Zsofin Sheehy

Art Island: Episode 8 Elaine Savoie - Painter, Market Gardener

In Episode 8 of Art Island, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy meets painter Elaine Savoie on her Hornby Island homestead and Studio. An unapologetic iconoclast, Elaine uses her painting practice to question the norms of her Catholic upbringing and human-centred society. The conversation follows Elaine's life of making, raised by the community of island artists and shaped by her process, connection to the land she stewards, and using art as a tool to play and explore oneself. In addition to her creative practice in painting and drawing, Elaine also uses writing and poetry to humorously and fearlessly delve into the intricacies of island life and reflect on her Metis heritage, interweaving themes of personal identity and the complexities of intergenerational processing.

Art Island: Episode 7 Gordon Payne - Artist

In Episode 7 of Art Island, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy enters enriching world of artist Gordon Payne in his Downes Point studio. Through his monk-like painting process, experimental sculptures, and never ending journey into the philosophy and criticism of art, Gordon shares how he has developed a practice of acting as a channel for the expression of artistic thinkers through time. The conversation explores the essence of artistic commitment by the ways in which Gordon diligently shows up every day, weaving his practice into the fabric of his life. Chock full of wisdom to overcome creative blocks, finding one's authentic voice, and the purpose of art in today's world, Gordon offers wry encouragement to all those who struggle in their artistic pursuits.

Art Island: Episode 6 Alpen Kelley - Painter, Printmaker, Jeweller

In Episode 6 of ART ISLAND, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy brings viewers into the intimate studio of Alpen Kelley, whose life has been dedicated to the pursuit of artistic expression. Kelley, a seasoned painter, printmaker, and jeweller, shares her struggles, but also pragmatic view of being an artist: a process of continuous and enthusiastic learning. We are guided through the rich tapestry of Kelley's artistic process, witnessing her distinct expressive style through the variety of media she has mastered through her lifetime.

Art Island: Episode 5 Tony Wilson - Musician, Composer, Writer

In Episode 5 of ART ISLAND, Zsofin Sheehy joins jazz composer Tony Wilson in his Hornby Island studio, where the seeds of Tony's musical journeys are sown and cultivated. Tony shares both the joy, challenges, and drive behind his singular career and the expressive, often improvised compositions that earned him respect as one of the foremost jazz composers and musicians in Canada. But Tony's music is not only what makes his story exceptional. He candidly shares his life experiences of homelessness and addiction, and how he has used his art for creating dialogue about urgent social justice issues. Tony's humble recollection of his life, work and current projects carries wisdom for any viewer striving to realize their creative dreams.

Art Island: Episode 4 Michelle Nyberg - Painter

In Episode 4 of ART ISLAND, Zsofin Sheehy joins painter Michelle Nyberg in a few of her favourite places around the island– her outdoor studio, the Sandpiper shoreline, and the Hornby Community Hall. In parallel, we are taken on a journey through Michelle's creative career, one in which she has honed her creative process of absorbing the beautiful details of the world and translating them into paintings characterized by striking movement, colour and whimsy. Michelle credits much of her artistic development to living on Hornby Island, which has opened up opportunities for her to immerse herself in nature, tune into her intuition, and connect with a wide variety of viewers and appreciators through her work.

Art Island: Episode 3 Moragh Eilish - Mixed Media Artist

In Episode 3 of Art Island, we meet Moragh Eilish at her Hornby Island homestead. Working in drawing, painting, and as a tattoo artist, Moragh shares how her creative upbringing, engagement in artistic countercultures and the inspiration of alternative living models have led to a life of artistic pursuit and community-seeking through her practice.

Art Island: Episode 2 Tom Burrows - Sculptor

In Episode 2 of Art Island, we meet artist Tom Burrows in his handmade Downes Point home. Tom’s practice – which over 50 years has encompassed poly-resin colour fields, abstract sculpture, and designing and building unconventional dwellings – has become canon in Canadian art. He shares insights into his storied career and the legacy of 1970's counterculture on both his own work and society today. Tom's humble admiration for the artist Eva Hesse, continuing connection to contemporary art through his assistant Yasmine Whaley-Kalaora, and the fundamental tenet that ideas can be carried timelessly, can all be found in his own work and life today: striving for the freedom to live, and the freedom to build.

Art Island: Episode 1 Alina Milek - Flower Farmer, Florist, & Jeweller

Step into the garden and studio of florist, jeweller and flower farmer Alina Milek, whose flower growing and arranging practice is, foremost, about sharing natural beauty with both neighbours and visitors to Hornby Island. Through designing flower arrangements, Alina found her connection to making and artistic practice. She also shares her fine jewellery work, which serves as a more “permanent” balance to her impermanent flower designs. A Hornby Island native, Alina is heartened by the way her creative practice connects her to people. In this interview she explores the significance of how she can give back to her community through leading a creative life.