Detail: Magnolia Mischief 18x24"
Artist
Shailyn Bruining
Toronto, Canada
Artist Statement
I am a Toronto-based encaustic artist, inspired by the natural world and exploring themes of resilience, positivity, and community. My floral works capture fleeting beauty, serving as a reminder to pause and find positivity in the everyday. In my waterscapes, waves, fluffy clouds, and objects such as lonesome trees, boats, or composed individuals spark storytelling, emphasizing strength and resiliency within communities and offering a reminder that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Through encaustic, I create depth and luminosity with transparent layers, alongside thicker, opaque sections that build texture and accretion. My black line work combines two techniques both gestural and deliberate to infuse movement, definition, and texture, enhancing the overall dynamic.
Through these works, I offer a response to the chaos of the world—inviting moments to pause, find beauty, and experience connection. I’m a big fan of grit—in life and in my artistic practice.
Artist Bio & CV
Shailyn is juried member of the North Toronto Group of Artists (NTGA)
and a member of the Artists Network. She's been painting since the age of 15, initially focusing on photo-realism with oils under the guidance of a local artist in Eastern Ontario. Later, while studying graphic design and fine art at St. Lawrence College in Kingston and York University in Toronto, Shailyn embraced a looser, more gestural approach to her work. In 2016, she discovered encaustic painting and was captivated by the medium’s endless possibilities.
Shailyn first exhibited her encaustic work with NTGA in 2022 and continues to show and collaborate with other artists, building her practice within a vibrant creative community. Her work has been featured in exhibitions across the Greater Toronto Area and is held in private and corporate collections throughout Canada and the U.S.
Exhibitions, Shows & Tours
Current & Upcoming
-
The North Toronto Perspective, Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery -
Jan 25 - Feb 21, 2025, Etobicoke – Group Exhibition -
NTGA Spring Show & Art Tour - May 24 & 25, 2025, Toronto
Previous
2024 - Holiday Show, Micak Gallery, Aurora, ON- Juried Group Exhibition
2024 - Holiday Smalls, Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto - Juried Group Exhibition
2024 - NTGA Fall Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2024 - Fur, Fins & Feathers, Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto - Juried Group Exhibition
2024 - NTGA Spring Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2024 - You Do You, Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto - Juried Group Exhibition
2023 - Kingston Square Foot Show, Kingston ON - Juried Group Exhibition
2023 - NTGA Fall Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2023 - Bayview Fall Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2023 - NTGA Spring Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2022 - NTGA Fall Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2022 - NTGA Spring Show & Art Tour, Toronto
2004 - Steamwhistle Brewery, Toronto - Solo Exhibition
2004 - Distillery District Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto
2003 - Distillery District Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto
2002 - Matthew's Gallery, Toronto - Solo Exhibition
2001 - Art5. Woolfitt's Art Gallery, Toronto - Five-artist showcase
2000 - Art6. Arts and Letters Club, Toronto - Six-artist showcase
1999 - Art4. Evening Telegram Building, Toronto - Four-artist showcase
Volunteer Positions
Current - NTGA Executive Committee & Jury member.
Education
York University, Visual Arts
St. Lawrence College, Graphic Design
Tide Out 60x24"