Modern Artist Profile - Laura Fedynyszyn

In conversation with Laura Fedynyszyn, one of the many talented artists participating in the 2025 Mississauga Festival of Trees.

1. Tell us a bit about your art practice. What do you specifically do?

I’m trained as a printmaker but my practice has expanded and shifted to incorporate installation. I don't have a large studio space but printmaking allows me to make multiples quickly, so I can make cumulatively big work in the small footprint of my home studio. Thematically my work all relates to the environment and sustainability. I struggle with climate anxiety and my work has been a way for me to process those feelings, and also help raise awareness to some of the issues that most concern me.

My piece for the Mississauga Festival of Trees centers around the spotted lantern fly, an invasive species currently in the US, close to the Canadian border. They are a beautiful insect and could easily be misconstrued as a moth or something harmless. My sculpture seeks to inform and spread awareness about this potentially devastating insect.

2. What inspires you?

Of course being out in nature. I do a lot of back country camping and appreciate being in spaces seldom touched by humans. But within urban environments I find a great deal of inspiration too. It’s incredible to see how nature adapts to human intervention and in some cases thrives.

When I’m not focusing on my art practice, I work as a Conservator specializing in art on paper and rare books. This is also a source of great inspiration as I come in contact with so many old print and paper materials. For years I’ve been incorporating old discarded maps and book illustrations in my prints. It’s a gratifying process to turn something that would otherwise go to recycling into a piece of art and give it a second life.

3. How do you approach a new project?

Almost always by drawing free-hand on a lino block, I can see a version of the final piece in my head but it’s rare that I make any sketches to guide the work. The piece just grows from the printing process. For my installations I’ll carve and print one block and then the next will be created to be complimentary to the first and so on. It’s an organic process and I think that’s in keeping with the natural themes I work with.

4. Describe the experience of working with CreativeHub 1352 in Mississauga on a commissioned artwork for the Festival of Trees.

It’s been an amazing experience to feel so supported throughout the creation of this piece. We’ve had various meetings and check-ins to make sure everything is on track and this structure has really helped as I build this large piece. I’m used to working alone but it’s been very beneficial to have input and suggestions on the piece as it takes shape.

5. What excites you about Mississauga's Festival of Trees?

Seeing how all of the different artists approach this theme. We’re all working with such diverse media too. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with! Given that I work in the heritage field I’m also really excited to be exhibiting in The Small Arms Inspection Building as it’s a space with so much history. It will be great to see all of our trees activate the space and there is such great light there, I really think it’s going to bring our sculptures to life.

6. What's in store for 2026?

I’m hoping to shift away from working on invasive species and focus on urban animals. Specifically I’m interested in how coyotes have adapted to urban settings, and the community perception of them. I have an exhibit lined up with MMB Gallery and I’m planning to make an installation about these urban canines for that space.

Connect with Laura via Instagram here.