The Art of April-Anna

Cora Flora

2012-02-02T04:10:00.001-05:00

I met this lovely young woman through a friend of a friend, Cora Flora, a very talented singer song writer. I would best describe her music as being folk, but I also hear something in her music that reminds me of Norah Jones, so I am guessing that perhaps this indicates a common musical influence in their creative roots.

I met Cora on the day we were to do a photoshoot together with hairdresser & make-up artist, Maria Osborne de Jonge. This photoshoot was set up both so I can practice my photography but also to practice my technique with stop-motion animation.

I started a professional photography course three weeks ago with photographer Anthony Teoli, who has been teaching at Concordia's Continuing Education for 30 years now. Having spent now over 5 years working with many professional photographers, I have previously developed a wee bit of a grasp on how good lighting works and some shadow of an idea of the technical side of photography, at least enough to recognize that a photographer is a skilled professional. But mostly it's all new to me and I work at the moment very intuitively. I only have one film light but it's a clean white light, however, I am eager to get into learning to use real proper studio lighting.

The shoot with Cora, between set up, Mia's work and then my work with Cora, it ended up being an 18 hour shoot for Cora, who was a good sport. Mia dyed Cora's hair two shades of dark purple on top of her fuscia dreads, with flowers as her inspiration, created a beautiful up-do. The song we were working with as inspiration, Flower, as per Cora's request, is a song from her first album Flourish.

The flowers in the background basically grow there through out the stop-motion animation.

I'll do a follow up blog later on when I have made more developments with the stop-motion animation's editing process.

CONTEST! 10 VIP tickets to Give Away!

2012-01-31T23:16:00.008-05:00

I have 10 VIP tickets to give away for Canada's Pink Floyd Show – Comfortably Numb, presented by CHOM 97.7. Recreating Pink Floyd's legendary 1975 concert at the Boston Garden.

PIGS, WISHES & MOONS TOUR: Montreal, Saturday, Feb 11th, 2012, 8pm, L'Astral Concert Hall.

TO ENTER CONTEST, email me at aprilanna@aprilanna.com, I will email you back a confirmation that your entry has been received.

Subject line should read: “VIP Contest – Comfortably Numb”.
Please include your name, phone number & email address.

I will print your entries & hold a draw on wednesday evening, February 8th, (this will be filmed & released on youtube). I will announce & contact the winners on thursday, February 9th & friday, February 10th.. .If you win, you will need to confirm your attendance by lunch hour on the day of the show or your tickets will be given away to someone else.

If you wish to purchase tickets, I am offering exclusive ticket discounts at $7.50 off each ticket with Promo Code "MONTREAL". ($32.50 discounted ticket offer; tickets are normally $40. each).

Offer is under CHOM FM Ticket Offer.
Click here to buy a ticket at Ticket Master.

Behind the Scenes: Transformation Meditation Stopmotion Animation

2012-01-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

This particular behind the scenes includes a conversational interview between myself and Victor with regards to the subject of letting go to meditation. Due to the nature of this shoot & limitations, I didn't get much actual behind the scenes footage as I normally would do, but there is still much to share that went into the behind the scenes experience.

Behind the Scenes
Transformation through Meditation Stopmotion Animation: Body Painting.
Model: Victor Santoro
Music by: Cora Flora
Art, concept, photography & stopmotion animation by: The Art of April-Anna

Transformation through Meditation Stopmotion Animation: Body Painting

2012-01-24T16:32:00.005-05:00

An artistic exploration of the inner transformation process created through regular meditation. The heart gradually grows as the spirit relaxes, as you relax into your breath, let your mind go, your heart expands. The inner key to personal growth is also your personal key to the world; inner transformation opens up the world. I have metaphorically explored this by the galaxies appearing inside the keyhole. "Be the change you wish to see in the world..." - Mahatma Gandhi.

Model: Victor Santoro
Music by: Cora Flora
Art, concept, photography & stopmotion animation by: The Art of April-Anna

Meditation, Stopmotion Animation & the Heart of things.

2012-01-18T16:53:00.004-05:00

I chose to work with the symbol, "om" "auhm" from Sanskrit because it represents interconnectedness, inner peace and the metaphorical alignment with the universe & higher conciousness.

Last friday, Januarary 13th, 2012, I did a photoshoot with actor & model, Victor Santoro. The purpose of the photoshoot was to create footage for a stopmotion animation, as well as to do a regular photoshoot at the end. For those of you who follow my work, you'll know that in the past I have worked with well over 20 photographers at this time, but now, due to a lovely birthday gift, I am equipped with my own professional camera, a tripod & a small traveling film light.

Anatomically correct heart layered behind the metaphorical heart, with tree branches growing out of the arteries.

This would have been my first shoot I felt confident enough in my skills to do my own photography; I am very pleased with the results. Our theme was the inner transformation both directly & indirectly created by meditation, with some loose interpretations. It was very organic process and I designed it as I went along. My intention was one of flexability with regards to the needs of my model; if he got too tired, I was prepared to be able to wrap up the drawing/painting so we could call it quits, but otherwise preferred to go with my flow until it reached the end. Which I didn't know what that end was until I got there. It's like the painting creates itself in some senses.

Beginning of the meditation process during the photoshoot. The timing of adding the "om" was meant to indicate the relaxation into letting go to the meditation process.

It was really nice how it all pulled together. When Victor first arrived to my studio, I shared my ideas which I had come up with during a brainstorming session the night before. Victor then gave me feed back and we talked the concept out a bit more until we had the visual broken down (didn't take long) as a mental storyboard.

Clips from what will become the Stopmotion Animation.

The entire shoot took 13 hours!! We started at 5pm knowing that this was an experiment and we had no idea how long a stopmotion of this nature would take to impliment. By the time everything was said & done, we had approx. 1200 photos! We completed the stopmotion part of the process at 5:20am, and then did approx. 40 minutes of regular photography. Right now I am working on the stopmotion, but I have the photography portion of the shoot finished with regards to selection & editing.

More photos to come!

Preparations for Spring

2012-01-12T02:16:00.004-05:00

I know some of you may be thinking, wait, hold up, you're talking about spring when our unseasonably mild winter has only really just got started and we just finished celebrating New Years Eve? My thinking is that it can take some time to be prepared for spring, what am I talking about? Gardening of course! I have had a garden plot for two years, and before that I experimented with porch gardening for two years prior to that. With much trial and error, I have come to a point where I now want to focus on learning how to yield. Since I want to stay organic, I am researching how to companion plant.

My porch garden in 2009; what you see are beans, chives & wheat grass.

Yes, yes, I realize alot of you don't have the option to garden, being as you may live in small quarters, possibly an apartment in the city? Well there are still options for you. I love this, great DIY project for anyone concerned about trying to subsidize expensive organic food costs by growing what you can in your own home with only a window; here's a great TEDTalks about that very subject.

Limited space? Here's a blog that talks about gutter gardens; yes you heard me right, same theory as a window box only it's gardening in gutters that are secured to the outside walls of your home (which ever direction gets the most sun).

In my garden plot, I have several plants that should come back this year (my 3rd year, 10'x10' plot), or plants which I allowed to wild seed, which includes; Oregano, Arugula, Thyme, Blueberries (this will be it's first year that it's mature enough to produce fruit), Lavender, Peppermint, Chives, & Lemon Balm. I always seem to have a bunch of plants mysteriously show up (obviously wild seeded somehow from neighboring plots), which I think is fun.

My porch garden in 2009

In past years I have done things pretty wild and disorganized, usually I have too many things going on in my life that I am unable to properly prepare & plan out what I am doing. This year I have made time. It's worth it. Not only does it lower my impact on the environment (footprint) by eating what I raise in my garden, I am buying less food that comes from far away (even if it is local, it still has to be driven to Montreal) and I am more sustainable as an individual within society.

Last year, even though I was regularly neglectful of my garden (I was working too much), I still was shocked at how much food my garden produced, while not all my needs were met, it was enough to make my grocery bill a heck of alot cheaper, and it cost me almost nothing to get started, especially since I collect seeds at the end of the season. Since I eat organic, this makes a significant improvement to my quality of life and health.

The other added benefit of gardening is that it is exercise, and it is very emotionally healing. It gets me outside in the sun and fresh air, getting my quota of vitamin D.

2010 Beans early in the growing season at my community garden plot.

Both my great-grandmother (who died in her mid-eighties when I was 18 years old), my step-grandmother, & mother (mostly during the 1980's) had large vegetable gardens (anywhere from 10x10 feet up to an entire backyard), fished & canned. Especially the grandmothers, they raised an incredible amount of food, enough to keep at least a family of four fed regularly. Excess food was often traded with neighbors or friends who were growing or baking things that they weren't; in this way, they created a sustainable network of organic small time growers who had very little needs for supplies provided from the outside world.

2010 - Mystery Squash; I had a bunch of small vine plants show up in my compost when I was going through the compost that had been sitting fallow over the winter, stirring it, and was shocked to find 60 beautiful, healthy plants!

"Dear, you need to rely on yourself, your friends, your family, your community, but don't rely on the government." Their reasoning for doing this was because it was passed down through the generations as the right way to live. But why is this the right way to live? While self-sufficiency is always good, unexpected turbulent times can hit anyone at any times, be that personal, economic, social, global et cetera. The "great depression" being a prime example of why already having the habits of self-sustainability is a smart thing to do; at least this is what they taught me. I wish I had listened more and learned what I could while they were around, but unfortunately now that I am ready to learn they are no longer here to teach me. Luckily, I have my friend, the internet!

2010 Community Garden Plot - Arugula. I was very neglectful of my garden, as you can see it needed cleaning up and better maintence, which is my goal for this year is to truly learn to become an urban farmer!

Stop Motion Animation: Devin the Angel of Love, better known as Cupid; Party!

2012-01-10T02:05:00.002-05:00

Earth Summit 2012

2012-01-04T04:20:00.000-05:00

Earth Summit 2012 – What is it?

The Earth Summit 2012 is formally known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) or Rio+20. It is an opportunity to create real progress towards sustainable development. In 1992, world leaders came together as the Earth Summit 1992 to create a road map for sustainable development – a plan known as Agenda 21.
Twenty years later, these leaders are meeting again to look at the progress we’ve made, and what challenges we still face. We’ve had a few great successes, like reducing the hole in the O-zone layer, but a whole bunch of NEW problems have also come up, and we haven’t done as much as we CAN, or SHOULD. The Earth Summit 2012 is a chance for nations to commit to real changes, and figure out how they’re going to do it.

The Earth Summit in 2012 has two main themes and three objectives:

THEMES

Green Economy in the Context of Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development

Recent economic crises are proof that we need to create a more stable system – a ‘green’ economy. There is no one definition for a “green economy”, but essentially it requires rethinking economics to encourage more environmentally and socially friendly practices. This means putting equality, and ecosystems, before profits.
A green economy does not ignore the people who suffer from poverty, or take our natural resources for granted. A green economy will tax pollution instead of hard work. It will make it easier, and more profitable for businesses and consumers like us to make “greener” choices. It will encourage new technologies and better infrastructure – it will support us now and into the future.

Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development

‘Institutional Framework’ refers to the system of global organization for sustainable development. This system includes the UN institutions in charge of developing and monitoring sustainable development programs. Progress on sustainable development has been slow partly because this system isn’t working: the international organizations involved do not have the authority or the resources to make real change. For sustainable development to move forward, the system needs to be streamlined and international institutions need more authority and resources.

http://earthsummit.ca/

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T05:20:00.000-05:00

This is my virtual greeting card to you, a stop motion photography film made to celebrate the arrival of 2012. "As you slide down the banister of life, may all the splinters be facing the right way." (Irish Blessing).

My 1st Stop Motion

2011-12-31T00:53:00.000-05:00

I am experimenting a bit, finally, after 2 years of thinking about my desire to do stop-motion photography. Take a look:

Winter Solstice Signals Start of Storytelling Season

2011-12-22T05:02:00.000-05:00

Winter Solstice Signals Start of Storytelling Season

By ICTMN Staff - December 21, 2011

The winter solstice inaugurates storytelling season in Indian Country. The new lunar cycle is a spiritual time for many cultures including American Indian tribes. For instance, the Zuni and Hopi commemorate the occasion with solstice ceremonies, and the winter solstice holds special significance for the Maya of Peru. This year’s winter moon initiates the Mayans’ year-long countdown to the end of the Long Calendar, which occurs during the winter solstice of 2012.

Flickr/Creative Commons Mrs. Gemstone

The winter solstice, when the Earth’s maximum axial tilt is the farthest away from the sun, occurs tonight at approximately 12:30 a.m. EST (officially December 22). For the most accurate calculation of the winter solstice time in your area, visit the UK news site Only Kent, which has compiled the exact times of the solstice around the world using the site Timeanddate.com.

For Hopi poet Ramson Lomatewama, the winter solstice represents more than an astronomical event. It’s meaning extends beyond its ancient impact on the sowing of crops and management of winter reserves. It is a sacred time, “filled with mystery and power, because this is a time of reverence and respect for the spirits,” he told Arizona Public Radio on January 10, 2002.

On the show, he discusses how the new winter moon signals the beginning of the storytelling season:

“The dogs woke me up early. As I got out of bed to let them out, I noticed that the moon was just a thin crescent. Experience told me that the season known as kyaamuya would soon begin. Kyaamuya is filled with mystery and power, because this is a time of reverence and respect for the spirits. We’re taught to be mindful of certain taboos. Even today I tried to head those instructions. I don’t cut my hair or dig holes. Even today, I try not to wander outside after dark, and I don’t whistle, make loud noises or beat on drums.

I remember going back to the reservation this time of year and spending weekends at my grandmothers. A wood stove kept us warm. We had an old lantern that hissed and had a soft light. None of us kids dared to go outside when it got dark because it was kyaamuya and spirits were wandering out there. But kyaamuya was also the time for storytelling. I remember those nights when old men came to visit. Some of them I recognized as family; others I didn’t know. They’d eat supper with us, but well before the table was cleared, someone would ask if they could stay and tell stories. And we always passed around a yucca sifter basket filled with kutuki, the Hopi version of popcorn. Some of the stories were long and could take hours. Some of the stories were short like ones about coyote, who would fall victim to his own plots, like the time he wanted to make his tail long like the snakes, but ended up burning it off.

It wasn’t until much later that I made the connection between our stories and all those roadrunner cartoons.

I consider myself fortunate because it seems to me that the stories we grew up with aren’t being told as often anymore. I don’t think the stories have completely left us; many of them are now in print. But it’s just not the same. Maybe it’s that we don’t experience kyaamuya quite the same way anymore. Maybe the reverence that many of us grew up with has been diluted by the loud cheering at basketball games or by the attraction of Christmas bazaars. I’m fortunate because those old men knew how to plant their seeds, their stories. As I grew older, those stories took root inside of me, little by little, I grew to become the adventure, the tragedy and the journey. Now I realize that I am the hero of my own story.”

Ramson Lomatewama is a Hopi poet, jeweler, traditional-style katsina doll carver, stained glass artist, and glassblower. He is the author of Random Thoughts and Other Poems.

Chris Dyer's Book Launch

2011-12-17T06:05:00.004-05:00

My friend, and fellow artist, Chris Dyer, just had his book launch party tonight. This is his first coffee table art book of epic proportions covering his entire artistic career.

Best known for recycling broken skateboards into visionary art, Chris's career has had him globe trotting the world's art galleries.

From making logos, to painting or drawing fine art on canvas, and rubbing elbows with well known contemporary artists such as Alex Grey at the Alchemeyez Festival.

It was a fun night with a good turn out. The book is gorgious, impressive & high quality, as is the rest of his merchandise.

You can check out Chris's work and buy his book from Positive Creations, his main website.

