This is VIBE Spotlight: a weekly series that celebrates and shines a light on VIBE Arts’ roster of talented artists. Each Monday, our Instagram and website feature a different VIBE Artist and provide a look into their craft. Stay tuned and get to know the diverse talent that makes up our organization and community with #VIBESpotlight.
On this VIBE Spotlight, we’re shining a light on PUFF Paddy, a multidisciplinary artist, working in installation and mix magic media, and arts educator on the VIBE Arts roster. PUFF Paddy is currently running an online arts and crafts family program for children aged 4-6, Mini Puff Club, with VIBE and The 519’s EarlyOn Child and Family Centre. Sign up for Mini Puff Club here.
VIBE: Is there anything you are currently working on that you would like to share?*
PUFF Paddy: Currently I’m facilitating five online lanterns-making workshops and creating a community lantern installation with Chinatown BIA and STEPS Initiative. We’ll be displaying all the lanterns in Chinatown on February 12, 2021. We hope this will lift people’s spirits and create a luminous experience while celebrating Lunar New Year.
*This interview took place before Lunar New Year, which has now passed. You can make paper lanterns for Lunar New Year and beyond with PUFF Paddy on CBC Arts and read more about the . The artwork created by workshop participants will be on display until March 31, 2021, you can read more about the Yue Moon 2021 project and . You can still participate in the 2021 Lunar New Year Celebrations on Thursday, March 25, 2021 for a virtual artist talk with artists PUFF Paddy and Winnie Truong, register here.
VIBE: What has been one of your greatest accomplishments to date?
PUFF Paddy: Trust and follow my intuition and believing that I can do whatever I set my mind to is, hands down, my greatest accomplishment.
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments while being on the VIBE roster?
PUFF Paddy: Becoming a mentor for Desire Lines, which has allowed me to connect with younger emerging community artists and offer some knowledge and experience.
VIBE: What are some of your future goals?
PUFF Paddy: My mission is to continue to break down barriers and create meaningful connections through art.
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
PUFF Paddy: One of the most important things that I’ve learned is to just keep creating, because art inspires hope everywhere.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
PUFF Paddy: Race and gender diversity.
Support PUFF Paddy: @paddy_leung | www.paddyleung.com
Stay tuned for more VIBE Artists on VIBE Spotlight!