Mother's Day gift ideas for Canadian art lovers
No promises they'll arrive by Sunday, last-minute shoppers, but check out artist-made treats Mom will love
Mother's Day is this Sunday, so you're probably reading this for one of two reasons: 1) You just really love CBC Arts, or 2) You've left your shopping to the very last minute, possibly because you invest the affection and devotion typically reserved for a close family member into other things, such as spending most of your time reading Canadian culture websites — a choice we more or less encourage through the regular production of last-minute shopping listicles such as this one.
Yes, it's time for another CBC Arts gift guide! Every item on the list was made by an artist we've featured, so that means you're probably going to love it. And who knows? Maybe Mom will dig a few of these things, too. For her sake, here's hoping.
Eiko Maeda "Nerikomi" bowls
L.A. Pai Gallery, $65-135
Delicate and completely one-of-a-kind, Toronto artist Eiko Maeda creates ceramic bowls like this one using an unusual Japanese technique called "nerikomi." (She recently revealed her process in this CBC Arts video, if you want a closer look.) Find her work through a variety of independent galleries and retailers, including L.A. Pai Gallery in Ottawa.
Candy!
CandyLabs, $15+
It's the sweetest gift on this list, because it's basically pure sugar. Montreal's CandyLabs handcrafts melt-in-your-mouth works of art. For Mother's Day, they're selling a special "#1 mom mix" — a grab bag of strawberry, champagne, raspberry, dragon fruit and passion fruit-flavoured treats. Or ask them to make candy with a customized message or image. They specialize in personalized candy art, made to order. Contact them for pricing.
Nikki Barnett, "She is 'Simply Beautiful' Deer Skull"
Etsy, $156.22
This Mother's Day, say it with flowers...and the bones of the dead. Halifax artist Nikki Barnett crafts decorative art incorporating flowers, jewels and animal skulls. This short doc will give you some insight into these delicate and macabre creations (recommended viewing for Mom if you send her a piece like this one).
Winnie Truong x Luvhaus ceramic tumbler
Luvhaus, $200 (US)
Fine, fine...say it with real flowers. But you'll need a vase, and this could be the ticket. Toronto artist Winnie Truong recently partnered with California's Luvhaus ceramics, and while their collection is nearly sold out, as of writing you can still find this particular tumbler — which would be even lovelier filled with a few Mother's Day posies.
Cara Carmina, "Favourite things" pillow
Etsy, $45+
This cute and cozy throw pillow, designed by Crash Gallery's Cara Carmina, is emblazoned with a few of the Montreal illustrator's favourite things — from coffee and books to polka dots and avocado. If that doesn't sound like Mom — maybe she's allergic to avocado? — splurge on a personalized order. The artist can create an original design based on up to 25 of Mom's all-time faves. Custom orders start at $70.
Ness Lee, "Yoga Girl" enamel pin
Etsy, $12
Is Mom a "Yoga Girl?" This enamel pin by Toronto's Ness Lee belongs close to her heart — or maybe just on her gym bag.
Hyein Lee mug
Society6, $21
Whether Mom's beverage of choice is coffee, tea or cold-pressed kale juice, she'll need a mug. Toronto illustrator Hyein Lee has a variety of designs available through Society6.
Amelie Tourangeau beer glasses
Bref ($10, available in store)
And if Mom's more of a beer drinker, these limited-edition glasses by Amélie Tourangeau are the way to go. You'll have to be in Montreal to find them, malheureusement. Tourangeau created this design just for the shop.
Lido Pimienta linen beach throw
Print All Over Me, $70 (US)
Picnics, beach trips, summer days by the pool: they make for great family memories, which is why we had Mom in mind when we selected this linen beach throw featuring artwork by Toronto's Lido Pimienta. Or, get her the same design — which is called "Water Your Gifts" — on a tote bag for $90 (US).
Jenn Kitagawa sweatshirt
Victoire, $100
It reminds us of something Mom would wear in the '80s — but somehow, it's even more rad. Package it up with a risographed postcard by the same designer, Toronto's Jenn Kitagawa ($5).
Jewelry by Aayuraa Studio artists
CBC Arts went inside Iqaluit's Aayuraa Studio earlier this year. It's a hub for innovative Inuit jewelry design, and these pieces are by three of the artists featured in the video: Mathew Nuqingaq, Barbara Akoak and Dan Wade. Nuqingaq's "kayak earrings" are available through Feheley Fine Arts (contact for pricing). For designs by Dan Wade, including the "Akuk" rings pictured, the artist can be contacted through his website. And Barbara Akoak sells a variety of pieces through her Etsy shop, "Inuk Barbie," including these silver "Panikuluk" earrings for $200.