Eddie Li

Toronto, Canada

"I have learned to go with the flow. If something doesn't look right, I take a break and come back to it and try something else. I can always change what I don't like.”

As an artist with Autism, Toronto-based Eddie Li (he/him/his) embraces the power of abstract expressionist art to vividly communicate his unique ideas and emotions, transcending the limitations of language with creativity and fervor.

Born in Gloucester, UK before moving to Toronto, Canada in his childhood, Eddie maintains his enjoyment for traveling, yet finds daily joy in the nature and culture of his hometown Toronto. “I like the parks, the city sights of the CN Tower, beach, Ripley's Aquarium, Toronto Zoo, the many cineplexes, attending Raptors games, and a variety of sporting events.” In addition to providing daily joy, Eddie finds nature to be a consistent source of artistic inspiration as well. “I love nature and going on walks in the beautiful parks we have in Toronto. I get a lot of ideas from the trail walks that I take which I use in my paintings.”

Eddie remembers as a young child liking markmaking; seeing colours and patterns taking shape with each stroke. Taking private art lessons at the Artembassy Gallery School, under the tutelage of the school’s Director, Eddie learned how to incorporate a variety of art mediums into his practice, from acrylic paints and oils, to collage, pencil, charcoal, and pastels. “Art gives me freedom to explore the thoughts in my mind and my take on the world around me. I love vibrant colours and enjoy putting down designs and colours which make me happy.”

Working intuitively and responding to colour, texture, and the painted surface, Eddie recently discovered ‘fluid art’, a practice which allows him to indulge in his love of vibrant colour. The paints are poured on canvas, flowing and blending with different techniques. “I get ideas from everyday experiences. Then I think of what colours I am feeling that day. I imagine where I would like the colours on the canvas. I pour the paints out and then I just trust my intuition when I blow out the paints with my hairdryer. If I don't like the outcome, I add more paints and blow them again until I feel that the painting is done.” The joyful flow of colours tell their own story to each person who views them.

While naturally drawn to abstract expressionism, Eddie’s work often incorporates abstracted motifs of animals, as he is a passionate animal lover, working with Bark Buddies Toronto, a dog daycare organization, in addition to owning four cats of his own. “I love animals and believe every animal should have a chance to have a loving family care to for them. Our pets have all been rescues as we believe all animals who have lost their homes deserve a second chance.”

Making art that viewers respond to is of paramount importance to Eddie. After his first exhibition organized by the Director of Artembassy Gallery School, Eddie has gone on to exhibiting at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, the Riverdale Artwalk and Artwalk in the Square, as well as The Pelham Art Festival who chose one of Eddie's paintings as ‘Best Abstract Painting’ just last year. “I love it when people enjoy my work. I also like to hear their interpretation of my art. If they have suggestions of how I can improve, I am happy to hear them.”

Pulling joy from everyday experiences, spending time in service of volunteerism, and exploring with fascination the unpredictability of colours that flow and the energy within, is the freedom that Eddie employs to express himself and to try new things and take risks. “Even if mistakes are made, they can always be worked on and turned into something beautiful. It's good to go with the flow.”