Jeff Riffle
Artist member since 2019
Toronto, Ontario
"The octopus saved me. Weird statement I know. During the Covid lockdowns I found myself struggling artistically on all levels. I felt inspiration had all but dried up. It was frustrating and heartbreaking. One day while cleaning my studio waiting for that elusive lightning bolt of inspiration to hit I came across a list I had made of animals I’d like to one day paint. Animals not being my usual subject matter, I thought now’s as good a time as any, nothing else seems to be working. The first on the list was, you guessed it, an octopus. BOOM! INSPIRATION HAD STRUCK! It was love at first brush stroke. The colour combinations, beauty of movement and organic gracefulness make these exciting and fun to create. That is how this current series was launched and how an octopus saved my trust in my own art." Originally from Ohio, Jeff moved to Toronto in 2010. He continues his Art Studio and exhibitions in several Toronto venues. He enjoys and has a strong body of commission work and requests. This is Jeffs 3rd year in the TOAF and is excited to be back at Nathan Phillips Square.
Inside the Studio
Q+A
Favourite artist(s) right now
Cj Hendry, Blu Smith, Beth Cavener, Glenn Arthur, Greg
Why is it important for people to have art in their home or life?
Because it allows you to think, dream and feel. Whether you want dark and sensual or happy and bright, ART can help you create the perfect environment for you to live in and call home.
Favourite medium
I really enjoy painting with acrylic. With all the different mediums you can add to acrylics, there is nothing you can't do. And I'm a bit impatient and it dries fast, so that aids in my style of painting and I can move along quickly.
During my breaks, I tend to ...
Spend a lot of my time in the studio, it's my happy place. I also try and take advantage of having a cottage up north. Also when my and my husbands schedules allow, traveling is at the top of our list. Traveling is always where huge inspiration comes for future paintings.
When I'm not making art, I'm (a) ...
Hairstylist and makeup artist. It's an industry that is constantly changing and that keeps me creative. And like my art I hope the out come is the same...I just want to make people happy and feel great!
What do you listen to when you work?
I mostly like to listen to movie scores. Some of my favourite composers are Danny Elfman, Alexander Desplat, James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer and John Williams. And I'm always on the hunt for the perfect playlist on Spotify.
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