Iris Magazine

Iris Magazine / No. 1 / Spring 2023 Cover Photography: Halle Hirota

Iris mag.

ISSUE 1

THE PREMIERE ISSUE Featuring the talent and creativity of Toronto minds who are revolutionizing the city’s creative landscape.

Community. Vision. Authenticity. Solidarity.

Letter From The Editor

MILA RADOJEVIC Instagram: @milaradojevicc

Hello, reader. Welcome to the first issue of Iris magazine. Iris magazine is an intersection of art, culture, and community. I bring you this zine with the intention to inspire and empower. I created Iris as a platform to showcase Toronto talent and feature up-and-coming artists, businesses, and creative professionals who are making an impact in the Toronto creative industry.

As a creative individual in a competitive, fast-paced, and at once beautiful and inspiring industry, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or undervalued. Imposter syndrome can be a powerful emotion when one finds themselves surrounded by a myriad of talented and inspiring creative professionals. Especially for young creatives, skills and talents can often be overlooked and undermined.

I am a believer in transforming the experience of inferiority, comparison, and self doubt into a shared feeling of empowerment, community, and support. Seeing the talent and success of those around me fills me with pride and inspires me to keep creating. This sense of community thrives when everyone works to support one another and elevate each other’s crafts and voices. I strive to break down barriers that divide creatives and communities, and to make space for inclusivity and abundance for all.

With this in mind, I created Iris Magazine as a celebration of the creativity and innovation that this city beholds. I believe that the artists of Toronto have a strong voice which needs to be heard. I am inspired by youth culture and the power that young people hold. The future is in the hands of the youth, and we are revolutionizing it. The individuals between these pages have been curated to show the world the power of Toronto’s young minds. Toronto’s creative community and wide array of talent is thriving, and is more relevant now than ever before. The youth of this city can no longer be undermined, as they are contributing impactfully to Toronto’s developing creative, social, and cultural landscapes. There is room for everyone to eat, and through Iris magazine, artists and businesses are able to come together in celebration and pride.

Iris is a lens. It sees beauty. It absorbs meaning. Iris is a portal through which creative innovation takes on a life of its own. It is a looking-glass through which one can look look both inward and outward, and in doing so can gain an understanding of themselves and the world around them.

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C O N T E N T S

2. Letter From The Editor

40. Halle Hirota

The editor of Iris Magazine introduces you to the publication.

This artist challenges the boundaries of female objectificaton and the male gaze, featuring her signature tops.

4. Nathan Lau

44. Daniella Williams

Photo story by Nathan Lau featuring Stephanie Kimber.

A discussion with painter Daniella Williams, about her practice and her experience as a woman of colour artist.

10. Jems Interview

50. Capsul

Founders of Jems, Toronto-based safer sex company, join us in a conversation about safe sex.

Capsul Studio merch.

14. Wear A Condom

52. Benja

Tee-Shirts campaign by Jems.

Get to know the Toronto artist Benja, and learn about his journey as a musician.

18. Pella Wool

56. Me + Art Market

Beautiful knitwear by Kelly Schaefer and Petra Calder.

This local market is a space to celebrate artists, connect with others, and support community initiatives.

22. Boketto

58. Spicy Princess

Boketto Consignment Editorial.

Designs by talented local designer.

28. Soroush Mansoori

59. Serena Halani

Meet Soroush Mansoori, the founder of the beloved Toronto consignment business, Boketto.

Marketing Assets by Serena Halani for Mood Unknwn.

32. By.AngKiriakos

60. Ranaa Akram

Specializing in knitwear, this Toronto designer’s creations are playful and refreshing.

Illustrations by Ranaa Akram.

34. Robert Burns Photo editorial by Robert Burns.

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NATHAN LAU

@nathanlau_

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JEMS LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, BABY! By: Mila Radojevic A discussion about safe sex and sex culture with Jems founders, Yasemin Emory and Whitey Geller.

awkwardly picking up a grim-looking 3-pack of Durex at the gas station as a sneaky-add on to the snack haul.

Sex is all around us, but why is no one talking about it?

Jems is a Toronto-based safer sex company that is changing the stigma surrounding the topic of sex, and creating a safe space to explore and discuss the topic. Jems founders Yasemin Emory and Whitney Geller join us in a discussion about safer sex, sex culture, sex talk, and all the taboos and misconceptions that come along with these topics, as well as sharing the story behind Jems.

Aside from the packaging, the technology and design of Jems products is superior, well-conceptualized, and sustainable from start to finish. The condoms are a stripped back product, created with only essential ingredients, without unnecessary additives. Geller describes Jems condoms as “a condom that truly is what you need and nothing more.” Not to mention, the condoms are packaged in a metal case to ensure sustainability and durability.

Jems is a safer sex company based out of Toronto, Ontario, whose mission is to change the perception of condoms and how they are accessed.

Jems aims to change people’s relationship with condoms.

There is a lack of accessible sources to turn to for information on safe sex. The minimal sex education that is available is outdated and has a taboo association. Why is this the case? According to Emory and Geller, this epidemic is a cultural issue. The topic has to open up on a wide modern societal level. Geller notes, “how you’re talking about [sex] is important, as well as where it is accessible… There needs to be more contributors to the conversation.” Opening up the topic and product to accessible public retail platforms such as Indigo and Sephora helps to destigmatize the category by presenting condoms on the same level as other normalized products. Buying condoms and talking about sex is just as normal as buying facial cleanser – and it needs to be seen as such in modern society.