Organic Can Feed the World

2011-12-16T05:53:00.002-05:00

Organic Can Feed the World

Barry Estabrook | Dec 5, 2011

Given that current production systems leave nearly one billion people undernourished, the onus should be on the agribusiness industry to prove its model, not the other way around

"We all have things that drive us crazy," wrote Steve Kopperud in a blog post this fall for Brownfield, an organization that disseminates agricultural news online and through radio broadcasts. Kopperud, who is a lobbyist for agribusiness interests in Washington, D.C., then got downright personal: "Firmly ensconced at the top of my list are people who consider themselves experts on an issue when judging by what they say and do, they're sitting high in an ivory tower somewhere contemplating only the 'wouldn't-it-be-nice' aspects."
At the top of that heap, Kopperud put Michael Pollan and Marion Nestle, a contributor to Atlantic Life and the author of Food Politics, the title of both her most well-known book and her daily blog.
"There's a huge chunk of reality missing from Dr. Nestle's academic approach to life," Kopperud wrote. "The missing bit is, quite simply, the answer to the following question: How do you feed seven billion people today and nine billion by 2040 through organic, natural, and local food production?" He then answers his own question. "You can't."

What is notably lacking in the "conventional" versus organic debate are studies backing up the claim that organic can't feed the world's growing population.

As a journalist who takes issues surrounding food production seriously, I too have things that drive me crazy.
At the top of my list are agribusiness advocates such as Kopperud (and, more recently, Steve Sexton of Freakonomics) who dismiss well-thought-out concerns about today's dysfunctional food production system with the old saw that organic farming can't save the world. They persist in repeating this as an irrefutable fact, even as one scientific study after another concludes the exact opposite: not only that organic can indeed feed nine billion human beings but that it is the only hope we have of doing so.
"There isn't enough land to feed the nine billion people" is one tired argument that gets trotted out by the anti-organic crowd, including Kopperud. That assertion ignores a 2007 study led by Ivette Perfecto, of the University of Michigan, showing that in developing countries, where the chances of famine are greatest, organic methods could double or triple crop yields.
"My hope is that we can finally put a nail in the coffin of the idea that you can't produce enough food through organic agriculture," Perfecto told Science Daily at the time.
Too bad solid, scientific research hasn't been enough to drive that nail home. A 2010 United Nations study (PDF) concluded that organic and other sustainable farming methods that come under the umbrella of what the study's authors called "agroecology" would be necessary to feed the future world. Two years earlier, a U.N. examination (PDF) of farming in 24 African countries found that organic or near-organic farming resulted in yield increases of more than 100 percent. Another U.N.-supported report entitled "Agriculture at a Crossroads" (PDF), compiled by 400 international experts, said that the way the world grows food will have to change radically to meet future demand. It called for governments to pay more attention to small-scale farmers and sustainable practices -- shooting down the bigger-is-inevitably-better notion that huge factory farms and their efficiencies of scale are necessary to feed the world.
Suspicious of the political motives of the U.N.? Well, there's a study that came out in 2010 from the all-American National Research Council. Written by professors from seven universities, including the University of California, Iowa State University, and the University of Maryland, the report finds that organic farming, grass-fed livestock husbandry, and the production of meat and crops on the same farm will be needed to sustain food production in this country.
The Pennsylvania-based Rodale Institute is an unequivocal supporter of all things organic. But that's no reason to dismiss its 2008 report "The Organic Green Revolution" (PDF), which provides a concise argument for why a return to organic principles is necessary to stave off world hunger, and which backs the assertion with citations of more than 50 scientific studies.
Rodale concludes that farming must move away from using unsustainable, increasingly unaffordable, petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides and turn to "organic, regenerative farming systems that sustain and improve the health of the world population, our soil, and our environment." The science the report so amply cites shows that such a system would

give competitive yields to "conventional" methods
improve soil and boost its capacity to hold water, particularly important during droughts
save farmers money on pesticides and fertilizers
save energy because organic production requires 20 to 50 percent less input
mitigate global warming because cover crops and compost can sequester close to 40 percent of global CO2 emissions
increase food nutrient density

What is notably lacking in the "conventional" versus organic debate are studies backing up the claim that organic can't feed the world's growing population. In an exhaustive review using Google and several academic search engines of all the scientific literature published between 1999 and 2007 addressing the question of whether or not organic agriculture could feed the world, the British Soil Association, which supports and certifies organic farms, found (PDF) that there had been 98 papers published in the previous eight years addressing the question of whether organic could feed the world. Every one of the papers showed that organic farming had that potential. Not one argued otherwise.
The most troubling part of Kopperud's post is where he says that he finds the food movement of which Pollan and Nestle are respected leaders "almost dangerous." He's wrong. The real danger is when an untruth is repeated so often that people accept it as fact.
Given that the current food production system, which is really a 75-year-old experiment, leaves nearly one billion of the world's seven billion humans seriously undernourished today, the onus should be on the advocates of agribusiness to prove their model can feed a future population of nine billion -- not the other way around.

Cross-curricular resources: Winter solstice

2011-12-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

Published in TES magazine on 9 December, 2011 | By: Ronald Hutton

Modern Britain has a great deal to learn from the centuries-old traditions of the winter solstice, says Professor Ronald Hutton

Winter solstice, 22 December

In parts of the world where the seasons change dramatically between summer and winter, the solstices (the longest and shortest days of the year) have been celebrated for centuries. And the most intense of these festivities has always been midwinter. There are both symbolic and practical reasons for this. The lengthening of the light after the greatest darkness represents a time of rebirth and renewal. And, on a more practical level, there was traditionally less work to be done, whether it was farming the land, trading with neighbours or fighting some foreign war.

Certainly, Europeans have always marked the winter solstice, and their ancient names for it - Saturnalia (Roman), Modranicht (Anglo-Saxon) and Yule (Scandinavian) - are known wherever pre-Christian cultures were recorded.

For Christians, it is best known as the Feast of the Nativity or Christmas, which has been held at midwinter ever since the fourth century and is the most intensively celebrated festival of the year, with more rites and customs than any other. All this makes it of great importance to a historian. But what relevance does an understanding of the winter solstice have for students in more general education?
The answer is firmly bound up with the phenomenon of globalisation. First, it acknowledges the current supremacy of Western - above all American - culture in the world, which has made the Christmas holiday the most commonly recognised and observed around the planet. Second, it is important to recognise that developed nations are increasingly multicultural entities. This is especially true of Britain where, more and more, we seek common needs and qualities to unite a society in which many groups either have never been Christian or have ceased to be so.
Fortunately, our own history furnishes us with four of these commonalities - all rooted in the nature of the season itself.

The first is the need to keep ourselves cheerful at the time when natural light is at its most scarce and there is a general lack of warmth, food, flowers, greenery or easy travel. So it is not surprising that feasting lies at the centre of all traditional accounts of the festival; a great meal at which family, household, court or band could fill their bellies and make merry together. The modern Christmas dinner is our expression of this in brightly lit, snugly heated homes. (The Yule log and large Christmas candles are two further representations.)

If light and warmth were defiantly reasserted, then so too was greenery, as homes and holy places were decorated with whatever survived: for a long time just holly and ivy. Then the Germans took up the custom of the Christmas tree in the 17th century and gave it to the British in the 19th. In between came the mistletoe bough - and the tradition of kissing beneath it - which brightened up the dark nights of 18th-century London.

A second enduring feature is the making of fresh plans and resolutions in preparation for the return of warmth and activity, as the winter solstice represents the traditional New Year for most Europeans.
Many customs were devoted to blessing the home: Scottish Highlanders took burning juniper around it, while in southern Scotland and northern England the first person to call after the arrival of the New Year brought good fortune. In southern Britain, people would sing to each other - and even to their beasts, fields and orchards, known as wassailing - to woo good luck. The greatest act of well-wishing, however, was to give gifts at the New Year, a custom recorded since pagan Roman times and surviving in our modern-day Christmas presents.

The third characteristic of midwinter is charity, based on the humane impulse to assist those who not could afford to make merry (and coupled with the more practical reality that the poor might slit their wealthier neighbours’ throats unless their resentments were tempered). Collecting and giving to the poor was known in variant local English terms as Thomasing, Gooding, Mumping, Hoggling or Hognelling. Able-bodied working men could earn the food and money for their household feasts by performing songs, dances or plays to please the better off - such as the Mummers’ Play, Sword Dances and, of course, carols.

The final trait of the festival was Misrule - recognising that this was a season when mud, darkness and storms threatened even the best-sheltered communities. Misrule reversed the usual order of society: in ancient Rome masters served slaves; in medieval cathedrals Boy Bishops presided; Lords of Misrule lorded it over wealthy Tudor and Stuart households; and schoolboys were allowed to “bar out” their teachers from classrooms. Today, party games, paper hats and pantomimes preserve this atmosphere, but a less hierarchical society has largely discarded the need for Misrule.

The winter solstice has provided us with a cluster of imperatives and associations that create symbols and activities to unite speakers of all the 130 languages now used in Britain. As educationalists we need to understand, and celebrate, the solstice - and share it with our student audience.
Ronald Hutton is professor of history at Bristol University and the author of 14 books, including “The Stations of the Sun: a history of the ritual year in Britain”

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday

2011-12-09T03:28:00.005-05:00

Blank Books made by Virginie Kip

I meant to write about this as things were occurring, but alas, time did it's time thing, I was tired and couldn't think of any words to combine in order to say something interesting to you. Finally I am in the mood to do a bit of writing before I turn in for bed.

Sunday

Yuletide Arts & Craft Fair which was hosted by the MPRC at Melange Magique was fun and went by fast on Sunday. The workshops seemed like they were full, and the participants were cheery. I ended up doing quite a bit of henna, including a few barters with some of the other vendors. I am now the happy owner of another pair of feather earrings, and a pair of garnet & silver hoop earrings made by Willow Dream.

Elissa Baltzer & Virginie Kip

My friend, local artist & Maritimer, Elissa Baltzer was my neighbor. Her work is gorgeous, inspired by nature and the old tales of faeries and other wee folk. My other neighbor was a baker, while I couldn't eat (gluten intolerance) the lovely looking treats (they sure did beckon to me), they must have been tasty because she had a lot of visitors (including repeats).

Miniature Paintings

Tuesday

I am a member of the Montreal Board of Trade (part of the Chamber of Commerce), on Tuesday I attended the monthly business networking cocktail, which was being hosted by Gallery MX. When I walked into the gallery, I was immediately struck by both the trendiness and the warmness of the space. I normally don't like trendy places, but this gallery has a very welcoming feeling.

Yuletide Arts & Craft Fair: The Art of April-Anna

The architecture is very unique for what I am used to with galleries and the work is diverse. There was alot of beautiful work there by many talented artists, ten of the artists were present at the apero, I am told. I met one of the artists, Michel T. Desroches, who does beautiful portraits that blend from a sense of realism out into an abstract world of subtle colours and chaotic lines that seem to almost be moving. The current group exhibit is really worth seeing, as well as, for any art buyers out there, you would be hard pressed to decide which painting or sculpture you'd want.

Thursday

Tonight I went to a Christmas Reception at the University Club which was for the Montreal Irish Chamber of Commerce (I am also a member there). They were celebrating their 20th year as a chamber, and the guest of honour was Dr. Ray Bassett, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada. I had brought along my new semi-professional camera to take photos of the night, but then after two photos the battery died (I was very frustrated), clearly I am not used to this camera. Needless to say I intend to buy a 2nd battery.

Paul Loftus, President of the Montreal Irish Chamber of Commerce

It was a fun night in a very upscale place with an open bar (the Guiness didn't flow like water, but certainly was popular, they couldn't keep it cold!) and lots of tasty appetizers (though I must say that Gallery MX had much better food). I very much enjoyed watching the young competitive Irish dancers perform.

Work in Progress

2011-12-08T05:34:00.001-05:00

This is what I am working on in my studio right now, more layers to come! I plan to add a few flowers and dragonflies, not sure what else...

The Sun, Moon and Stars: Mural at Le Melange Magique

2011-12-07T00:46:00.003-05:00

This mural, including the ceiling, took approx. 57 hours to paint.

Back in June I was hired to do a mural at Le Melange Magique on St.Catherine Street West. I made and posted a video blog at that time, but only recently got a chance to take better quality photos (thanks to my new semi-professional camera). Take a look!

For those who wish to see the mural in person, it is inside the reading room at the store. If you ask the staff they'll direct you where to go in order to see it.

Yuletide Arts & Craft Fair

2011-12-03T21:11:00.003-05:00

Yuletide Arts Craft Fair, Saturday, December 3rd & 4th, 2011

Gorgeous painting by Elissa Baltzer. Photography by The Art of April-Anna

Oh my lord, you wouldn't believe how tired I am. I am so tired that it's practically psychedelic. I couldn't sleep last night, I was still excited from having been at the concert, probably adrenalin. It was after 5am when I fell asleep, and I had to be up by 9:30am. I was late arriving to the arts & craft fair to set up, but luckily it was quiet. Well, let's just say some people found this predictable. What can I say, I am not a morning person.

I love this wreath, especially with the little horns. Photography by The Art of April-Anna.

Traffic was quiet today, some people commented that they think the promotions for this year's event weren't as good as last year. I have my hopes that tomorrow will be busier, hopefully alot busier. There are workshops happening at the same time, but I am honestly not sure what subjects, other then that it ties into spirituality or psychic development.

Lovely, talented lady who makes candles; Creations Jazzy Blues Creations

All of the work of the vendors was very impressive, diverse & talented. There was everything from candle making, knitting, canned goods, paintings, jewellery, and book authors. The camaraderie between people was lovely, and vendors were entertaining themselves by bartering with one another. I traded two posters for garnet hoop earrings.

Paintings on the right hand side are prints with hand painted layers, original photographs by Christopher Capicollo of the body painting I did at Trois Rivierre Body Painting Competition.

I had the henna out with me today but was too tired to actually offer it. However, anyone wanting henna tomorrow, I will definitely be prepared. I also newly released my miniature paintings which are for either displaying on a wall, hanging in a window, or it can even be used as a fancy bookmark. If you are looking for a gift that is lightweight and easy to mail, this would defiantly be it.

The Tea Party Concert, and a Pagan Arts & Crafts Fair

2011-12-03T03:23:00.018-05:00

Photography by Melanie Pilon

YuleTide Arts & Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd & 4th, Melange Magique; 1928 Ste. Catherine West Montreal. I will be selling greeting cards, posters, my self-published coffee table art book, miniature paintings, canvas prints and original paintings. I can't bring everything down; if you are shopping for a specific painting, please don't hesitate to make a special request. Your wish is my command!

The Tea Party

Tonight I was very excited to attend The Tea Party concert here in Montreal. They are one of my favourite musical acts, I have been listening to them for 20 years. In the past 13 years I have seen them in concert approx. 10 times (mostly in BC). So, if you could see my facial expressions, you'd see my wry amusement when I read my friend's facebook note to me, teasing me, accusing me of being a "tea head" (ouch).

I took alot of "ghetto" film footage & photos, I'll be making a video-blog soon and be posting it up here. I have to say that all Tea Party concerts are good, they are very good showmen. But obviously some concerts are better then others, some of that is personal tastes. My favourite tour they did was with the symphony orchestra back in 2003 (I think that's the year).

I appreciated that in the middle of the concert, Jeff Martin spoke to the audience about the need for the upcoming acoustic songs, "...if you have ears like I do, your ears are ringing very loudly right now....", and the request for the audience to be silent during them. I greatly appreciated this, I have a long term history with hearing challenges, and the last concert I attended this past July, my ears were ringing so badly that I was yelling over top of the ringing and could hear almost nothing that anyone said to me. Needless to say I made myself quite a nuisance to those around me (I was hyper too). I learned my lesson, wear earplugs.

It is interesting to see the progression of Stuart Chatwood, Jeff Martin & Jeff Burrows as artists, the different phases they have musically been through, as well as the energy they bring to each concert. Jeff Martin said tonight, "...we took a 6 year holiday...". I definitely think that the time apart has been good for them, they seem to be finding their musical muse once again. They & the music seem more alive.

