I'm an artist living in the Keelesdale community and I'm really interested in Scandinavian design. I've been here for 8 years. I shop here, work here, and show my works here at little cafes. This community has supported my arts with access to art materials, workshops, and meeting places with friends. I would like to offer something in return through my art.
Include CV
Image portfolio: 5 images max.
Upload up to 5 max relevant example images of your previous original, completed artwork or projects. Please label or include a written list which describes each image with: artist’s name, title of work, medium, dimensions, location and date.
Clara Sexton. Dream Cats. Acrylic on Canvas. 18"x24". Toronto, Canada 2023
Clara Sexton. Dream Cats Rising. Acrylic on Canvas. 24"x18". Toronto, Canada 2023
Clara Sexton. Gold Cat. Acrylic on Canvas. 20"x20". Toronto, Canada 2023
Clara Sexton. Sea Cats. Acrylic on Canvas. 18"x24". Toronto, Canada 2023
Clara Sexton. Wild Cats. Acrylic on Canvas. 16"x20". Toronto, Canada 2023

title of proposal: Young Cat Rising

Your Artist/Concept Statement*
Describe your artistic practice as well as your proposed concept for the artwork for Keelesdale. Important note: The artworks will range from sizes; 24”x36” all the way up to 60”x60”, which is dependent on the room/lobby the work is selected to be displayed. The selected artists will only be asked to send the digital print ready files of their work and will be informed of the exact size and format needed when selected and contracted. Artscape Atelier will be responsible for organizing and paying for printing and installation costs.

As a mixed-race, 2nd-generation-born Canadian, I have a varied background of family history that influences me. Exploring themes of identity as a person of colour allows me to embrace my Hindu - Persian roots in my work. I interpret subjects of ancestral religion, ways of life, mythology, folk tales, patterns on clothing and objects; and unique cultural features. I incorporate identifying motifs and symbolism into my work in Arabesque detail.

I began painting in 2021 and aspire to have my works shown worldwide. I have shown my works in local galleries and cafes, such as Feed It Forward in the Keelesdale neighbourhood. I have painted outdoor murals for my garden and windows.

For this project I intend to use a piece inspired by Scandinavian art by use of clean lines and striking hues. This work is also influenced by the Indigenous Canadian art themes through the use of animals and bold colours. By combining diverse concepts I hope to reflect the multicultural hotspot that is the Keelesdale neighbourhood; and also create a universally understandable aesthetic through the story of cats. The original painting is 18" x 24" and may be scaled digitally to the full 60".

Upload an image, sketch or rendering of your proposed artistic concept OR the the image(s) of your existing artwork that you are proposing to be digitally printed for this project.*
Select up to 3 files to attach.
You can propose to create brand new work for this project if selected as a concept sketch (as long as you can complete such work in 2 months by early-mid November, and/or you can propose your already existing work, as long as it is of high enough quality and large enough to digitally print at the sizes specified).

Rich app
I've lived all over Toronto, until I settled in Keelesdale with my wife 8 years ago. This neighborhood has inspired me. It's an up-and-coming neighborhood going through a grass-roots transformation where people are socially-minded and friendly. Everyday I walk through the neighborhood to get my groceries and go to work, and every time it is evident: there is a strong sense of community here, and I would like to contribute to that sense of community.


5 images:
Richard Sexton. Abstract #1. Oil on Canvas. 10"x12". Toronto, Canada 2021
Richard Sexton. Amber Dawn. Photograph. 16"x20" Resolution: 4K. Bannockburn, Canada 2008
Richard Sexton. Blue Gularis. Acrylic on Canvas. 36"x24". Toronto, Canada 2022
Richard Sexton. Portrait of a Lady. Acrylic on Canvas. 20"x16". Toronto, Canada 2022
Richard Sexton. Usteriana. Photograph. 24"x18" Resolution: 4K. Bannockburn, Canada 2010



Serenity In The Fog
Richard Sexton is an emerging artist based in Toronto, Canada, who began painting Killifish, Canadian landscapes, abstracts, and cats since the COVID pandemic. Being born in Wales, U.K. and immigrating to Canada as a youth, Richard began a career as a computer programmer and spent 10 years in the California computer industry before returning to Canada.

Richard went to Waterloo University, where he learned technical and botanical drawing. Being from a family of technical illustrators and builders, he created pieces such as stained glass and wooden sculpture, and was trained by Joel Hagan in computer-aided art in the 1980's.

In the 1990's Richard provided technical support for in the Andy Warhol Retrospective show at the Aud Art Gallery in New York City.

Richard is also a published photographer that specializes in creating freshwater aquarium biotopes and capturing the image of rare fishes and plants; with his photos appearing in magazines such as Tropical Fish Hobbyist in the early 2000's. He has spent several years involved in archiving and digital pre-press of photographs for publication. Since his painting journey began in 2021, he has created prints of his original works on canvas onto t-shirts and clothing for sale locally and internationally.

Describe your artistic practice as well as your proposed concept for the artwork for Keelesdale. Important note:
Richard Sexton is an emerging artist based in Toronto, Canada, who began painting Killifish, Canadian landscapes, abstracts, and cats since the COVID pandemic. Being born in Wales, U.K. and immigrating to Canada as a youth, Richard began a career as a computer programmer and spent 10 years in the California computer industry before returning to Canada.

Richard is also a published photographer that specializes in creating freshwater aquarium biotopes and capturing the image of rare fishes and plants; with his photos appearing in magazines such as Tropical Fish Hobbyist in the early 2000's. He has spent several years involved in digital pre-press and archiving of photographs for publication. Since his painting journey began in 2021, he has created prints of his original works on canvas onto t-shirts and clothing for sale locally and internationally.

The artwork I chose for this proposal reflects the Canadian landscape; it is an image I captured in 2004 at my former home in the woods, 2 hours away from Toronto. I chose this location due to the refuge it brings as a return to nature, escaping from a long, busy life in the city. Every morning I would peer into my backyard, always capturing and refining my images, in an effort to select the one that captures the real feeling of the scene.

This misty view of a slightly cold morning gives a literal feeling of the air in a Nordic country and also here in Canada. This piece connects the two distant yet similar landscapes with a sense of feeling.

I recommend this high-quality image can be digitally scaled up to 60" x 60".