We're excited to bring you an exclusive interview with October Maker of the Month Haley Marfleet. Haley is an Ontario-based oil painter who graduated from Sheridan College. In this exchange, we learn more about her cookie paintings and journey as an artist thus far.

Ever since I was a little kid I remember art being my favourite activity. In school everyone knew me as the artist and I never really dreamed of doing anything else. It’s something that’s always been a part of me.

Thank you! They don’t lie when they say “practice makes perfect”. I started painting when I was around 11-12, I noticed a lot of artists that I admired were painters and this inspired me to grab a brush and some oil paints. Throughout high school I started painting more and I naturally leaned into realism, wanting to capture what I’m seeing in front of me. Once I got to art college, I was learning and painting more than ever which really helped develop my skills. 

I came up with the idea in April of this year. I had a couple of small circular canvases sitting around for a while that I wasn’t sure what to do with. It felt like a “light bulb” moment when got the idea to make them into cookies! I knew I wanted a set of six cookies, so I tried to come up with the most popular types and that are interesting/fun to look at. 

I like to try a bit of everything; pets, portraits, florals etc. I don’t want to feel as though I have to focus on only one subject. I think it’s good to keep exploring, it keeps me motivated and inspired to create. 

The ability to make a vision come to life is what I love about being an artist. I believe art makes such a positive impact on our everyday lives. If I have an even just a small part in that impact, I will know am on the right path. 

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