Vol. 20 No. 1
Spring/Summer 2025
It is not often that we make space to share a few words from the publisher in print. As Studio has grown and evolved over the years, now is an important moment to express both gratitude and anticipation as new paths unfold. On behalf of craft communities across Canada, I am honoured to extend our deepest thanks to Nehal El-Hadi and Julie Nicholson. Both are stepping away from their current roles at Studio: Nehal El-Hadi as editor-in-chief and Julie Nicholson as advertising representative. Their passion, dedication and focus on building critical relationships have significantly strengthened Studio as the premier publication for craft and design across the country. We are profoundly grateful for their contributions.
Under Nehal El-Hadi’s editorial leadership, Studio has expanded its voice, pushed boundaries and deepened conversations around craft and design. Her vision has brought together diverse perspectives, amplifying the voices of makers, thinkers and critics, and ensuring that the magazine remains a dynamic space for engagement and discourse. Through her commitment to thoughtful and critical storytelling, Nehal has strengthened Studio’s reputation as a vital platform and has fostered important community and institutional relationships across the country and abroad. While she steps away from her role as editor-in-chief, her impact will continue to be felt, and we look forward to welcoming her back as a contributing editor and writer as she continues her insightful and rigorous approach to storytelling. I encourage you to carefully read her article in this issue—a contribution that I wish I had been able to reflect on many years ago.
Julie Nicholson has played an equally vital role in shaping Studio’s reach and sustainability. As advertising representative, Julie’s work has fostered meaningful relationships with partners, ensuring that the magazine thrives as a space for connection and discovery. Her efforts have not only strengthened the publication’s presence but have also supported the broader craft community by providing invaluable opportunities for makers and organizations to share their work. Julie remains a dedicated advocate for craft and design, and we are excited to see what she does next.
In this issue, we continue to celebrate the innovation, artistry and resilience of craft communities across the country. Readers will find compelling features that highlight groundbreaking works, critical discussions and the ever-evolving landscape of craft and design in Canada. As we move forward, we remain committed to honouring the groundwork laid by Nehal and Julie, building upon their contributions to ensure that Studio continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, Studio will continue to evolve, embracing fresh perspectives and new voices. Studio’s success is only possible through the many layers of contributions from editors, writers, designers, administrators and partners, and we recognize and extend our gratitude to everyone who has shaped its journey. Our commitment to fostering deep engagement with craft and design remains unwavering. We are excited for what comes next and invite our readers to journey with us as we navigate this next chapter together. Thank you, Nehal and Julie, for your incredible work—you leave a legacy that will continue to inspire.
Janna Hiemstra Craft Ontario Executive Director
CONTENTS:
Editor’s Note
FOCAL POINT XIAOJING YAN
Matthew Ryan Smith writes about the artist’s employment of mycelium and repurposing of vintage beads in her ethereal installations. Read Here
SAIDYE BRONFMAN AWARD WINNER: PETER PIEROBON
Anthony Matthews writes about the artist, furniture maker and sculptor whose elegant works and meticulous craftsmanship have pushed the boundaries of Canadian woodworking. Read Here
PROVOCATIONS: “THINKING THE WORLD” THROUGH WRITING ABOUT CRAFT
Editor-in-chief Nehal El-Hadi on why writing about craft is important. Read Here
CLOSE ATTENTION: THE INTRICATE COMPLEXITIES OF NICO WILLIAMS’S BEADED ARTWORKS
Writer and researcher Georgia Phillips-Amos explores the Sobey Award-winning artist’s polyphonic and urgent works. Read Here
LAND IS MONUMENT
A conversation about Indigenous place-making between scholar Omeasoo Wahpasiw and artist and writer Tanis Worme.
INTERROGATING CONTROL: THE IMAGINATIVE WORKS OF GHAZALEH AVARZAMANI
Curator and art historian Noor Alé responds to representations and challenges to power in the Tehran-born artist’s work. Read Here
SARAH MALONEY’S TAKE ON THE NATURAL WORLD
An essay by writer and curator Laura Ritchie, from Sarah Maloney’s Pleasure Ground: A Feminist Take on the Natural World, the first major survey of the artist’s work.
HISTORY IN THE (RE-) MAKING: WHERE THERE IS FIRE
Michael Prokopow writes about the French Compagnons and attempts at maintaining artisanal knowledge and cultural memory after historical churches burn down. Read Here
POETRY
Poetry by Audie Murray.
PORTFOLIO
Kae Sasaki (Winnipeg, Man.)
Lucie Leroux (Montréal, Que.)
Melanie Hamilton (Calgary, Alta.)
INQUIRIES SAEEDEH NIKTAB ETAATI
Curator, Diasporas and Multinational Communities at the Canadian Museum of History discusses her approach to collaborating with communities and artists. Read Here