Yasemin Emory and Whitney Geller were inspired to create Jems when they realized how outdated condom packaging is. It comes as no surprise that condom use is declining when the packaging and perception around condoms certainly does not do the product justice. In 2021, Emory and Geller created Jems with the mission of making condoms approachable.

By creating appealing packaging and revealing that condoms are not so scary after all, Jems aims to destigmatize sexual protection so that it is viewed as something approachable instead of an intimidating taboo. Long gone are the days of

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Jems regularly faces shadow-banning and struggles with censorship, making it difficult to disseminate their message and products. Jems is confronted with the difficulty of trying to make safer sex accessible in a society where the accessibility of the topic is inherently compromised. Jems bravely faces this issue by reaching their target audience through a variety of platforms and retailers including social media, public events, panels, and popular retailers such as Sephora, Indigo, and Whole Foods.

To combat the misunderstandings around safe sex, Jems includes education and information in their brand. The company creates a safe space and sense of community by normalizing the topic and leading community-driven safe sex initiatives. They host various panels and discussions to disseminate information and provide access to sex-related topics.

As a safer sex company, Jems understands that safe sex constitutes more than just condoms. There are multiple components of safer sex such as physical, emotional, and spiritual elements. They emphasize boundaries, consent, and communication to ensure healthy sexual relationships.

Emory notes that “the goal of sex is to be shame free.” Jems integrates the belief that sex is meant to be playful, fun, and experimental, not incite feelings of guilt. The company emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable and safe, both physically and emotionally.

the problems that we see with that. We’re trying to destigmatize and normalize condom usage and make safer sex something that young people are talking about again and feel good about.

Iris: “What is the Jems mission?”

Geller: “Jems is a safer sex company that is trying to change the perception of condoms and how they’re accessed and support with expansive sex education.”

Iris: “What is your take on the stigma around sex talk, safe sex, genitals, STI’s, and all sex-related subjects?”

Emerson: “It’s a cultural thing. It’s been a taboo subject, and it’s been associated with things that are dark and shameful and as something you shouldn’t do…There’s a lot of cultural forces at play. We’re still super censored and shadowbanned…

There are real forces saying this is a “bad thing”…Sex education in school is a joke – it doesn’t even factor in the internet, or sexting, or other things that have become factors. There’s these underlying forces and there hasn’t been a big enough wave to change the discourse but I do think the way things are going with young people now, [and] with the sexual wellness movement, It’s slowly creeping into the mainstream discourse.

After all, sex is more than just penetration. Whitney muses, “if your sex is bad, you should think about why it’s bad. Is it bad because you’re wearing a condom or because of other physical and emotional reasons?”

To dig deeper into this topic and gain a better insight into the Jems mission, we asked Emory and Geller to join us in a discussion about safer sex and sexual wellness. // Iris: “Why did you start Jems?”

Geller: “Yasemin and I were in the condom aisle between pregnancies, and we were shocked. It looked like the 1950’s. We didn’t feel like it was speaking to us, but we realized there is a bigger demographic that [condom branding] isn’t speaking to, and it has real health implications. STI’s are at the highest level they’ve ever been. It’s predominantly between the ages of 15 to 25, and especially within marginalized communities. We understood that a huge part of that has to do with the design and the communication [of condoms] and what they’re saying in their communication. So, we’ve gone on a mission to address

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“

There's this idea that "sex with a condom isn't as good" but that depends – is it not as good because of the physical experience, or is it not as good because of the emotional experience?

”

We came to this from a personal place where we don’t feel represented in this space, but when we step back, we realize that beyond us and our demographic there’s a much broader demographic that doesn’t feel represented in terms of gender expression, sexual expression... There are so many people who are not seen in this category. It really became our mission to think beyond us, and that it’s important to get a multiplicity of perspectives. We’re constantly trying to get as much representation as we can.”

sional notion. A condom is one element of safer sex, but there are a whole host of other physical, emotional, and spiritual components that contribute to safer sex…Giving consent, re-giving consent, and being able to withdraw consent is something that is really important for safer sex.

Safer sex is a physical and emotional thing and there’s lots that goes into it. That’s something we try to tackle in our education platform because we think of condoms as one part of many in order to feel safer while having sex.”

Iris: “What are some ways to open up the conversation about sex?”

Iris: “What are some ways to make your partner feel safe or that your partner can make you feel safe in a sexual environment?”

Emerson: “It all comes back to how you’re talking about it and exposure. The more conversations that are happening and the more you’re seeing it. For instance, Sephora adding to the sexual wellness category exposes people to these products and that is part of the destigmatization and normalization process. More contributors to the conversation collectively changes the way people feel when they’re talking about sex.”

Emerson: “There’s a lot of emphasis on verbal consent but non-verbal consent is something where [there are] bodily signals that you and your partner can give each other to encourage or dissuade. Becoming comfortable communicating in whatever form makes most sense for you is such an important part of safer sex, in advance of, but also during sex.”

Iris: “What constitutes the idea of safe sex, because it is more than just the physical barrier?”

Iris: What do you think is a good way to approach the use of physical protection specifically?