VLOG: Speakeasy Electro Swing Party with Vaudevill Acts: Fire Pheonix (Part 1)

2011-11-24T15:32:00.002-05:00

Speakeasy Electro Swing Party, organized by DJ Eliazar, Megan & Khalil. Vaudeville Acts inlcuded Fire Pheonix, Jamye La Luna, Belly Dancing by Keera Sama and more. This video blog is part 1, focused on Fire Pheonix. Body Painting by The Art of April-Anna.

New Illustration!

2011-11-18T02:53:00.002-05:00

I just completed this dragonfly illustration in pencil, pen & ink with some pointalism. I will probably use this drawing later on in a painting on canvas, possibly also may do some body painting based on it later on.

Eviction of Occupy Wallstreet

2011-11-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

Vlog: Wedding Shoot: Behind the Scenes: Di Carlo Couture Fashion

2011-11-08T02:22:00.000-05:00

Music by Mushroom Lounge Recordings.

04/03/2011 Video Journal for The Art of April-Anna, make-up artist for this photoshoot. Official photographer; Andrei Kalamkarov, assistant photographer; Lili Labelle, amateur photographer, April-Anna.

Di Carlo Couture is by Antoinette Di Carlo, her website is: http://www.dicarlocouture.com

Andrei Kalamkarov:
http://www.beautifulshot.com

The Art of April-Anna
http://theartofapril-anna.blogspot.com
www.aprilanna.com

Vlog 52nd Annual Gem & Mineral Show Montreal

2011-11-06T11:09:00.000-05:00

52nd ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW

2011-11-06T00:35:00.000-04:00

Beautiful sunny autumn afternoon, I got some gorgeous shots of my neighborhood. I love that Montreal no longer uses pesticides, beautiful to see nature being allowed to be natural.

The 52nd annual Gem & Mineral Show finishes this Sunday, at Place Bonaventure. I went today with my fiancee, I have only been once before, which I think was in 2008, but at that time it was at the hippodrome. I am really happy to say that Place Bonaventure is only a ten minute walk from our home. Last time, I had to walk for 20 minutes in a blizzard (same time of the year), thank-fully ol'Jack-Frost is still hiding somewhere in the North Pole!

I fantasize about one day being able to buy something really large and not very practical from the rock & gem show. My fiancee thinks I am nuts, I admit, going to the show affects me like a fevor. Or like one would expect of the tales of how people reacted when they discovered the rivers of North America had gold littered in them like rocks. For me though it's an incredible visual stimulus of texture, colour, light and shadow. While I may not paint these specific things, it very much inspires me in my art.

This piece of petrified wood was huge and incredible. It reminds me that there is a forest of petrified trees which I believe is located in the states. I would love to go walk through that forest. Can you imagine? Everything turned to crystal & stone. I am in awe of what mother nature produces, it blows my mind to think about how crystals grow, creatures & plants fossolize, and can take thousands or millions of years to come to be as we see it today.

Les Exclusivites Annie

My step-dad calls the following stone a "thunder egg", I guess it's what the local indigenous people call them. I remember being out in the woods with him swimming in a pool in the river and him pointing out to me these round, oval stones and explaining that if we were to carefully crack one open, it would be full of crystals. I was maybe 10 or 11, so this was pretty magical to me at the time (especially considering I was voraciously reading books about magical adventures that involved dragons, faerie and crossing dimensions).

Contest! Vaudeville Speakeasy Electro Swing 11-11-11

2011-11-04T18:51:00.000-04:00

Contest! Be the 7th person to email me, and you'll win 2 guest spots for the Vaudeville themed Speakeasy Electro Swing Club party that is on Nov 11th at Sala Rosa, Montreal. To enter, just email me with the title "Vaudeville Contest" and tell me why you love vaudeville! The 7th email I receive wins! aprilanna@aprilanna.com

Vaudeville Speakeasy Electro Swing 11-11-11
The Art of April-Anna is going to be doing a live demonstration of full body painting on two performers who will perform on stage that evening; Keera Sama, belly dancer, and Pheonix, who will be doing a juggling act with knives that night.

Speakeasy Electroswing, Montreal

Friday 11 November à la Sala Rossa

22h-3h - 8 $ à la porte

Introduction gratuite à la danse swing par Studio 88 Swing à partir de 22h jusqu'à 23h.

Résidents DJs : Eliazar, Don Mescal, and Khalil

Visuals by VJ BXL

Vaudeville theme with dancers, circus, and performances ...

Live Body Painting by The Art of April-Anna

Partner Camuz

Free mix CD of electro swing for the 50 first visitors

DRESS CODE: Swing Style like the 30's

Welcome to the retro-future. As our economy revisits the depression era, it is time for our culture to revel in the glory of those days. It is time to get snazzed up, and get down to the sounds of Electro Swing that have been taking over the UK and the rest of Europe in the last few years. We are bringing you the first monthly event to focus on these sounds of now on this continent where the music began. As we scour the crates of dusty old record stores and remake these songs into club tunes of today, updating the swing sounds with electro, hip hop, house, bass, and dub. The sounds have been spreading through the Electro Swing compilations on Wagram music out of France, and the White Mink/Black Cotton albums from the UK in the past few years. With Electro Swing coming to every major festival in the EU this summer, we know it will only take a moment for folks on this side of the sea to find out why we are all working up a sweat about the sound.

With packed monthlies in London, Berlin, Torino, Paris, Antwerp and beyond, we will be bringing you both the sounds of tradition, and the sound of the future.

Speakeasy Electro-Swing Montreal show in Montreal at Sala Rossa promises to be treat with our DJ's Eliazar, Don Mescal, and Khalil. The visual entertainment with be on the silent movie theme by our own VJ BXL.

This month we have a Vaudeville theme with dancers, body painting, and performances to razzle and dazzle you throughout the night.

To start off the night, we will be having free swing dance lessons brought to you by the Studio 88-SWING from 10-11pm with the electro swing grooves warming you up.

There will be a contest for the best dressed lady and gent at the event , the prize being a pass to every Electro Swing event for the year.

This round is only $8 for all the fun and entertainment of the evening... with a free mix cd of electro swing goodness free for the first 50 visitors to our soiree. Come dressed in swing style to keep the groove alive, and part like it is 1929.....

---------------------------------------------------------

Bienvenue dans le monde de L’Électro Swing

Alors que notre économie paraît replonger dans le même marasme que celui des années 30, pourquoi ne pas plutôt se souvenir de la folie de cette période et oublier notre quotidien.

Il est temps pour vous de découvrir le son unique de l’Électro swing qui à embrasé les foules à travers toute l’Europe depuis les deux dernières années.

Ce style musical s’est répandu à travers les compilations de Wagram en France et celle de White mink/Black cotton au Royaume-Uni.

Alors que l’Électro swing est à l’honneur dans plusieurs festivals et club européens, (Londres, Paris, Zurich,Turin, Berlin) ce n’est qu’une question de temps avant que la vague nu-swing déferle sur l’Amérique du Nord.

Soyez parmi les premiers à surfer sur cette vague et joignez-vous au rendez-vous mensuel que nous vous proposons.

Une soirée Électro swing vous transporte dans une ambiance de bar clandestin de la prohibition avec costumes et accessoires sur un fond sonore mixant le swing, le hiphop, la house, le breakbeat et la drum and bass.

L’Électro Swing Club Montréal se déroulera à la Sala Rossa le samedi 16 Juillet avec les residents Dj Eliazar, Don Mescal et Khalil et les visuel de de VJ BXL

Partenaire : Camuz

Behind the Scenes: Wedding Fashion Shoot

2011-11-04T04:02:00.004-04:00

Behind the Scenes: Fashion Shoot Last March

2011-11-03T13:03:00.000-04:00

My footage & photos had disapeared from my computer (I have no idea what happened) for most of the past year since March. Although, as things went, I never had time to make a video journal (some call it a vlog) until recently. I made a behind the scenes of the fashion shoot I did the make-up for Di Carlo Couture: made to measure dresses. Take a look:

Recipe for Love

2011-11-02T01:27:00.009-04:00

"Recipe for Love" Film Set

I just finished watching Recipe For Love, a beautiful & attractive film creation of writer, director & producer, Chauncey Wales. "Recipe for Love" is showing in Montreal on November 5th at the Image+nation film festival this coming weekend. To quote Image+nation's website: "The way to the girl of your dream’s heart is always through the palate.". Starring Coriander Stasi, & Fernanda Jimena; I didn't know anything about the film before hand. I enjoy not knowing, because of the adventure of the experience with no preconceived notions.

Make-up Artist Anna Vida working on actress Fernanda, "Chance".

Being an artist, I really enjoy the abstract display of colours, textures, and movement of the background behind the opening credits. The music is pretty, the film is high quality and there seems to be a Latin-American influence. It's sexy. I love the introduction, setting the stage with the market place, the use of the Portuguese language. Despite not understanding what is being said, it gives depth to the way characters are being introduced. Unfortunately the subtitles are sometimes difficult to read, sometimes going by too fast. What I do enjoy about the subtitles is that I can see an effort has been made to make them gel with the over all artistic presentation of the film.

Characters, Chance and Juliet first noticing their mutual attraction to one another.

I like the attention to the minutiae, her dancing feet, the passion of food selection & preparation, the scent of olive oil, taking in every detail. The acting is very good quality, the characters are easy to believe in, and get drawn into the world that is being created. Party way through watching the movie, my fiancee walked in the door over hearing parts of the film. At first he commented the script was a bit artificial, but then he stayed, and after a few scenes he spoke up, saying that he was changing his mind about his original statement. He elaborated that the acting just needed more context. The more he watched, the more the story hooked him in.

Dinner scene, where Juliet is initiating a big thank-you to Chance for her amazing cooking skills.

The characters, Juliet and Chance, meet because of a cleaning contract, but there is a clear attraction between the two women, despite the fact that they are supposed to be employer and employee. Juliet has just gotten out of a heterosexual relationship, but it's unclear if she is bi-curious or actually bi-sexual. I personally think this is good since it allows a larger audience to potentially appreciate the film. Chance turns out to be a genius with cooking, and so Juliet hires her to cater an important family dinner. Needless to say, a late night leads the women into other adventures. I don't want to give away too much of the story, so I'll hold my tongue on saying more.

Chance's artistic dinner presentation.

I didn't realize it was going to be a short film, it has the feeling of a feature film. With the pace the story was taking, I was expecting a much longer story. When the film reached the end, I was taken off guard, it seemed like an abrupt ending. Despite the sudden conclusion of the film, I like the ending itself. Beautiful & thought provoking sentiments. I did find myself reflecting on my own life experiences in order to relate to the film, and the message. Just a reminder of how sometimes the little moments in life can be so transformative, sometimes changing the entire direction of your life.

Video blog Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T17:45:00.000-04:00

Video journal for Hallowe'en, Samhain, 2011. I went as Mictecacihuatl, the Aztec Goddess of the underworld. Montreal, QC, Canada. I show the different stages of the make-up in this video from beginning to finished product.

Mictecacihuatl

2011-11-01T04:19:00.005-04:00

I had two clients flake out tonight; I was really miffed and antsy as a result. My fingers were itching to get creative. I tried to convince my fiancee to let me paint him as a dragon (I have horns for him too), but he wasn't going for it. I sulked for a while, but eventually got over it by painting myself as Mictecacihuatl. Of Aztec origin, she is the Queen of Mictlan, the underworld & afterlife. Traditionally she is represented with a defleshed body and jaw agape to swallow the stars during the day.

It took me 2.5 hours to paint myself, then another 1/2 to decide what I was wearing; waste cincher or corset? If I go with the corset, which corset? The so called "Harley Davidson" (Ziggy's midnight shopping on Ebay) corset, or the really pretty but unauthentic red one? After 15 minutes I decide I am not in the mood for wearing a corset, and settle on the waste cincher. Flowers, vines, feathers, a shawl and a black cloak later, I was ready to leave the house. Unfortunately there were no interesting events happening tonight, so being the eccentric artist I am, Ziggy and I went for dinner at Oyster Shack.

To end my night, I went for a bike ride up to the mile-end to visit my good friend, Jamie Brock of Advika Clothing. We talked, giggled, watched some short shows, did a 2am photoshoot, then I headed home. Bike riding there and back was lovely, very pretty, I love Montreal's old architecture, the colour of the amber street lights combined with slowly changing leafy trees, coasting through Mount Royal Park, it was a lovely end to a very good evening. It was also especially fun seeing people's reactions to me riding along in a black cloak done up the way I was!

Happy Hallowe'en! Happy Samhain! Happy All Hallows Eve!

2011-10-31T16:12:00.003-04:00

The following is my facebook status presently;

"Happy Hallowe'en! Happy Samhain! Happy All Hallows Even! The old people would say that the first day is when the veil comes down (yesturday), today is when everything is out and about (hence the costumes, so you can blend in), and tomorrow everything will be chased back to where it came from (the dead, dream creatures, et cetera) as the veil between worlds must go back up... It's a time of feast and celebrating the harvest; in times past.... Just waiting for my client, he wants to be a reptilian monster for Hallowe'en in order to greet the children at the door to give out candy (lord, candy? isn't there something more healthy to share?).... Fun fun bored waiting... lol..."

Marie Dietlin, photographer & videographer. http://www.create-change.org/

I have this terrible habit on facebook and emails to not use proper written English, with no mind to sentence structure, often uncorrected typo's, "typo-demons gots me fingers, I swear!", one would think I had no capability to write correctly. Alas, for some reason the super casual nature of email and facebook brings out the sloppy writer in me, although I do try to make it artistic.

Ok now that I have spent a paragraph practically talking about nothing, here's a photo from saturday. Enjoy!

Marie Dietlin, photographer & videographer. http://www.create-change.org/

Halloween: Club Moomba

2011-10-31T01:12:00.002-04:00

Nicholas, co-owner of Club Moomba

DJ Stevie V at Club Moomba

David, Club Moomba

Samhain, "All Hallows Eve"

2011-10-29T20:25:00.001-04:00

Robin Hood: "steal from the 1%, give to the 99%"

For those who don't know, Halloween is derived from "All Hollow's Eve", Samhain & "All Saint's Day". Traditionally in "celtic" Europe, it would have been a 3 day festival pre-Christianity era, Hallowe'en day being the 2nd day of the festivities. "The word Halloween is first attested in the 16th century and represents a Scottish variant of the fuller All-Hallows-Even ("evening"), that is, the night before All Hallows Day.^[5] Although the phrase All Hallows is found in Old English (ealra hālgena mæssedæg, mass-day of all saints), All-Hallows-Even is itself not attested until 1556." (Wikipedia quote)

Faerie-Princess

Today, Hallowe'en is celebrated by adults on the weekend closest to the day, usually all weekend, with Children celebrating Hallowe'en day itself. I have been taking appointments out of my studio yesturday, today, tomorrow and monday. I still have some appointment spaces left for anyone wishing a last minute booking. This evening I have painted a mime, Robin Hood, and a faerie princess. I am right now still waiting for my last client for today to arrive, I have some time to "kill", hence writing this blog.

Mime

(Wikipedia quote) "Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a Gaelic harvest festival & Celtic New Year, which is held on October 31–November 1".^1] The name of the festival historically kept by the Gaels and Celts in the British Isles is derived from Old Irish and means roughly "summer's end"."

Anime "psychedelic" kitty cat.

"The practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays dates back to the Middle Ages and includes Christmas wassailing. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice of souling, when poor folk would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1), receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls' Day (November 2). It originated in Ireland and Britain,^[14] although similar practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy.^"

Halloween Preperations & Visiting Occupy Montreal

2011-10-29T02:54:00.004-04:00

Custom made mask.

