Dr. Margarita S. Ellosi (Burn Surgeon)

These drawings were inspired by the intricacies of human connection which is a tapestry woven with many complicated details. The 3 pieces were made using my dependable pilot G-tec-c4 pen and a sketchpad which I used to have in my bag all the time.

Art calms me down and helps reduce stress. When I concentrate on what I am drawing/painting, I shut myself from unwanted thoughts as I am completely immersed in the activity. Playing with shapes and colors also boosts my mood and relaxes my mind. It also helps my creativity by unconsciously making me think of new ideas. Art is also an amazing way to practice hand eye coordination!

Dr. Margarita S. Ellosi (Burn Surgeon)

These drawings were inspired by the intricacies of human connection which is a tapestry woven with many complicated details. The 3 pieces were made using my dependable pilot G-tec-c4 pen and a sketchpad which I used to have in my bag all the time.

Art calms me down and helps reduce stress. When I concentrate on what I am drawing/painting, I shut myself from unwanted thoughts as I am completely immersed in the activity. Playing with shapes and colors also boosts my mood and relaxes my mind. It also helps my creativity by unconsciously making me think of new ideas. Art is also an amazing way to practice hand eye coordination!

Dr. Margarita S. Ellosi (Burn Surgeon)

These drawings were inspired by the intricacies of human connection which is a tapestry woven with many complicated details. The 3 pieces were made using my dependable pilot G-tec-c4 pen and a sketchpad which I used to have in my bag all the time.

Art calms me down and helps reduce stress. When I concentrate on what I am drawing/painting, I shut myself from unwanted thoughts as I am completely immersed in the activity. Playing with shapes and colors also boosts my mood and relaxes my mind. It also helps my creativity by unconsciously making me think of new ideas. Art is also an amazing way to practice hand eye coordination!

Natasha Rajapaksege (Student, Research Assistant)

Throughout my iPhone photography journey, I have consistently striven to incorporate a sense of story-telling into every image I capture; this helps to not only convey the visual aesthetics but also the intricate details that evoke emotions and connect viewers to the dynamic essence of the captured scene. Therefore, by photographing a solitary individual traversing the expansive canvas of a challenging environment, I attempted to illuminate the resilience and tenacity inherent in the human experience.

Naomi Downer (Education Associate- Surgical Foundations)

I spent the majority of 2022 pre-grieving and then grieving the loss of my mother. Following her passing in August 2022, a friend and I went to Algonquin Park to immerse ourselves in nature for a few days. It was exactly what I needed and ended up being one of the most peaceful times not only in that year but in my life. As someone who is interested in notions of perception and memory, I often take photos to capture and remember important times in my life. Some of the photos I took that trip, including this one, really spoke to me, and I have titled them ‘Mo(u)rning in Algonquin’ for that very reason. The morning was still and calm, unlike anything I had experienced in 2022. The juxtaposition from a hectic, tumultuous time, to a still body of water and the sounds of nature soothed me and washed over me like a gentle hug from my mum.

Alex Thabane (PhD Candidate)

Writing has always been a way for me to understand the world. The challenges and pressure of modern life are difficult to make sense of and navigate – we can be anything and everything, but must choose a path to trod. Uniqueness is praised, but conformity is safe and comes with rewards. How does one find oneself in such a world?

I get a taste of meaning in moments of stillness: during the flow of creative work, a walk at dawn. Maybe the human experience is enough in itself. Maybe less doing and more being – less toil and more awareness – is the answer. Maybe the meaning of it all is learning to watch the grass grow.

Andrew Dunlop  (Project Coordinator)

I grew up watching and taking in stories of people pushing the boundaries of human understanding and exploring, and thought at a time that would be where I went. Sadly, my talents didn’t lie in that neighbourhood – but as the poem implies, I’ve found that while the light of learning burns a good deal more figuratively, it is no less bright.

If there is a thesis to this for me, it is that while not all of your ambitions may literally come to pass, there is always room to learn and grow, and you may find you meet your goals in unexpected ways.

Alexandra Derus (Communication, Events Coordinator)

This piece is performed to the song Saturn by Sleeping At Last, which I interpret as acknowledging the beauty and fragility of life itself, explaining that we can leave a meaningful mark on the world through love. This performance follows a departed soul who is guided by others on their new journey.

I have been choreographing dance of varied genres for over 15 years—it allows me to share stories and emotions in a way that transcends our differences.

I am passionate about creating safe spaces that are inclusive to every dancer, and helping people discover the joy and connection that dance brings.

