Some might call it “stalking.” We prefer “observations of human nature in the pursuit of artistic inspiration.” Or spying. At any rate, NSCAD grad and Standard staffer Elise Troister likes to make art from people-creeping. Which is the foundation of Elise’s new bi-weekly art column, Stranger Canvas. The concept: Elise loiters in some public place, painting the people she finds there in unguarded moments. Location: Promenade Shopping Centre, Thornhill. Time: Noon on a Saturday. I first watched this group of boys taking a break from a Bar Mitzvah in the As Seen on TV Store, where they were playing with the Shake Weight. Then I followed them to the Bulk Barn where I caught them stealing gummy worms.
This man had no idea I photographed him as he took a nap in the coin-operated massage chair in the mall.
The Hawaiian shirt wearing guy just ate two Big Macs and a large Coke and now wants some freshly squeezed orange juice.
