I first met Gwen at an Art from the Heart Adventures Workshop in 1997. In a moment I knew she was a very special women. Then as she closed her eyes to begin this soul journey she seemed mesmerizing, in fact, she was the very first person I had ever had the opportunity to see a beautiful glowing, colourful aura around. It took me by surprise as I had only seen a glowing white light around people and nature before then.
In that moment I knew she was a VERY special woman and when her "Heart"works were completed it was clear to me she had something unique to offer the world.
We kept in touch via emails over the years and my only regret is that due to timing, I never got to go to one of her art showings. I truly missed out!
Gwen was passionate about her family and her life in art. She became an experimental and expressionist painter. In recent years, she had completed several series of acrylic paintings revealing the moods and energies of water – whirlpools, waterfalls, and tsunamis. Her last exhibit, in February 2025, displayed variations of “Distant Fruit”.
Gwen was a member of Propeller, Gallery 1313, and an Associate member of the Society of Canadian Artists. Gwen held a B.A. from Western University, a BFA (Honours) 2005 from Ontario College of Art and Design University and a Fine Arts Certificate (Honours) from Humber College.
Throughout her life journey she touched so many lives and here are just a few that speak about how truly special she was.
"I woke up on April, 20th to the heartbreaking news that our dear friend Gwen Tooth passed away last Sunday. She had been battling cancer.
Gwen was an amazing artist and a wonderful friend. She was very well known in the Toronto artist community. She loved sharing her knowledge and was always supporting her friends any way she could. She exhibited at our gallery many times and would come to my art shows. Till the very end, she stayed active, attending workshops and events, driving around, she even held her own show at Propeller Gallery downtown in February.
May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace, Gwen. Carlos and I will miss you deeply. Sending Love and Light." Tanzina Amin
"I grew up knowing Mrs. Tooth as her daughter, Lorraine’s mom who would drive us places and host sleep-overs. As an adult I came to know the person behind the mom: Gwen. And what a kind, interesting, vibrant and trail-blazing person! She has and will continue to inspire me to be creative and to keep following my dreams. My most sincere condolences to the family." Caroline Rosta
"Gwen and I became friends on an Art Gallery trip to the south of France in 2001. Since then we shared many memorable adventures together. I will miss my soulmate." Ruth Anderson
"Oh Gwen! we were supposed to have a chat/get together after your recent show at Propeller in Feb-March! We always visited each other's show, but I had a horrible cold this time. And knowing how taxing exhibits could be, I let you recoup from it. I was actually thinking of following up now as the weather was warmer, more conducive. I hope you know you were in my thoughts! I regret not following up sooner. My condolences to John and the family. I'm so sorry for your loss! I lost a good artist friend with whom I shared art titbits and news. I will miss you, Gwen." Grace Dam
"Gwen was a great friend, brilliant artist, and a true source of inspiration! She changed the way I saw art through her creative energy and free spirit. I am blessed that our cosmic paths aligned, and you will forever be missed." Tiffany Duong
"I've known Gwen from the Beaux Arts Days and it was always a pleasure to stop to talk to her at her studio or one of the art social events. She will be missed from the art community. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to her family." Margaret Pardy
"Gwen fearlessly created and taught with her Soul's Guidance. All she shone her Light on have been truly blessed!" Carolyn Shannon
