Put some kissable lips on your furry love. Place a mustache on a bestie. Or point to the destination with ease. Just a few paddles from the assortment of Photopaddles now in stock at the Centre Shop for your summer fun photo-taking adventures!

Photopaddles work like super low-tech photoshop. Screen-printed arcylic paddles accessorize your photo with a variety of fun add-ons. Just place the paddle up, focus on your subject, line it up and shoot!

Très fun, amis!

Assorted / $7.95 each

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

Creative Genius has wanted to talk to Grace Lee, especially, as she seems to have solved a quandary facing most multi-facetted craft artists, and, in our humble opinion, successfully solved it.

She is on the one hand a deft and intelligent (exciting) installation artist, and on the other hand, she reinvents, vamps, adds to her ideas to produce saleable items with the same flourishing originality and quality of work. It’s rare to find that sense of duality in a ceramist that works so fluidly.

Creative Genius: What is your background? Your education?

Grace Lee: I am from South Korea. I come from a very loving Christian family and I am the youngest of three children. My parents were passionate about their kids’ education, so we were always involved in extracurricular after school activities. 

My sister (who is the eldest) got much of the focus for these extracurricular activities.  Often I helped her with her art projects, and that’s how I gained my initial interest in creative arts and set a future path for my studies and eventually my career. I moved to Canada in 2010 after I got married. As far as education, I have a BFA in Craft from Suwon University in South Korea and a MFA in Ceramics from Hongik University in South Korea.

CG: When did ceramics become prevalent to your artistic vision?

GL: I’ve always been a creative person as far back as I can remember.  But ceramics became prevalent in my life during my undergraduate studies at Suwon University.  I was enrolled in the Crafts Design program and tried various courses in different mediums of art, but ceramics generated the most interest, and so I decided to specialize in ceramics in my junior year.  Afterwards, I decided to further my education by enrolling in the strong ceramics program at Hongik University for my MFA.

CG: What are your visual influences?

GL: My influences come from specific and peculiar things that I observe in my everyday life.  Things like shapes, objects, or characteristics of people, animals, and plants.  Seeing and recognizing something new sparks something in my head, which gets my imagination going.

CG: There is a whimsy attached to your theatre of creatures that becomes about the craft of material and transformation. Do you find you follow your whimsy or sense of fun more with the production of craft or does it grow out of your larger vision, the visions seen in pieces like Dust, for instance?

GL: I would say both.  I think the feelings or impressions that the individual shapes create represent my personality, but I also try to create a broader meaning to my work, especially with the installations and what the collection of many of the pieces represent.

CG: What’s coming up next for you?

GL: My next show will be at the Harbourfront Centre in June.  The show is called Constructor, and it will run from June 22, 2013 to September 15, 2013. After that, my next big confirmed project is Nuit Blanche at the Gladstone hotel in October.  I’m looking forward to this particular project because it will be like my first exhibit where I have a space dedicated specifically for my work.

CG: Finally, we don’t want to gush, but your work is so exciting to CG as it has a quality to it that makes us want to follow your career for years to come. What does the future hold for Grace Eun Mi Lee? Will you continue to produce large installations with accompanying craft pieces? Is there a road, creatively, that you will embark upon that is new, either in material or philosophy?

GL: I hope I can continue to get opportunities to exhibit my work in places where I can continue to reach a new and broader audience.  I would like to someday see my work in lobbies, galleries and museums. Installation will always be a part of what I do, because I find it to be a very effective outlet to express myself.

I am still growing as a ceramic artist, and I’m sure I will venture into other mediums to challenge myself down the road.  However, I want to make my mark through my creativity and not be defined by the medium for which I produce my work.

CG: Thank you so much for taking time to do this, Grace. We are huge fans at the Centre Shop and we wish you well in all your artistic endeavors!

Grace Lee’s ceramics, including salt & pepper shakers, espresso cups and other pieces are available now / $60 to $90

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

Getting a solar lantern from Allsop Home & Garden is like receiving a piece of the sun that even at night, refreshes the spirit. CGW can’t think of a better gift (hint, hint) for Mother’s Day.

The story of Allsop Home & Garden is, in itself, a piece of sunshine:

When  a  father was inspired to create a better wheelbarrow, he turned to a daughter to help complete the project, and now, seven years later, the Allsop family still produces original, innovative products, kind to the earth, that includes the beautiful Soji lanterns available now at the Centre Shop.

(Pssst, heads-up! They tend to fly off the shelves every spring! Phone or email our staff to reserve yours for this Mother’s Day weekend!)

Made from heavy duty nylon for outdoor use and available in an assortment of styles and colours, these lanterns are equipped with two high powered white colored LED’s, a stainless steel hanging handle, one AAA rechargeable battery, photo light sensor and on/off power switch, and now comes with a base unit accessory to turn the lantern into a table top unit too, if desired.

Shine-on, you crazy diamonds!