Emerson: “We actually say safer sex, because there is no guarantee to having safe sex because it’s such a dimen-

Emerson: “We talk a lot about boundaries and how to establish them and knowing your personal boundaries

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before you walk into any situation. It’s one thing to have those boundaries, but it’s another to implement them in the moment. I understand when those boundaries become blurry, and I never want anyone to feel bad that they haven’t maintained their boundaries. It’s about understanding that boundaries are a process. The learning of what those are, and how to implement them is a learning process. There may be some uncomfortable moments along the way but if you keep being as true to yourself as you can, you’ll find yourself in more and more comfortable situations to uphold them. We truly want sex to be shame free.”

Iris: “In modern society, it’s often the women’s responsibility to be in charge of birth control methods in a sexual relationship.

Why do you think that’s such a pressure and expectation of women?”

Geller: “In the 80s and 90s AIDS was such a scary epidemic that condoms were really promoted and people were using them out of a place of fear. [Protection has shifted from protecting ourselves from STI’s and HIV, to protecting ourselves from pregnancy.] For whatever reason, the honus has been on female bodies to prevent pregnancy. There’s a whole host of reasons to use a condom outside of getting pregnant. There’s this idea that “sex with a condom isn’t as good” but that depends – is it not as good because of the physical experience, or is it not as good because of the emotional experience?”

Emerson: “Sex is so much more than just penetration. There are so many ways to have sex without penetration, and there are so many things that play into it. Bringing that into the conversation is very important as well.

We’re just excited about even the fact that you’re coming to us to have this conversation feels really exciting to us. This is part of what’s going to help destigmatize sex – it’s weaving it into the every day. We’re so happy to be having this conversation in whatever capacity it’s happening in and if we can contribute in any way, we’re so thrilled.” // Growing up, I hated the misconceptions and taboos that were attached to the topic of sex. Birth control, pleasure, sexual exploration, etc., have always felt like forbidden topics even though we live amongst every day. To all the people who felt like talking about their own body was a taboo discussion, this is for you! I want everyone to be able to talk about sex and vaginas and condoms, and not feel as though they are breaching a social faux-pas. Companies like Jems are opening up the discussion and shifting the ways condoms and safe sex are viewed. It is Jems’ mission to slowly dismantle taboos and misconceptions surrounding sex and create a sense of comfort and openness around the subject.

“

The goal of

sex

is to be

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shame free

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“USE A

@jemsforall Page 14

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CONDOM”

Photography: Mila Radojevic Editing: Ang Kiriakos Merchandise courtesy of Jems

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SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX SAFER SAFER SEX SEX Page 17

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P LL E A

@pellawool Page 18

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O O W L

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Photography: Kyle Berger

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Photography: Sarah Elise Bauman Page 21

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Photography: Deion Squires Model: Tenzen Norbu Page 24

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Instagram / @Shop_Boketto

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By: Mila Radojevic

BO KE TT O

A curated personal shopping experience Fashion is an integral thread in the multi-faceted web of Toronto’s creative culture. The Toronto fashion scene is continually growing and proving to be more relevant, diverse, and full of promise. Some may argue that Toronto is not a fashionable city, but fashion and clothing have come to define certain communities and neighborhoods and reveals itself as an integral aspect of how many Toronto natives express their identity. From Kensington market, to Queen Street, to Yorkville - Toronto’s fashion scene is engrained in the city’s very architecture. The ever-growing stylistic talent exhibited in the various vintage stores, local designers, and up-andcoming fashion businesses, prove that Toronto fashion is steadily evolving.

One of the businesses contributing to this conversation is Boketto. Boketto is a contemporary luxury consignment shopping experience based in Toronto, Ontario. This unique contemporary clothing store focuses on pre-loved items, carrying a wide range of pieces and designers. The shop operates on an appointment-only private shopping basis which makes the luxury, exclusive experience of private shopping accessible and attainable. Boketto provides customers with access to affordable designer goods and a well-curated selection of clothing and accessories.

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Soroush Mansoori runs Boketto with the mission of “helping the city of Toronto scale the fashion scene” and giving used clothing a new life. Boketto is impacting Toronto’s fashion scene by providing people with an understanding of fashion and access to affordable designer goods. Soroush is dedicated to supporting the creative community through his business by giving local artists an opportunity to source and access affordable pieces.

Although the business is young, only officially existing since November 2020, it is growing rapidly and continuing to impress its audience through its commitment to quality, care, and variety. Boketto inspires admiration for its consistently refined and curated aesthetic, which creates undeniable visual appeal and turns Boketto into a full-fledged brand that is more than just a clothing shop.

Soroush’s interest in the world of fashion was ignited from a young age when he discovered ‘Fashion TV’ in Iran, and spent his childhood days entranced by endless streams of runway shows. His parents dressed him well growing up, and he has spent his life surrounded by people who care about personal style and are invested in fashion. Eventually, Soroush studied fashion at George Brown University, and progressed to pursue an entrepreneurial route in the fashion world. He has been working in the industry ever since.

Being a small business owner is no small feat. In an age where we regularly see our favorite businesses closing down in favor of an ever-growing onslaught of condominium buildings, maintaining success as a small business is not easy.

Soroush joins us to discuss his experience as a small business owner in Toronto. // Iris: “So who is Soroush Mansoori, owner of Boketto?

