When the Unexpected Happens… An Invite Before the Studio Doors Close
From Keys to Goodbyes: A Love Letter to My Studio
Dear friends,
This isn’t an easy letter to write. My dear Curious Captures Photo Studio - the space I’ve loved, nurtured, and poured so much creativity into - is closing by the end of June 2025. I’ve been renovicted.
When my landlord notified me of a triple rent increase this January, I braced myself for the change. In me, in my art practice and in my studio’s physical space. We entered lease negotiations, with a two-year renewal potential on the table. I asked that the crumbling ceiling be repaired in exchange for the higher rent.
What I thought would be a new lease chapter became a goodbye. By March 27th, we were still going back and forth. By April 15th, nothing had been fixed. Then, on Good Friday, the not-so-good surprise came. Instead of following through with repairs, the landlord decided to renovate the building and convert it into residential space. I received the eviction notice…
Here’s a photo of me on May 8, 2023 - the day I got the keys to my very own artist residency, as I joked about it. And of wonderful humans Bruce, Patrick, Christen and Michael who helped me shape it by changing the signage and building shelving and sets inside. It was a true community effort as I could hardly believe my luck.
Just two minutes from home, this space became a sanctuary where I experimented, drilled, painted, built sets, made art, and grew. I played with studio lighting, dove into headshots and family photography, hosted exhibitions and workshops, and met so many of you. It was (and still is) my playground, my office, my dream.
Yes, it is painful and unexpected to close the studio. And yet, even in this moment of heartbreak, I’m filled with gratitude. This studio gave me so much: freedom, friends and creative courage. My calendar has a yearly reminder now that May 8th is the day when I got my first studio. So this chapter of creativity is far from over.
Let’s say goodbye, together.
Join me one last time at 156 Glebemount Ave, Toronto on June 20th, 6–9 PM, to celebrate everything it has been. There will also be a prop/set sale in the last days of June for those curious to take home a piece of the magic. Please let me know if you’re coming so I can anticipate the size of the crowd.
And to my wonderful clients—yes, I am and will still be available for photo sessions!
And while this physical studio is ending, Curious Captures is not. I am not. I’m already in talks with other photography studios and dreaming up what’s next. I will keep photographing, creating, filming and sharing the beauty of the world — and I hope you’ll stay with me for the next chapter.
In the world of exhibitions…
Right now, you can find my work in these shows:
📍 It Starts with a Photograph, curated by Lee Petrie, Gladstone House, Toronto — until Sept 2
📍 How We View Things, Casa, 33 Charles St E, Toronto — until June 7
📍 Photography Now, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, USA — until June 21
📍 Upcoming: Toronto Outdoor Art Fair — July 11–13, Booth C376
A Surprise Recognition
While facing studio’s closure, I wanted to use my remaining time as productively as possible. I sought creative fuel by researching winning images of various photo contest. And can you imagine my huge surprise when I found myself among the winners?! I’m not sure how I missed this a few months back, but I am a 2nd place winner in the self-portrait category at the International Photography Awards!
About the image: when I was going through fertility treatments, everyone was always so cheerful and optimistic. They all said - "you've got this!" But very few actually took the time to understand, let alone care about the sheer volume of medication, mental and physical work it takes to go through it.
These are the pills and injections I had to take in the course of two treatment cycles, with the medical bills piled up above me. My journey was unsuccessful. No one talks about failed fertility treatments and with this work I want to break the silence.
Here is a peak behind the scenes of making the photograph:
Creating this series marked many firsts: my first sketches to plan a future photograph, my first set built specifically for photography, my first installation, and my first deliberate depiction of my most vulnerable side. This is as deep as therapeutic photography can go. The process has been profoundly cathartic, so having this image recognized by such a respected organization feels both affirming and truly rewarding.
Tell me:
Camera! Action!
In April, I had the exciting challenge of directing a vertical TV series - think of it as a movie-of-the-week reimagined for your phone screen. The entire story unfolds in portrait orientation, tailored for mobile viewing, and told through short, binge-worthy episodes. It took a moment to retrain my cinematic instincts, but what a creative thrill it was to explore storytelling in such a fresh and different format. Can you spot my photography in the shot? Curious about the process? I’m happy to share more - just reach out!
That’s all, folks!
Thank you for reading. For being here.
For supporting me through changes, triumphs, and tender moments.
I hope to see you Friday, June 20th, 6-9 pm at 156 Glebemount Ave, Toronto. One last toast to the studio that held so many dreams.
With heart,
Nika Belianina
Curious Captures
instagram.com/lifeasnika
Share this newsletter with someone who may enjoy it too.
The amazing journey continues. Congrats, reinvent and above all, stay curious!
clark