This Pride season, we are thrilled to introduce a vibrant new addition to our celebrations, opens a new window—a whimsical t-shirt designed by local artist Haiti Tynes, known for her fun and casual style. Set to be worn by Library staff*, it’s bringing pops upon pops of colour to our many branches, now and year-round.
*Please note: At this time, this shirt is only available to Halifax Public Libraries staff members.
The eye-catching garment features themes of joy, inclusivity, and everyday magic. While it may look like a super cool vintage t-shirt (sure to appear in thrift stores decades from now), it’s way more than clothing; it’s a celebration of Pride, uniqueness, and being yourself—hoove-ever that looks.
And it took someone just as cool and unique to create it.
The Artist’s Journey
"I've been drawing since I was a kid," says Haiti, who grew up in Dartmouth, about her flair for creativity. "My family is mostly artists, and they really nurtured that in me.”
After spending a year in art school, Haiti’s passion blossomed when she began working independently and focusing on exploring her own style even further, which includes a children's illustration style with a focus on casual, fun, and goofy art.
“It’s very silly and goofy,” says Haiti, who has been a working artist for about 10 years—in between daylighting as a provincial park caretaker, a program assistant at Nova Scotia Community College, and an avid birding enthusiast.
“I try to keep it casual and flowy for the most part—anything that makes me laugh is kind of what I end up wanting to make,” says Haiti.
Haiti's artistic influences are as eclectic as her designs. She draws inspiration from thrifted folk art and the whimsical backgrounds of animated shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe.
"Honestly, it's a lot of thrifted stuff and folk art. I really like folk art,” says Haiti about her ever-changing style, which is well-documented on her Instagram profile, opens a new window. “My favourites evolve—it’s pretty constant."
Behind the Scenes
Haiti’s creative process blends solo efforts and collaboration—with a little bit of patience. She often digs through old sketchbooks and digital drawings on their tablet, refining ideas with feedback from friends and her partner.
"It's a lot of draw the thing, re-draw it, re-draw it again, flip it, redraw one more time, then ask some friends, my partner," she says.
Needless to say, when it comes to this year’s Halifax Public Libraries staff Pride t-shirt, the effort was well worth it.
Horsing Around
Haiti’s T-shirt design features a playful purple horse with a flowery mane prancing joyfully across the fabric—a delightful image inspired by unique sources.
“It was inspired by a salt and pepper shaker that I have," says Haiti, who loves a good tchotchke (fun trinkets often found in thrift and antique shops).
"I tried to incorporate all of the colours for the inclusivity pride flag. That's why the horse is purple, and all of the other colours are in there," says Haiti, describing her goal to create something lighthearted and accessible. "I hope people just enjoy the fun of it—it's just a silly horse living its life."
The result has been a custom-made T-shirt for Halifax Public Libraries that beautifully blends colours from the original design with our brand colours to create something truly unique and celebratory.
Ready to Wear with Pride
Living authentically and celebrating everyday life despite struggles is exactly what Pride means to Haiti.
"Pride, like anything, is a little complicated in this way that it’s a celebration, but it's also a fight for rights," says Haiti. "Pride is just trying to live your life. Sometimes you’ve got to fight for it, which is frustrating but necessary."
Through her delightful t-shirt design (chosen by our very own 2SLGBTQIA+ Team, opens a new window), Haiti aims to spread a simple message of joy and inclusivity—reminding us all to appreciate the diversity around us.
"Have respect for people's quiet life, their day-to-day, and your surrounding area," says Haiti. "There are worlds within worlds just under your feet, so be mindful of that.”
Thank you, Haiti
In celebrating Pride, Haiti’s whimsical t-shirt design brings joy and colour, showing the beauty of living authentically and supporting one another in our unique journeys. This Pride season and every day of the year, we embrace the fun, the ongoing work, and the everyday magic that Pride represents.
See Haiti’s design in action by visiting your local Halifax Public Libraries branch and join us in celebrating Pride with many programs and events, opens a new window happening in Summer 2024 and year-round.
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