Choreographer: Alexandra Derus

Photographer: Michael Hall (@mphcentral)

Videographer: Adam Marshall (etherelive.com)

Dancers: Studio 12 Dance Company Inc.

Watch Here

Dr. Santa Heede (Pediatric Ophthalmologist)

Since I was 4 years old, I have always wanted to play the piano. I believe that the Grand Piano is the most beautiful and elegant instrument. When I sit at my piano (Violetta) my hands have the ability to make her sing and it fills me with joy.

The first part of the song (by Phil Coulter) I played was dedicated to a good friend of mine and the second part is one of my favourites from Chopin.

Listen Here

Dr. Kim Madden (Assistant Professor)

I have always been a massive fan of sci-fi and fantasy film and TV. The imagination and creativity to bring to life worlds that don’t exist is amazing to me. I realized in my 30’s that, as a scientist, I have focused a lot of my time and energy on science and had never really explored my creative side. I never considered until recently that I could take my love of watching film and TV and be the one to write screenplays, become a character, and direct and produce films.

Hamilton has an amazing and vibrant film making scene. I started talking to some local Hamilton filmmakers and actors and making indie films (writing, directing, producing, acting) through the Hamilton Film School and I realized that I don’t just have to be a consumer of film, I can create the films that I want to see. Angela is So Lucky is my first solo screenplay. It is a short film about good and evil, peace and war, good luck and bad luck.

Read Here

Dr. Iqbal Jaffer (Cardiac Surgeon, Program Director of Cardiac Surgery)

During Covid I took my baking to the next level and started making French macarons, which are notoriously difficult to make. Experimenting with techniques and flavours was a great outlet for me. This batch specifically was the peak of my creativity because I was able to intensify the flavour through the inclusion of pistachio in the cookie and filling in 4 different ways. Baking is very therapeutic because it’s both technical and creative. I get to use both the analytical side of my brain as well as the artists side. Also, because what I create is food, it is a way to share and show affection to friends and family in a very tangible way.

Madison Lynn Arner (Daughter to Jacklyn Arner, Administrative Assistant)

Strength, made of only blank paper and graphite pencils was originally a school project. A project created at a time when my only view of the world was the small space for our eyes above a mask. A view that all of us, especially nurses and doctors, know all too well.

Drawing, painting, making art out of the things we experience each day is a source of comfort for me, a way to connect to my innermost strengths and fears.

This piece was my way of connecting to others as I drew my own face and realized how familiar the image would look to all of us; how much of a reminder this image would be of humanities worst and its best. Strength is not meant to be a terrifying reminder of the pandemic, but a symbol of my appreciation and the strength of those who did all they could in an impossible time.

Dr. Michael Stacey (Vascular Surgeon and Professor)

My career as both an artists and a poet began in 2003, and when I moved to Canada from Australia, I began expanding both my art and painting. I have published more than 70 poems in various anthologies, with 11 awards in competitions. I began writing poems to go with my paintings in 2016, the works sometimes start as a painting and sometimes as a poem. At any given time, I have a number of combinations in development. When working on a poem or painting I am able to concentrate solely on that task and can take tine away from other worries and concerns.

The painting is of the night sky at San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where I spent a New Year’s eve with a throng of people celebrating the incoming year.

Dr. Michael Stacey (Vascular Surgeon and Professor)

My career as both an artists and a poet began in 2003, and when I moved to Canada from Australia, I began expanding both my art and painting. I have published more than 70 poems in various anthologies, with 11 awards in competitions. I began writing poems to go with my paintings in 2016, the works sometimes start as a painting and sometimes as a poem. At any given time, I have a number of combinations in development. When working on a poem or painting I am able to concentrate solely on that task and can take tine away from other worries and concerns.

The painting is of the night sky at San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where I spent a New Year’s eve with a throng of people celebrating the incoming year.

Dr. Saerom Youn (R1, Ophthalmology)

This painting of a galaxy in the shape of an eye represents the moment I realized I wanted to pursue ophthalmology. It revealed itself to ne like a mesmerizing galaxy would- an expansive star system among millions of others (medical specialties). I was excited to spend my life exploring this unique field, marveling at what is known, yearning to uncover to what is unknown.

The process of creating this painting was also symbolic. The initial few strokes weren’t the most successful and I thought I would never salvage it. However, I continued moving forward, making the best of where I was and eventually, this piece materialized. I think it’s reflective of the journey I will have. There will be many times where I would fail and struggle, but I just need to focus on moving forward- just like I did for this painting.

