me a lot when I was a student. TOAF gave me the opportunity to showcase my jewellery to a wider audience and meet many different artists working with various mediums."
– Yuki Wong, recipient of the 2021 Student Purchase Award, supported by House of IDEA
View more of Yuki Wong's works
Anthia Barboutsis – Recipient of the Artscape Emerging Artist Award
Tunnels, Anthia Barboutsis, 2021, Sterling silver. Still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
Anthia Barboutsis is an art jeweler from Toronto. She is in her final year studying Material Art & Design at OCAD University. Anthia’s work is rooted in the realm of traditional craft, but often draws inspiration from contemporary art and design practices. With an interest in both history and philosophy, Anthia tends to blend disciplines with ideas from across academic fields. Her specialty is in the merging of textile and jewellery techniques to create detailed works of jewellery. Anthia works in hand weaving and braiding techniques in silver and gold, often playing with colours through patinas and natural stones to create depth and visual weight in her pieces.
In Flow, Anthia Barboutsis, 2019, Sterling silver & Swarovski crystals. Still available for purchase at TOAF.ca
"Winning the award, for me, means that I am doing something right. It is both reassurance and acknowledgement of where I am and where I can go with my work. It means the world to me that I have received this award from TOAF and the opportunity that it comes with."
– Anthia Barboutsis, 2021 Artscape Emerging Artist Award, supported by Artscape Daniels Launchpad
View more of Anthia Barboutsis' works
OCAD U's Career Launchers Award
We are partnering again with OCADU's Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers for the TOAF Career Launchers award!
Open to students in the Illustration, Material Art & Design, Photography, Sculpture and Installation and Printmaking/Publications programs, the award is free to apply. The selected students will have an opportunity to showcase their artworks in-person at the 61st TOAF and online at TOAF.ca
