Tommy Feiler

Tommy Feiler is a Canadian artist currently based in Prince Edward County. With a background in advertising, specializing in lens-based mediums to explore the emotional connections we have with everyday objects, his work often blends text and imagery to explore themes of consumerism, memory, grief, and the playful manipulation of language, probing our perception of words and their layered meanings.

Recognized globally and having received numerous awards for his work (including Cannes Festival), his clients include McDonald’s, Chevy, Walmart, Pepsi, and KFC – to name a few. He’s participated in solo and group exhibitions and art fairs throughout Canada, and has developed a love of teaching through serving as a part-time faculty member at Sheridan College and Toronto Metropolitan University.

This month, Tommy is teaching a 6-week Still Life Photography course at the County Arts Lab, Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM beginning February 3rd, 2025. Using their own DSLR cameras, students will learn how to use objects to convey stories, moods, and ideas, along with lighting techniques, colour vs. monochrome, depth of field control, and how to add context to photos using different backgrounds. Through a combination of hands-on learning, exercises and discussion, students will leave the course with a good understanding of still life photography to bring their creative visions to life!

Click here to learn more about the course and register, visit the Community Arts Classes page to see all the upcoming County Arts Lab courses and workshops, and read on to learn Tommy’s advice to artists, upcoming and challenging projects, and more!

Tell us about any artistic projects you have going on this month:

I’m working on a series of photographs of chickens shot in the style of formal portraiture, with plans to expand it to include other animals from the County. Each image is paired with words that describe the animals, but the language is carefully chosen to have multiple meanings or evoke double entendre, adding layers of complexity to how we perceive both the animals and the words themselves.

Which tools or resources have helped you the most in your artistic career? 

Going back to school as a mature student for my MFA at OCADU has been a pivotal experience in terms of deepening my intellectual approach to art. It’s given me the space and support to critically examine why I create the work I do, pushing me to engage more thoughtfully with my references and influences. The feedback and discussions with my peers and faculty have helped me refine my concepts, challenge my assumptions, and explore new perspectives in my practice.

What has been your most challenging work or project since you began your career, and why?

The most challenging project for me has definitely been a series I did after my parents passed away, especially during the isolation of COVID. I started photographing their things—objects that were so tied to them and our memories. It was a way for me to process my grief and keep a connection to them. It wasn’t just about the objects themselves, but about the emotional weight they carried. Placing them in soft pastel settings and adding text, I tried to bring them into the present, honoring the past while navigating the grief. It was both cathartic and tough, because every object had its own story and meaning, and I had to confront those emotions head-on through the work.

What advice would you give to artists just starting out in their careers?

My advice would be to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and focus on making art that you love, rather than trying to create for others or what you think they want. The more authentic and true to yourself you are, the more your work will resonate.