Obituary: East Toronto artist Gwynne Giles remembered for his works in Flat Art style, dedication to friends and community

By ALAN SHACKLETON

Longtime East Toronto resident and artist Gwynne Giles died earlier this year at the age of 77.

Giles, who lived on Gerrard Street East near Bowmore Road for decades, passed away in May from a heart attack.

“He was a prominent figure in the neighbourhood and community, and an artist who was liked by everyone,” said his friend Deidre Moher.

Giles, who began his art career at the age of 63, had his works in collections across North America and Europe and operated his The Beach Studio The Work of Gwynne Giles from his Gerrard Street East home.

Before he started his career as an artist, Giles worked in management for the Toronto Golf Club prior to retiring at age 60.

Giles was known for his two-dimensional works in the Flat Art style.

“All of my art has no constructed depth,” he said in a Beach Metro Community News story from November of last year.

“This is very deliberate as two-dimensional pieces reflect back to an earlier time. I find this enormously fulfilling and I like the details on my pieces to just float in time. I only use primary (and neutral colours) which is a reflection of my ‘de stijl’ roots. This palette gives a crisp simplicity to my art. The highly glossed sections of my paintings have many coats of fine varnish. This is deliberate as I want viewers to touch these areas as it creates an intimate bond with the artist.”

Giles also created work in the Cold Art style which featured “frigid landscapes” in winter.

In 2024, he was also working on Flat Art sculptures with coloured glass rods mounted on canvas.

Among the highlights of his art career was having his works

Moher said Giles was the “most humble, thoughtful, considerate person” she had ever met.

“He was a walking living angel on earth,” she said.

Giles was not married and had no children, but he did have some family in England, said Moher.

“He was dedicated to his community and he was so well liked by everyone and we all feel we part of his family,” she said.

“He was a neighbour and a good friend,” agreed Phillip who also lives on Gerrard Street East and knew Giles well.