“Hi, I’m Soroush. I’m the owner of Boketto. I moved [to Canada] 10 years ago when I was 19. I went to school at George brown college - I’m a fashion drop out. I’ve just been working in the industry ever since.”

Iris: “How did you start Boketto?”

“Ever since I moved [to Toronto] I tried a lot of different things, but my main interest was always fashion. After dropping out, I had no choice but to find a full time job. I was working part time at The Bay, but it wasn’t doing it for me. I came across a sneaker shop, and they hired me. I started as a sales associate, then the owner sold the store to a businessman from The States, and he always had my back. He taught me a lot. He promoted me every year, so I learned all different aspects of business from him. It helped me with Boketto – understanding what people want and need and being able to source it, and advertise it, and present the brand in a certain way.”

Iris: “What is Boketto?”

“Boketto is a clothing shop mainly focused on previously loved items. We have accessories, and clothing for men and women. The word ‘Boketto’ itself means zoning out in Japanese.

Staring at something without thinking of it. A lot of people have been telling me that Boketto has created a community in the city. The main goal and purpose of Boketto is upscaling used clothing and putting used clothing back into wardrobes.

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Boketto is a combination of different things.

People love the curation. There are other peo-

Iris

ple doing what Boketto does, but people like the way we present the brand. We carry all different designers. People assume we mainly have Japanese influence, because the name is Japanese, but we take inspiration from a lot of different cultures. The showroom has a New York/Berlin vibe to it… and the aesthetic on our Instagram has a very brutalist Eastern European vibe. [Boketto incorporates] different kinds of beauty from each part of the world.

My close friends have been supportive since day 1. I renovated the showroom with 2 friends. My parents, my [previous] boss. this is not just me. It’s a bunch of people who are behind this. I’m just proud to be the owner of it.

Iris: “Why did you start Boketto?”

“I sold my own clothing on Grailed as a side hobby. I did this by taking nice pictures, adding a detailed description, and it was fun. It was more of a side hobby, then I created an Instagram for it, I gave it a name, but it was on a much smaller scale. The pandemic was a big turning point for Boketto. I wasn’t working, I was at home all the time, so I thought maybe it’s time for me to focus on Boketto. I started looking for a location, I borrowed $5000 from my boss, and I was like ‘let’s do this.’ It’s been growing since then since November 2020.”

Iris: “What is Boketto’s mission?”

“My main mission is to help the city of Toronto scale the fashion scene. people compare Toronto to major fashion cities, and I want to have some sort of small impact on the city for people to have a bit of understanding of fashion, and access to affordable designer goods. I always want to give local artists an opportunity to have access to affordable clothing for creatives.”

Iris: “What is your vision for Boketto?”

“Our goal is to have a location in Montreal and a location in New York, within the next 5 years. But we are also working on other local projects and [we will be collaborating] with local artists and designers. We are trying to expand into the entertainment industry, and I feel that fashion and entertainment go hand in hand.”

dressing your kids up. In high school, all my friends were into being fashionable. A lot of people in Iran try to dress well. That helped me to always be interested in fashion.

When I moved to Toronto, a lot of my friends were into contemporary fashion and they used to show me all these runways and pieces by Raf Simmons, and I never thought I could be interested in stuff like that. Also, the hip-hop industry had a big influence on fashion [at the time]. Travelling for work helped me a lot too.”

Iris: “Who is Boketto for?”

“Boketto is for everyone. I try to have something for everyone. We have basic pieces, and very strange pieces.”

Iris: “What is unique about Boketto?”

“We wanted to make it a more exclusive experience. The whole idea of by-appointment-only made it cooler for a lot of people to come have a private shopping experience which is usually available to celebrities. Also, I’m always there so people can talk to me and ask me questions. I’m the one answering the DMs, and I try to put a lot of effort into being responsive.”

Iris: “Do you have any final notes about your experience as Toronto business owner?”

“I want to give credit to local, up and coming artists, especially the new generation – they’re oncoming and I want to give them credit for what they’re doing and how they’re contributing to the fashion scene.”

Business owners like Soroush are bravely facing the struggles of operating a small business during the current difficult economic and political climate. Boketto is one of the Toronto businesses that is diversifying the field of fashion in the city and creating an impactful change in how Toronto consumes and accesses fashion.

Iris: “What’s it like being a small business owner in Toronto?”

“It’s not easy to be a business owner in Toronto. Its stressful. The cost is really high. If you want to expand, it can cost you a lot. The good thing about being a business owner in Toronto is the population of people. If you are able to have reach, it’s a positive thing.”

Iris: “What drew you to fashion specifically?”

“My earliest memory of fashion is back home in Iran.

We had satellite TV, and satellite had all these European channels. My go-to channel was Fashion TV. I would watch all the JPG shows. I always grew up dressing well. My parents dressed me well, with the whole European aspect of

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Issey Miyake 2 in 1 Blazer/ Bomber Jacket

Miu Miu Cashmere Striped Sweater

Issey Miyake Early 2000s Nylon Trench Coat

BOKETTO ARCHIVE ICONIC PIECES Maison Margiela Vitamin Print Tabi Boots

Tsumori Chishoto Lace Blouson Yohji Yamamoto Twisted Waist Denim

Prada Multicolor Shoulder Bag

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BY.ANGKIRIAKOS

@by.angkiriakos

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By.AngKiriakos was founded in 2022 by Ang Kiriakos, a previous zoology student and present fashion designer. As Ang studied environmental issues, it was their priority to create garments that ensure sustainability. From ethically sourced mohair for their mohair ties, to fabrics from small fabric shops for their sewn garments, by.AngKiriakos allows for sustainability and design.