Today was a busy day for me. A client came by this morning to pick up the demon mask I have been working on for the past several months. It was custom fit to his face, and has taken many layers to get to the final results. Recycled paper bags & newspaper, wire artist's sculpting mesh, soft gel, artist paste, acrylic paints, pigments, copper leafing, and finally it was sealed with a flexible, non-yellowing, permanent varnish. My client was over joyed, the timing of completion seemed very appropriate, considering it's Samhain (Gaelic for Halloween).

Outdoor living room.

I visited Occupy Montreal for three hours today. Progress is both slow & fast, not always efficient, but persistence pays off none the less. The occupiers often surprise me with the speed by which they make up for lost time, that is, once they figure out what they are doing. Today they were working on building a tipi, the first of many to come. There is an unconfirmed rumour that Cirque Du Soleil is planning to sponsor the use of two giant circus tents if they can get the permits to go into a bigger park with enough space.

Door entering the yurt which serves as the Communications & Media Tent

I do know they are hoping to get more yurts, but because their yurt contact is out of the country, at the moment they are focused on learning to build tipis. Though there is a major shortage of space, with a constant flow of new people arriving with the hopes of pitching a tent, which they soon discover is impossible. At the moment they are over capacity with approx. 250 tents. They hope that with enough tipis that people can survive the winter, and save on space by having more people in the tipis.

"Why are you here? Why Occupy?"

I was told that they raised $10,000. last weekend, but have spent $5,000. on supplies, equipment et cetera. Despite how triumphant they were, and rightly so, with the amount of money they raised, unfortunately they will need alot more before they will really be ready for winter. #OccupyMontreal is promoting on Kiji & Craigslist for plumbers & electricians. There are plans to do more events this weekend, I don't know all the details, but it should be posted on the main website.

I was able to document a fair amount today, but no time to post everything or make another video journal, but I have alot of unused footage, so I definately will be posting more vlogs as I have time to. This evening I had Halloween make-up appointments; my first appointment was for a party organizer who wished to be a Zombie. Tomorrow is much more full, but I still have a few openings left for anyone wanting me to transform them for Halloween. I am really excited that it's Samhain, it's my favourite time of the year, there is nothing I love more then helping people get dressed up for parties & other fun adventures!

Video Journal from night 3, a Meeting of Minds.

2011-10-27T23:36:00.006-04:00

The photos & video footage are from night 3, both before and after midnight (hence the date), but the conversation took place after midnight down on location as Square Victoria, "The People's Square", at #OccupyMontreal. This video journal is an artistic look at what is happening with the Occupy Movement. Where are we going with Occupy Montreal?

Night 12 - Occupy Montreal

2011-10-27T03:37:00.000-04:00

For those interested, I am in discussions with the official blog for Occupy Montreal about writing for their journal every few days, which would be good as I need to start refocusing at least half of my blog use to the arts & other interesting subjects; you know, diversity is the spice of life.

Exciting news! Occupy Montreal got solar panels set up! The environment committee is planning to try to build compostable toilets. Tonight City Councillor, Richard Bergeron came to do a walking tour and discussion with organizers from Occupy Montreal. I had a chance to speak briefly with Mr.Bergeron, but will be writing a blog and posting a video-blog after I have slept. I am actually too tired to write a proper blog posting tonight. So I am going to leave you with a photo story for now.

City Councillor, Richard Bergeron speaking to the General Assembly

Night 10 - Occupy Montreal Storms City Hall

2011-10-25T04:49:00.015-04:00

I was on my way down to meet my friend for the General Assembly, when I got a phone call saying that apparently the GA had voted to go down to City Hall because someone in #occupyMontreal had gotten a ticket to be able to bring their request & concerns before the city council.

I have never been to City Hall, and I have never been to a city council meeting. It was very interesting. What I know about the entire process, is limited to foggy memories from high school. The building is very beautiful, I love old architecture, and would guesstimate that the building must be at least two hundred years old. I got there after the GA had already arrived, but from the stories I heard from my friend, it must have been funny to watch the crowd of chanting activists basically "storm the castle". Everyone was peaceful.

The police were friendly and smiling, some were even talking with some of the protesters while we waited for the women representing #occupyMontreal to be able to have her turn to speak. Apparently city council must be afraid of the public because we were not allowed into the council chambers, but instead stayed in the entry area where there were seats & a large video screen set up. Unfortunately the sound was dreadful and it was very difficult to make out what was being said.

I have obviously some learning to do, especially in relation to French, unfortunately I had to have people translate for me. Luckily the women presenting Occupy Montreal's case took the time to say it in both official languages. One of the councillors seemed to be guiding the process and opening the discussion for each new request that came in, I am not sure what his name is. But he perked up when he heard the name #OccupyMontreal, which I thought was very interesting. He went from looking annoyed and bored to excited and alive.

OM's representative was a beautiful young women who was well groomed and had a very elegant use of language. The request put in on Occupy Montreal's behalf was requesting a new and larger space to occupy, as well as to be provided back the electricity the city had cut off. Occupy Montreal raised concerns about the safety of the use of propane instead of electricity, especially in a tent city that is way over capacity (now 250, they were full at 190), which has now started to resemble a high tech shanty town.

We had a very exciting moment when Richard Bergeron addressed city council. I recorded it with my "ghetto" video camera (actually my canon camera), but because of how terrible City Hall's sound system is, the sound in my video footage is barely audible, especially with the crowd getting excited. I have transcribed what I can make out of the translation my friend gave me at the time.

Richard Bergeron said, "We are here today in this room because we took part in movements like this when we were younger." He went on to admit that the riches are going to a very small percentage. The councilors seated directly behind Mr.Bergeron were smiling, although other councillors clearly were not in support of Occupy Montreal. The crowd watching was cheering and clapping.

One of the other councillors who spoke basically tried to brush off the request, and the request didn't go through. But it didn't matter because one of the councillors had the conviction and the honesty to stand up and speak his mind, and there are more tickets for other representatives to go before City Council, Occupy Montreal will not be brushed off that easily. It was really rewarding to hear Mr.Bergeron speak in support of #OccupyMontreal.

UPDATE:
The reason for blogging about this attempt on Occupy Montreal's part to go before City Hall is not about what they did or didn't achieve. It's simple honest news reporting and it is part of an evolution. The protesters may not have achieved what they set out to do, but they most certainly will have gotten the council members thinking. Mr.Bergeron had very good points to bring up, those council members will all go home thinking about the subject, and they may have conversations with each other, friends or family discussing how they feel and what they think of this movement. They may not agree, but the important part right now is getting people thinking.

I would not expect the protesters to be successful on their first attempt, if anything that would seem all but impossible. It's normal that anyone going before City Council may have to do it several times before they succeed with their goals. This is just getting the wheels turning, hopefully opening up future opportunities to create positive social change. It may not be in the greatest good for the protesters to get their way, it might be better for the protesters to think creatively about how they can make what they have work. The other thing is that the protesters are really only the tip of the iceberg and are a visual reminder to people of the messages of the issues that the occupy movement is addressing. It's really what we all do at home and in our everyday lives that is important. So in that sense, this meeting with city council served it's purpose.

Night 8 - Occupy Montreal

2011-10-23T03:01:00.001-04:00

Occupy Montreal Night 8

Well I have to say I was really impressed with Occupy Montreal when I went by tonight. I didn't spend very much time there, but the little bit I saw was vastly improved, I really am very impressed. First off, it's much tidier from an outside view, they have more recycling, & garbage bins with better distribution on site. Everything is better organized on all accounts. The candles I was really worried about I didn't see. On my way past, I saw a group of adults who appeared to be in their thirties and forties who clearly had jobs (they had just finished parking a car that looked like it couldn't be more then a few years old), mentioning that they wanted to see what could be done to get heat & showers down there.

The energy is also better at night, but I don't know if that is a result of today's events (they had alot of organized events such as educational films being shown, circus performance and other entertainments). There are more tents then there were before, in fact, I think they have reached capacity for the space they are using. My fiancee did some research and he says there is 185 tents right now, not sure what the total occupation population is. People seemed to be very harmonious with each other, alot of positivity down there right now.

I haven't been back to the GA (general assembly), so I cannot comment on how the general assembly is progressing but I do plan to go back out. Tomorrow they are holding a fundraiser so I was thinking to go down and check out what they are doing. According to the official blog, they now have 6 lawyers who have joined in and are showing support.

I have spent the past two days with a different side of the Occupy movement by attending the Council of Canadians conference which gets into the educational details of the issues the movement is addressing (except that the Council of Canadians is a very old organization who has been working on these issues for decades). The Council of Canadians is in full support of the Occupy movement in terms of Canadian context and through their local support of each occupation location, they are providing a connection. In Vancouver they are providing both infrastructure and other forms of support such as tools. It was interesting at the dinner tonight hearing the president mention that they never knew last year that this year they would need to budget for the revolution.

You know, if Occupy Montreal banded with the other Occupy's, to truly form "Occupy Canada" alot of good would come from that. But what if they were to consider becoming a political party, and if they were to seriously consider something like that, I believe they hold the potential of being able to shake up Canadian politics in a way that even the NDP have not yet achieved. Think about it. These are very intelligent minds coming together, with the right support, they could start working on reworking & fixing the system from within. The NDP started off as a grassroots movement, look where they are now! Alot of NDP values are shared by Occupy Montrealers, so if there were two like minded political parties in government, alot of positive change could come from that. Of course I am sure this idea would not fly with the Occupy Montrealers, I don't think they want to become politicians, but I can't speak for them in any context.

Art News!

2011-10-22T01:58:00.003-04:00

Ok I know I have been posting alot about Occupy Montreal & Occupy Wallstreet this past week, and it's because I feel this is potentially my generations 1968. I see alot of good that can come from it and if you are looking for my nightly post about Occupy Montreal, then please see below (I am actually posting 4 blog postings tonight).

But it is time for a break and to go back into the core reason for my blog, which is not to talk about politics; anyone regularly following my blog knows that this is highly unusual for me to give so much attention to politics, the environment and other issues on this blog. I created this blog to express myself, but mostly to talk about my art and my personal adventures as an artist!

Art Exhibition at Burritoville
This is the last week you have the opportunity to see my exhibition on the 2nd floor of Burritoville, the work is up until November 1st, 2011. Burritoville is located at 2055 Bishop Street. Operation Hours: Sun Closed; Mon-Sat 11am-11pm.

Halloween!

Last Minute Halloween Make-up??
I am still accepting bookings for Halloween Special Effects Make-up appointments for the weekend of the 28th-31st of October. $1.50 per minute, no drop-ins, appointments are first come first serve. Most looks take between 20 minutes up to 45 minutes.

Night 7 - Occupy Montreal & a Council of Canadians

2011-10-22T01:22:00.001-04:00

Hope in Resistance
Tonight I went down to the registration & public forum for the Council of Canadians conference that is being hosted at Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain hotel downtown. If you support the Occupy Protests (world movement started by #OccupyWallstreet), then you should really be at this conference. It is called "Hope in Resistance" and is addressing a number of concerns that are all connected. This is a different group of individuals that are not part of the group of protesters who are down at Square Victoria but do identify themselves as being part of the "Occupy Movement". This conference attracted people from all walks of life, but I would actually say there was a much higher percentage of people in attendance that I would guesstimate to have been born between the 1940's through to the 1960's. Many are highly educated people, including social workers, teachers, engineers and others.

Tonight's speakers really addressed the connection between the state of the environment & how this is tied into economics, the increasing gap between the rich & the poor, the increase in unemployment in Canada as well as abroad, disappearing resources, Indigenous rights, et cetera. Yes it does sound like they are covering all major issues, but if you don't see the connection then you need to do more research.

There is a live stream for tomorrow's conferences which you can see here: http://www.livestream.com/rabbletv

Last minute registration is welcome between 8am & 9am. Tomorrow's conferences will cover the following subjects:

From the Streets to the Legislature
A discussion between NDP and Québec Solidaire politicians on how they will work together and a broader conversation with civil society representatives on how social movements will work with progressive politicians in Quebec and the rest of Canada. Can progressive politicians be accountable to civil society? What can we do to counter the austerity agenda?

Trade, Security, Civil Liberties
Globalization, Security & Human Life: Unacceptable trade-offs inside the North American perimeter. Since the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, we have been asked to think of security as an economic problem for Canada. We are told by business lobby groups and successive federal governments that the threat of terrorism, both real & perceived, interferes with global trade & investment flows, therefore people should sacrifice their civil liberties, privacy and in extreme cases their human rights so business as usual can carry on. In Canada these changes to security, immigration and refugee policy, including increased surveillance, and travel restrictions have happened in the context of trilateral and now bilateral trade discussions with the United States, most recently under the banner of "perimeter security and economic competitiveness." Hear from experts about the effect that the globalization of security (or the securing of trade flows) has had on human lives and real-life economic opportunities for people living in Canada.

Communities Acting to Protect Our Water

In a country where 60 per cent of the GDP is directly dependent on water, community struggles against the corporate takeover of local water supplies have posed a powerful challenge to the dominant model of unlimited and reckless economic growth. Learn about the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug battle against gold mining, the fight to stop hydraulic fracturing in Quebec, and the campaign to make the Great Lakes a commons. Find out, through these inspiring stories, how the pursuit of water justice has challenged colonialism, capitalism, and the environmental injustice.

Austerity in Health Care

The 2014 health care accord will be negotiated during a time of deep cuts to social spending. Instead of finding ways to make health care spending more efficient, the federal government blames the weak economy as a reason not to improve medicare. Canadians must insist that health care cuts are cuts we cannot afford. Unfortunately the people who rely on the health care system the most are often the voices most silenced. How can we use the 2014 health care accord negotiations to ensure that we build Canadian values of equality into our medicare system? What toll will austerity measures have on people's health across Canada? And how will austerity measures affect the social determinants of health?

SYSTEM CHANGE! NOT CLIMATE CHANGE
The Council of Canadians has launched an exciting new multimedia education project - available at Systemchange.ca - called "system Change not Climate Change". This slogan is central to a growing and vibrant global movement for climate justice. Come and join the discussion and learn more about the project, which features more then 20 videos of people speaking about key climate justice issues and real solutions to the climate crisis. Hear from two speakers featured in the Systemchange.ca project engaged in climate justice struggles, including one who is fighting shale gas development in Quebec, and another working to stop a proposed massive highway project in British Columbia.

How do we work together on all the issues discussed in the previous panels?
The Indignez-vous and Occupy movements resist corporate control and the austerity agenda in the streets. The September 26th tar sands action of mass civil disobedience on Parliament Hill was only the beginning. With governments at all levels embracing the ill-conceived austerity agenda, how do we work together to press for a society that puts people and nature first? Key progressive leaders from Canada, Quebec, and First Nations, civil society, labour and youth will issue a Call to Action and share ideas on building a new progressive alliance.

Occupy Montreal: Night 7

I really have to be honest and say I am having really mixed feelings about the participants who are camped down at Occupy Montreal. I still don't like alot of the symbology being used, I believe it sends the wrong message, for example the Zeitgeist sign (I don't support Zeitgeist) and I don't think the Guy Fox is appropriate, but that's just my personal feelings. Personally I think it's better to pick symbology that is less controversial between occupy participants. I believe the symbology being used should be recognizable to a larger audience conveying a message that everyone can agree with. I am also worried by the image being sent by the drinking, openly smoking pot and mess that the pro-active volunteers are struggling to keep on top of (since not everyone is being self responsible; I watched several individuals litter, while other good samaritans were cleaning up garbage at the exact same time).

Right now I personally feel the signals being sent by the occupiers of Square Victoria are mixed messages, which I don't think is their intention. I think this has more to do with there being so many diverse individuals down there. I am also concerned with the significant amount of conspiracy, paranoia, anti-authority, anti-government, anti-police types of messages which I feel are being conveyed by a large percentage of the group who are representing Occupy Montreal. But I must emphasis that I do fundamentally support what the world occupy movements are conveying, and I really do want to portray Occupy Montreal in the best possible light, but I also have to be honest here.

