Sarah Paradis, also known as Toxic Prophecy, is a master craftswoman, her tools consisting of everything from pencils and markers to computers and video cameras. 

A graduate of the Fine Arts department at the University of Manitoba, Paradis, 24, has not wasted any time in pursuing her dreams – she is an artist focused on the natural world around her. 

“It gives me the opportunity to express myself in a tangible format,” she says. “I like to interpret environmental issues through positive symbolism of the disconnection between humans and nature or the connections humans have with nature.

“Right now, ecological integrity is an underlying theme in my work.”

Video animation is Paradis’ major passion, and she consistently works as a visual artist at nightclubs. 

“It’s a good networking opportunity,” she confirms. “It’s [also] a nice environment. I get a lot of positive feedback from people about my work. I like music and I like working with musicians and other performance-based artists.

“Hopefully I’ll work at Big Blue Stem for the Winnipeg Folk Festival by 2015. I’d also like to do the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition again. That was a good opportunity.”

You can catch Paradis’s stunning visuals at the Monster Clash, a Halloween party on Friday, Nov. 1 at Mondragon Bookstore & Coffeehouse. The night will feature such DJs as Kimo Boh, El Richee, MC Diverse, the Silver Fox, B Zwax, Theo Tzu, Elizabeth Shearer, MC Pucona, K Line, Saratonin, James Helwig and Ari IQ. The show is $5 in advance and $10 at the door.

1. Monster Clash video still, Dream

“Layered video clips, contrast boosted, luma key on, inverted, those are my edits.”

2. Indoor garden

“I’m trying to learn how to grow organic herbs and vegetables so that one day I can have an actual full yard of organic food. It’s kind of a kick start plan while I’m living in a smaller space.”

3. Elements of Ecology

“A scientific exploration of plants and animal evolution. It provides a good framework for intrinsic human behaviour.”

4. Yoga mat

“My yoga mat is a place where I go to release all my inner tensions. It grounds me. It keeps me healthy and focused.”

5. Guitar

“My instrumental expression device. His name is AJ and he’s a sunburst because the inner portion is a brighter and gradually fades to a darker tone.”

6. Broken bird feeder

“I painted a bird feeder in the spring and hung it up all summer. Just recently, in the fall, the squirrels became curious and started eating from the bird feeder. One day a big grey squirrel knocked it off the tree. Now I don’t get to watch birds which was a highlight of my mornings.”

7. Calendar

“It is very full. School, work and art take up 80% of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Knowledge is power and making art is so relaxing. I feel very privileged. I feel like I have the best of both worlds.”

Published in Volume 68, Number 9 of The Uniter (October 30, 2013)