Assorted sizes, styles & colours / $24.95 to $43.95

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

Pi’Lo grabbed CGW’s attention for a number of great reasons:

They are a local company, environmentally sound, and making items that become your future heirlooms.

A gift from Pi’Lo is a fabulous way to celebrate all of life’s happy events, births, weddings, new homes, as well as being handmade, they are totally functional for everyday use.

Heather Shaw and her fellow creators work out of a Victorian coach house in downtown Toronto, and with each Pi’Lo item, they infuse the creative process with a sense of calm and inspiration.

CGW can feel the loovveee!

Assorted linen tea towels / $18 to $19.95

Assorted pillows / $18.95 to $45

Assorted ribbon and tape / $12 to $20

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

The only program of its kind in Canada, George Brown College’s Jewellery Program trains students in the specialized art of goldsmithing and jewellery design, providing fundamentals to thrive globally in jewellery and design industries.

The Centre Shop’s Creative Genius asked George Brown’s 2013 graduate, Pearlamina Cheung about her experiences in the program and what her future career holds for her.

Creative Genius: Thanks for taking the time during this busy period to talk with us. The Centre Shop enjoys our annual hosting of the reception and exhibit for a new crop of designers from George Brown, so it’s always a great surge of energy at the store every spring. 

We wonder if you can give us a little background on yourself? Childhood influences, what stimulates the jeweler within, etc.

Pearlamina Cheung: I think a big influence comes from being in an artsy family. My grandfather, uncle, cousins, and my dad are all artists in various fields. I have loved the arts for as long as I can remember. My childhood summers were spent making Japanese clay flowers, friendship bracelets, and crocheting flowers and dolls with my grandmother. I find a great sense of satisfaction when I create something from scratch with my own hands. Making jewellery gives me the sense of satisfaction that I crave.

CG: We like the use of the flower motif in your pieces, especially the ring you’ve designed which actually seems to bloom on the hand when worn. Where did your inspiration for the ring come from?

PC: The ring, called ‘Breaking Through the Canadian Cold’, was created in response to stereotypes about Canada being a frozen land with igloos and polar bears. Focusing on Canadians’ success in surviving the cold winters, the ring resembles both a flower in bloom and also a snowflake with a blazing centre, symbolizing the pride for Canadian climate.

CG: A tri-colour of pearls dominate your other pieces. Does the pearl have any special significance for you as a designer?

PC: I have always felt a special connection with pearls, partly because of my name. As for my jewellery, the white and red pearls helped bring out my concept for my pieces with their colours, which is the Snow White fairy tale.

CG: Why did you chose the George Brown Jewellery Program? Was there a defining moment during your time in the program that affirmed your decision?

PC: I chose the jewellery program at George Brown College because they offered intense, practical training in goldsmithing. I was initially in the one-year Jewellery program. At the end of that program, I realized my new passion and decided to switch to the full three-year Jewellery Arts program. It has been a challenging and satisfying program from start to finish, which was exactly what I was looking for.

CG: Thanks so much! All the graduates this year seem a very talented lot and we look forward to the celebrations on April 25^th.

The only program of its kind in Canada, George Brown College’s Jewellery Program trains students in the specialized art of goldsmithing and jewellery design, providing fundamentals to thrive globally in jewellery and design industries.

The Centre Shop’s Creative Genius asked George Brown’s 2013 graduate, Alex Kinsley about his experiences in the program and what his future career holds for him.

Creative Genius: Thanks for taking the time during this busy period to talk with us. The Centre Shop enjoys our annual hosting of the reception and exhibit for a new crop of designers from George Brown, so it’s always a great surge of excitement at the store every spring.

We wonder if you can give us a little background on yourself? Childhood influences, what stimulates the jeweler within, etc.

Alex Kinsley: I was born into a jeweler’s family in Hamilton as an only child. Growing up I was always interested in the trade and would spend summers at my father’s shop. When I look back, my biggest influences are my parents as well as a friend of mine who became an artist. They really helped me look at jewellery as an artistic medium and this has stuck with me. When I’m designing a piece I look for forms and ideas that interest me and begin playing with them, my pieces generally evolve from there.

CG: The inspiration for some of your pieces seem nature based, like the alluring Mussels necklace? We would be playing with it all the time, it’s just so full of metal energy!

AK: I took a lot of my visual inspiration from mollusks and cephalopods in my current work. There is something I find fascinating about these creatures. Many of them are really wonderful to behold but are not really something many would want to hold, due to toxicity or texture. The pod form itself was inspired by Jacqueline Ryan‘s work. I plan on adding more to this series during my time at Harbourfront this summer so keep an eye out for more work!

CG: Even though your pieces appear multi-layered, there is a definite harmony as a whole. How difficult is that to achieve?

AK: Working with the pod form created some definite challenges; the pods don’t always want to work they way you want them to. The main growth on the Mussels necklace was especially difficult to place so that it hung well but still looked natural.

CG: Why did you chose the George Brown Jewellery Program? Was there a defining moment during your time in the program that affirmed your decision?

