.png)
Art and resistance have a poignant relationship in history, from Pablo Picasso's (1937) Guernica painting, to Banksy's (2022) Judo Match mural, and countless more. We use art to depict human experience, and to explore the human imagination. But we also use art to make statements, to celebrate victories, and to advocate for change. As Don McLean so beautifully lyricized in Vincent (1971) "...weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand". It is through art that we both seek and find our humanity, and it is through artist's works that we are able to access this experience, which Alain de Botton and John Armstrong (2013) might describe as a form of societal therapy through art.
Why Buying Canadian Art Matters
In the current political and economic climate, many Canadians are seeking out products labeled "Made in Canada" or "Product of Canada" over imported alternatives. While supply chains are often complex and difficult to categorize, it is clear that the Canadian public has a growing desire to make their voices heard through conscious spending decisions.
Truthfully, buying from Canadian artists doesn't guarantee that the final piece of art is entirely Canadian-made. Depending on the medium, many products used in its creation may be sourced globally. Some materials may come from Canadian-owned companies that manufacture in Canada but rely on imported raw materials. Others may be produced in Canada but owned by international corporations.
What buying from Canadian artists does mean, however, is that the artwork itself is made in Canada, and in many cases, the supplies were purchased from Canadian-owned art supply stores such as DeSerres, Curry's, and Wallack's.
Canadian-Owned and Canadian-Made Art Supplies
Many artists also make a conscious effort to use Canadian-made materials in their creative process. Here are some notable Canadian-owned and Canadian-manufactured art supply brands:
Tri-Art Mfg. Inc. (Acrylic paints & mediums)
Gotrick/Apollon (Artist canvases & panels)
Beam Paints (Handmade watercolour paints)
ArtResin (Non-toxic epoxy resin for artwork)
Demco EnCouleurs (Acrylic & art materials)
Kama Pigments (Pigments, oil paints & mediums)
The Stoneground Paint Co. (Handmade watercolor paints)
Nitram Art Inc. (Fine artist charcoal)
St. Armand (Handmade artist papers)
Ecojot (Recycled sketchbooks & journals)
By choosing artists who use Canadian materials, you are also supporting Canadian manufacturing and innovation in the arts.
How to Support Canadian Art & Artists
If you want to buy Canadian-made art and support local artists, here’s how to start:
Shop at local art fairs, markets, and independent galleries – Many Canadian cities have thriving arts communities with regular exhibits and sales. The Art Loop "Art List" indicates Ontario's largest art shows with professional artists.
Follow Canadian artists online – Many sell directly through their own websites or social media. Art Loop's "Featured Artist" list is a great place to start.
How Artists Can Incorporate More Canadian-Made Materials
If you are an artist looking to incorporate more Canadian-made products into your art making, here's what to consider:
Look for ‘Made in Canada’ labels on art materials – Choosing Canadian-made supplies ensures your dollars stay in the local economy.
Visit independent Canadian art stores – Stores like Wallack’s and DeSerres stock a mix of Canadian and international brands, so ask for Canadian-made products.
Art is more than a collectable item or decorative piece—it is a reflection of culture, identity, and even economic resilience. Supporting Canadian artists and using Canadian-made supplies strengthens not only our creative communities but also our national economy. By choosing Canadian art and Canadian-made supplies, we are not just fostering creativity—we are investing in a thriving and resilient Canada.
Comments