The 2025 Queen West Art Crawl was a massive success! While I didn’t see as many old friends this year, I got to meet a lot of people and shared the stories behind my art.

I always find it fascinating to see what sold well. What did people like? On my first day, it seemed like all my Toronto series was popular, but on the second day, my Malaysia series got lots of attention.

Then there’s the ones I really don’t predict and it’s a super surprise.

I nearly did not exhibit my Chinese Lionhead Dragons painting. Someone came in and in a few minutes decidedly bought the original. With the originals I sold during this show, I asked the patrons why they chose that particular painting. It always seemed like there was some kind of background story that personally drew them to that particular painting. A landmark that they connected with, or some experience that the painting reminded them of. In this way, I loved hearing the stories they shared just as much as I enjoyed sharing the stories from my life.

There are paintings that I don’t like as much as others. Yet, some people do. Some are even so enthused about it, so much more than I am! Every time it happens, it always bewilders me. How could they like something that I didn’t think was that great?

Then there’s the times I’m affirmed of the paintings I really like. I loved the reaction to my Torii Gardiner painting, which combined the concept of Japanese Torii gates with the parts of the Bentway under the Gardiner highway. When people said “wow, that’s such a cool idea”, it was invigorating. Ideas like these don’t always come by and while I’m still working on the series, it takes time to develop the concept. It’s nice when people recognize the effort behind the idea.

There was a patron who recognized that my Active Surplus Gorilla one was painted in an anime style. I did not call this out in my description (though I intended it, so that was cool). The concept was to make it like anime so it would be part of my Asian in Canada series. I’m glad it came through and perhaps I’ll make it officially part of the series.

Then there’s the ones I put up just for the heck of it. I put up my original painting of “This is the Whey” for the first time, and enjoyed it when people laughed seeing it. More kids than I thought responded to it.

It was one that a number had taken a picture of. I found it polite for people to ask whether they could take a photo but even if they don’t I do take it as a compliment. That said, I wish I knew which ones they took pictures of as it’s fascinating to see what people like. I probably should have asked them to tag me on Instagram.

The best part of exhibiting is telling the story behind my work. It makes their experience at the outdoor art market even more memorable. I’m not one to really like art which is stuck somewhere, unattainable and high brow. Though I have been to many of fancy galleries, part of me wants my art to be touched, which is why the outdoor markets are a nice fit.

Perhaps I’ll go back to trying the gallery route. I’ll hang around, eating cheese and crackers and drinking wine while ignoring the stuff on the walls. I might be less awkward having already done it once and realize I don’t need to be as tense as I thought I had to be.

I had a lot more fun this time around than the first time exhibiting at Queen West Art Crawl. I knew how to bring what only I needed, and the steps to set everything up. I knew my tent wouldn’t blow away overnight. I had already figured out my hanging system, and knew that the set up volunteer system was pretty chill (no one polices when you load in in the morning). This time, I was ready an hour early before the official opening.

I’m more energized than every to build on my works, find new ideas, and put out that creative energy into the world.