Artist Statement

In my practice I use repetition and multiples to celebrate under appreciated subjects while repurposing under-utilized spaces. As someone who has had trouble finding space for myself within Toronto from financial, political, and social barriers that are being intensified, I found inspiration in the ingenuity of infestations and pests that adapt to any space or circumstance. In creating work that celebrates unappreciated but vital members of our ecosystem that are reflected in our communities we redefine the accessibility of these spaces and who can “infest” them.

Mimicking these subjects and their impressive reproduction rate, I continuously create modular sculpture multiples with the ability to be installed into any available space, highlighting alternative spaces where work can be created and flourish despite barriers. Using mold making and ceramics, allowing for repetition in complex forms while still having the ability to add unique details, colours, patterns, and forms - adding variation and uniqueness to each piece despite coming from one mold. This idea of breaking from forms, redefining spaces, and recontextualizing belonging are the essences of my work.

Bio

Jes is a non-binary educator and sculpture artist based in Toronto, Canada. Their practice investigates alternative uses of space inspired by infestations and repetitive natural patterns. They practice fluidity within all things. In 2024 Young founded Kitte Club, a ceramics studio in Toronto that promotes the growth of ceramic artists in their practices, providing accessible studio spaces, instruction and mentorships, technical help in building and firing and programing artist driven events and activities.

Young received their Masters of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, and Bachelor of Education from York University. They have held a guest artist position at York University and have exhibited in multiple shows in Toronto such as Nuit Blanche Toronto (2022), The Artist Project Toronto (2023 & 2025), The Clay and Glass Gallery (2025) and The Gladstone House Artist Residency (2023). They have also exhibited and practiced internationally at PADA Residency in Barreiro, Portugal (2023), and Gracía in Antigua, Guatemala (2023). 

Young continues to develop their artistic practice while working as a Fabricator for local Toronto artists, teaching Visual Arts in the TDSB and developing programs at Kitte Club.