Exploring art and identity, this Oakville artist challenges perfection and encourages self-expression through his art

By: Ionna Hipolito

Championing his mistakes and creating art with his flaws, up-and-coming Canadian artist McKyle Byard blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary art forms.

Originally from Oakville, Ont., Byard began and grew his art career in Grade 6 when he was inspired by a classmate, taking stock of a variety of artistic interests until he discovered his unique personal style. Since then, Byard has explored many mediums, such as pen and pencil drawing, digital art, image collaging, 3D work, and Photoshop.

But he approaches art with a more abstract technique and doesn’t aim to depict an accurate representation of the real world. He emphasizes shapes, textures and other visual elements within his work and embraces each imperfection in what he calls his “ugly” art.

While some artists pursue perfection and strive to create a flawless representation of their vision, Byard doesn’t give himself any guidelines. The artist doesn’t conform to what society considers good and bad.

“I make my own rules,” said Byard. “I’m a big fan of not erasing. The marks you make are the marks you have to work with, and that creates a more personal and easily identifiable piece. It’s something that can’t be recreated by someone else.”

The artist appreciates when fellow creatives can express themselves how they see fit, and while guidelines can provide direction and structure, they can also be restrictive. Byard says he’s not afraid to incorporate mistakes and varying perspectives and experiences into his work.

Byard explains how his identity as a person of colour and a member of the queer community influences the art he creates. “I am not afraid to go crazy and go at it … Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re already judged from the get-go. Just let the ideas and your personality and expression flow out naturally”

He says imperfections can add depth and show character in someone’s art, making it more engaging. Rather than viewing mistakes as flaws that take away from the overall quality of work, they can be seen as a way to imbue it with personality.

By embracing those imperfections, people can look beyond the surface of a piece and connect with it on a deeper level, invoking the wide array of emotions that all art can produce.

While Byard waits for his breakthrough as an artist, he leaves himself open to any opportunity. He ideally sees himself in the future at a place where he can work for himself, one day fulfilling his dream to create a large, eye-catching mural.

The marks you make are the marks you have to work with, and that creates a more personal and easily identifiable piece. It’s something that can’t be recreated by someone else

“It would definitely be a fun, time-consuming thing to do. I can be anywhere in the future so long as I’m creating something with meaning and getting some kind of joy and fulfillment from that.”

Byard says he strives to depict freedom of expression in his artwork. “Don’t be afraid to do something ‘incorrect,’ and embrace that. Realize that that’s you and work with what you create. I’ve met a lot of artists who are so serious about being perfect. It’s a good skill to have, but for me, it takes the fun away,” he says.

One of the artist’s least favourite parts about the vocation is the impostor syndrome, often doubting his accomplishments and feeling undeserving of his success.

“To get out of that bubble, you have to remind yourself to do what you do, for you. It will bring you fulfillment, and you joy. Other people enjoying it is just the bonus.”

Byard’s current favourite piece is an unnamed drawing that depicts two friends unwinding by smoking weed.

“They’re essentially high, which is why [there’s] all that [wildness] around them, the sky is static, and I wanted to make the world look like it was warbling to show their distorted sense of mind.

“The piece doesn’t necessarily have a ‘meaning.’ It’s more so a scene that I wanted to illustrate, but in a way, you can feel a sense of friendship between the two.”

Byard’s love for this piece comes from the time he spent creating it. “It shows my style; it shows the ugly. I wasn’t really planning it out — I feel like it encapsulates my entire style in one piece.”

For other young BIPOC artists who hope to enter the art industry, Byard advises them to create art that represents their authentic selves. “Don’t take yourself so seriously; embrace your imperfections and make it a part of your style,” he says.

“Use it as a way to inspire … and appreciate the artists around you.”