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Images courtesy of By.AngKiriakos Words by: Ang Kiriakos

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@_robbieburns

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Photography: Robbie Burns Creative Direction: Mila Radojevic & Robbie Burns Styling: Mila Radojevic Lighting: Marco Moro & Robbie Burns

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HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA HALLE HIROTA Page 40

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A A A A A A A A

@hallehirota

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Pohotography: Halle Hirota

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Daniella Williams

Toronto-based fine artist By: Mila Radojevic Perception is inescapable in our everyday interactions. We are constantly monitoring how we are being perceived by the world, as well as forming our perceptions of others. In these paradigms and through our daily voyeuristic interactions, we discover many themes relating to ourselves and our position to the world around us. Daniella Williams explores the concept of seeing and being seen through her art. Through this lens, Williams also sheds light on the idea of commodification and being consumed as a commodity, particularly for women. Especially in the age of Instagram, where we are constantly assessing how we are being perceived and participating in the act of perceiving others, Williams’ work communicates a relevant shared cultural experience.

Williams is a figurative fine artist practicing in Toronto, Ontario. Her primary medium is oil paint, with the integration of photoshop and graphic design during the conception process. Her work is based around the concept of voyeurism and being perceived. Williams’ paintings explore the delicate dynamic of seeing – and the discomfort that can accompany it. The paintings explore the position of both the subjects as those being observed, as well as the viewer in the position of the observer. Each depiction of her subjects conveys a sense of intimacy and an intriguing story. Williams translates familiarity and a notion of knowing and understanding the story that is being told between the brush strokes.

As a woman of colour in the arts, Williams maintains a strong voice and explores her experience of the world through her inherent lens of being a Black woman. Williams’ work elevates Black voices and creates a space for topics to be explored and amplified through this perspective. Williams possesses a strong voice as an artist, and paves a new path for young, women of colour creatives in the Toronto art scene.

With respect to the fact that Daniella’s work is centered around voyeurism and being perceived, I found it fitting to invite the artist to allow us to perceive her, through an interview centered around Williams’ journey as an artist. //

“Hi, I’m Daniella. I’m a figurative oil painter currently working and living in Toronto. My work focuses on themes of voyeurism, intimacy, and capturing raw, mundane moments from people that I come across in my life and in my everyday circumstances.”

Iris: “Tell me about your practice.”

“My practice is exploring the act of looking and what it means to be an observer. I really try to create pieces that require the observer to ask questions about the person they’re seeing depicted and in turn create a new understanding about themselves.

Photography is a really big element of my practice, because I work from reference. I take an image, I run it through photoshop, and I work through collaging different images and people into scenes to create really vibrant, dynamic different scenes.”

Iris: “Would you say then that even though your work is based on realism, it partially involves your imagination and your interpretation of the world?”

“I have a really strong idea of what kind of painting I want to make going into the piece and sometimes it depends on the people in it. I might look for images of other people that I’ve taken, and insert them into a photo I’ve already taken, to create the feel that I’m looking for.”

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Iris: “How did you first get into the arts/how did you start?”

work?”

“I actually started out wanting to design fashion. Growing up, I would draw dresses and shirts and beautiful outfits and then I started drawing the actual people into the clothes that I was designing. Very quickly on I realized that it was actually the artistic aspect of it and the drawing aspect of it that I was drawn to, rather than the fashion.

That was the thing that introduced me into drawing. I went to Guelph University for fine arts, and then coming out of school, I went right into working as an artist full time.

“I want people to have an emotional reaction to my paintings. I think that I have so many artists that I look up to, that I see their work and it conveys so much to me and its painted and handled in such an intelligent, skillful way, and I want people to feel that way when they see my work.

I want to be able to impact a crowd, especially a female audience, and elicit those feelings of a shared experience.”

Being an artist and painting has always been so important because it’s been a really cathartic means for me to express my own experience of life and my own interpretation of the world. That’s what’s always driven me to continue.

I’ve always felt this innate drive to paint and draw, it’s just always been there. I’ve always felt like painting chose me.

I never felt like there was another option for me as a career path. It’s the only thing I’ve felt naturally really driven to do, and I think it’s important when you have that feeling to honor it.”

Iris: “What made you gravitate towards painting as your primary medium?”

“Painting has always felt like a really classical form of art.

It’s always felt to me like the most respected form of an artwork, and it’s rooted in a lot of theology and politics.

Paintings used to be made to represent biblical scenes and to illustrate political status and wealth. It really represents this respected artform and I was really drawn to that because I’ve always taken myself seriously as an artist. I like the way paint moves around. I like mixing colors. I think there’s a lot more fluidity and freedom to it.

I believe that what makes a great painting is not the detail that is included, but sometimes the things that are not included and the space that you leave for the viewer to make interpretations and use their eyes to fill in the story.”

Iris: “Who are some of your favorite artists/artists you look up to?”

