An Ode to ‘Looking South’ by Cliff Turner
We spend a lot of time as a society on quick dopamine hits: scrolling through the vortex of reels and well-crafted TikToks. And while these have their place — food for our shortening attention spans — it is imperative we also support fine artists. Now more than ever.
Fine artists are those who put hours and hours of meditative time and skill into their work, and have trained for years — sometimes lifetimes — to learn and refine their craft.
Supporting local art fosters a sense of community and builds cultural identity.
Fine art is moving. It inspires empathy and conversation. It enriches homes, offices, and public spaces.
So let’s keep doing that. Let’s move away from the mass-produced, department store “art”, and instead lean into the long-form artists of our community. Let’s keep creating and supporting creators.
While purchasing an original painting may feel inaccessible, there are other ways to support artists.
Head to a local show or purchase a ticket to the Symphony. Attend a theatre production or donate to an arts venue in your community. Buy a book by a Canadian author (NBM-MNB Boutique and Scheherazade Books & Music have great selections!)
Share an artists’ work on social media or write them a review. Commission a gift for a loved one.
Buy locally before you buy elsewhere.
And remember: big or small, art always an investment that increases in value over time.
We recently commissioned a new piece by local realist painter Cliff Turner. It’s called Looking South, and it showcases our beloved city from an outstanding vantage point. It reminds us of the Italo Calvino quote, “The city does not tell its past, but contains it like the lines of a hand.”
It's now the focal point of the massive brick wall at 87 Canterbury.
As a creative firm, supporting local art is important to us. It’s an extension of what we do — and it won’t be the last time we do it.
Thank you to Cliff Turner for your time and talent.
