Em Farquhar-Barrie
Em Farquhar-Barrie (they/them) is a mixed, multiply disabled, queer and trans artist that grew up in and around Nogojiwanong, otherwise known as Peterborough. As a multidisciplinary artist, Em’s recent form of expression is through mixed-media painting and collage. In their art journey, they have also dabbled in drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation, sound based, spoken word, music, beading, natural inks and land based creating. The majority of their mixed media works have been landscapes exploring transformation and growth; both in the earth and spirit world, the past, present, and future.
“Like a bird building a nest, I collage layers upon layers, adding and taking away on a search for safety, finding home through my artwork. As birds do with their nest, collecting things, going back and forth, resting, and returning to the nest - this has been my way of collaging personal experiences as a form of mapping the mind and navigating unknown paths. I use this expressive art form amongst others to explore who I am, where I come from, and where I am going.”
Em is a BFA graduate, holding a certificate in Cultural and Artistic Practices for Environmental and Social Justice. Recent publications include submissions in the Crip Collab Zine Issue #2, Re-Storying Autism Zine, QT Lit Mag: Flirt and The River Magazine. They have had their work exhibited at Atelier Ludmila Gallery, Gallery 1313, Sketch Working Arts, Slanted Door Gallery, York University, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Their works can be purchased through their Instagram, @emfarbar.
Where Did Everyone Go?
This personal zine is a series of drawings that have been created during the covid-19 pandemic. “Where Did Everyone Go” has been published in articles and travelled (virtually) to conferences around the world to share the hard reality of being neurodivergent and disabled in the pandemic. Within the first few months of closures, I lost all my resources causing my already poor health to decline. The lack of support over the course of the pandemic continues to take it’s toll. Currently, I am working on a second part to this zine focused on the search for support, only to be met with dead ends and thus I continue to ask - “where is everyone?”
Pride Landscapes
Sharing affirming messages of love and hope. Available to purchase as prints and stickers.
Greeting Cards
Handmade greeting cards bring a lot of joy to the maker, the giver and the receiver. Let someone know you are thinking of them! One-of-a-kind mixed media cards can be viewed and purchased on my Instagram @emfarbar. Note: I reduce waste by using found paper and natural materials, recycling newspapers/magazines, and reusing old drawings and photographs.
