Guest Lecture - Michelle Forsyth

Artist lecture's are such a gift. It is so awesome, especially as a student, to get to meet a working artist who is willing to give us an intimate view into their work life and the industry. After virtually meeting Michelle Forsyth, I felt so very fortunate to be a Sheridan student. Michelle is a one-in-a-million human being, who boldly wears exactly who she is with honesty, humour, and pride. She is an inspirational force, from her attitude to her art work. I left Michelle's lecture buzzing from her energy and feeling empowered by her wisdom.

To share a lil' background, Forsyth is a Canadian artist who also teaches at OCAD University. She works with a variety of processes and materials, some of which includes sewing, weaving, printing; the typical markings of a textile artist. The collection I am sharing below is a portion of the series Footnotes which are soft sculptures and curated scenes that Michelle created, prepared and then photographed. (So you can add photography to the list of artistry techniques she employs). The colours, the patterns, the form of the sculptures...I found it all so emotionally evoking and really connected to the sense of nostalgia. Make sure to check out her website (linked here) for the full series and all her other work.

Michelle is a vibe, a mood, a lewk. I could talk endlessly about what I got from listening to Michelle speak. Michelle had what seemed like endless momentum. She seemed to be always moving forward. Always finding ways to take at least small steps, always chipping away at another idea, another show, another proposal. I admired her productivity and how doing the work represented so much more than just a means to an end. The repetition was both mentally and physically healing for Michelle. She did a lot of thinking and planning while working. Michelle is her work, and her work is her. Michelle really made me think about how I tackle my labour and how I think about that part of my work. Small constant nibbles vs random giant meals that overwhelm the system.

Almost instantly Michelle exhibited an insane sense of self awareness and self appreciation. She shared such intimate parts of herself, and allowed us to ask such vulnerable questions, answering with eager detail to help prepare us for the world we are about to enter. This comfort in herself seemed to be such a super power. Mainly in how she approached her art. When she didn't fit into certain expectations, instead of being tripped up or bogged down, she simply redirected and kept going. She told us when confronted by the opinion that work should speak for itself, she would reply that she is more interested in what is hidden in the work, the artist's secrets and fears. I loved that confidence in being exactly what and who she is. If someone said that to me I would go home, throw out all my work and start again.

An interesting anecdote Michelle shared with us was when her work had been referred to or categorized as fine art and not craft, and how she responded to that. Michelle explained to us how that bothered her, and how she always tries to switch the descriptor to include craft. I really valued this point of view. The pride and loyalty she showed for an art form that the art world considers "sub par" was admirable. By using her work and her commitment to the term, she helps to elevate the notion of craft. I thought that was pretty bad ass and as a fellow craftsperson it helps me feel more pride and commitment as well.

I am so very happy to have been introduced to Michelle through my school. The more I learn about working artists in Toronto, the more I realize what sort of career, community, and art I can build and that really excites me.