T.E.S.T. interview: RobertRatPrints

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 24^th in our series with Rob of RobertRatPrints.

What is your background / how did you get started in screen printing?

My background is in graphic design. I think I've always been fascinated with screen printing thanks to a huge influence to Andy Warhol's work and realized that it was something I really wanted to try. I've always had a natural ability to work with my hands and I think that's really aided in making the natural progression to screen printing.

How did RobertRatPrints come to be?

I started selling my work at local art fairs and a colleague mentioned that I should sell my prints on Etsy, so I gave it a go and RobertRatPrints was born!

I hear that music is "required throughout your creative process" What's currently on your working playlist?

Boy, that's a tough one since I'm constantly in the mood for a wide range of music, but currently, I would include anything by: Foster the People, Death Cab for Cutie, Blanche, The White Stripes, O Brother, Where Art Thou Soundtrack, MGMT, Metric, The Smiths, The Beatles, AND lots of 80's retro!

If you could peak into the life of any artist / designer / craftsperson who would it be?

Toss up between Frank Lloyd Wright and Andy Warhol.

What is your most prized piece of art/handmade good?

Still haven't found it yet.

Where is your favourite creative hang out spot in Toronto?

Any small club/bar/venue/hole one the wall.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Hmmm, my inspiration comes from many sources: all the neat little pocket neighbourhoods around Toronto, music (of course), life experiences, anything and everything vintage/nostalgic, art and design eras, architecture and the natural world.

What does handmade mean to you?

Something that you make with your own hands.

You can check out more of Rob's artwork in his Etsy shop RobertRatPrints. Rob was interviewed in March, 2012, by Michelle of thunderpeep.

Call for Donations & Event: WaterCan Fundraiser

TEST's own Lauren from herprettybird is helping to organize a fundraiser for WaterCan. "WaterCan is a leading Canadian water charity dedicated to fighting global poverty by helping the world’s poorest people gain access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education, and encourages Canadians to lend support."

The event is Saturday April 14th, 2012 at the Spoke Club, 600 King Street West, 4th Floor and you can find out more at the event website.

Lauren is seeking donations of things to be auctioned at this event. 100% of proceeds will go directly to WaterCan. If you have something you wish to donate, please contact Lauren (who can pick up items in Toronto) and read this thread for more information.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from TEST

Call for Artists: Graven Feather Gallery & Studio

Open Call For Submissions: Graven Feather Gallery & Studio

Graven Feather is a gallery, studio, and art space located at 906 Queen St. West. We are interested in the promotion of contemporary art and craft, and we’d like to invite established and emerging artists to submit show proposals for the year 2012/2013.

This call is open to all manner of artists and craft practitioners, and the possibility for creative freedom is wide open. If you have an idea for a show, we’d like to hear about it. We are in the heart of the Queen West strip of galleries and independent shops and businesses, and can offer 300 square feet of bright, beautiful, and affordable exhibition space.

Please include the following with your application:

● Name and contact information

● Project proposal

● Artist’s CV

● 5-10 images of your work

● Website or Blog if applicable

For more information and to see pictures of the space, please have a look at our website:

www.gravenfeather.ca or email us at

gravenfeather '@' gmail.com to propose a show or event.

TESTy 3rd annual “Spring” Handmade Market!

The Toronto Etsy Street Team is pleased to announce
The 3rd annual “Spring” Handmade Market will be taking place on Saturday July 21st in the lovely Triagle Art Gallery - 38 Abell St.

Show from 11AM to 5PM followed by a private reception!

C’mon down and get your craft on, and have a drink with us too!


Vendor applications posted shortly!

Check back often for updates. Information will be shared by twitter & our Facebook pages too.

Myths & Monsters Show

T.E.S.T.'s own edenbee or Eden Bachelder is having a solo art show of fantastical painting and sculpture. It's at Trap Door Boutique, 2993 Dundas St. W., with an Opening on THURSDAY MARCH 22, 7 pm to 10 pm. Eden would would love it if some of the TESTy members could make it!

For more information, check this page.