This CBC Arts logo for April is a blooming masterpiece

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out the previous designs.

April showers bring May flowers, but dammit, we just don't feel like waiting that long. For this month's logo design, Erin McCluskey's delivered one gem of a bouquet. Get to know the Toronto-based artist.

Name: Erin McCluskey
Age: 35
Homebase: Toronto

How do you like to describe what you do as an artist?

I create digital illustrations often using a gouache and digital painting process. I make paintings mostly in oils. I paint murals and other public structures, and I sometimes work on moving images for theatre performances.

Let's talk about your design! What inspired the concept?

Lately I've been interested in exploring different plant and flower shapes so I was really excited to make a spring floral design for CBC Arts. I started by looking up all of the different flowers that are the first to bloom across the provinces and territories. I got together the shapes that interested me most and turned the gem into a bouquet of springtime flowers.

Any big plans for the spring that you can share? What are you working on these days?

I was recently one of the artists chosen by the Downtown Yonge BIA to take part in a new art installation in College Park. It should be up soon this spring!

What's the project you're most proud of?

I had a series of paintings in the Toronto Outdoor/Online Art fair this past summer. It was the first fair I've shown a collection of paintings at and I was so happy to receive the honourable mention for painting.

What's your favourite place to see art?

My favourite place to see art is outside! I love public art, sculptures, installations, murals or even an outdoor space at a museum. There's something exciting and unexpected about seeing art outdoors.

Who's the last artist you discovered online?

I've recently come across the work of Stephanie H. Shih. I really love the ceramic sculptures she makes.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

This is a really hard question! Maybe one of Kathleen Ryan's Bad Fruit. These large sculptures of rotting fruit made out of gems are stunning and I could look at them forever.

Where can we see more from you?

I update Instagram fairly regularly with things I'm working on, finished projects, sketches and the odd art challenge. You can also visit my website. 

This conversation has been edited and condensed.