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Was born in Mohkinstsis (Calgary Alberta) where she currently lives and works. Committing herself to life as an artist at the age of 5, she’s worked ever since making her fantastical visions a reality. She was able to nurture her passion for fine-craft traditions while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University and has continued her education in the fields of art therapy, textiles, psychology and spirituality.

She uses intuitive and therapeutic art processes that are guided by ritual, symbolism, play, and an experimental approach to materiality. Her work reflects a desire to provide personal and collective healing through the visual arts and creating curious reflections of beauty, identity, connection and place.

Saloni’s art embodies her personal journey and deep commitment to community. Through her work, she explores themes of roots, migration, and the need for mutual understanding and acceptance of differences. Inspires by her South Asian heritage, Saloni integrates sustainable practices into her creations, reflecting her passion for preserving culture while promoting a shared, inclusive future.

Saram is an emerging artist born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Graduating from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Saram primarily utilizes acrylic paints in their creative process. Drawing inspiration from their experiences as a member of the queer community, Saram deeply values the significance of community and connection in their work. With a lifelong passion for art, Saram is committed to producing pieces that resonate with viewers on a personal level. Each artwork is imbued with the intention of forging a connection with every observer, aiming to evoke emotions
and spark meaningful dialogues. Saram’s dedication to their craft is evident in their pursuit of creating inclusive and relatable art that speaks to the heart of the human experience.

 I describe myself as “polycraftamous” – I haven’t met a craft I haven’t tried. My neurodiversity has allowed me to approach each craft with a unique perspective. My mantra is “if someone else can do it, why can’t I?”.  I believe that part of learning is being open to failure. No craft continues to teach as much humility as ceramics.

I believe that the best way to learn a craft is to dive in and start creating. I have taken continuing education courses at Alberta University for the Arts, Olds Community College and the City of Calgary. Social media has also been a valuable resource for me, as it allows me to connect with other crafters and learn from their experiences across the world. I have been fortunate to have talented mentors who have shared their knowledge and expertise with me and encouraged me to continue to follow my dreams.

As a child, I believed that I wasn’t artistic – I had difficulty following instructions in class and producing the same diagram expected of us all. However, I have always embraced the desire to learn and to make things with my hands. Initially, my reasons for learning a craft were purely functional. While I have dabbled in many mediums, ceramics has held my hyperfixation the longest – as it continues to teach me humility each day in new ways. 

My Tiny Gallery exhibit is from a project I participated in;

I created my mask as part of a larger project “Bridge” by Katie Green in 2018. Learn more abot this project here:

https://vimeo.com/464076462/6d1e924a1d

The whole video explains how the art was made and the participants experience doing the project. 

You can see me 3 minutes into the video.

Tazim Esmail holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies and English from the University of Calgary. She has studied 6 years of Creative writing with prestigious authors like Suzette Mayr, Aritha Van Herk, Christian Bok, Robert Majzels and Clem Martini. A book written by her has been sent to the publishers. Her work has been published in a number of print and online publications, and chapbook anthologies. She has recited poetry at numerous events, including the Calgary Multicultural Centre’s Silk Road Festivals held at the Arts Commons Centre, where one of her poems was featured on the invitation card. Tazim is also a Visual Artist, whose art and poetry have appeared in the NoD Magazine and at public exhibitions. Her art was recently accepted for Humainlogue Magazine and is currently displayed in public spaces throughout Southern Alberta.