“Jenna Gribbon and Eric Fichl. They both have an intelligence to the way that they paint where they can just put a mark down and it says so much about the gesture of somebody’s body or the way they’re tilting their head. I find them both to be very intelligent painters. There’s barely any information in the paint but you understand exactly what’s happening” Iris: “What inspires you as an artist?”

“I’m inspired by pop culture, my own intimate experiences, art history (specifically impressionism), and I feel really inspired by the human body as well.”

Iris: “What are some of your favorite shows you’ve done recently?”

“I had my first solo show, Domesticity, last summer which was a huge honor. It was the first time I was able to present a cohesive body of work to a group of people. There was a clear narrative and story behind the paintings. That was a good moment for me where I felt like I established myself in a strong way in the art world. Another notable show that I did recently was at Twist Gallery. I enjoyed that it’s a well-known gallery in the heart of Toronto, really close to where I live, so it really felt like I was contributing to my

Iris: “How did you decide to pursue this as a career path?”

“I went into university knowing that [art] was the thing I loved and the thing I wanted to study. Throughout my university career and being exposed to working artists and the gallery setting, the dots connected that this was a career path that I could make happen if I loved it enough and if I worked hard enough at it. That’s what’s pushed me forward as an artist - it’s the one thing I’m passionate about and that I love and there’s this challenge to make it, and really see my dreams actualized.”

Iris: “What is the motivation behind your

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community and situating myself as an artist of this neighborhood.”

Iris: “What is your favorite thing about being an artist?”

“I love that I’m doing the thing that I love to do. It makes me feel really empowered, and really happy, and like I have a lot of flow to my life and am able to put time into the thing that I love.”

Iris: “Are there any difficulties or challenges that you’ve experienced as an artist, specifically as a Black female artist?”

“Definitely. It’s hard relying on your work for a living because money can be such a contentious topic, and when it’s tied up to something as free flowing as art, they clash.

The hardest part for me is trying to find an in-between for those two, of this is a thing that I love and the inspiration has to come to me naturally, but also it’s my livelihood and how can I turn it into a business as well and be taken seriously as a Black female entrepreneur.

Iris: “Discuss your experience as a woman of colour artist.”

“It’s a challenging thing to navigate. I’m mixed race – I’m half black and I’m half white, and for me, my paintings have never necessarily been about my race or my experience with my race, but it’s a lens. My paintings have never specifically been about my experience as a Black woman, but you can’t take away that lens, it’s just there no matter what. I am Black, and these are my experiences of the world. So, I think that has always been interesting to navigate because I’ve had some negative feedback over the fact that my paintings are not only of Black people, but are also of white people, people of European descent, Asian descent, anybody who I come across. I don’t like to feel like I have to be put in a box that I have to create a certain type of painting because of my race. I think that because of the fact of my race, I should be able to paint whatever I feel inspired to, and that should be enough of a lens to work through. I think that’s a way that people of colour can revolutionize art - to feel like they have a right to tell any type of story not just one story of oppression.

For me it’s always been, not necessarily the cultural political moment, but my internal moment.”

Iris: “What do you hope to achieve through your art?”

“I wish that I had a mentor that wasn’t my professors. I feel like professors mainly touch the surface on your assignments, but you don’t always feel prepared going into the art world and how to make money and how to have multiple income streams. It would’ve been helpful to have a fellow artist who had gone through the motions of it to help guide me to where I am now, because I’m still figuring it out.”

Iris: “Discuss the art scene in Toronto.”

“The art scene in Toronto is good, but it’s a bit limiting. I personally haven’t found the crowd that I’m looking for yet. I think there’s more of a push towards graphic, pop culture paintings right now and abstraction. Some people say figure painting is a dying art, but you have to find your crowd for it, so I think for me there is not as big of a scene.

But in general, the creative scene is really great in Toronto.

There’s a lot of creatives of all different kinds of platforms and art forms. With that being said, it’s really great because I feel that I’ve had a lot of opportunities to collaborate with a lot of people.”

Iris: “Does all art have meaning?”

“I do think so. I believe that anybody can be an artist, you just have to have an idea and something that you’re pretty much obsessed with. I think a lot of art can be bullshit, but I don’t think any art form is excluded from being considered art if it’s something you’re obsessed with and passionate about and you can back it up.” // Williams is a young painter impacting the Toronto art scene by occupying a traditional medium through a modern, culturally transcendent, and unfiltered lens. Williams’ approach to figure painting gives us an insight into our own habits and tendencies. Her work captures the raw and ordinary glory of everyday life in an inspiring and exciting way. Daniella’s paintings give her audience the impression that they are familiar with the subjects. Who are the people in these paintings?

What are they thinking? Where do I see them in my everyday life? These are all questions that Williams’ work inspires. Her paintings leave the audience begging to know more, and we are excited to see what Williams gets up to next.

“Just to share my work. I want it to be out there in the world. I want people to want to have it in their homes and look at it every day.”

I want to get my Master’s in Fine Art then eventually go on to teach at the university level. But, first and foremost, I want to always be creating art, and be a practicing artist and make a living through my paintings.”

Iris: “What do you wish you knew in your journey as an artist?”

