TOAE 2012: Deborah Pasternak

Deborah Pasternak painting; Photo credit Karen Thiessen, 2012

I spent a hot day at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition checking out the work. Deborah Pasternak's paintings of afghans and doilies grabbed my attention and forced me to take a second and third look. Yes, all the images are painted, not crocheted.

Deborah Pasternak painting; Photo credit Karen Thiessen, 2012

Pasternak paints the doilies as if she were decorating a cake. Instead of icing, she fills a cake decorating bag with acrylic paint and then using a variety of tips goes to town recreating Grandma's wares. She began developing this technique while a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design and then went a step further and acquired pastry chef skills at George Brown College. I'm a sucker for cross-pollination.

Deborah Pasternak painting; Photo credit Karen Thiessen, 2012

Do you have a favourite afghan or doily that is looking worse for wear and can't bear the thought of getting rid of it? Deborah Pasternak accepts commissions to recreate your much loved afghan in paint. 

Deborah Pasternak painting; Photo credit Karen Thiessen, 2012

Deborah Pasternak painting; Photo credit Karen Thiessen, 2012