If we treat our government, our politicians, the police, & the corporations as our enemy, then we are creating a war that no one can come out ahead of because as long as we are not recognizing that humanity is made up of brothers & sisters, then we will never ever find the solutions. Yes we need to stand up for our rights, we need to speak up and speak out. But if we are pointing fingers at everyone around us we are not going to move forward. What we need is for the government & corporations to be accountable for their crimes against the environment and humanity. Drawing attention to specific harmful actions of the 1% is appropriate. But not all of the 1% are bad, many of them are highly generous people who have given alot to humanity and the environment, this is why there are things like the Nobel Prize award, but for sure the "Mother Theresa's" amongst the 1% is not the norm, otherwise we wouldn't have the world in the state it is.

There are no easy answers, we just need to do our best to be good people in our every day lives and to do what we can as we can to create positive changes where we have the opportunity to do so.

But it must be kept in mind that those who are camping down there are only a small percentage of the people who are in support of Occupy Montreal and would represent the 99%. It is admirable the convictions & persurverience of those camped there to try to make a statement to Montreal's citzens. As everyone keeps saying, since there is no official leaders of any of the Occupy movements, no one person can speak on behalf of the whole, they can only speak for themselves. I am speaking for myself.

There are still Good People & Generosity

Despite what I just said, on the flip side, there are alot of good people down there for the right reasons. There is alot of generosity both between occupants and from the supporters who do not choose to get heavily involved. Despite any bad apples, there are many who are clear headed & well researched individuals with the right intentions. However, it must be said that I am struggling to see how they can be productive & constructive force so far because no one is able to agree on what the agenda/plan of action should be, how to approach it and in what presentation.

I am not able to go down there during the day so far, but I know from talking to reliable sources the day time portion is very positive and in contrast with the evening & night. There are alot of positive people who are not camped there that participated in the marches who go down on a regular basis in the day time. However, I am so far only going down at night so I see another side to things.

Security Teams

Right now those who are occupying Square Victoria are in an argument about what to name the groups of people who are now volunteering their time to patrol the area and watch for signs of potential trouble. Personally, I feel that just call a spade a spade, seriously, they have formed their own policing system, which is a response to recent events.

The movement itself is peaceful, but there has been several cases of violence in the last few days, which has more to do with the street people then anything else. Night time is getting increasingly sketchy there, the later it is, the less safe it is on account of the street life congregating there. I am concerned for the safety of those camping there. I noticed that the "Enfants & Families" tents have left, which is not a good sign. There are also some other concerning incidents which I don't know enough about to really feel it's my right to talk about. I also have concerns of safety about the use of open candles besides a very tightly populated tent city that could easily go up in flames.

What it emphasises to me however is that they need alot more positive, clear headed, rational and knowledgeable people to join the camp out in order to balance the situation out. Either that, or the positive constructive people who are down there should maybe consider banding together to start working on their own plans of action towards creating positive change. Especially the winter being so close.

Night 6 - Occupy Montreal: What is it anyways? Why does this apply to Canadians?

2011-10-21T00:53:00.005-04:00

Mainstream media seems to be trying to wrap their heads around what is the purpose in Canadians getting involved in the Occupy protests? It has been suggested that it is a copy-cat of OccupyWallstreet. But I would like to point out that originally the media were saying the same things about #occupywallstreet that they now say about #OccupyCanada. Except that #occupywallstreet has gotten so big that the media cannot ignore what is going on.

Volunteers from OccupyMonreal are taking responsibility for the protesters garbage by helping city employees with garbage & recycling collection.

Mainstream media do offer some valid points about Occupy Montreal, but I feel they are mostly missing the point. The Occupy protests created a world protest day last Saturday; and it happened in over 1,500 cities worldwide. Thousands of people attended the protests in each major city, Avaaz got over 500,000 signatures from the international community on their petition in a matter of hours. So with that much response, how can anyone say that Canadians involvement is a copy-cat of the states? The only other time in history the world has done an organized protest on the same day at the same time was during the Bush administration against the wars in Iraq.

15'x10' Vinyl poster at Square Victoria "People's Square".

The people in the marches & in the continued protests come from all walks of life. If you read or watch the footage of interviews with participants, there are so many well thought out, valid statements being made that I don't see how the mainstream media could be misconstruing things the way they are. But that might also be the fault of the protesters, in the sense that picking appropriate symbology & language choices is very challenging. Everything is open to interpretation, look at the dictionary, there are 3 or 4 or 5 different interpretations of any given word.

Last night at the GA we had a 2 hour discussion about if we were or were not an anti-capitalist movement. I countered against that language choice as I feel that capitalism is a tool that can be used for greater good or greater evil; it all depends on the user of the tool. But that's just it, it's a tool. We are definitely not anti-business. I think the problem is abuse of power.

The underlying issue is that greed & selfishness are harmful; this is the core attribute of the problems we are facing in the world. The corporations have created alot of damage, crimes against both the environment and humanity are astronomical, and they are not accountable. It's the lack of accountability and the sneaky way the government makes decisions on our behalf that creates alot of the problems we face. The bottom line should not be the way we measure what actions are appropriate. Sustainability in every sense is the core issue that brings all of the Occupy protesters together, but the focus is the impact the financial world has on the world we live in.

At the end of each general assembly there is usually a music jam, something that I feel is a very healthy end to the nights discussions.

What is interesting is that the general assembly is providing a public medium for group discussion on issues that affect Canadians and it's accessible to all walks of life. I know in theory democracy is also accessable, but in reality it is not. When I vote, I dont' feel that my vote counts for much because I don't have any faith in the options I am being provided with. But as my grandfather says, it is better to choose the lesser evil then to not participate at all. Fundamentally I feel that is not good enough, if I don't trust the politicians as far as I can throw them, then should I not have the right to push for better options? But good people that I would trust in positions of power get eaten up alive before they even get their foot in the door to even hope of getting into a position of power.

I think local government should be coming to the GA's, not as their job title, but as a Canadian citizen coming to contribute to the mental processing we are collectively doing. It's a slow process, but it's bringing alot of people together, it's getting people who stopped voting interested in participating in our countries development. We need change, I don't like the world we live in, I want to live in a world that I would feel good raising children in. So we need to become the change we wish to see in the world and this is what we are attempting to achheive. But I say this acknowledging that I do not speak for the whole, I only speak for myself and how I interpret what is happening around me.

The following 2 interviews I feel really sum up why Canadians should be paying attention to the #OccupyCanada protests.

Night 5 - Occupy Montreal

2011-10-20T01:26:00.018-04:00

Not everything is what it seems, don't judge a book by it's cover and yes, sometimes what it looks like is exactly what it is. Read between the lines but don't read too much into things.

General assemblies are mentally exhausting....sigh...

I got there so late I had given up on attending. But as I got off my bike, started filming and walking accross the encampment, I could hear the loudspeaker and see a massive crowd.

Many were passerby's who took an interest in what was happening, then decided to get involved. Many appeared to be professionals, students, unemployed, punks, hippies & some white collar workers. Most folks seemed frustrated, yet patient with the process of listening, which was good; since many speakers found it challenging to stay on topic and to keep it short & sweet. I made a joke to one fellow that this was why the House of Commons is so slow with actual action.

I arrived with an open mind, intending to only observe, think and learn. Of course, it ended up that I couldn't keep my mouth shut and took to the mic a few times. I get the multiple issues and how they tie together, much like an ecosystem, if one thing goes off balance, it affects the whole. Alot of people say the original imbalance is stemming from capitalism, but I don't think it's true. I don't think it's the system or any system that is the problem, the issue is that we are all human and no one is perfect. I think the core is selfishness. Imagine what the world would be like if Bankers, Corporations, & Leaders became selfless?

The GA starts at 6pm every night, except saturdays it is at 1pm. Tonight it ended at 9:30pm, making it the longest general assembly yet, with the largest turn out. The progress is slow, but #occupymontreal, is only in it's 5th day. I am praying that we can get our protest movement to take off the way #occupywallstreet did, I pray we can get organized enough to do something useful & constructive.

It was interesting to see how the homeless have intergrated themselves into the protesters. In some instances this is just people freeloading, but in other instances you get an opportunity to see the person & the mind inside the "homelessness". The homeless are almost taboo, most people do not take time to talk to the homeless, they are untouchables, they have no voice. Here at the GA, suddenly they have a voice, and their voice matters, the homeless are relishing this. Unfortunately many of them appear to be mentally ill, but some of them have something valid to offer in what they have to say. Some of the anarchists appeared to be there for the excitment, and take advantage of the free food, but many others turned out to have brilliant minds that are well researched and well thought out. "Knowledge is power".

I have recorded portions of the dialogue at the GA which I will post as soon as I am able to on my youtube channel, 5WindsofVenus.

Night 4 - Occupy Montreal

2011-10-19T04:58:00.002-04:00

After an evening spent researching, I spontainously decided at 11:30pm to go down to Square Victoria. I was thinking I was crazy for going down so late, didn't expect that people would be up and alert. The jam circle tonight had congregated near the statue, rather then behind the kitchen where it normally is. The kitchen supplies a recycling system, garbage system & composting system for the public. Interesting how Westmount has now had a city facilated public composting system for a few years, but the City of Montreal does not offer such a system, and now Occupy Montreal offers a composting system for the public to use.

Someone who is camped down at the occupation was really adament I should eat from the ktichen as it's food donated by the people for the people. I declined every time, the offer was made to me last time I was there. But the way I see it is the food is there for the people who are occupying the space, I don't want to camp down there for a number of reasons and for those reasons I really respect what they are doing. I live close enough that it's easy for me to go down, so it's appropriate I should eat at home.

The people have told me a few times that if I see something that needs doing then just do it. I respect this but there is also no leadership, as with all the occupy's, which has it's good & bad, I guess like all things. It is beautiful to see intiative being the backbone of this, but sometimes leadership would facilitate getting more done. I guess that's why alot of people have the argument about the Occupy Wallstreet having no focus, I know what they mean, but there is a focus; we just need to organize it. This focus I think is best demonstrated by the following photo:

Definately Candians issues are different then Americans, but there's a lot of simularities and commonalities. These challenges are shared & mirrored within the global communtiy, which is aptly demonstrated by the 1000's of cities world wide who have now joined the "Occupy " movement & demonstration. We all recognise that human society and nature are not healthy, harmonious, or sustainable. One woman pointed out to me that the core of all our issues is selfishness, if we choose to stop being selfish then all our problems are resolved. I know what she means.

Tomorrow I am hoping to catch the daily general assembly. The Mohawk Traditional Council gave the event their blessings this weekend, something that I feel is very special. I am looking forward to talking more with my contacts accross the country.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

Night 3 - Occupy Montreal

2011-10-18T04:20:00.002-04:00

I went down to Occupy Montreal tonight, 3rd night that people are camped out at Square Victoria. When I got there the CBC Radio was already there, and Global TV as well as another TV Network (didn't get a good look at the logo) were all just arriving. There were a ton of photographers & unidentified video people wandering around.

Last night there was only one third of the amount of people camped out. Tonight, I am not sure, but I think it could have been approx. 150 tents & maybe around 300 people. Things were peaceful and quickly becoming organized. There weren't as many donations to the camp kitchen (it's free) as there were yesturday, and I heard one of the volunteer staff complaining about people who could go home to eat (I make a point of packing snacks with me so that I leave the food for those staying overnight), so this gives me the impression some people are taking advantage of the free food.

The people were cheerful, you could tell who were involved in the activist side of things and who was there either to support or because they were curious. There were people there from all walks of life, and I overheard discussions about the need for electricity (generator or solar panel) between one of the protesters & a local business man who seemed interested in helping out.

They have started a community board at the Media Centre with information & listings for jobs that need to be organized. The information centre centre was bussling, they had huge stacks of information for people take, everything from newspapers covering the protests to pamphlets specific to issues that need to be addressed.

There was a few modern dancers doing improvised physical theatre expressing why they were participating in the Occupy Montreal protest. There was also a very large jam circle, this time with a variety of instruments (last night it was a drumming circle) and people singing french folk songs. I took alot of footage again, but I am too tired tonight to make another video journal, so I will do this tomorrow when I wake up.

Vlog: Night 2 of Occupy Montreal

2011-10-17T02:19:00.005-04:00

There are over 100 people camping out on night 2 of Occupy Montreal at Square Victoria. I spent 2 hours there this evening, walking around, collecting footage & photos, observing and thinking. I was impressed to see many families, and people from all walks of life. Apparently the tam-tams (drumming circle that happens at Mont Royal) has temporarly moved to Occupy Montreal.

I was impressed to see that there was a kitchen bussling with volunteers preparing food that had been donated to the protesters, there seemed to be an ample amount, which was good since the food was disapearing almost as quickly as it was put out.

There were people sitting in circles talking about how they want to organize the continuation of the protest. There is a media centre, first aid, and an information centre. Some people are camped out accross the street, but most are congested into a tent city with shared tarps, & "roads" between the temporary homes.

People on site are asking for more people to come down to help hold the space in the morning. There are people talking about trying to gather circus performers & other artists to do a performance arts style protests.

Spontainty & pro-active action is the ruling factor right now, there is no clear leadership but the protesters are discussing how they will facilitate the ongoing movement. There is a continueing call out for donations in the way of food, warm clothes & other tools.

A yoga instructor has volunteered her time to teach yoga for free at approx. 8am, this monday morning.

Aging Gillian

2011-10-13T22:40:00.002-04:00

Earlier this year I did a project on using make-up techniques to create different ages, including making someone look younger then they are (honestly this technique is not worth it if you ask me on account that it's not physically comfortable, involves alot of tape). All 4 photos are the same woman. Take a look! If you want a closer look at the photo, click the image.

Words worth thinking about.

2011-10-11T17:41:00.000-04:00

I am not as a person or personality, terribly attracted to politics, in fact, if I possibly could, I would love to avoid it at all costs. However, the issues I see within modern society and our chosen blindness to the unsustainability of our present collective lifestyles; are issues I would like to see resolved in my lifetime.

I think that the following article is very well articulated and very appropriate "food for thought" on the present development of "Occupy " protests is very relevant.

Copy/pasted from "Indian Country: Today Media Network".

Why Are They Occupying Wall Street?

By Chase Iron Eyes

I hope we have all been following the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) action that is unfolding before us. Why are they protesting? Hopefully OWS is not only due to the rich-poor gap -although, that is reason enough. The main-stream media is describing this movement as having no discernable organization or purpose. Protesters are simply making statements against corporate greed.

I did not think that this movement would catch a fire in New York, let alone spread to other cities in America. I am very happy there are Americans who are “still alive.” OWS seems truly spontaneous at this point. Who sent out the first call to, and to whom? What were the purposes? Where is the manifesto? The movement gained momentum even without main-stream attention. The revolution will not be televised. That saying has become a cliché; revolution and activism have been made fashionable. Yet, this is more than that.

It seems obvious that this movement is a response to the state of the American economy and the obscene inequities of Western capitalism. In that line of reasoning, neo-classical economics should bear the brunt of the blame. Pundits generally refer to neo-classical economics as the modern world economy. To me, neo-classical economics describes the economics that has been propagated all over the globe, controls our means of survival, and is propped up by all institutions, be they government, legal, academic, media, etc. Neo-classical economics pretends it is a science, attempting to force us to believe in its authority, attempts to make us accept that GDP should be the measure of civilized nations; that with its aloof formulas and it can best provide for any nation’s needs. It is a kind of economics that does not take into account rapid deforestation, loss of species, loss of fresh water, oil spills, melting ice-caps, nuclear disasters, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc. in its “cost” or GDP calculations. Purveyors of neo-classical economics do not want us to know their economics is myth that presumes mother-earth has limitless “resources.” Whether expressly or not, I believe all the protesters are standing up against these basic tenets of modern economics, which are incompatible with continuing sustainable civilizations and our spirits.

