We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Apanaki Temitayo MInerve. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Apanaki Temitayo below.
Alright, Apanaki Temitayo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
I am a Trinidadian-raised, Toronto-based multi-disciplinary, multimedia fibre artist and art facilitator at the intersection of depression and CPTSD. It was actually due to having a mental breakdown while working as a Catering Coordinator for the YMCA Cafe at Metro Hall, that I got to tap into my creativity through a workshop for Women in Trauma by the YWCA. It was my first introduction to textile art and art as therapy. For the first time in a long time, I felt inspired to create with purpose. I was befriended by one of the women in my group who suggested that I join Workman Arts, which is an organization founded in CAMH but offered free art programs to people struggling with Mental Illness and Addiction. Workman was able to give me opportunities to explore different art practices and develop my art style. Due to an open call for artists regardless of the genre in the annual juried exhibition Being Scene 2012, I decided to take a leap of faith and submitted two pieces. My art piece The Egungun (The Ancestors in Yoruba) was selected and was showcased at Hart House at UfT and the Rendevous with Madness Film Festiva and began my journey as an artist. After exhibiting my works for 2 years I was given the opportunity to facilitate my first workshop at WA and this is where I really had the option of impacting my community in a positive way. Due to the amazing feedback from my workshops, As one of the first Art Facilitators on the roster, I help launch the Art Cart Program at CAMH to bring art base programming to inpatients. Since then, I have worked with racialized and marginalized communities such as Across Boundaries, Barbara Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Sistering, Nia Centre for the Arts and Sex Assault the Roadshow to name a few. Due to my dedication to my work in my field I was able to be the 1st Artist in Wellness for CAMH from 2019 to 2021.
Apanaki Temitayo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Apanaki Temitayo Minerve, a Mixed Media Textile Collage Artist based in beautiful Toronto, Canada. I’m thrilled to share my creative journey with you and give you a glimpse into my passion for art and textiles.
My love for artistic expression led me to the world of mixed-media textile collage, where I combine various materials like fabrics, threads, and found objects to create captivating and visually striking pieces. It’s not just about the aesthetics for me; I strive to weave together different elements to form a cohesive and meaningful narrative in my work.
What sets me apart as a multi-disciplinary artist and art facilitator is my commitment to serving racialized and marginalized communities, including the queer, BIPOC, mentally ill, addiction, and trauma communities. Art, for me, is a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and social change.
I understand the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals within these communities, and that’s why I create a safe and inclusive space for self-expression, exploration, and healing. I truly believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to foster a sense of belonging and understanding.
As an art facilitator, I guide individuals through their creative journeys, providing the support, encouragement, and guidance they need. Whether it’s through textile collage, painting, mixed media, or any other medium, I tailor my workshops and sessions to empower individuals and amplify their voices.
But my work doesn’t stop at the canvas. I’m deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy. I use my platform to address systemic issues and promote inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and creating space for marginalized voices to be heard.
Collaborating with community organizations, mental health agencies, and social support networks allows me to bring art to those who may not have access to traditional art spaces. By partnering with these organizations, I can reach individuals who can greatly benefit from the healing and empowering aspects of art.
The most rewarding part of my role as an art facilitator is witnessing the positive transformations in my participants. Seeing individuals overcome personal challenges, finding their voice, and experience healing through their artistic journey fills my heart with joy and purpose.
To potential clients, participants, and supporters, I want you to know that my work is more than just what you see on the canvas. I’m deeply passionate about social justice, mental health, and inclusivity. Through my art facilitation, I aim to create a nurturing and empowering space where individuals can reclaim their narratives and find solace in their creative expressions.
