Miles Collyer

Message to Japan

Like the thought of ripe, delicious tomatoes at the end of summer in mind as I water my plants this morning, my contribution to this project is a small way of saying that Japan and the glorious times ahead of it are in my thoughts today.

Artist information

Miles Collyer (born, 1983 in Toronto) is a visual artist whose practice is motivated by photo-based sources and issues relating to cultural identity. He studied at the Ontario College of Art & Design where he was the recipient of several academic scholarships and awards before graduating with a BFA in photography in 2006. After completing his undergraduate studies Collyer has gone on to receive further grants and awards for his work, most notably a Gold medal in 2008 from the Canadian National Magazine Awards in the category of Best Art Direction for a Single Magazine Article. His work has been published and exhibited across Canada, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, Germany and several curated exhibits online. In 2012 he was accepted into a program of Fine Art Graduate study at Toronto’s York University, leaving the artist-run centre Art Metropole and the position of Shop Manager, which he had held since 2005.

Official Website: Miles Collyer

Michael Toke

Message to Japan

All of our best love and support from Canada.
You are strongest and most beautiful in renewal and growth.
I wish all shining suns and moons to you beautiful Japan.

Artist information

Michael Toke is a Toronto based visual / installation artist, born Hamilton 1964. Attending Sheridan College and OCA in the 1980s, moved to NYC and worked as head assistant to J.S.G. Boggs a commerce based performance artist. Exhibiting internationally in art and film venues. His installations combine painting, photography, video and sculpture hung on a conceptual armature of documentary film practice. “I believe to approach hard strange and elusive ideas you must use peripheral vision and Newtonian half measures; random cultivation is the path to expression and enlightenment.”

Official Website: michael TOKE
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/michaeltoke
Official Website: www.youtube.com/profile?user=michaeltoke