Carol Dow (Senior Education Program Associate)

Early morning boat ride in Grandpa’s boat at our Temagami cottage. I’ve enjoyed photography for most of ny life and in beautiful Norther Ontario, you can’t help but have your camera ready.

With my love of photography, I often catch myself looking through a camera lens (methodically speaking) and I immediately want to capture whatever is in my line of sight. Combined with calmness, photography energizes me. Along with countless photos of my children growing up, I enjoy taking photos of beautiful landscapes with my favourite being either the sunrise or sunset. It truly warms my heart when others enjoy what I see through the lens.

Dr. Jaydeep Moro (Orthopaedic Surgeon, Undergraduate CTU Director for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Training Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare)

I bought my 1st camera with my paper route delivery funds when I was 12. I have found that over time life slows down and my surroundings become more vibrant with photography always in the background of my consciousness. Possibilities and beauty lurk around every corner awaiting discovery, even in the mundane everyday of our lives. This transgresses everything. Framing patient care and surgical technique in this lens, leads to the creation of unique and, what I perceive as, beautiful solutions. We do not always see possibilities unless we tune in. Photography is but one portal.

Dr. Jaydeep Moro (Orthopaedic Surgeon, Undergraduate CTU Director for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Training Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare)

I bought my 1st camera with my paper route delivery funds when I was 12. I have found that over time life slows down and my surroundings become more vibrant with photography always in the background of my consciousness. Possibilities and beauty lurk around every corner awaiting discovery, even in the mundane everyday of our lives. This transgresses everything. Framing patient care and surgical technique in this lens, leads to the creation of unique and, what I perceive as, beautiful solutions. We do not always see possibilities unless we tune in. Photography is but one portal.

Dr. Jaydeep Moro (Orthopaedic Surgeon, Undergraduate CTU Director for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Training Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare)

I bought my 1st camera with my paper route delivery funds when I was 12. I have found that over time life slows down and my surroundings become more vibrant with photography always in the background of my consciousness. Possibilities and beauty lurk around every corner awaiting discovery, even in the mundane everyday of our lives. This transgresses everything. Framing patient care and surgical technique in this lens, leads to the creation of unique and, what I perceive as, beautiful solutions. We do not always see possibilities unless we tune in. Photography is but one portal.

Lisa Deanne Hurley (Medical Secretary II)

This photo was taken on a late spring day in my backyard with my children playing and running around. The bright pink flowers contrasting against the light green background was an ideal subject to start rekindling my passion for the hobby of photography.

The photo to me represents nature’s beauty, happiness and a sense of peace that comes with the warmth of sunshine.

Thea Dosi (Medical Office Administrator)

I’ve been doing embroidery for about 6 years now. When I head about the Creative Collective, I knew I had to make something special that also had a message.

I have always resonated with this saying. I believe if more people dedicate their energy towards creating instead of hating, the world would be a more beautiful and peaceful place.

Dr. Shahriar Shahrokhi (Burn Surgeon)

This came as a result of pandemic limiting the ability to connect with friends as previously over a beverage, leading to learning mixology and developing an appreciation for the history of cocktails from pre-prohibition to modern day classics. It’s a creative outlet that also brings friends together and becomes a conversation starter.

Cheers!

Dr. Mohit Bhandari (Distinguished Professor, Chair, Department of Surgery)

It’s unthinkable to believe that we are all born creative beings. “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun,”[Mary Lou Cook]. But at its core, it’s about us. When we create, we change. We are not the same. We must create for ourselves—and the funny this is, “when we create for ourselves—we are doing the best thing for the audience,” [Rick Rubin].

Lisa Petrisor (Wife to Dr. Brad Petrisor, Associate Chair of Education)

Sketching and painting allows me to maintain a sense of appreciation and awe for the beauty of nature all around me every day. Whether it’s walking the dog around the block or running forest trails in the conservation area, there is always something that catches my eye inspiring me to sketch and record it in my nature journal.

I carry a small sketchbook, a pen, waterbrush and a tiny watercolour palette in a simple lightweight case. This allows me to spontaneously create at any time on a hike. I can quickly sketch a leaf, a mushroom or create a quick landscape, make some notes and add a splash of colour to the paper.

When I get home from a hike, I can develop the work from my nature journal into more of a small art piece like the Autumn Birch Trees or look up information based on questions I noted in my nature journal regarding what I saw on site. It is really incredible what you can observe and learn throughout the changing seasons, even on the same trails, if you just take the time to look.