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Website / daniellawilliamsart.com Instagram / @daniellawilliamsart Page 47

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Daniella Williams Cornflakes Provide Me With Energy Before Work, Oil on canvas, 30x40in, 2022

Daniella Williams The Sitter, Oil on canvas, 36x24in, 2022

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Daniella Williams After All Is Said and Done, Oil on canvas, 36x24in, 2022

Daniella Williams Scrolling, Oil on canvas, 36x24 in, 2022

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CAPSUL

@capsul.studio

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Creative Direction: Elliott Muscat, Ranaa Akram, Moses Petros T-Shirt Design + Hand Pressing: Elliott Muscat, Ranaa Akram Label Design: Nick Collini Photography: Stephen Verschuren Photo Assist: OC Mov Talent: Gat Kong Producer: Katie McDonald Executive Producer: Stephen Trivieri Head of Production: Scotty McCuaig Head of Design: Eva Kozlova Other Contributors: Naked Beauty Bar, Ontario Camera, Studio B, Color Lab, Kodak Film

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BENJA

Meet the up-and-coming Toronto Indie artist.

By: Mila Radojevic

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Benja is an up-and-coming Indie singer, songwriter, and musician based in Toronto, Ontario. His ambient, mellow music style inspires a sense of positivity, relaxation, and a reflective awareness of the mysterious forces which thread the complexity of our everyday lives. With his impressive musical background, well-rounded style, and creative self-expression, Benja is one of the young artists leaving an impressionable impact on the Toronto music scene. His repertoire is focused on cover music and accompanying bands and artists, such as Jonah Yano and Just John.

Growing up in a musical family, music has always been an integral part of Benja’s life. His father is a drummer from Ghana, and introduced Benja to soul, jazz, R&B, gospel, and a variety of Black American music, which has left an imprint on his musical style and inspiration. Benja entered the sphere of music at 12, when he fell in love with The Beatles and took up the ukulele. This inspired the increasing momentum of his musical career path, where he progressed from playing in an indie band with his friends throughout high school to studying Jazz in his post-secondary studies, and eventually launching his solo career in 2022 with the release of his first single, “Gone.”

Notably, Benja spent the summer of 2022 accompanying Jonah Yano on a Europe tour, opening for Clairo. He has recently released his first two singles, “Gone,” and “Slacker.”

Through the union of his dynamic style, background in musical history, and personal passion for the craft, Benja creates thematically relevant music that brings pride and inspiration to Toronto’s creative community.

I know I’m not the only one who wants to know more about the young artist, so I asked Benja to join us in an interview to give insight into his journey as a musician. // Iris: “What is your background as a musician? How did you get started in music?”

Benja: “I grew up in a music family and started playing music when I was 12. I fell in love with The Beatles, and I started playing ukulele, and after that I just never looked back.”

Iris: “Tell me about your practice. What genre of music and instruments do you play?”

Benja: “I have a really strong background in jazz. I really fell in love with that in grade 10 and took it really seriously, so mainly jazz guitar, and I also play bass and keys. That led me to soul, R&B, blues. gospel, and all Black American music, which is the root of any music people listen to today. I play guitar, I play bass, and I play for a lot of different artists in a variety of genres from jazz to hip hop to punk to pop to anything – I love it all. My own music is indie. I also produce, songwrite, and sing. Guitar and songwriting are my main thing.”

Iris: “Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?”

Benja: “I didn’t know at all. I was almost against it. I remember saying to my mom one time when I was little and I loved basketball, ‘What’s the point of making music, you can’t win anything?’ That definitely changed when I grew up. I didn’t know at all until I was like 12, and then I knew for sure.”

Iris: “What changed?”

Benja: “I’m not totally sure. There’s a lot of layers to it, and some chance to it. Even something as little as playing The Beatles Rock Band, and it made me feel like I was making music.”

Iris: “Did you feel pressure to pursue a musical career, growing up in a musical family?”

Benja: “My parents have always been very supportive. I was just always around [music], but they never pushed me towards it, but when I started doing it they were very supportive.”

Iris: “What are some topics and themes that you explore through your music?”

Benja: “A lot of people can feel like we have so many options, and there’s so much information around us, but there’s a pervading emptiness or disconnect that we have… All of the over-stimulation creates a lot of anxiety and pressure and kind of makes peoples go a little bit numb. That’s a big thing I explore a lot… acknowledging that emptiness and trying to find beauty in the little things in life. I do that by exploring relationships, and love, and my relationship with my family. Also sometimes, I try to write about nothing too serious, and just find the joy in that. [I explore] growing up too - becoming yourself and coming of age.”

Iris: “How does your culture come through in your music?”

Benja: “Musically, my dad being from Ghana, and him

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playing a lot of music called “high life music” and lots of amazing Black music around the house when I was younger [impacted me]. I grew up listening to Erykah Badu, Miles Davis, Bob Marley, and a really good range of Black music. Also being around African drums my whole life and just dancing… I feel like it’s really in my bones and informs everything I do and how I want to make people feel. To feel it in your body, like a celebration. I want to make people feel warm.”

Iris: “How did you get started in music as a career path?”

Benja: “As soon as I could barely play, my dad would make me go to jam sessions, playing with older people and professionals to get used to it. I started an indie band with my friends in grade 7 and we ended up doing it throughout high school. We played at the Opera House, Rico Coliseum, and lots of different places, and put out music. My dad also hooked me up with a couple of gigs with some African artists once I was good enough. When I started playing jazz is when I started doing it all the time.”

