GRACIA ISABEL GÓMEZ CANTOYA

Originally from Mexico City, I explore themes related to colonialism and migration through functional and sculptural ceramic pieces. I recently started developing a new body of work influenced by the historical legacy of colonialism that lives on today and how it affects me as a Mexican living in Canada. In my studio practice I explore themes of division and segregation by asking formal questions about how objects relate to each other. I came to insert myself into the work through memory, history and contemplation of two different cultures.  

My continued research interest, -focused on expanding the presence of ceramics beyond the plinth and the wall, at this time through immersive installation, aims to trigger a personal and collective response that fosters a more objective understanding of humanity and our surroundings, transcending social conventions and emphasizing interconnectedness. 

Gracia Isabel holds an MFA from NSCAD University. A few of her exhibiting highlights include COR: Anna Leonowens Gallery (2025, NS), Lunenburg School of the Arts: ROSA MEXICANO (2023, NS), Yuill Family Gallery at Medalta: AZUL-COLONIAL-BLUE (2022, AB), the Gardiner Museum: Convergences (2022, TO) and Sin Fronteras Monarch Butterfly Project (2019, TO); Craft Ontario Gallery: The Body has Reasons which Reason Knows Not Of (2019, TO). She won the TOAE Best of Sculpture award in 2016 and a Craft Ontario Award in 2017.

In 2020 she started CLAY Voices Symposium on Instagram, a yearly community building on line gathering of ceramics artists across Canada. The 3^rd edition was live-streamed in April 2022.