OWS is not as violent as Tunisia, Libya or Egypt, or any number of Arab spring risings; however, this movement is no less significant. Could this be the crucial moment in our time when we demonstrate for the world that we are willing to move beyond ideological obedience to corporate greed?

Usually protesters present a list of demands and we watch the T.V. to see the results. This time the reasons behind the protests are at the very heart of our modern existence. Hopefully, protesters are not only protesting because they want more pay, job security or other incidental benefits of a corporate-world economy. Because, surely that system cannot last—we are keeping it on life support.

I would hope that at some point OWS announces that it seeks, among other things, a true cost “global market” where we incorporate real costs of continuing down the oil-slicked road and further engaging the carbon economy. Although it is more than enough to be mad at our own economic collapse, unfair rates of pay, loss of jobs, Wall street bailouts, and corporate greed, I hope that OWS includes as a demand, that we consider an American-Western, and global strategy for dealing with our current path to planetary destruction.
Protesting within the confines of the system has often been criticized for the perceived reason that it does nothing to really change the system. There is criticism that protesters are only pacified within the system and life returns to corporate normalcy once again. Never mind that, we should be happy that a tangible spark of change has been created. We should appreciate this time, this moment, the direction it could take us.
I expect the movement to grow despite police brutality, unofficial silencing, and other tactics. We will see an increased police-state in New York and other cities. How far are Americans willing to go: loss of job, loss of freedom, etc. Can we afford to go on as usual? The financial-industrial powers are not listening to the peoples’ loud message for change.

Some professional friends caution me to write with care to not jeopardize a future job or client; I take that advice and write so as not to jeopardize my future job as a grandfather or risk losing my real client, the ancestors yet to come.

I personally hope this movement grows. We, as Americans, should all be prepared for change, abrupt growing-pains-like change, if we are to forge our way forward in a world which seeks to displace us as the pre-eminent world power.

Hecegla (That is enough)
Chase Iron Eyes is an attorney licensed in the State of South Dakota and the Federal Courts of both North and South Dakota. You can read more of his writing on his blog, thelastrealindian.blogspot.com.

Noam Chomsky & Occupy Protests

2011-10-11T17:18:00.000-04:00

I think being aware of what is going on in the states is smart because Canada is so deeply influenced by the USA & their policies. Canada is also infiltrated by major corporations that have their hands in the thick of things, big business, in the USA; I don't doubt they have political influence. So what happens in the USA does affect us.

Noam Chomsky I highly respect, both because of his expertese and because of his wisdom, insight and willingness to stand up and speak out. I have seen him speak live in Vancouver at protests against the Iraq war in 2003 (I think that is what year it was, can't quite remember). I tip my hat to Noam Chomsky, the world needs more of people like him.

Flora & Fauna of Quebec

2011-10-08T15:27:00.000-04:00

Les journees de la culture went well. We had approxamately 30 people come through to see the art demonstrations. I provided a giant colouring page (one of my drawings blown up). I am really enjoying exploring the flora and fauna of Quebec, and I think I will continue to explore this thematic further in my work.

Participants colouring the giant flowers & rabbit.

Anyways, I think photos are sometimes louder then words, so here's a visual journey of what I offered the public as a part of les journees de la culture (in BC we'd call this a culture crawl).

I am standing in front of the painting I created during my demonstrations.

Displays sharing information about how to do henna, sculpture, mask making, painting, & body painting.

Art exhibition of my work at Burritoville for the month of October.

Occupy Canada?

2011-10-08T03:24:00.001-04:00

I am sure you have heard by now about #OccupyWallStreet is spreading. Peak day of protesters in NYC was an astounding 5,000 people. There are over 140 cities in the USA where spontainous protests have popped up, with over 100 cities world wide joining in & the numbers are growing everyday. October 15th to start the international support of Occupy Wall Street, Canada included. Each protest has it's own social media tag, such as @OccupyMontreal.

It's amazing what is happening! In NYC, Transit Workers Union has joined in the protest. National Nurses Union, Communication Workers of America, and the Teachers Union have also joined in the protests. The veteran marines have agreed to form a human wall to protect protesters from the police.

This is an amazing movement; it reminds me of the early stages of the hippie movement in the 1960's, except this is bigger. The people joining in are coming from all walks of life; there are educated people involved as well as the working class.

I don't know yet if I will go to the protests here in Montreal when they start, but I will definately do something to show support. We definately need alot of changes faster then government & big business have thus far been allowing to happen. The environment isn't going to wait for us, our economy & our society is in a delicate balance, or lack there of. It's only a matter of time before we crash and burn.

The power is really in the hands of the people to heal ourselves, our society, our neighbors, our environment. I think this is what this movement is about is people are starting to speak up and say enough is enough. We need positive solutions but more importantly, everyday people need to get involved in positive change, to be pro-active and empowered. We need to stop relying so much on the government and instead learn to help ourselves and our neighbors. Do the little things you can do. Let's make the world a better place.

This guy's speech is well reserached, he has a very good historical argument. Very interesting. Take a look:

#

ENCHANTED: Les Journees de la Culture

2011-09-26T21:55:00.005-04:00

You can find more information in my previous blog posting, click here.

Photography by Christopher Capicollo

Busker or beggar?

2011-09-26T19:20:00.003-04:00

From the publication "Inside Halton".

Kathy Yanchus’ bizarre essay (Kathy’s Komments in last Thursday’s Champion) on busking — or as she calls it, “panhandling” — left me shaking my head in wonder. To compare the ancient and legitimate practice of performing for tips with begging for change for booze isn’t only insulting, it displays what I can only assume is ignorance.

She asks if perhaps she’s missing something. Clearly, she is. Musicians and other performers have been busking since humankind first built streets for them to perform on. It’s a response to the fact that traditional theatre has always been a somewhat expensive proposition for both the performer and the audience. Street performing removes those financial barriers and allows public access to culture of all sorts. It’s the most democratic and yet capitalistic of practices: performers present whatever entertainment they like, free from censorship or sanction, and their audience pays them according to how much they enjoyed the show and what they can afford to toss in the hat. Good buskers are rewarded; bad ones give up and leave. The free market at work.

Many great performers got their start as buskers. Canada’s Loreena McKennitt was a regular fixture with her harp down at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto for many years and still plays there occasionally. Tracy Chapman used to busk in Harvard Square. And Guy Laliberté was a highly respected street performer in Montreal before he turned his little busking troupe into Cirque du Soleil.

This is why buskers are considered tourist draws in cities all around the world, from the bridges of Paris to Quincy Market in Boston to Busker Fest in Toronto. And of course Milton just had it’s first busker festival this past summer.
I would be happy to drive her down to the big city some day and show her the difference between a busker and a beggar.

Jennifer Smith, Milton

"I will do the best I can."

2011-09-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

The story of the hummingbird, African folk tale.

Happy Birthday Jim Hensen!

2011-09-24T17:23:00.005-04:00

"I believe we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me." - Jim Henson. (Thank's Candice for posting this quote on facebook!)

I adore Jim Hensen! I grew up on his work through the eighties, it helped bring alot of magick to my world and open up my eyes to the magick in life around me.

I remember when he died, it was odd that at the same time watching one of my favourite show "The Storyteller". At the end, there was a segment talking about his recent death (May, 1990). I was so stunned. Oddly enough, at exactly the same time I was also sick with pneumonia, thank-fully I survived.

"Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending." - Jim Henson

"The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children."- Jim Henson

"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there."- Jim Henson

Journées de la Culture: ENCHANTED

2011-09-21T03:52:00.005-04:00

"On October 1st & 2nd, from 2pm to 10pm, April-Anna will set up a temporary studio in the Library on the 3rd floor of Burritoville as a part of Journées de la Culture 2011." I will spend the day creating, based on the theme Flora & Fauna of Quebec. There is no schedule & no program, I will work in "artist time".

Photography by Andrei Kalamkarov.

There will be live fine art painting on canvas, mask making, sculpting, henna, & body painting. There will be a display set up in each corner explaining each medium. There will be opportunities when there is a large enough audience for April-Anna to do a spontaneous live demonstrations.

Burritoville has decided also to join in the fun! I am still waiting for confirmation on details, but for October 2nd, Burritoville is discussing the possibility of having alot of different activities & celebrations going on for the day. Stay tuned for more details!

Photography by Andrei Kalamkarov.

Symphonique de Montréal & Simple Plan

2011-09-21T03:45:00.000-04:00

My very lovely friend shared her extra ticket with me for the charity fundraiser with l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal & Simple Plan. I am very lucky that Josianne wished for my company! It was an interesting event. Josianne was there for work related reasons, I was there for the simple adventure of the universe which brought an unexpected adventure.

Dario Ayala/Postmedia News.

The concert was held in the new Place des Arts hall, Maison symphonique de Montréal, which is now renouned for it's acoustics. The interior design had something to be desired, I personally prefer the old fashioned ambiance of concert halls such as The Realto in the Mile-End. However, I definately recognize the accoustic improvement with the new hall.

I am not a fan of Simple Plan, and was not very familar with their music. However, I did recognize many songs. Their target market I am guestimating to be youths between the age of 10-18. But from looking at the response of the crowd, I would say there are exceptions to the rule. The lyrics are really relevant for young teenagers; the music really made me reflect on how much growth I have done since being a teen.

Photo is borrowed from the Wikipedia entry on Simple Plan.

The combination of this being a high profile charity event, (with both a silent auction and regular auction), brought in a massive amount of attendees of all ages, with a large percentage being from the business world. The presence of the sympany also influenced an older crowd to be open minded, and many were not really familar with the band Simple Plan.

I love seeing rock bands mix with the symphanies, it's beautiful, very impactful and full of energy. As music goes I must admit "Simple Truth" is not exactly my "cup of tea", but I very mcuh appreciate their good intentions and amazing contributions to multiple charities! Tonight they raised over $300,000.!

Photo is from the Wikipedia Entry for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Isis and Irina

2011-09-14T03:28:00.014-04:00

I am way overdue to write a blog update; Open Mind Eco Festival came and went, as did the body art competition I started. I will write a proper article about that later. However, I will say that I met Irina Mikhailova, when I body painted her for her performance with the festival's headlining act, Kaya Project.

Photography by Toronto Ottawa Body Painting

Recently I have had the exquisite opportunity to collaborate with Irina Mikhailova on two photoshoots. Both shoots were with Andrei Kalamkarov. One of my close friends, Jamie, who runs Advika Clothing out of her loft, generiously donated the use of her space for the photoshoot. Hair is by Vincent Diplacido.

The first shoot, from start to finish, took a total of 7 hours; we finished at around 1:30am. Body painting, plus make-up was done in 4 hours with the help of Zraëli Karus and Ziggy. I tease the boys by saying they are "painting by numbers". Ziggy is a computer programmer by trade and I have to create an outline, blocking in what he needs to paint. Later on I may go over some of his work with some highlights or shadows, adding depth, or perhaps micas or glitters to the layer of paint.

The theme for this shoot was Ancient Egypt.

In the past, I have done extensive research into ancient Egypt. For this body painting I referenced paintings from tombs, temples and palaces. We didn't have enough time to be as authentic as I had originally wished to be, so I sped up the process by taking an artistic and imaginative twist.

Originally my referneces included Asia.

The Falcon in Ancient Egypt is sacred and related to the god Horus. The left eye of Horus is Osiris, and the Right eye of Horus is Ra, the moon and the sun. (if I remember correctly, sometimes I mix up my right and my left). Depending on which period of Egypt one is referencing, Isis gave birth to Horus, who is the galaxies & universe.

Egyptian Coptic netting lace

Irina's "dress" (as you can see more like skin tight pants), is based on a particular image of Isis in a dress from the side view, as depicted in the painting, the dress appears as if they are leggings (see collage above where Isis has wings). I have painted a falcon on her back, surrounded by a cartouche. The feathers I have painted on her neck and face are falcon feathers. The design above her right eye brow is intended to be a "scrap" of ancient Egyptian lace based loosely off Egyptian Coptic netting lace design, produced in 500BC (I never had time to finished painting the lace).

Bolivia Set to Pass Historic 'Law of Mother Earth' Which Will Grant Nature Equal Rights to Humans

2011-09-03T21:39:00.001-04:00

Evo Morales speaks at the UN

This article I found shares absolutely amazing news! I pray that Canada follows in Bolivia's footsteps.

With the cooperation of politicians and grassroots organizations, Bolivia is set to pass the Law of Mother Earth which will grant nature the same rights and protections as humans. The piece of legislation, called la Ley de Derechos de la Madre Tierra, is intended to encourage a radical shift in conservation attitudes and actions, to enforce new control measures on industry, and to reduce environmental destruction.

The law redefines natural resources as blessings and confers the same rights to nature as to human beings, including: the right to life and to exist; the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration; the right to pure water and clean air; the right to balance; the right not to be polluted; and the right to not have cellular structure modified or genetically altered. Perhaps the most controversial point is the right "to not be affected by mega-infrastructure and development projects that affect the balance of ecosystems and the local inhabitant communities".
In late 2005 Bolivia elected its first indigenous president, Evo Morales. Morales is an outspoken champion for environmental protection, petitioning for substantive change within his country and at the United Nations. Bolivia, one of South America's poorest countries, has long had to contend with the consequences of destructive industrial practices and climate change, but despite the best efforts of Morales and members of his administration, their concerns have largely been ignored at the UN.

Just last year, in 2010, Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca expressed his distress "about the inadequacy of the greenhouse gas reduction commitments made by developed countries in the Copenhagen Accord." His remarks were punctuated by the claim that some experts forecasted a temperature increase "as high as four degrees above pre-industrial levels." "The situation is serious," Choquehuanca asserted. "An increase of temperature of more than one degree above pre-industrial levels would result in the disappearance of our glaciers in the Andes, and the flooding of various islands and coastal zones."
In 2009, directly following the resolution of the General Assembly to designate April 22 "International Mother Earth Day", Morales addressed the press, stating “If we want to safeguard mankind, then we need to safeguard the planet. That is the next major task of the United Nations”. A change to Bolivia's constitution in the same year resulted in an overhaul of the legal system - a shift from which this new law has sprung.

The Law of Mother Earth has as its foundation several of the tenets of indigenous belief, including that human are equal to all other entities. "Our grandparents taught us that we belong to a big family of plants and animals. We believe that everything in the planet forms part of a big family," Choquehuanca said. "We indigenous people can contribute to solving the energy, climate, food and financial crises with our values." The legislation will give the government new legal powers to monitor and control industry in the country.
"Existing laws are not strong enough," said Undarico Pinto, leader of the 3.5m-strong Confederación Sindical Única de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia (a group that helped draft the law). "It will make industry more transparent. It will allow people to regulate industry at national, regional and local levels."

Bolivia will be establishing a Ministry of Mother Earth, but beyond that there are few details about how the legislation will be implemented. What is clear is that Bolivia will have to balance these environmental imperatives against industries - like mining - that contribute to the country's GDP.
Bolivia's successes or failures with implementation may well inform the policies of countries around the world. "It's going to have huge resonance around the world," said Canadian activist Maude Barlow. "It's going to start first with these southern countries trying to protect their land and their people from exploitation, but I think it will be grabbed onto by communities in our countries, for example, fighting the tarsands in Alberta."

Ecuador has enshrined similar aims in its Constitution, and is among the countries that have already shown support for the Bolivian initiative. Other include Nicaragua, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda.
National opposition to the law is not anticipated, as Morales' party - the Movement Towards Socialism - holds a majority in both houses of parliament. On April 20, two days before this year's "International Mother Earth Day", Morales will table a draft treaty with the UN, kicking off the debate with the international community.

Studio Backstage!

2011-08-04T02:12:00.000-04:00

Studio Backstage have agreed to provide sponsorship for the Canadian Body Art Competition! More news to come soon!

