TORONTO, CANADA

VALENTINA GUEVARA

What's for dinner? Pair 2

$201.00
Exhibition Submission Statement

Through form, light, and the concept of containment, 'What's For Dinner?' reflects on
both artistic and personal transformation. Each piece asks: what do we hold onto,
what do we let escape, and how can breaking free from our own “boxes” reveal
new ways of seeing and creating?

Dimensions: 3"W x 3"H x 2"D each

Material: Translucent porcelain

Artwork ships: beginning october 22nd

What's for dinner? Pair 2

Valentina Guevara, 2025
1

Artist Statement

We spend years developing an artistic style that feels true to us, a way of working that others recognize and that, over time, becomes its own kind of “box.” It is comfortable, familiar, and safe, but it can also feel limiting. The pieces in What Holds play with this idea, questioning how creativity can escape containment. These ceramic “take-out” boxes, glowing as if light is spilling from within, become whimsical metaphors for ideas pushing against boundaries, searching for freedom beyond their container.

The process of creating this work is deeply connected to my experience of motherhood. There is a recurring fear of losing myself in the constant demands of nurturing others, yet within this chaos, I uncover new perspectives and unexpected beauty. Making these boxes has allowed me to embrace letting go of overthinking, finding joy in experimentation, and redefining what my practice can hold.

2

About the Artist

Valentina moved from Toluca, Mexico to Montreal, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University in 2006. After spending more than nine years dedicated to creating handmade tiles for public art mosaics. This experience enriched her artistic journey, through her intricate and vibrant ceramic works. Valentina relocated to Toronto. By 2021, she welcomed her daughter. By 2023, Valentina resumed teaching pottery, working as a studio technician, and dedicating time to personal projects. Her journey reflects a dynamic blend of cultural heritage, artistic dedication, and adaptability, as she continues to make meaningful contributions to the art world.

Artist cv

VALENTINA GUEVARA

Experience:
A Playful Narrative, Gallery 1065 Toronto Ont (2025)
8 person clay and glass exhibition

Wheelhouse PotteryStudios, Toronto Ont (2025- present)
Lead Technician,Studio Manager, and Pottery Instructor

ClayArt Studios, Toronto Ont (Dec.2018- 2025)
Lead Technician, Studio Manager, and Pottery Instructor

ArtsQuarters Gallery, Toronto Ont (Oct.2021-2024)
Pottery Instructor

Toronto Potters Association, Toronto, Ont (2019-2020)
Studio Technician

Gardiner Museum, Toronto, Ont (2019-2020)
Pottery Instructor
Occasionally held family day activity, pottery instructor at the Gardiner Museum

Inspirations Studio, Toronto, Ont (May 2018-Present)
Pottery Instructor and Studio Technician
“Inspirations studio is a unique low barrier ceramics program for women and gender diverse
people who experienced marginalization”

Mosaika Art and Design, Montreal, QC (2011-2017)
Project Manager/Assorted
Supervised and executed several hand-installed Mosaic designs within a budget and strict
.timelines. My overseen completed projects include:
2012 : Installation of a Shinique Smith mosaic at Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot, Art for
Transit for the MTA New York. Mosaic of 2500 sq. ft. with over half the project being hand built
ceramics.
2015 : Fabrication (glazing) and installation of 6 mosaics from different artists at the new

General Hospital in San Francisco.
2015 : Fabrication (glazing) and installation of a mosaic for the new terminal 3 at San
Francisco International Airport.
2016 : Installation of two hand built mosaics for Chuck Close in New York subway, Arts for
Transit for the MTA New York (Open to the public 2017).

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT , MOSAIKA ART AND DESIGN
- 2011-2017
Responsible for the translation of various mediums into clay, including color matching, texture
and the sustainability of a piece based on its environment. Develop samples used as bids to
. secure contracts. Techniques included but not limited; sgraffito, mould making, transfers, high
fire, low fire, multiple firings, and paper clay.

INSTALLATION TEAM , MOSAIKA ART AND DESIGN
- 2009-2011
Travel throughout North America in order to install large-scale mosaics, including
: installations in New York and Los Angeles. Representing the company for the purchase of
materials in Mexico, including translation and price negotiation.

TILE PLACER AND GLAZING ASSISTANT , MOSAIKA ART AND DESIGN
- 2009-2011
Placing and cutting tiles for large scale mosaics with efficiency and color precision.
・ Glaze application and preparation. Follow and develop glaze recipes and techniques.

Volunteer and Apprentice Experience:
2005-2006
Concordia University, Montreal, QC.
- Student Technician and Apprentice
Assist with the efficient functioning of the ceramic studio and report to the Head
Ceramic Technician. Respond to student questions regarding specific techniques and safe
use of equipment with glaze application.
Mexico 2007
Studio Alfareria Soteno, Toluca, MX
- Studio Apprentice and Potter

Education:
Graduated June 2006
Concordia University, Montreal QC
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Art History and Studio Arts

Other works from the WHAT HOLDS Exhibition