Keyede Heidel Ajakaiye, Artist in Residence, Canada

Mixed Media

Residency Dates: July 2026

Studio H Canada is thrilled to welcome Keyede Heidel Ajakaiye, an emerging multidisciplinary artist from Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Working across photography, painting, and mixed media, Keyede uses visual storytelling to explore new materials and artistic processes. Originally from Nigeria, they draw inspiration from African history, music, dance, and culture while remaining attentive to the people, places, and everyday experiences that surround them.

Before studying Professional Photography at the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, Keyede trained and worked in nursing. Today, photography provides a way to observe the diversity of everyday life. Painting, textiles, and mixed media offer opportunities to extend that visual language. During their residency, they hope to deepen these connections through experimentation.

Keyede embraces curiosity and experimentation throughout their developing practice. They seek out new techniques, explore unfamiliar materials, and allow ideas to evolve through making. During the residency, they plan to experiment with traditional Nigerian textiles while continuing to develop their photography practice. They also look forward to learning fibre processes such as drum carding, working with hand-felting, and discovering how these experiences may inform future work.

“I’d like to work more on my photography and new mixed media style I want to experiment with. My goal is to work with traditional Nigerian fabric with painting on canvas.”

The residency offers Keyede time to slow down, research, experiment, and explore new directions without the expectation of a predetermined outcome. We look forward to supporting them during this stage of their artistic journey and sharing glimpses of their evolving practice with our community.

Welcome to Studio H Canada, Keyede!

About the Artist

Keyede Heidel Ajakaiye (they/them) is an emerging multidisciplinary artist from Squamish, British Columbia. Originally from Nigeria, they studied Professional Photography at the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts and are completing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Cinema Studies. Their practice includes photography, abstract painting, and mixed media. They draw inspiration from African history, music, dance, and contemporary visual culture. Alongside their studio practice, Keyede has worked as a photographer, art instructor, and model. They continue to expand their creative practice through learning and exploration.

You can learn more about Keyede on their website: www.thecoloredanime.ca and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyedeheidelstudio?igsh=MXY0Nm1menZvd3pjMg==

Artists of all media and disciplines are welcome to apply to Studio H Canada International Art Residency – please check out the link here to apply.

Check out previous posts about artists here.

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Zoë LeBrun

7 months ago

I had an amazing time at Studio H in the View Suite! Heidi and Michael were excellent hosts and I had a great time creating art and researching alongside the other artist there. Highly recommend!

Leslie Savage

8 months ago

Studio H was a wonderful experience. Did a ton of work, both in the studio and. on the patio, stitching and making cyanotype prints, and Heidi and Michael's generosity, sense of both fun and diligence, and their wide-ranging experience were inspirational.

B Wass

9 months ago

The most amazing experiences are here in this oasis within the rainforest

trish baggott

1 year ago

I spent a month at Studio H Canada in March 2025, and it was an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience. The residency gave me the time and space to reflect on my art practice, explore new ideas, and create new work in a peaceful, supportive environment. Heidi was a gracious and thoughtful host, and the studio—with its lovely view—offered everything I needed to focus and recharge. It was my first visit to Vancouver Island, and I found both the location and the community welcoming and full of quiet inspiration. A perfect setting for a residency.

ruby webb

What a sweet gem of an experience! I couldn’t recommend it enough! Every moment was refreshing. I adored my studio and suite spaces, plus the view! The openness for possibilities was wide and I was continuously inspired to create! Heidi is the best and I’m so grateful to have been able to meet so many great people during my time!

Hailey Kennedy

Studio H International is truly a remarkable experience! Heidi is an amazing mentor, providing me with many new skills and feedback to further my art practice. Being here has shaped my career as an artist and provided me with the much needed time, inspiration and direction I never realized was missing. I look forward to implementing the things I've learned and my work will be inspired by the beautiful landscape in the years to come. I hope I can return again soon.

Miyoko number2

2 years ago

My time as an artist in residence at Studio H Canada was unforgettable. First of all, Heidi and Michael are exceptional hosts, and the environment of the studio is outstanding. Everything about Studio H is absolutely perfect for an art residency: its natural surroundings, the retreat-like atmosphere, free from distractions yet full of inspiration. There's so much more I could say, but you just need to go and discover for yourself how positively impactful this art residency will be for you.
Miyoko (from France)

Ashlee Banxxs

I had a truly incredible experience at the residency. The stunning location provided the clarity and inspiration I needed to focus on my art. Heidi was a gracious host, creating an environment where I could explore my own techniques while also learning from fellow artists. We shared our knowledge and honed our craft together. The landscape surrounding the studio is breathtaking, filled with vibrant herbs and flowers, immersing us in nature. The ocean views are simply spectacular. I genuinely believe this is one of the best residencies out there, and I would love the opportunity to visit again.

grace s.chwarz

heidi is simply the best :) sharing such a beautiful space and studio with artists is truly a gift, that i got to thankfully experience back in april this year. a worthwhile experience and beautiful place to experience it. thank you heidi!

Jenn Pearson

Studio H residency was absolutely ideal for me, which at the time was cozy and peaceful. Heidi is a fantastic host, who not only facilitated my needs, but also provided inspiration, knowledge, and friendship. I highly recommend this residency.

Daniela P. Meier

After my long and sometimes somewhat turbulent journey, Studio H was the perfect place for me to regain my creative strength! I was able to devote a month to art in the middle of nature. I was inspired by the surrounding nature, the collected flotsam and the conversations with the super friendly hosts.

With yoga in the forest and walks on the beach, the stay felt like an art-peace retreat.

In addition to the hospitality, I was also super happy with the accommodation itself. It was well equipped, offered all the necessary comforts and also had breathtaking views of the sea, Vicotria and, if the weather was clear, Mount Baker.

It was an unforgettable time. Thank you very much for everything, I hope to see you again and come back!

Vanessa Valero

Not enough good words to describe this residency and this place. Really magical. The landscape was just breathtaking, but what I will remember the most are the hosts. I really enjoyed my time here—very productive and very comfortable. I would definitely go back!

Laura Kunciūtė

Heidi is a gem and Studio H Canada, that she shares wholeheartedly, is the most welcoming art residency there is. Since the studio is crafted by a fellow artist, the space is very intuitive and full of inspiration.
The experience the Studio H Canada International Artist Residency brings is a balance between solitude, sheltering nature and abundance of wisdom from Heidi.

Art Action Earwig

3 years ago

We had the pleasure of learning how to make art-soap with Heidi. Our experimenting was a success thanks to Heidi’s insight and expert advice.

Spacious and versatile studio space with lots of light.

Comfortable, clean and cozy living space.

Gracious, encouraging and communicative hosts.

Beautiful and inspiring location in Metchosin with views of Victoria and the Salish Sea. Its easy to walk in the woods or explore nearby lakes and coastline, not too close and not too far from the city.

Studio H Canada International Artists Residencies

international art residencies, art exhibitions, retreats, collaborations

Mixed Media

Residency Dates: July 2026

“I’d like to work more on my photography and new mixed media style I want to experiment with. My goal is to work with traditional Nigerian fabric with painting on canvas.”

About the Artist

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