Jonah Strub

Artist statement

I'm a Toronto-based gay, Jewish artist with a primary focus on sculptural ceramics. My work is a love letter to camp, kitsch, musical theatre, Yiddish humor, and drag, allowing me to explore my own femininity through the humor of traditionally queer and Jewish aesthetics. I dive into themes like glamorous Jewish grandmothers, flamboyant creatures, and self-portraiture, often layering my face onto my creations, blending over-the-top patterns with exuberant, joyful imagery to celebrate myself as fully realized kitsch. Through my drag persona, Loxanne Creamcheese, a vivacious Jewish superstar, I channel flamboyance in bold, undeniable ways. My work aims to spark dialogue around masculinity, femininity, matzo balls, and outrageous up-dos, embracing the harmony of my Jewish and queer identities with humor, bright colors, animal prints, and body hair. I hold a BA in Studio Art from the University of Guelph, specializing in oil painting and sculpture, and discovered my love for ceramics during an exchange in Bremen, Germany, in 2019. I have participated in both the Banff Emerging Artist in Residence Program and the Medalta International Artist in Residence program in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I’ve exhibited my work across Canada including at The Canadian Clay and Glass Museum, Art Gallery of Burlington, The Artist Project, and the Museum of Jewish Montreal. Alongside my art practice, I work as a ceramics instructor, sharing my passion for the medium with others.