Your Carbon Foot Print will Plant a Tree!

2011-07-27T17:52:00.003-04:00

So for the Carbon Foot Print each person creates by driving to the Open Mind Eco Festival, (I am running the Vision Art Gallery as well as the Body Art Competition), the festival requests a donation at the parking lot which will then be used to purchase a tree in order to offset your carbon foot print! They are working with Carbone Boreal, whom will receive all of the proceeds raised in this endeuver.

Blast from my childhood....

2011-07-27T02:20:00.002-04:00

When I was a kid I used to listen to the radio until I'd fall asleep, I used to love listening to this song when I'd hear it come on. I remember camping and imitating this song with my brother, we were pretty silly when we'd do it. I was reminded of the exsistence of this song when DJ Lady Ra posted it on her facebook.

Open Mind Eco Festival

2011-07-25T22:08:00.003-04:00

The Open Mind Eco Festival is in 2 weeks! Please come out!
The following is an excerpt from one of the newsletters from the founder of the festival, Adam.
The mission of the festival is to create individual and global change by creating spaces to allow the blooming of our children’s hearts and the experience of a new healthy, balanced and sustainable way of living.

Organic Joyous Music, Conscious Workshops, Lectures, Yoga, Visionary Arts, Healing Area, Enchanted Forest, Lucid Cinema, Positive Ceremonies, Animations and Performances, Kids Village, Sweat Lodge, Giant Labyrinth. We never get bored at OpenMind!

August 9-10-11 and the morning of the 12th will be focusing on workshops, yoga, visionary arts, acoustic music, conferences, sweat lodges, healing area, labyrinth, performances and animations as well as other activities, which don’t involve amplified music (with the exception of a few hours of amplified music on Thursday evening).

Amplified music officially starts on Friday the 12th in the evening.
A "Celebration opening" ceremony will be held on Friday evening; this will mark the beginning of the more festive days, while still focusing on well-being and balance.
All activities on site are free, unless specified otherwise (very rare)
Consult the General schedule HERE or on our website at www.openmindfestival.com.
Crystal Lagoon Stage: Sunny Organic Music; World Music, Dub, Goatrance, Trance, Tribal, Progressive electronic, Psytrance & other positive and lively musical styles.
Cosmic Glade Stage: Ambient and Mystic Music; Acoustic and Djs; Downtempo, Psybient, Ethnic, Indian, Cosmic, Chants, Kirtans as well as other spatial and ambient music styles.
Consciousness Hut; Workshops, Lectures, Yoga; Many workshops and conferences on a variety of conscious subjects.
Healing Area: Cares, Healing, Meditation; A care-giving village, a small city of Well-being, a peaceful, calm, happy and natural place
VisionART; Visionary Art exhibition and Body Painting Competition
Giant Labyrinth; Initiatory "Labydream" day and night
Lucid Cinema; Conscious documentaries, visionary movies and projections
Enchanted Forest; A forest twinkling with magic, Ecstatic surprises, Pure contemplation
Animations and Performances; Stunning, fantastic and surprising animations and performances
Kids Village; An entire village is built and organized specially for our fantastic little ones!
Positive Ceremonies; Traditional and Neo-shamanic ceremonies from different cultures. Non-Invasive positive rituals of openness, joy and liberation.
Sweat Lodge; Traditional native sweat lodge from August 9th to 13th.
Temple; Grounding Space
Community Kitchen
Artisans and Restaurants village
Sustainable Mind Plan
OpenMind Eco-Festival; A Green Event
OpenMind is first and foremost a way to create the change in order to usher into a new, balanced, sustainable and healthy era ! OpenMind Eco-Festival is fully committed to sustainable development in order to create a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants.It is only with the participation of each and every one of us that this vision can come true. In the "environment" section on our website, you can see how you can contribute and increase the well-being of our planet, our festival, and ourselves! You can also take a look at the sustainable development plan (Sustainable Mind) as well as the actions spawned by OpenMind in order to bring about our communal vision, which is to create a positive impact on the earth and its inhabitants. Together, we have the power to create change; joined we are much more powerful than the sum of each of us !

For more information please go to the main website: http://www.openmindfestival.com

Field Trip!

2011-07-20T23:47:00.003-04:00

I am passing on the following information on behalf of Serena and my respected teacher & friend, Ethan Murchie, who runs the Montreal Gong-Fu Research Centre.

New York Chinese Herb Farm Visit

When: The tentative date for the herb farm visit is Friday July 29th and Saturday the 30th (camping in rural upstate New York). Conferences & visit the medicinal herb farm. If you're interested, please contact Serena
(serena.emerson@gmail.com). And please invite anyone you know who might want to come along.

Here is the internet site: http://www.highfallsgardens.net/aboutus/index.html

Competitors Wanted! Artists, Body Painters & Face Painters

2011-07-20T23:31:00.003-04:00

The Canadian Body Art Competition
Looking for:
For Artists, Body Painters & Face Painters

If you are registered in the competition, you get the following:

- Guestlist: free entry into the festival for artist + model

- Free ride on festival bus from either Montreal or Ottawa

- Free snacks & drinks
- Prizes Include: $600, live on site Massage by Allison Ryan, gift basket from BAREFOOT WINES, & more.

Email: visionartgalleryopenmind@gmail.com

Website: http://openmindfestivalart.blogspot.com/

Friendly Competitors Wanted!

2011-07-14T18:08:00.011-04:00

The Canadian Body Art Competition:

A collaboration between
The Art of April-Anna and the Open Mind Eco Festival.

The competition will happen on August 13th & 14th during the festival. The festival happens in the Whispering Pines Campsite, just outside of Curran, Ontario from August 9th to the 16th.

Last year was the 1st festival, with over 800 ticket holders, this year will be even bigger! The competition is inside of the Vision Art Gallery, which will house the works of 19 artists plus a "virtual gallery" in the form of a slide show happening in the Projection Room.

Artists wishing to participate in the body art competition are welcome to participate for free and will also be able to attend the festival (August 9th - 16th) for free, as well as it is free for artists to take the festival bus from Montreal or Ottawa to the campsite. There are also prizes!

Documentary in the Works

James Anthony McElligott is a documentary maker based in Montreal, QC, who has spent the last several years filming both the world's top and unknown body painters. "The Fine Art of Body Painting: Behind the Paint" will be ready for release either in 2012 or 2013. Artists who have been included in this film are Bella Volen, Natasha Kudashkina, Margie Nugent, Einat Dan, Craig Tracey, Remix, Rachel Debor, Nix Herrera, Joy Carter & many more!

James will be filming the Canadian Body Art Competition at OpenMind.

Video-Blog: the Tea Party: 1st song of the night!

2011-07-14T16:43:00.003-04:00

So I started listening to the Tea Party when I was 13 years old, they were a new band at that time, still promoting their 1st album. It's been a very long time and I guess some music just stays with you. I can't help it, I love their music and always have so much fun at the concerts.

I didn't think I was going to be able to attend this concert, despite it being their reunion tour; but then a girlfriend generiously bought me a ticket as a gift so that I could attend! The universe consipired! I recorded only a few songs, here is one "ghetto" video of more to come.

Mural at Melange Magique

2011-07-07T04:41:00.002-04:00

I literally just finished the mural this afternoon, July 6th, 2011. Fifty-one hours over the course of a month, assistance from Ziggy and the cats; Luna & Tequila. The mural covers the 2 walls & a ceiling, hand painted with brushes & sponges. There is more to see then I can possibly show in these two photos, hence the video blog I made (watch below).

This was an intuitive painting process, the starting point was how to turn a yellow wall into a sky without loosing the yellow paint.... Sun, moon & stars transition from daytime to twilight. View a glimpse of the galaxies.

This video takes you over the process from start to finish, of how the mural developed.

Music by Melodic Energy Commission

Melange Magique: 1928 Ste. Catherine West

Rainbows over Montreal

2011-06-26T02:28:00.007-04:00

I took this photo on thursday when I was riding bike accross the city during a break in the rain.

So I can't tell you how busy I have been lately, you can tell because of the lack of blog postings. Officially I have discovered I am a work-aholic, it's all personal projects.I did 7 weeks with only 3 days off, working around 14 hours a day; it burnt me out, now I have to learn a healthy balance.

I was responding to the needs of the situation. I was asked to join the Open Mind Eco Festival as one of their volunteer organizers (I am curating and organizing the Vision Art area, so this includes an art gallery & body art competition as well as art jams) back in March, but at the time I was preparing to participate in a body art competition in Trois-Rivières organized by Les Productions du Grand Heron Bleu du Lac St.Pierre.

Valérie Blanchet

After going over my goals for the art gallery & body art competition for the Open Mind Eco Festival, I realized in order to have a high quality presentation that I would need to organize a fundraiser. The fundraiser started off with an idea to do a "Chinese Auction", otherwise known as a "Penny Social", then I realized it would make sense to do a one day art show in order to promote and show what I was fundraising for, which then expanded into a one month art exhibition and the fundraiser became the vernissage (in English this is the party & opening gala night of the art exhibition).

The fundraiser (June 9th) was a great success and a beautiful event. Unfortunately our photographer had some technical difficulties and I was too exhausted, busy with hosting to take photos; so I have no event photos. But I will be hosting an Open House at Ahimsa Yoga Studio & Community Space on July 2nd so that people have an opportunity to come in and look at the current group art show I organized and also meet the artists.

Adriane Enns

Anyways, to summarize what I started off talking about, I am exhausted but very happy. The photographs you see of the rainbows were taken the day I wrote this blog on the bike path.

I am very excited about everything coming together so far for the Vision Art Area of the Open Mind Eco Festival. I was able to raise $836. for the body art competition and the art gallery, which is very good for my first time throwing a fundraiser.

However, I do want to raise more money because I'd like to be able to provide food for the artists and I also want to be able to offer large financial prizes for the body art competition; but it's ok because I can work with what I have. But who knows what may happen next? This is a beautiful adventure this life, so really, who knows what beautiful opportunties might come next! Certainly I'll keep you posted!

Workshop Series: Face & Body Painting

2011-06-02T19:23:00.000-04:00

Workshop Series:

Face Painting Fundamentals Workshop 1
Sunday, June 19th, 10am-5:30pm
$180. with no kit.
$200. with a basic face painting kit (Make-up Forever Products). Brushes & sponges not included.
See below for Package Deals.

The base for most forms of body art is to know how to be a good face painter, once you have the basic face painting skills, picking up additional body art skills is much easier. You need a basic understanding of face painting in order to work with other body arts. This is an intensive workshop over a 6 hour period with a 15 minute break in the morning & afternoon with a 1 hour lunch. You will learn the basics for both adult & kids. No prerequisite, open to everyone.

High Fashion Face Painting Workshop 2
Sunday, Sunday June 26th, 10am-5:30pm
$180. with no kit.
$200. with a basic face painting kit (Make-up Forever Products). Brushes not included.
See below for Package Deals.
Learn to apply face painting as a fine art with a high fashion edge. This is an intensive workshop over a 6 hour period with a 15 minute break in the morning & afternoon, with a 1 hour lunch.
Prerequisite: workshop 1. Alternative: show your professional photographic portfolio & resume to be considered.

Body Painting Fundamentals Workshop 3
Sunday, July 3rd, 10am-5:30pm
$180. with no kit.
$340. with a basic body painting kit (Make-up Forever Products). Brushes not included.
See below for Package Deals.
Learning to body paint the torso will prepare you for learning how to body paint the entire body. In this class you will have the opportunity to do more then one look. Learn to map out & prepare for a full head to foot body painting. This is an intensive workshop over a 6 hour period with a 15 minute break in the morning & afternoon, with a 1 hour lunch. You will need to bring your own model for the day, either a man or women.
Prerequisite: is workshop 1. Alternative: show your professional photographic portfolio & resume to be considered, your work must be of a very high calibre in order to be accepted without taking workshop 1.

Full Body Painting Workshop 4
Sunday, July 10th, 10am-5:30pm
$180.
If you need a body painting kit (those who buy the kit for Workshop 3 won't need to buy a kit), it's an additional $160. (Make-up Forever Products). Brushes not included.
Learn how to do a full head to foot body painting. This is a follow up to workshop 3. In this workshop you will learn to apply & use the preparation work planned out in workshop 3. This is an intensive workshop over a 6 hour period with a 15 minute break in the morning & afternoon, with a 1 hour lunch. You will need to bring your own model for the day, either a man or women.
Prerequisite: Workshop 3 & 1. Alternative: show your professional photographic portfolio & resume to be considered, your work must be of a very high calibre in order to be accepted without taking workshop 3 & 1.

Free-form Workshop 5
Sunday, July 17th, 10am-5:30pm
$75.
This is to wrap up all 4 workshops, this is an opportunity for constructive criticism and to problem solve any issues you ran into during workshop 4.

Package Deals
Do not include the kit, to add the kit, please add $160. for body painting, or an additional $20 for the face painting kit.

Package Deal #1
Workshop 1 & 2: Without Kit: $340 (save $20)
With Kit: $380 (save $20)

Package Deal #2
Workshop 1 & 3: Without Kit: $340 (save $20)
With Kit: $380 (save $20)

Package Deal #3
Workshop 1, 3 & 4: Without Kit: $500 (save $40)
With Kit: $680 (save $40)

Package Deal #4
All 5 workshops: Without Kit: $700. (save $95)
With Kit: $900. (save $95)

Canada's body painting competition!

2011-05-18T01:34:00.010-04:00

Please check the Curator's Blog I have started for the most up to date information! (click the link)

The Open Mind Eco Festival (August 9th-16th, 2011)
& The Art of April-Anna Present:
The Canadian Body Art Competition

August 13th & 14th, 2011
Whispering Pines Campsite, Curran, Ontario, Canada

Photography by Christopher Capicollo - Montreal, Canada

Body Painting Competition:

Sponge & Brush,

Beginner & Professional

Saturday, August 13th, 10am

Body Painting Competition:

Airbrush, Beginner & Professional

Sunday, August 14th, 10am

Face Painting Competition:

Beginner & Professional

Styles: Kids, Adults, Fantasy or High Fashion

Sunday, August 14th, 3pm

More Details to be posted soon. Competitors wanted!
Jury JenMDesign & April-Anna & tba.

Enchanted Forest: Vernissage

2011-05-14T15:29:00.031-04:00

"Enchanted Forest" - June 9th Fundraiser. 6pm-10pm Coctail & Chinese Auction. 6pm-10pm. Group Art Show.

Music & Entertainment By:
Balkan Beats by DJ Eliazar
Kyra Shaughnessy: Singer Songwriter
Story Telling by Hobbes
Harp & Song by Theda Phoenix & tba.

Belly Dance by Sharon Levinger. Baladi by Keera Sama.
Roaming magician Sébastien Talbot.

Cocktail sponsored by Barefoot Wines.

Location: Ahimsa Yoga Studio & Community Space: 5369 St. Laurent, Suite 240

Organized & presented by The Art of April-Anna for the Open Mind Eco Festival.

Chinese Auction: Cross between a silent auction & a raffle. This is the funniest type of auction you will ever go to! Any items you are interested in, you can place as many raffle tickets on that item as you want, each raffle ticket increases your chances of winning (every item is a seperate draw).

