Eddy Lee [Storyteller]

Nature and art are my greatest sources of inspiration. There are many community workshops, installations, museums, galleries and parks that keep me inspired.

2024

My experience at the event was an immersive journey through indigenous education and winter wildlife exploration, each segment complementing the other seamlessly. The indigenous education component provided profound insights into practices such as smudging, creation stories, and urban agriculture, fostering a deeper understanding of indigenous cultures and their connections to the land. Meanwhile, the winter wildlife education segment offered captivating revelations about the unique characteristics and survival strategies of Toronto’s cold-season inhabitants, from ecologically triggered coping mechanisms to behaviors like adaptation and migration. Highlights included participating in the smudging ceremony, interacting with tangible artifacts, and engaging in interactive sessions like mimicking coyote calls. The event not only enriched my knowledge but also instilled a renewed appreciation for indigenous traditions and the resilience of winter wildlife. Additionally, the provision of hot soup, drinks, and snacks fostered a sense of community and warmth amidst the winter chill, making it a truly memorable and enriching experience at -12 degrees celsius. For events that you can join, check out: https://trca.ca/events-calendar/

I had the pleasure of experiencing The Secret Codes: African Nova Scotian Quilts exhibition at the Textile Museum in Toronto, and I was thoroughly captivated by the stunning display of large, multicolored quilts. Curated by David Woods and organized by BANNS (Black Artists Network of Nova Scotia), this exhibition beautifully brings together historic and contemporary quilts from makers connected to Nova Scotia. With over 35 quilts and a selection of paintings, the exhibition eloquently embodies the stories and voices of the community. Each quilt showcased not only served as a decorated blanket but also carried profound symbolism and functioned as possible codes of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom. Furthermore, the quilts acted as records of family history, celebrated Black women and culture, and served as inspiration for other art forms. The intricate craftsmanship and rich storytelling woven into each quilt left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage of African Nova Scotians. For more information: https://textilemuseum.ca/event/the-secret-codes-african-nova-scotian-quilts/

2023

I had the delightful opportunity to attend the HELD exhibition featuring artists Anna Camilleri and Wy Joung Kou, hosted by Tangled Art + Disability in Toronto. What made this exhibition truly unique was the invitation for attendees to not only observe but also physically interact with the artworks, sculptures, and installations. Being able to touch, sit, and stand on the pieces allowed for a deeply immersive and sensory experience that challenged traditional notions of art appreciation. Tangled Art + Disability’s commitment to redefining how art is experienced and ensuring accessibility for all was evident throughout the exhibition. As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting disability-identified artists and cultivating Disability Arts in Canada, Tangled Art + Disability is making significant strides in enhancing access to the arts for both artists and audiences alike. The HELD exhibition served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of inclusive and immersive art experiences. For more information, please check: https://tangledarts.org/

2022

2021

2020