You'll take a shine to this month's logo design
Featured artist Ardyn Gibbs was inspired by glimmering light and shared queer and trans experiences
Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!
This month's take on the CBC Arts logo was created by Ardyn Gibbs. And talk about a glow up! The CBC gem rarely sparkles with this kind of fire and brilliance.
There's more to Gibbs's design than pure razzle-dazzle, however. "I often am inspired by shared queer and trans experiences," says the multidisciplinary artist — "longings, joy and desires for a softer future."
They told us more about their practice over email.
Name: Ardyn Gibbs
Age: 23
Homebase: Hamilton
For the unfamiliar, how do you like to describe what you do as an artist?
I create digitally sculpted and animated 3D renders. Oftentimes, I work with various new media technologies including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), animation, and good ol' installation work.
Let's talk about your logo! What inspired the concept?
My logo was heavily inspired by queer bodies and spaces. I've been exploring the idea of a glimmering body and how the refraction of light in a space can inform a feeling. I was thinking a lot about how I can reference the queer body moving joyfully throughout the world.
What's new in your world? What are you working on these days?
Good question! I just completed my very first mural installation at Hamilton Artists Inc. It's strange and exciting to see my work take a physical form. Getting to see people interact with it is so special to me. I'm also preparing for two shows coming up in the new year — one at Xpace in Toronto and one at Hamilton Artists Inc.
What's the project you're most proud of?
I'm not entirely sure which project I am most proud of, but a project that I hold dear to my heart is a show I had this past summer with one of my best friends and collaborators, Eli Nolet. The title was Hot Dreams, and it was curated by Adrien Crossman. The show was all about queer and trans safety, memory, joy and visibility. There is something about creating work with other trans folks. It's a feeling I will never forget.
What's your favourite place to see art?
My favorite place to see art is Orchid Contemporary, a small DIY gallery space in Hamilton's east end. Run by a dear friend of mine, it has exhibited some of my favorite queer artists' work.
Who's the last artist you discovered online?
I am really loving Ava Katz's work right now.
What work of art do you wish you owned?
Oh! I really really want one of Trystan Williams's laser-engraved text rock pieces.
Are there any arts events on your radar this November? What are you excited to check out?
Yes! There are a few events on my radar: the Buddies in Bad Times fundraiser in Toronto (Art Attack!, Nov. 7); the Revel fundraiser at the Art Gallery of Burlington on Nov. 8; Art Metropole's fundraiser (50 Years of Art Metropole: Anniversary Party, Nov. 8); Hazel Meyer's exhibition opening at Orchid Contemporary Nov. 24.
Where can we see more from you?
You can see more from me on my Instagram (@ardyngibbs) and website, www.ardyngibbs.ca.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
