Featured Artist: Christian Maidankine

Christian Maidankine's limited collection of leatherwork will be installed in the Feature Window from October 18 - November 23, visit the Queen Street Shop to see the installed feature, or shop online here!

Having aphantasia, the inability to imagine any types of visuals or sensations, Christian Maidankine has developed a process rooted in making through iteration. Sketchbooks are constantly filled with notes and drawings, moving into maquettes, full-scale mockups and the final material. Documentation is critical to this process to record observations and suggestions for future work.

Christian Maidankine has completed his Masters of Architecture at Toronto Metropolitan University and is now an Artist-in-Residence at Harbourfront Centre. His background in architecture and interest in making has led to his exploring various materials, mainly leather. Craft and design play an integral role in our lives, and working with leather has allowed Maidankine to explore aspects which we, quite literally, carry with us in our everyday lives. Primarily, his work carefully considers making, crafting and the person for whom the object is made.

"I had started my leatherwork while I was in university and it was something I knew I would continue. I am interested in all scales of design, from buildings to bags. Studying architecture allowed me to develop my philosophy towards design, regardless of what it is. When I was nearing the end of my masters, I thought it would be a perfect time to try something different and that's when I looked into Harbourfront Centre. It seemed like the right moment to finish school and begin the residency where I could continue to explore my own design work.

"When you study architecture it becomes clear that it's not just about buildings but designing spaces with people at the forefront. I was most fascinated by the condition of the everyday. Not spectacles but rather the ordinary - how we engage with space in our daily lives. Bags are an essential part of our everyday, whether we take one to work or pack a suitcase on a trip to a foreign place. Bags help us occupy space. 

"I am fascinated with different craft mediums but really love leather since it is a natural material that people have been using for thousands of years. When properly crafted and taken care of, it can last a lifetime and takes on a beautifully unique patina.

 I started to hand-stitch because it was the only method I had available. At this point, I have seen the work of machines and I prefer how hand stitching looks. I can change my tools and it will create a different style of stitch. There is more flexibility and consistency. While much slower, the process also helps ground me to the present and I enjoy the time spent."