Iris: “When did you go solo?”

Benja: “I didn’t go solo until [last] year, actually. [The band] all went off to university and were doing our own things.

I went to school for jazz guitar – I went to Humber. I was really in love with jazz, so I started only playing jazz, and then I didn’t start going solo until this year.”

Iris: “How does it feel doing something you love as a career?”

Benja: “It’s pretty awesome. I can’t believe this is what I get to do. It feels like you get to be a kid forever. We’re just making shit, and seeing what happens.”

Iris: “What are some of your biggest inspirations?”

Benja: “Billie Holiday is one of my biggest inspirations. No one matches her depth of soul. Everything she’s saying sounds so profound, no matter what it is. I aim for my expression to be that deep. Also in the jazz category - Charlie Parker. He’s also very deeply profound and expressive, and technically, he changed the whole language of jazz music. Steve Lacy is probably my biggest inspirations, and a person I resonate with. Also, Craig Green has influenced [my style], how I feel about music and creativity in general.”

Iris: “Describe how you feel about music.”

Benja: “When I’m playing on stage is when I feel the most like myself. There’s this warm light inside of me that lights up.”

Iris: “Tell me about your creative process when making music.”

Benja: “It’s changed over time. I used to sit down and be like ‘I need to make something,’ but now I just get a feeling

in me. I always build the instrumental first, and then start writing lyrics on top of that after. I just know when I have something to make, and I sit down, and usually it just makes itself.”

Iris: “What do you hope to achieve in your career and what do you see for yourself?”

Benja: “I would love to be able to be touring all the time, playing big venues, and selling enough music that I can tour a lot and play for people all the time. [I just want] to be making things that are meaningful to me and making art with people that I love.”

Iris: “Elaborate on some of the notable things you’ve done recently as a musician.”

Benja: “I was playing guitar for Jonah Yano’s band opening for Clairo in Europe [last summer]. That was a life changing experience. It made me really sure that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I put out my first song for myself, which was exciting and a little scary.”

Iris: “Have you experienced hardships in your career?”

Benja: “For sure. There’s self-doubt every day about whether you’re good enough, or whether it’s delusional to think that you can make anything that people care about.

Especially at early stages, financially there’s a lot of instability. It’s part of the adventure but it can be stressful.”

Iris: “What do you wish you knew in your journey as a musician?”

Benja: “To keep going and trust that [I’ll] find what [I] need to find. I’ve changed the fundamental way that I’ve thought about art, and how I make music, and myself many times but I had to go through every process to learn certain things and get where I am. Trust that you’re going where you want to go, and as long as you head in the direction, you’ll be good. Just keep moving.”

Iris: What’s your favourite place you’ve performed?

Benja: “The most fun show I’ve ever played was the O2 Academy in London. It was the last show of the [Clairo] tour, and the biggest audience - so the energy was unmatched. Also, my release show. Usually I get nervous when I have to sing, but I didn’t get nervous at all. There was so much support and love in the room, it just felt natural.”

Iris: Discuss the Toronto music scene a little bit.

Benja: “There’s a lot of different scenes within it. I’m still learning a lot about it. There’s a lot of amazing artists that come out of here. There’s a lot of different micro scenes, and some of them aren’t connected at all, but there’s so much cool stuff going on. It’s a diverse city, and a diverse scene. People talk a lot of shit about it and say it’s too

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divided and too selfish and everyone leaves to go to the states, which is true, and understandable, but there’s a lot of good stuff going on and so many sick people, and it’s just exciting to try and work with awesome people and collaborate and support each other.” // Benja’s journey, and all of the intricacies that have informed his purpose as a musician, have ishaped the delicate, elaborate, and full-bodied sound that Benja embodies. The Toronto music scene continues to unveil ripe talent and inspiring artists who are shifting the language of creative sound that interweaves itself in the facets of the city.

Spotify / Benja Instagram / @benjabenja___

Photography: Stephen Verschuren

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“Me + Art market, founded in 2023 is a market for artists of all mediums to share a space during the afternoon following with live performances at night. This market is free to the public from 5-9PM for individuals to support small Toronto businesses and has a cover charge after 9PM to support live singers. The goal for this market was to allow artists of all mediums and backgrounds to come together to create a day filled with supporting artists in Toronto. For choosing our vendors, we gave priority to BIPOC and/or queer artists first then allowed for everyone else to participate as well to ensure opportunities for all.

Creating spaces such as this market is important in fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among young creatives.”

- Ang Kiriakos, founder of Me + Art

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@meplusart.market Words by: Ang Kiriakos

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Spicy Princess is a sustainable, handmade brand best known for their scrunch

bags. Taking pride in inclusivity and diversity, this Toronto based brand designs for versatility and functionality. The Brown Marble and Tan Tweak Mini as seen, is a bag that can be styled in four ways, meant to be reversed or scrunched to fit your every need and personal style. Made from 100% cotton and love.

@spicyprincess.ca

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MOOD UNKNWN Serena Halani @serenahalani / @moodunknwn

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Illustrations: Ranaa Akram / @ranaaakram Page 60

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THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

You Have Been Reading: Iris Magazine Curated, Directed, and Designed by Mila Radojevic.

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