irene tobis ~ artist bio

Irene Tobis is an owner of Electric Street Gallery - she likes the Italian term, "gallerista" - and a photographer.

Irene comes from a family of artists and artisans. In her 20s she attended art school in the US and then managed a craft pottery in Scotland before focusing on a midlife career as a clinical psychologist.

She had been studying photography and exhibiting at local art shows in Texas for about 10 years before moving to Ottawa in 2017. Studying at the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) and especially with digital printing master J.A. (Jim) Lamont, fuel-injected her interest into a full-time, passionate pursuit.

As a gallerist and as an artist, as well as a psychologist, Irene encourages everyone to find, create or commission images that they love – and to incorporate them into their daily life.

Farmers' markets, including our neighbourhood's Beechwood Market, are where Irene finds some of her favorite photographic subjects. She has exhibited her stunning photos of fresh produce at the New Edinburgh Artists’ Studio Tour, where she is now part of the tour's organizing committee. A solo show at the Green Door Restaurant has been postponed due to the pandemic. See more about her vegetable photos at Vegetables Forward!

Irene enjoys working with people on their art collections and on personal or group photographic projects - memoirs or commemorative collections for special occasions or gifts - often involving multiple images and text, for online publication and/or printed albums or books.

Irene also loves taking portraits, especially in natural, outdoor settings. Since January 2021, Irene has been shooting the cover photos for the monthly Neighbours of Rockcliffe magazine.

You can often find Irene at Electric Street Gallery during our open hours, Thursday through Saturday. You can contact her through this website as well as though her website.