What happens when you step away from something safe to pursue something soulful? In this inspiring episode of AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Toronto-based contemporary artist Murray Duncan to talk about creativity, courage, and the choice to start again—this time with purpose.

After years of running his beloved retail store Hardware in Toronto, Canada, Murray followed an inner pull toward art. That leap turned into a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and deep personal alignment. His work often described as an emotional visual diary—has now been featured in top publications and homes across North America.

From his upcoming paperwork collection to collaborations with leading designers and galleries, Murray shares the mindset shift that made it all possible, and the unexpected joy of building a life that finally feels like home.

In This Episode:

• Murray’s journey from retail entrepreneur to full-time working artist
• How vulnerability became his most powerful creative tool
• Working with designers and architects to tell visual stories through art
• His upcoming paperwork collection and what it represents
• The shift that happened when he started creating from alignment
• Why leaving something good is sometimes the only way to find something great

Connect with Murray Duncan:

• Website: murrayduncanstudio.com
• Instagram: @murray_duncan_studio

SPONSORED BY: Divine FlooringDivine Flooring is a design-forward flooring brand known for curating premium surfaces that elevate spaces with style and soul. From luxury hardwood to innovative vinyl, they partner with designers, builders, and homeowners to craft interiors that leave a lasting impression.

Aly’s own home features Divine Flooring’s “Cosmopolitan Naked” hardwood in a stunning chevron pattern—because real transformation starts from the ground up.

• Explore more at divinefloor.com
• Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/divineflooring/⁠

MEDIA SPONSOR: Western Living Magazine

A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!Get your free subscription at⁠ westernliving.ca/subscribe⁠

• Follow on Instagram:⁠ @westernliving⁠

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