About
"Art should match your soul, not your sofa" - Gurjit Mann Toor, Founding Artist
Founding Artist Biography
Art evokes emotions, sparks conversations, and creates a sense of connection in a world that sometimes feels disconnected. Art has the power to inspire, heal, and ignite the imagination.
Born in Bedford, England, Gurjit Mann Toor moved with her family at the age of 13 to Calgary, Canada amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains. Here, and through her love of travel and adventure, Gurjit found inspiration that continually shaped her artistic journey.
While pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Gurjit discovered her passion for art through electives in the Faculty Of Arts. It became her haven, a creative escape from the world of debugging code. What started as a hobby soon blossomed into something more profound as she navigated the twists and turns of life. Through painting, Gurjit found solace, peace, and a sanctuary to express her thoughts, emotions, and cherished moments with her family that she wanted to forever hold dear. Each brushstroke became a journal of her trials, tribulations, joys, and the beauty in the world around her.
After two decades of honing her craft, Gurjit decided to bring her art out into the world. Closet Art Studio was born, aptly named to mark her journey of self acceptance and being comfortable in her own skin. With a collection of over 50 handmade original paintings, Gurjit brought her art online, embarking on an exciting new chapter during the Covid-19 global pandemic.
In December 2023 she debuted with her solo retrospective exhibition. This triggered yet another journey, as other artists sought mentorship on how to exhibit their own work. Identifying a gap in industry, Gurjit embarked on a mission to find ways to activate unconventional commercial spaces, to help highlight local artists. Either as a commercial partner, or an exhibiting artist, we hope you join our community activating Artcycle movement!
Founding Artist Statement
Renditions of the transformative power of nature and its connection to our minds and personal stories. Every painting is an invitation to step through a portal to your world of imagination, where anything and everything is abundantly available.
By capturing the beauty and tranquility of these landscapes, I hope to inspire a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world and its ability to shape our perceptions and experiences. It's our gateway to abundance, growth and self-discovery where one can find solace, clarity, and a sense of connection to our limitless universe.
Go ahead, open your mind’s eye to the magic of authentic, original art.
I hope my paintings bring you as much joy and self reflection as they've gifted me in creating them.
Sincerely,
Gurjit Mann Toor - BSc Cpsc, PMP
Owner/Artist - Closet Art Studio | Co-Owner/PM - PnG Builders | Independent Board Director - PnG Ventures