CREATIVE LENS: ALANA KINSEY
CREATIVE LENS: ALANA KINSEY
In the third edition of Creative Lens, we’re thrilled to spotlight Ontario-based artist Alana Kinsey, whose paintings linger in the soft glow of everyday rituals. Her work captures the hush between moments - the clink of a glass, the warmth of a table shared with friends, the gentle choreography of objects arranged with care. Through both expansive acrylic canvases and palm-sized ink drawings, Alana turns the ordinary into something tender and luminous, inviting us to slow down and savour the scenes we often rush past.
Alana talks about the creative lineage she grew up in, the rituals of gathering that continually inspire her, and the way intention shapes not only her art but also her home, her routines, and even the clothing she chooses to wear. She also walks us through the three ways she styled her harly jae outfit for this feature - each look a reflection of her thoughtful, quietly expressive approach to personal style.
Her words remind us that beauty often lives in the in-between spaces, and that paying attention can turn simple moments into stories worth holding onto.
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We’d love to know a little bit about yourself and how painting became the language you use to capture the world around you.
I am someone who has never been a stranger to the art world. I grew up surrounded by art, my mother is a professional oil painter, she started her craft shortly after bringing me into this world. I spent a lot of time in my mother’s makeshift studios, even having spent a year as a child living on an old isolated estate turned artist compound. I never took for granted my proximity to creativity and creative minds, but it did take me time to realize that my language was also that of painting.
I spent my teenage years on the stage, later attending university for English and French Literature, hoping to pursue writing, and then finally in adulthood, much like my mother, finding my voice on the canvas.
I am a daydreamer by nature, always coming up with creative ways to host, gather, and maximize any aesthetic moment - I love to portray that in my paintings as well.
Your paintings often spotlight simple, everyday moments - shared meals, small objects, quiet scenes. What draws you to paint these intimate rituals?
I love to capture the moments that often go unnoticed. Much of my work draws inspiration from fleeting moments from time spent around the table with friends - the clink of wine glasses, a perfectly curated flower arrangement, a fresh french roast waiting to be poured, all quiet moments that lead to or stem from meaningful gatherings with friends.
I love to host and I love the ritual of hosting, the chaotic pre-gathering prep, the conversation and laughs shared over a meal or drinks, and the post-event debrief and decompress. There’s beauty in each and every moment, and if you slow it down frame by frame, you can see the art in it.
I like to take those moments and bring them to life, asking the viewer to slow down and take it all in, find the beauty in the little things.
Your work moves beautifully between large acrylic canvases and small ink drawings. How does your process shift with scale, and what do you enjoy about each form?
The process from small scale ink to large scale acrylic is one that ends up being actually quite similar. My small scale drawings are a satisfying process of creating a scene on a 2”x3” rectangle, making small details even smaller in scale, and ultimately creating a window of a moment.
My large scale pieces are much looser, using paint that flows easier and with less control. There is much less detail in my larger pieces because I have more room to allow the scene to speak for itself.
Both mediums and sizes allow me to create a different perspective of each moment, on a micro and macro level.
When you’re not painting, what’s a space, routine, or hobby that helps you reconnect with your creativity in an unexpected way?
When I’m not painting, I am hosting events in my studio/apartment. I am a homebody through and through but I am also someone who loves to be around people, so I open my space up each month to an amazing group of women who come together for ‘Book Club’.
What started out as an Instagram poll asking who would be interested in monthly book clubs where we all read our own books, turned into a group of ~15 girls, mostly strangers at first, getting together to discuss their latest reads, watches, hobbies, and endeavours. I provide a new tablescape each time, light tons of candles, and curate a vibe that is welcoming and engaging.
What we get at the end is a night of laughs, empty wine glasses, and lists of books, shows, and bands to check out. I leave Book Club each month feeling energized and inspired by the amazing women around me and by the magical vibe they all create when brought together.
We loved seeing you in our Doll blouse that you shared on Instagram - it’s what first made us dive deeper into your work. How does intentional clothing fit into your life as an artist?
Intentional clothing is so important to me as an artist. I love supporting businesses that really hone their craft and are passionate about the materials, practices, and ethics that go into it as this is something that I, as an artist, also preach.
Each painting I create has intention behind it, a vibe, a feeling, and ultimately a story. I believe each piece of clothing should be made in the same vein; to create and tell a story.
For this feature, you styled our outfit in three different ways. Can you walk us through each look?
My first look is a casual look that’s perfect for any moment. Featuring the Aura pants and the Nuage blouse, paired with a pair of mary janes and simple jewelry, this is an outfit you would definitely catch me in from hanging around the house to browsing the local farmers market.
My second look is for a night out, featuring the Nuage blouse off the shoulder, adding a fun and flirty look, and paired with a mini skirt, tights, black pumps, and a fun statement piece of jewelry. Perfect for hitting the wine bar for a moody night by candlelight.
My third look would be my painting fit, featuring the Aura pants and an oversized button up (in my signature colour of pink), paired with flats and minimal jewelry…and of course a paint brush. The pants are loose yet structured, making the fit easy to create in and also to run out for errands if needed, while still looking comfy and chic.
Looking ahead, is there a theme, medium, or direction you’re feeling curious about exploring next?
Looking ahead, I want to experiment more with different mediums. Lately I have been trying out oil pastels, a big step away from my typical acrylic and ink. The oil pastels are much looser, more vibrant, and are so fun to play with at a larger scale.
In 2026 I plan to create a series dedicated to the moments of ‘home’, featuring large scale pieces, some in oil pastel, depicting each room of a house, followed by smaller scale pieces depicting small moments or accents of each room. I’m excited to create pieces not just around the food and drink of hosting, but also the environments in which we gather and feel most ourselves; whether it be our living rooms, dining rooms, or kitchens.
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Alana wears our Nuage Blouse & Aura Pants.
You can find her work via Instagram & her website.
Film photography taken by Ena Amoroso.