Night Shift Crew of McKenzie Parkette, 2024

This piece is part of a mini series inspired by nightly walks with Hiro, our neighborhood good boy. Having a dog has definitely changed my lifestyle over the past nine years, and I’m deeply grateful for all the joy he’s brought into my life. Hir...

This piece is part of a mini series inspired by nightly walks with Hiro, our neighborhood good boy. Having a dog has definitely changed my lifestyle over the past nine years, and I’m deeply grateful for all the joy he’s brought into my life. Hiro has also strengthened the bond between my fiancé and me, as we share these walks each night, giving us time to unwind from the day’s busyness. It’s during these moments that we catch up—sharing what’s going on in our lives, our feelings, and aspirations for the future. Sometimes, it’s just voicing our opinions on the random topics that come up. On these walks, we encounter countless animals—raccoons, skunks (many, many skunks), possums, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, and cats. I felt inspired to bring a whimsical touch to my paintings by humanizing these urban animals, especially raccoons, as they are characteristically part of Toronto culture. These walks have brought us closer together as a family, and some nights the views are truly magical. Through my paintings, I hope to capture that magic and romance, inviting you to experience the wonder and connection we feel on those quiet, star-lit nights.