
Mekayla Dionne
Artist member since 2020
Toronto, Ontario
Mekayla Dionne is an emerging Métis artist who recently graduated from OCAD University. Based out of Toronto, Ontario, Mekayla produces abstract paintings in which she explores colour relationships, composition, and layering. Through many—sometimes dozens— of acrylic layers, she creates thick tactile patterns. The landscape of her paintings are often laden in ridges, denoting where each masked layer occurred. The smooth acrylic surface alongside the ridged edge of each layer work together to create a unique tactile experience as well as an intricate visual adventure.
Mekayla also creates digital paintings, using a similar layering technique, comparing how digital layers leave no trace but acrylic layers are often visually apparent. Mekayla has an interest in poetry and combining written work with visual art in what she calls "word collages", which is a developing project.
Alongside her art practice she also works as the Program Manager at a local non-profit, Art City in St. James Town, with a vision of an accessible arts education for all children. At Art City Mekayla has taught various painting, drawing, and mixed media classes to children aged 6-13 years. She takes great pride in bringing art into children's lives who might not otherwise have arts experiences.
Q+A
Why is it important for people to have art in their home or life?
Art is an experience that allows us to see other points of view and life experiences. Art allows us to be more understanding of the world around us.
Describe the person your work appeals to in 3 words
Adventurous, Patient, Joyful
Favourite medium
Acrylic is my all time favourite!
When did you start making art, and why?
I started making art when I was very very young, I always had a desire to make the images in my mind come to life. Over time, that has morphed from realism to abstraction.
When I'm not making art, I'm (a) ...
At work at a non-profit, that provides free art lessons to children, or cycling around the city of Toronto.
What do you listen to when you work?
Podcast about history, crime, or both!
Select Past Exhibitions
2018
2018
2019
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
Accolades
2020
2020
Press
2019
2020
2020
Education
2019
Social
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