Toronto-based visual artist and jewelry maker Susie Love is a beautiful reminder that people with genuine artistic temperaments still exist. Whether you happen to see her belting out Dolly Parton songs at a random karaoke night in the city or sketching down by the waterfront, Love’s life is an art in and of itself. In honour of Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, which kicks off tomorrow, we talked to Love about her favourite Toronto haunts, her cocktail of choice, and her favourite fashion designer.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I am an extrovert born in Toronto, descended from Elinor of Aquitaine (queen of both England and France ) on my mother’s side, and pirates on my father’s side. Though I am most well known for my bold jewelry designs, it is painting and drawing which have held my focus for the past few years. If you dig, you will also find the 250 songs I have written and played around town. My friend Alison says I am an incurable artist.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…I can paint, garden, do yoga, catch a play and sing karaoke all in the same day .
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
My friends, my art supplies, and my garden.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Live, because Jennifer makes the most delicious real food on the planet.
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
Anything Julian Watson at Darwin has created.
Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
Lucian Matis. He makes beautiful, wearable works of art, which are sexy, feminine, and edgy all at the same time.
If you were a perfume, what would your name be and what would you smell like?
I would smell like the ocean and be named Joy.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
Twitter or Facebook.