Ida Tong's Studio

Ida's Statement

Ever since my grandfather showed me how to draw with my left hand when I was eight years old (after an accident that caused my entire right arm to be bandaged up for a month), I started to explore my inner ability. Whatever I imagined in my mind, I would put on paper. I was gifted and I had many talents, but nobody including myself knew about my creative ability. My mom told me that I used to sing all the time when I was helping her in the restaurant. When I was not singing, I would be sitting in a corner sketching quietly.

It was not until I came to Canada with my family in 1975 that I was encouraged by my high school teacher to further pursue my art education. I started to study Graphic Design at Sheridan College and later I worked as a graphic designer for ten years. During those working years, I also studied Fine Art at the Ontario College of Art and graduated from the four year art program. In 1991, I decided to continue my art adventure in Italy for four extra years. There, I had so much fun learning about art and culture. The bug finally got into my system; I got inspired and committed my life to artistic creations.

I started teaching art to children at an art centre in Scarborough in 1998. And two years later, I started my own business of running an art studio on my own. Even though I never imagined that I could do it, I loved teaching and I also loved the children. Most importantly, I enjoyed the reciprocal energy between me and the children. They inspired me so much that I started to put them on my canvas. I painted many pictures with children. Their angelical beings later inspired me to paint angels. In return, while I was teaching them technical skills, I also inspired them to paint, to do the impossible, to go beyond their limited thinking, to imagine, and to have fun.

Aims and Objectives

Since 1998, I have been teaching art and I have been committed to helping others just as my many mentors have guided me. I learned to respect all my fellow human beings as I would like to be respected. Sharing the treasures with others without any holdbacks...here is the summary of my goals for the studio:

To promote art in the community
To share the fun of making art with those who have not the opportunity
To accept art as it is, and to raise awareness of self-expression
To go beyond art, to solve problems creatively
To use art as a healing tool

Regular Drawing and Painting Classes

I welcome any students over the age of six to join these regular classes. Drawing and painting are taught at all levels from beginners to advanced, through the study of animals, figures and more. Exploring colors, shapes and a wide variety of drawing and painting techniques are essential. I will encourage strong composition and individual characteristics throughout the entire course.

Adult and Senior Classes

I want to bring the community closer by creating art together and to share the fun of making art with those who have not had the opportunity. Again, I find sharing is the most vital element of teaching. So far, the adults I have taught have been tremendous gifts to me.

Art as Therapy - Special Needs

I strongly believe that everyone can draw and paint. One does not have to be born with a talent to create a piece of artwork. My experience of teaching has demonstrated to me that all children can create. They need to be given opportunities and a safe environment to explore. It ’s their innate quest to express and it is the art teacher’s job to guide them without making them feel inadequate. Once the children feel that they are not good enough, it is hard for them, especially the special needs children, to try again. Since they are extremely sensitive, they may become stubborn, to the point that they may throw tantrums.

Since 1998 I have encountered many bright individuals, as well as some special needs children who thought they could not accomplish a piece of artwork. Indeed, my heart goes out to them, my natural instinct gives me ample amount of patience to help them to overcome their low self-esteem and false belief that they are not good enough. The reward is priceless.

I’ll gladly coach anybody over the age of six, any children, special needs children or even adults, by appointment only.

Special Events

Special events include some special functions, such as one day Soul-painting workshops, outings to art galleries, guest artist talks or demonstrations, special evening events, sitting and walking meditation classes, Tai Chi classes, just to name a few…During March break and summer holidays, I will set up a special art camp for children as well… so stay tuned! Click on my Flickr page to see some artworks from Soul Painting participants.

Friends

I have had the honour to meet one of Canada's talented Hungarian born artist, Andrew Nikolics (1937-2008). He recently passed away but his art lives on. Some of his art is for sale. For more information contact me.

Ida's Credentials

1980 – Graduated with honors. Graphic Design, Sheridan College
1991 – Graduated with honors. Fine Art, Ontario College of Art
1992 – Graduated with honors. Fine Art Certificate, Italy
1994 – Graduated with honors. Restoration of Paintings, Italy
2007 – Studied two years transpersonal therapy in Toronto

1991 – Private Exhibition at 123 Woodington Ave., Toronto
1994 – Two solo art exhibitions in the Library of British Institute, Italy
1998 – A group show at Sunshine Art Centre, Scarborough
1999 – Solo exhibition in Canadian Academy for the Arts,Toronto
1999 – Entered in the Juried Exhibition of Neilson Park Creative Centre
1999 – Entered to the annual outdoor exhibition at the Guild Inn
1999 – Opened doors for the Scarborough Arts Council in Toronto
2000 – Solo exhibition in A Space Gallery, Member Hall, Toronto
2003 – Solo exhibition to raise fund for the Scarborough General
2004 – Opened doors for the Scarborough Arts Council at Studio 21
2008 - Group show at NUUC in Toronto
2009 - Solo exhibition at Bluff Gallery, Toronto, "Kindred Spirits"

1980 – 1990, freelance Graphic Designer in Toronto
1998 – present, full-time artist, art teacher, art restorer

Student Exhibition

Please mouseover the images in order to see the credit.
Painting by Denis Lo