A Conestoga graduate is using his creative talents to capture the places and memories that have helped shape Kitchener-Waterloo.
Conestoga graduate Trevor Clare.
Wordsworth, an artwork by Conestoga graduate Trevor Clare.
Trevor Clare, a graduate of Conestoga’s Graphic Design program, is preparing to release The Art of Nostalgia II, his second collection of artwork celebrating familiar landmarks, businesses and gathering places throughout the region.
The book features 25 original paintings by Clare, alongside memories and stories contributed by members of the community, offering a look at the connections people have formed with places throughout Kitchener and Waterloo.
For Clare, who grew up in the region and has built a career as a visual artist, the project is about more than documenting recognizable locations. “A building or a sign might seem ordinary, but to someone else, it brings back a whole chapter of their life,” said Clare. “Hearing those stories made me appreciate these places even more.”
Clare worked in graphic and UI/UX design for a decade before eventually transitioning to a career as a full-time artist.
The Art of Nostalgia II follows Clare’s first book, The Art of Nostalgia, published in 2023. Like its predecessor, the new collection combines Clare’s artwork with stories from people who have personal connections to the places depicted.
His work combines his background in design with a longstanding interest in painting and illustration. Today, Clare describes his artistic approach as “neo-nostalgia,” using familiar scenes, colour, light and atmosphere to create an emotional connection to place.
He credits his education at Conestoga with helping establish the creative foundation that continues to influence his work. “My time at Conestoga was wonderful, and I’ll never forget those three years,” said Clare. “So many fundamentals were reinforced over and over: paying attention to detail, understanding balance and composition, and knowing what NOT to include in a piece of work.”
Those lessons stayed with him throughout his design career and continue to influence his paintings, where he focuses on simplicity and communicating through visual elements.
Clare’s connection to Conestoga has also continued beyond graduation. Last year, he participated in Conestoga’s Venture Lab, a business incubator offered through the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective that supports aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups.
“Conestoga helped set me on the path to becoming a designer, and those skills are still part of what I do as a digital artist,” said Clare. “I also participated in Conestoga’s Venture Lab last year, which was incredibly helpful as I worked on the business side of being an artist.”
The book will officially launch November 4 at The Walper Hotel in downtown Kitchener. Hosted by local radio personality Mike Farwell, the event will feature art, local stories, live music and a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation.
The launch will also include the unveiling of Clare’s new painting of St. Mary’s General Hospital, one of the locations featured in the book.
As Clare continues to build his career as a full-time artist, his work remains closely connected to the community where both his creative and professional journey began. “Being a full-time artist was never something I seriously thought would happen,” said Clare. “But I’ve learned that life can take you in unexpected directions, and it helps to be open and willing to pivot, even when it feels uncomfortable.”
Learn more about The Art of Nostalgia II and Trevor Clare’s work at trevorclare.art.
With more than 250,000 graduates, Conestoga’s alumni community continues to make an impact across industries and communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and professional achievement. Visit the alumni website to learn more.