AK: I chose the George Brown program because of the facility and the good things I’d heard from those in the industry. The defining moment for me was in my third year when all of my professors not only supported my more ambitious projects but were very keen on helping me see my vision through.

CG: Thanks so much! All the graduates this year seem a very talented lot and we look forward to the celebrations on April 25^th.

The only program of its kind in Canada, George Brown College’s Jewellery Program trains students in the specialized art of goldsmithing and jewellery design, providing fundamentals to thrive globally in jewellery and design industries.

The Centre Shop’s Creative Genius asked George Brown’s 2013 graduate, Meghan Robinson about her experiences in the program and what her future career holds for her.

Creative Genius: Thanks for taking the time during this busy period to talk with us. The Centre Shop enjoys our annual hosting of the reception and exhibit for a new crop of designers from George Brown, so it’s always a great surge of energy at the store every spring.

We wonder if you can give us a little background on yourself? Childhood influences, what stimulates the jeweler within, etc.

Meghan Robinson: Thank you. It is an incredible opportunity for us graduates to show our work at Harbourfront Centre and in The Centre Shop.

As a child and young adult, I spent time living in Ontario and the east coast provinces. Road trips to and from made me appreciate the uniqueness of each province. There are a lot of women in my family and they are always jingle-jangling with bangles and unique jewellery pieces. My stimulation to create comes from this personal and familial sense of adornment. And my genuine love for the people and places around me.    

CG: Where did you find your inspiration for your fabulous Tip of the Iceberg ring?

MR: On my last visit to Newfoundland, I had a spectacular picnic lunch perched on a rocky hill looking at an iceberg. It has such a majestic form and the light was bouncing off of it so beautifully. This day has always stuck with me and one of the reasons I have created work this year about the beauty and diversity of the Canadian geographical and social landscape.

CG: As a creator using elements in different forms, where does the balance lie for you between an element of surprise and keeping to the integrity of the original design? How does that inform the final piece?

MR: I think it is important to be committed to the original design. I do a lot of research and problem solving before I begin a project so I must give this process respect. However there are times where one has to change direction to overcome time and technical challenges. I think as long as I am the only one that can see it (shhhh…) sometimes it works out for the best! The research and design phase is important but it is also necessary to change course sometimes to ensure the integrity of the piece is preserved.

CG: Why did you chose the George Brown Jewellery Program? Was there a defining moment during your time in the program that affirmed your decision?

MR: After doing some research on jewellery schools in Canada and the states, George Brown seemed like the best choice in terms of learning traditional goldsmithing and being guided by some of the best Canadian jewellery designers. Shortly after completing my first semester, I sensed the commitment from the professors and the support from the jewellery community in Toronto. It is a strong program.

CG: Thanks so much! All the graduates this year seem a very talented lot and we look forward to the celebrations on April 25^th.

Creative Genius’s favourite cards at the Centre Shop come from a Californian company called Red Cap Cards. Founders Hal Mertz and illustrator Carrie Gifford  put the art back into the message by promoting a worldly network of illustrators, artists and designers. Red Cap’s philosophy is that these are story tellers in their own right and whether it’s heart-felt or funny, a unique and timely quality-made card can make someone’s day a little brighter.

Give one, feel the love!

Assorted Red Cap Cards / $5 to $5.25

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

And who could blame you?

Cate & Levi handmade stuffed toys are the most endearing and environmentally sound children’s soft toys we could find. With the ultra softness of reclaimed wool, non-dyed stuffing, and no harmful chemicals, a Cate & Levi stuffed toy is a safe alternative to other choices on the market. They have a policy of using locally sourced materials and are committed to low carbon footprints, so that, in the hands of your precious loves, there is no better decision you can make now or in the future, for a stuffed companion for your little tyke and tykette.

Plus, they are seriously cute–and machine washable!

Cate & Levi Stuffed Toys, approx. 16 – 22” high / $80 each

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8

The best genius and creative placemats on the market!

First up, to bring out that remarkable table talent amongst the youngsters, Modern-twist sashes onto the scene by bringing out a series of placements designed to encourage the artist-within-the-little-tyke.

In silky food-grade and hand silk-screened silicone, you will not see a crease or a rip in your mini-Picasso’s efforts. These are mats made to withstand the toughest mealtime and are totally doodle-friendly. Use washable or dry erase markers and save paper and trees while letting your little artist go to town! 

Each placemat from Modern-twist has a non-porous and germ-free surface, are free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates and other harsh chemicals.

Modern-twist / $22.95

Hello Hanna is our other choice for those mealtime creators. Their line of Get-Set Placemats are fun, whimsical and the little ones will learn a thing about where to put the fork, knife and spoon.

A great parent-save at restaurants or parties, these are printed on heavyweight uncoated paper stock and come with stickers printed on uncoated resealable sticker stock. For children ages 5 and over, these show off your kid’s talents while making you look like the genius and creative parent you so are!

Get-Set Placemats / $19.95

Available at The Centre Shop:

The Centre Shop @ Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M5J 2G8