For the latest in our series of Ossington Business Profiles, we got Christian McLeod to answer our questions. Christian runs his eponymous arts studio and gallery at 89 Ossington Ave. The picture to the left is a sample of his work, a recent painting called “Control Room” which is going to be part of an exhibit in May in Halifax at Gallery Page and Strange. So, on to the answers:
What’s your business?
Christian McLeod’s arts studio.
How is your business unique?
My situation is unique in that there is no seperation of gallerist and or gallery presentation of works from the viewer, the visitors and collectors see finished works and works in progress, this is a unique experience as the viewer rarely get a chance to walk into an artists work space.
I have lived off and on all over this area going back to High school and Art School, when The Toronto School of Art was at Queen and Dovercourt back in the early 1990’s.
The gallery scene on Ossington gives way to bars, gives way to fancy restaurants with fancy cars in them. That’s how it goes.
Luft becomes Sweaty Beaty’s, and on up the money chain.
How long have you been in business here?
I have lived and worked on this street for 5 years now. My location is a live/work storefront arts studio. I moved here from the Dundas st. and Ritchie st. building, yet another building that turfed out the artists to make way for Authentic Loft Dwellers.
What drew you to be here on Ossington?
I was drawn to Ossington by a cheap studio for rent on Craig’s list. The studio buildings where for the most part all converted so i jumped at the chance. Frankly after having moved further and further west as the buildings where converted, it was funny to me that i got to move back down here, felt like the Jefferson’s.
What changes have you seen on Ossington since your business has been here?
During the day and early evening the changes on Ossington are, for the most part good changes, its harder to find a spot to get the oil changed in the car and parking is scarce now that 905 is here to play.
But later in the evening that drunk fools who think the parking lots and fences are their washrooms is disgusting.
The Galleries that have moved onto the street are a great addition, they are serious professional galleries who have years of experience and are very serious about their work.
Two of the best restaurants in the city are on this street, so how can i complain about that, except when i don’t have the coin to enjoy them.
:).
How do you see your business and Ossington five years from now?
Converted into condo’s.
What is your favorite spot on Ossington, other than your own? and why?
Fav Spot is Foxley, its all about the staff.. oh ya and the food that will leave your mouth begging for more. And their list is good too.