In a nutshell, I am Apanaki Temitayo Minerve, a multi-disciplinary artist and art facilitator who works closely with racialized and marginalized communities. My transformative approach to art provides a haven for individuals to heal, express themselves, and advocate for change. My commitment to community engagement and empowering marginalized voices makes me truly dedicated to making a difference through art.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As a self-taught artist with an invisible disability, I have faced unique challenges in creating a sustainable business model that accommodates my everyday struggles with depression and CPTSD. When the pandemic struck in 2020, I not only had to support my family but also assist organizations in promoting the mental wellness of their employees and staff. It was during this time that I realized my mental illness could be transformed into a superpower. Drawing from my lived experiences, I tailored my workshops and services to support clients who had never been taught to prioritize their mental well-being.
Navigating the demands of being a single parent to neuro-divergent kids while battling my own depression was undoubtedly challenging. Additionally, as the world grappled with a surge in Anti-Black racism, I took on the responsibility of supporting black organizations in creating safe spaces for individuals to express their emotions. Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of setting clear boundaries both for myself and my business. I recognized the need to safeguard my own mental wellness while providing support to my clients. As a sole proprietor, I also discovered certain limitations in terms of what I could realistically accomplish.
These lifelong lessons have greatly influenced my business and provided me with opportunities to share my art practice in impactful spaces. I have had the honour of serving as a panellist for the World Health Organization, where I spoke on the topic of Art as Therapy. Additionally, I had the privilege of showcasing my artwork, Numb, at the United Nations as a response to the profound effects of anti-racism during the peak of the pandemic.
Overall, my journey as a self-taught artist with an invisible disability has shaped not only my artistic practice but also the way I engage with the world. By harnessing my own experiences, I have been able to create a business that not only sustains me but also makes a global impact. I am proud to have used my platform to advocate for mental wellness, address social issues, and contribute to meaningful discussions on a larger scale.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I initially embarked on starting my business, I received invaluable support from the Peer Support Program and a loan from Rise Asset Development, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with mental illness and addiction in launching their own ventures. With their guidance, my business plan took shape in ways I never anticipated. While my initial focus was centred on selling original artwork, prints, and merchandise, it organically evolved into a multifaceted enterprise.
Today, my business encompasses Speaking Engagements, Art Facilitation both in Virtual and In-person formats, Commissions, Art Prints, Merchandise, and Consulting. The advent of technology has enabled me to expand my reach by facilitating workshops online, thereby granting global accessibility. I am incredibly excited about this pivot in my career as it not only strengthens my business but also aligns with my role as an influencer, amplifying the value I bring to the table.
A significant milestone in my artistic journey is the upcoming exhibition of my artwork at the prestigious Art Gallery of Ontario this summer. This achievement fills me with immense pride, as it allows me to showcase my original work and limited edition archival prints from The Muses Collection. Inspired by the repercussions of the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and its profound impact on the BIPOC community’s access to safe abortions and healthcare, this collection holds deep personal significance.
I believe that this expansion of my business, coupled with the opportunity to showcase my work at the Art Gallery of Ontario, epitomizes the growth and artistic milestones I have achieved. It serves as a testament to my commitment to sharing thought-provoking pieces and engaging in meaningful dialogue. By addressing social issues through my art, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
In summary, my journey in establishing my business has been supported by the Peer Support Program and Rise Asset Development. While my initial plan focused on selling artwork, it has organically transformed into a diverse range of offerings, including speaking engagements, art facilitation, commissions, prints, merchandise, and consulting. The utilization of technology has further broadened my reach, allowing me to facilitate workshops online and connect with a global audience. Additionally, being chosen to exhibit my artwork at the Art Gallery of Ontario is a profound accomplishment, enabling me to share The Muses Collection and raise awareness about vital social issues within the BIPOC community. These milestones exemplify my growth as an artist and the value I bring to my business and broader influence. 
Contact Info:
- Website: apanaki.com
- Instagram: @apanaki_apnki
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopApanaki/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/apanakitemitayom
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShopApanaki
- Other: https://apanaki-temitayo-m.pixels.com/
- AGO Sales & Rental agosaleandrentalApanaki
Image Credits
Art Cart Photo by Matt Kelly