Hard to believe it's been over a year since we last spoke with local artist, Katie Butler. We sent her some of the new Afends intimates a few weeks ago and she was kind enough to give us a quick update on what's been going on.
Katie!
Hey hey!
How are you these days?
I’m doing great! Keeping super busy balancing a couple part-time gigs on top of trying to keep up with my commission schedule. It’s been a very productive summer with lots of change and its fair share of growing pains.
So last time we talked you were heading into your last year of uni. What’s gone on since?
I have since graduated (thank god) and now I’m taking a break from school and getting some more life experience. I moved Toronto and I’ve been working at a restaurant, flower shop, and from home - all to manage those Toronto prices!
Toronto’s a great city, feel like we haven't been in so long. What part of the city do do you live?
I’m living in West Queen West in a tiny apartment with my roommate Zoë. We love it. The area is so creative, casual and fun so we’ve been trying to explore it as much as possible. When we’re couped up in the apartment though, our view from just outside the downtown core of the cityscape is something we love to show off.
What have you been doing for fun?
One of my favourite things about being in Toronto has been the people I’ve been able to meet. We’ve met some really cool girls in the area who have kind of adopted us and have been taking us around the city. I’ve also been able to attend some really sick creative networking events and seen some really beautiful studio spaces that I hope to see more and more of as time goes on. Beyond socializing at night, we cook delicious vegan meals and binge watch plenty of shows when our schedules align.
And you're still painting?
Yes of course! I opened my commissions back up after graduating and I’ve been working through them since. I also expanded to print sales which you can find on my website as a more cost-effective/less time consuming option for people who may want to own my art. I’ve been feeling super inspired to create some work for myself with a bit more meaning behind it, so I've committed to working on one piece a month so that I can do an exhibit in maybe a year’s time, hopefully sooner. I’ve been updating my own little blog on my website where I talk about my process and paintings and life in general.
Cool, cool. So what do you think of the Afends hemp intimates collection?
I actually love the fit and look. They are so soft and comfortable and the perfect work-from-home, painting/drawing in my bedroom uniform. I love that they are sustainably made from hemp because that stuff is really important to me. I just know it’s going to be a go-to for me from now on whenever I feel for a comfy night in. Thanks for letting me pick out some stuff for you guys this season!
See ya soon!
Keep up to date with Katie over on her Instagram and drop by the shop to check out the Afends intimates and other fall 2021 styles.