Meet the Maker: Mindmelt Studio
Mindmelt Studio: Fantastical artwork that invites viewers to find light in the dark.
Delve into the wonderfully weird world of Mindmelt Studio, where cute meets creepy in the best way. Created by Canadian illustrator Mark S. Gagne, you’ll find a little something for everyone from colouring books & prints to original art & wearables!
With an emphasis on environmental themes and mental health, Mark’s work delivers intense themes in an accessible way - not just for children but adults as well. We’re lucky to have him in our creative community so read on to learn more about the mind behind the melt!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
I'm a Sudbury born and raised, multimedia illustrator that specializes in the cute and creepy. I enjoy drawing all sorts of weird forest animals and created the Guardian Sprites, whimsical creatures that protect the plants and animals around the world. Through the Sprites I explore themes of environmentalism and mental health.
“Like many, I battle with depression and anxiety daily, and it filters into my imagery. Weird, surreal monsters become relatable by way of facial mannerisms and body language. These beings are strange but also familiar in a personal way.”
Excerpt from Artist Statement
Artist: Mark S. Gagne, Photo Credit: Mindmelt Studio
Guardian Sprite hat
Sprites at the Garden Shed
Inked photography
Mark Gagne
The perfect way to teach children about the magic to be found in nature.
What advice would you give to a maker just starting out?
Keep creating. Working at your craft is how you improve and discover your path and personal style.
What is something folks may not know about you?
1. I worked as a stand up comic for several years, and had a lot of fun doing it. I get the itch occasionally to do it again.
2. Original artwork or prints.
What is your dream project?
Owning my own house, with a working studio and shop all in one.
What inspires you/where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. From the natural world while walking in the woods. Seeing what other creators are making and getting inspired.
Guardian Sprite hunting in Onaping Falls
Colouring Books by Mindmelt Studio - the monsters are my fave!
Shout out your favourite Northern Ontario based maker.
There's so many to mention...I'll go with Tracy Baker. This isn't me sucking up so much as giving props to a fantastic local maker who works tirelessly at her craft and running Maker's North, while also raising a young family. And she's a valued friend.
CONNECT
What I love most about Mark is his endless creativity and gentle old-soul energy. I’ve known him since my “baby artist” days in Sudbury, and from the start, he was welcoming, encouraging, and made me feel like I belonged in the creative community (even when my work was, in all honesty, quite terrible haha!). He’s always been deeply committed to living creatively and uplifting others along the way. Watching my kids fall in love with his work after all these years feels perfectly full circle!
Back to hunting for sprites!
