"If there were window display awards, one would surely go to Type Books on Queen St. West, where window creations are marvelous little temples that honour the book on display."- Shawn Micallef (The Toronto Star, June 2012)
Since
2010 I've had the privilege of occasionally decorating the storefront window of
TYPE Books, an independent and beautifully curated bookstore in the city's west
end. Behind the glass - if you can get past the reflection of Trinity-Bellwoods
Park - lies an elaborate and entirely handmade world designed to lure you
inside, tempting you with a glimpse of the printed and bound beauties awaiting
you on the shelves. With a miniscule budget and a wealth of creativity, simple
materials transform this shop's storefront every month. Each sculptural display
- made from cardboard boxes, crudely sewn-together scraps of fabric,
discarded bubble wrap or the crinkled, newsprint packing paper that
protects each shipment of books - is an expression of the relentless and resourceful
spirit of the very community the bookstore serves - individuals who can inspire and be inspired by words on paper.
This
focus on simple, recycled materials is also central to the various event
decor and set design projects I've had the honour of creating and installing
over the past few years. Being involved with events like the Junction Flea and
City of Craft means spending a lot of time in dark buildings hanging up
decorations. The challenge of transforming a space for a few days, or even a
few hours, with limited time and supplies is exhilarating. Creating a new
little world and then tearing it all down after the show as if it never
happened is my way of providing a unique and magical experience for everyone
present.
2013
Freedom to Read Week (Feb/Mar 2013) |
Commissioned by Coach House Books, to celebrate the launch of Ed Keenan's Some Great Idea (Jan/Feb 2013) |
The Days Just Fly By (Jan 2013) |
2012
City of Craft (The Theatre Centre, Dec 2012) |
Christmas (Dec 2012) |
Bringing the Park Inside (Oct 2012) |
Kites! (Aug 2012) |
Celebrating the launch of Michael Cho's Back Alleys & Urban Landscapes (May 2012) |
April Showers (April 2012) |
City of Craft Spring (Trinity St.Paul's Church, April 2012) Photo by Serena McCarroll |
Box Town (Mar 2012) |