Artist Talk & Open Studio with Travis Shilling

Cartographies of Longing artist Travis Shilling leads an outdoor open studio program at Fool’s Paradise, Doris McCarthy’s former home & studio on the Scarborough Bluffs. Shilling will reflect on his relationship to water, and its place within his practice and approach to painting. Following the talk, participants will be invited to head outside for an open-ended artmaking session that focuses on the lake and the pond at Fool’s Paradise.

Free, open to the public. Registration required. Light refreshments will be served.

Parts of this program will be held outdoors, rain or shine; please dress for the weather.

This is primarily a seated program, with some walking outdoors. Fool’s Paradise is not wheelchair accessible. If you have accommodation needs, please let us know through the registration form or contact dmg.utsc@utoronto.ca.

Travis Shilling is the youngest of two sons to the acclaimed Indigenous artist Arthur Shilling (1941-1986). Travis began his own professional career as a teenager, leading to success as a painter, film director, and playwright. His expressive brushstrokes and unique colour palette transport the viewer to a cinematic landscape that explores the impact of climate change on the environment with thoughtful, clever insight. Shilling reflects on the responsibilities of being an Indigenous artist by commenting on the struggles of a hidden history. Using his paintbrush as a flashlight, he gives his viewers a glimpse into uncharted territory, shining this light onto otherwise forgotten places. Shilling's work can be found in public & private collections worldwide, including the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Multiple Canadian Embassies, the Citadelle Art Foundation, and a portrait commission for Hart House at the University of Toronto. Travis is represented by Ingram Gallery in Toronto and Canada House Gallery in Banff.