Nature-ID

>> The Project | This mural celebrates the rich biodiversity in Ontario ecoregion. The piece was commissioned by Bell Box Murals Project/A PROGRAM OF COMMUNITY MATTERS TORONTO. The design was chosen out of over hundreds of submissions around the York Centre neighbourhood and Duke Heights BIA area in Toronto, Ontario. 2022. >> Year: Summer 2022 >> Material: Exterior Paint >> Location: 117 Allingham Gardens (Near Wilson Subway Station) >> The Message | Identifying the names of our biodiversity in our city enables us to learn about them, to connect with them, and to understand their place in the world. I’d like the mural to be a reminder to keep stewards of our land, in order to support the well-being of ourselves, the community and our natural environment.

Meet the Artist

NITZKHI

Ikeda, Japan

Hi there! I’m Mitsuki aka NITZKHI and I am a Japanese Visual Storyteller based in Toronto. As you may have guessed, my passion is creating timeless art & design. I specialize in visual direction which I draw inspiration from a range of creative practice. As a Designer, - Completed over 55+ Commercial design projects for entrepreneurs, corporations in & out of Canada - Worked as a Graphic Designer (Branding, Editorial, Signage, Print & Digital Medias) and illustrations for Children’s Educational Materials As an Artist and Muralist, - Currently an apprentice commercial & residential painter in construction trades. - Experience engaging the local neighbourhood through public art (Theme: Culture, Historical Sites, Architectures, Portraits, Nature etc.) (Past Projects: Toronto/ StrreetART, Bell Box Murals, Commercial & Residential Buildings) and assisted in large scale murals around the city. - Has exhibited mixed media artworks and did a live painting at public venue, private venues, street festivals, art & farmer's market) - Sold handmade & upcycled items online and at events. In my teaching career, - Led nature and forest school based programs at outdoor schools & child care centres. - Worked as a Registered Early Childhood Educators in Public Kindergarten, EarlyON and Parenting Centres. - Facilitated youth/family functions, community events for local BIAs & city of Scarborough. As a street dancer/ cultural educator, - A coordinator & crew member of SK Dojo: The Academy of Hiphop Culture and the Breaks / youth and family arts and fitness programming - Performed as a Guest Dancer at Rogers Center/Toronto Arts Council Mayor(Rob Ford)’s Ball - Competed in multiple street dance battles and competitions - Has taught graffiti to children & youth - Has been commissioned to create street art / street-fashion apparel I love enriching people’s lives through storytelling. My motto is “Let Your Light Shine to Make the World a Better Place”. This is my way of using my gift to contribute to the society.

More artwork by NITZKHI