As an older woman, when I look in the mirror I see one thing, but the way I feel inside is completely different. I want to build a theme around this concept. I would like to enter some raw, new, unexplored parts of myself. British artist Aleah Chapin has recently inspired me. I want to feel a greater connection and intimacy with the natural world while at Bare Oaks. When I create I feel ageless, but I need to step out of my comfort zone, and break through my fears of upsetting family and peers if I express my personal truth.
My main inspiration comes from nature. I primarily work in acrylic mixed media, and use different textured grounds as well as papers, fabric and found materials. Most recently I have been incorporating photo transfers into my work in the context of a series of landscapes. I like to improvise and am open to receiving new ideas and to learn new skills in order to implement healthy changes into my work.
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Philippa Haidu spent her formative years in Aurora, moving to Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art and Design, and graduating with honours. She followed this up with a year of study at École des Beaux Arts in Montreal and another year of studying sculpture at St. Martin’s School of Art in London England. Haidu has received an Ontario Arts Council, Artist in the Workplace grant, and an Ontario Crafts Council, Award for design. She is a member of Society of York Region Artists.