Items on auction include (more TBA):
- 2 Gift certificates from Allison Ryan Massage Therapy Montreal valued at $100
http://www.massagetherapyinmontreal.com/

- 1 Gift certificate from Montreal Gong-Fu Research Centre for consultation & tuina (chinese massage) valued at $70. http://www.montrealgongfu.com/

- Organic clothing from Advika valued at $250
http://www.advikaclothing.com/

- 1 Gift certificate for private lesson valued $60 from Sharon Levinger Belly Dance Performer & Instructor

- 1 Gift certificate valued at $100 (tarot reading) from Catharine Allan Clairvoyant Medium http://www.river-rain.com/

- 1 Gift certificate valued at $75 from Gaelle's Massage Therapy & Healing Services om.gaelle.tanguy@gmail.com

- 1 Gift certificate valued $50 from Lumanessence
http://www.lumanessence.com/

- 1 Gift certificate from Psychonaut
http://www.psychonaut.ca/

- 1 Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl valued at $250. from Andrea Ostiguy, Reflexologist/Naturotherapist http://www.westislandcrystaljunkies.blogspot.com/

- 1 Adventurine Necklace valued at $50 from Le Dragon Argente
http://www.ledragonargente.etsy.com/

- 1 Hypnotherapy session, valued at $90 from Ikra Centre
http://www.ikra.ca/

- 1 CD from Auresia Muse
http://www.auresia.com/

- 1 Sculpture "Egg Goddess", value is $50, donated & made by Lauryn Trimble
http://www.laurentrimble.com/

- 1 Dress with arm warmers from Gypsy Circus Clothing by Sandra Iannuccilli. Valued at $165.
http://www.gypsycircus.ca/

- 1 Gift Certificate for Radiesthesy session and Aura reading valued at $100 from Charme & Sortilège
http://www.charme-et-sortilege.com/

- 2 Tickets plus 6 meals for 2 at the Open Mind Eco Festival. 8 days, ticket value at the door is $175. per ticket, total value: $350.
http://www.openmindfestival.com/

- Gift certificate for $80 at Trance Plants: shamanic and medicinal herbs and incenses.
http://www.tranceplants.net/

- 1 Hula hoop valued at $50 from A-Muse Hoops
http://www.amusehoops.com/

- $150 Gift Certificate from Organik Santé Corporative for an appointment with the naturopath Émilia Sirois.

- $125 Gift Certificate from Elizabeth Johnston, Writer, Instructor & Coach for a one day screen writing seminar on Saturday, September 10th, 2011.

http://www.elizabeth-johnston.com/
- Art prints from the following artists: Elissa Baltzer, April-Anna, P.John Burden, and more!

- Home Cleansing Smudge Kit from Melange Magick, valued at $40.
http://www.themagicalblend.com/

- Tea & Colouring book from Yellow Bird Project

http://www.yellowbirdproject.com/

- Wine basket from Barefoot Wines
http://www.barefootwine.com/

- Beer basket from Beau's Organic Beer
http://www.beaus.ca/brewery/organic

More auction items to be announced soon! - MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

"Enchanted Forest" a Visionary Art Experience, Group Art Exhibition from June 9th to July 9th featuring the works of up to 30 Artists:

Plume (Richelieu, QC)
Aurel - Pumayana (Australia/France)
Chris Dyer (Peru/Montreal)
April-Anna (BC/Montreal)
P.John Burden (Maritimes/PEI)
Elissa Baltzer (PEI/Montreal)
Serene Daoud (Montreal)
Jacqueline Hana Tyracek (Vancouver, BC)
Adriane Enns (BC)
Lauren Trimble (Montreal)
Benjamin Wong (Montreal)
Valérie Blanchet (Montreal)
Gabriel - DJ Zen (Quebec)
Marie-Line Vasseur (Montreal)

Janic Losier

Lena Breijer (Montreal)
Yasmine Desrochers
Valerie Lambert (Belgium)
Jonathan Lee (Toronto)
Cornelia Dudli
Allison Ryan
Cyens

Auction Tickets:
5 tickets for a recommended donation of $10
12 tickets for a recommended donation of $20
35 tickets for a recommended donation of $50

Free finger food. We ask for donations at the door and donations for the bar.
Why do we need to fundraise?
I am organizing a fundraiser to raise money for the art galleries & body art competitions. We need to raise prize money for the competitions, money for tools such as folding tables & chairs, outdoor canopy tents, food for artists and more.

For more information or to contribute (still looking for more musical acts, artists & performers), please email aprilanna@aprilanna.com

Call for Artists Submissions! - Group Exhibition June 9th to July 9th, 2011

2011-05-11T14:08:00.006-04:00

Call for artists!

Group Art Exhibition: “Enchanted Forest”

a Visionary Art Experience

June 9th-July 9th, 2011.

Location: Ahimsa Yoga Studio & Community Space.

Fundraiser for the Open Mind Eco Festival's

Art Gallery & Body Art Competition.

Vernissage: Cocktail & “Chinese” Auction:

Thursday June 9th, 2011, 6pm-10pm.

Closing party & fundraiser: tba.

Visionary Art at the Open Mind Eco Festival is any art that:
- Is influenced by philosophical or spiritual thoughts, and/or experiences.
- Influenced by nature (flora/fauna), ecology, surrealism, imagination and/or mythology.
- Art that seeks to influence or create positive social change, or to convey a thought provoking message that is intended to create positive social change; a vision or mirror of a healthier world.
- Is an expression of your inner sight; your personal view of a “window into the soul”.

Submission Deadline: Thursday, May 26th, 2011.
Due to some confusions for some artists, just to clarify: Submission Deadline is only for the small art show happening in June/July. I am still considering artists for the big show at the Open Mind Eco Festival in August, there is no formal deadline for the big show, when I run out of space, I will no longer be accepting new submissions.

Important Information:
1 piece of art per artist.
All works must be ready to hang.
Maximum Dimensions 30in x 40in.
Participation Fee $5. each, this pays for promotional material.
Each artist will be expected to help with promotions of the art exhibition & vernissage.
If your artwork sells, we take a 20%. Half of this goes towards the fundraiser & the other half would go to the studio space that is hosting the art exhibition.
If you are an artist submitting from outside of Montreal, you will need to be responsible for the cost of mailing your artwork.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Email
Title of your email should say “Art Submission”. Please include the name of your piece with a short description of the painting (please include the medium). If you have a website, please include this. .
Most importantly, please include a photograph of your painting in JPEG file format that is no larger then 800x700 pixels at a 72 pixel resolution.
Be sure to include your phone number and email.

Submit your application by email to the curator, April-Anna
aprilanna@aprilanna.com
Those artists accepted into the exhibition will be notified by June 1st, 2011.

About the fundraiser & the Open Mind Eco Festival:
The Open Mind Eco Festival is in it's 2nd year and will be happening from August 9th-16th at the Whispering Pines Campsite in Curran, Ontario. Last year's festival attracted over 900 attendees. With 2 stages (including 1 ambient stage), a children's village, visual art area, a labyrinth, performance animations, cinema, enchanted forest, healer's village, non-denominational spiritual ceremonies & free workshops with everything from arts & crafts to yoga.

The visionary art area is being organized & curated by local Montreal artist, The Art of April-Anna. There will be a large art gallery full of Visionary Art. This year will be the 1st year that we will introduce a Body Art Competitions; which will include a face painting competition, and body painting competitions for sponge/brush, & airbrush. There will be sections for beginners & advanced painters.

All artists who participate in the “Enchanted Forest” Group Art Exhibition will be considered for the big exhibition at the Open Mind Eco Festival.
http://www.openmindfestival.com/

About the Fundraiser:
We are raising money for the visionary art area at the Open Mind Eco Festival. What we need to raise money for includes: tent rental, prizes for the competitions, food for the artists, table rentals & other expenses.

QUESTIONS?

Email April-Anna: aprilanna@aprilanna.com

Phone: 514-243-4315

Canada watches its democracy erode

2011-03-31T16:49:00.004-04:00

I don't normally get involved in talking about or writing about politics, but truly, Harper really gets my knickers in a twist. I admit, I am part of the voting problem; I stopped voting ten years ago. Why? Because in 1997 when I was legally allowed to vote for the first time, I was so excited to participate in democracy, I celebrated, and felt like I was contributing some good to society. But then by the time I was in my early twenties, I became disillusioned, jaded. I didn't see that Canadian democracy was working for me as a citzien, I didn't feel like it was making a difference, and I didn't like the choices I had to choose from for voting.

QUOTE from "The Australian" newspaper.
Canada watches its democracy erode

ON Friday, the minority Stephen Harper government fell on a confidence motion by a 156-145 vote. Speaking to the motion, Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff attacked the government for disrespecting Canadian democracy and treating parliament with contempt.

The myth of Canada being dull is captured in the apocryphal story that in an international competition for the most boring news headline of the year, the winning entry was "Yet another worthy Canadian initiative".
Edmund Burke noted that all that was necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing. Canadians are certainly good and worthy folks, but they suffer an excess of civil obedience, politeness and lack of civic rage that could be harnessed to combat political atrophy. At a time when Arabs risk life and limb for political freedoms, Canadians seem largely apathetic about the erosion of their democracy.
The centralisation of power in the hands of the prime minister and political staffers - with the resulting diminution of the role and status of cabinet, parliaments and parliamentarians - is common to Anglo-Saxon democracies in Australia, Britain, Canada and the US, but the extent to which constitutional conventions, parliamentary etiquette and civil institutions of good governance have been worn away in Canada is cause for concern.

A minister told parliament she did not know who had altered a document that cut funding to a foreign aid group. Later, she admitted to ordering the changes, but did not know who had carried out the order. Lying to parliament, a cardinal sin of Westminster-style democracy, has become a political tactic.
Following rulings by Speaker Peter Milliken, for the first time in Canadian history, the government and a minister have been found to be in contempt of parliament for withholding information and misleading the house.

The Integrity Commissioner was so inept that she failed to uphold a single one of more than 200 whistle-blowing complaints. Forced out of office by the ensuing public outcry, she was awarded a $C500,000 severance package on condition that neither she nor the government talk about it. That is, a public servant paid by the taxpayer was financially gagged by yet more taxpayer money to stop taxpayers finding out what was going on.

When a foreign service officer blew the whistle on the Canadian military handing over detainees to Afghan security forces, in likely violation of international humanitarian law, the government tried to destroy him and refused to give documents to a parliamentary inquiry. The Speaker reminded the government parliament controlled cabinet, not the other way round.

After the last elections, when the opposition parties were close to agreement on a coalition majority government, rather than face the house in a vote of confidence, Harper talked the governor-general into shuttering parliament for a month until he shored up his own support.

When the time came to choose a new governor-general, Harper opted for someone who had carefully drawn up terms of an inquiry commission to exclude the potentially most damaging aspects of a scandal involving a former conservative prime minister.

Four conservatives have been charged with exceeding campaign spending limits in the 2006 election that put Harper into power. A minister used public office and material to pursue party-political goals of courting ethnic vote banks for the conservatives.

Having come into office on campaign promises of greater transparency and accountability, Harper has silenced civil servants and diplomats, cynically published guidelines on how to disrupt hostile parliamentary committees, and suppressed research that contradicts ideologically-driven policy, for example data that show crime rates to be falling.

Judges who rule against the pet causes of the government's ideological base are not immune to attacks from cabinet ministers.

Civil society groups that criticise any government policy or ideology risk loss of funding and hostile takeovers by boards stacked with pro-government ciphers.

Little wonder Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin describes the government's "arc of duplicity" as "remarkable to behold". What remains unclear is whether this adds up to an indictment of Canadians' indifference to democratic rights being curtailed or of the opposition parties, which have failed to harness the silent majority's outrage.

As Canadians head for the polls in early May, it remains to be seen whether Liberal Party charges of the Harper government being obsessed with secrecy, control, spin and attack ads will resonate with voters. Until then, Oh Canada, we cry our hearts for thee.

Author: Ramesh Thakur is professor of political science at the University of Waterloo and adjunct professor, Institute of Governance, Ethics and Law, Griffith University

Excuse my oncoming rant;
I feel like it's a puppetshow of greedy, power hungry idiots who I wouldn't trust as far as I can throw them. So why would I trust any of these morons to actually do a good job and actually run Canada in a considerate, wise and efficient way? Do any of these idiots really think about the bigger picture and think "how can I acheive the greatest good of all?". I think the only bigger picture they think about is their own bigger picture.

I worked for the government for a year when I was 19 as an intern and had a window into the bullshit that goes on internally. The higher up the totem pole the person is, the less in touch with reality they are and the more power they have to make desisions that affect everyone. The people working in the field, who in the greater scheme of things are on the bottom of the totem pole, they are the one's who have practical ideas and advice about how things could be done better and all of their wisdom falls on deaf ears.

So this is why I stopped voting, I didn't like my choices and I didn't believe in the idea of "choosing the lesser evil", that is until Harper stepped in. Harper I want to see out of power, his most recent antics really get my knickers in a twist and if I ever meet that man in person, I'll be sure to give him a piece of my mind. Harper makes me realize the wisdom in my grandfather's advice, to participate and choose the lesser of the evils.

Maybe I'll vote for the first time in ten years; please, the higher powers that be, kick this man out of power and replace him with a good man, or better yet, a wise women. Let's have a miracle! Maybe there would actually be one genuinely good person who really thinks about the greater good, who would not have gotten squelched by the opposition but in fact somehow side-steps attacks and makes it into power and could actually make the world a better place.

Sigh.... oh idealism....

A Chance Encounter in the Woods

2011-03-25T03:28:00.000-04:00

This is an animated short by a very talented friend of mine, Serene Daoud. I love this short, I wish there were more with these characters! I want to know what happens next!

"Being a live painting at the Body Painting Competition"

2011-03-23T22:22:00.002-04:00

This posting is a quote. To see the rest of the article from Keera Sama's (my model from last weekend) blog, please click here.

Being a live painting at the Body Painting Competition
By Learn to Create (Keera Sama)
Body Painting competition in Trois-Rivières
"March 18-19 was a body painting competition in a small town up the river from Montreal!"

Photography by Christopher Capicollo

"On Friday we packed up and drove to a bed and breakfast close to the Eco-Salon where the event was taking place. It was sooo cute! The house is apparantly 100 years old, you constantly hear the wood creaking, it reminds me of a typical grandmother’s house."

"At the competition they took very good care of models and artists alike! They had a little heater for each model, it was awesome, usually people aren’t so considerate and as a model I end up freezing as I’m being painted. They made sure we always had water tea or coffee."

Photography by Christopher Capicollo

"SO let me tell you, being a body paint model isn’t super easy, you stand for many hours at a time (this time it was 6 hours, longest I did was 9 hours) while having your nearly nude body painted. You can’t exactly take a sitting break because your bum is covered in paint, lol. And once your hands are painted you can’t touch anything. At that point Chris {photographer}was a very good sport and fed me! I’ve learnt now to start stretching from the beginning, everytime the artist is turned away or taking a mini break, I stretch, dance a little, and it keeps the aches and pains at bay! It really helped because after the competition I was just tired, and my patience meter was completely out, otherwise no problems."

Keera Sama

http://www.keerasama.com/

Photography by Christopher Capicollo

Destino: Disney & Dali

2011-03-17T05:31:00.000-04:00

Who'd have thought that Disney and Salvador Dali would hook up to create a cartoon? Apparently this lay hidden and unreleased for a few decades.

Spring!!

2011-03-15T17:38:00.006-04:00

VJ, Photographer & Film Maker; Marie Dietlin
Make-up by April-Anna.

Yeah! It's Spring! I love spring! Ok, so I don't trust that ol'jack frost is really gone for good, I know that spring is on it's way! The giant icy & snow brick on my back porch is finally melting to a quarter of it's size it maintain and often grew over bigger over the winter. My cat spent a half an hour outside in the sun (instead of trying to come in and out like a yo-yo every five minutes to warm his feet) and didn't ask in when he saw me! I love spring! I can't wait to start gardening!

Lac Saint Pierre

Springtime Drawing by April-Anna; Pen & Ink

If you are in the area this weekend; please come see the body painting competition this saturday being organized by Envol du Grand Heron Beu Productions, a non-profit organization who's goal is to protect and create awareness about the Lac Saint-Pierre nature reserve. Recognized by UNESCO, this is the largest wetland reservation in the world.

The theme is local wildlife, "fauna and flora". To participate, artists must have prepared detailed sketches and a description to submit to judges at the start of the body painting competition.

For more information, please see: PEGHB

Tsunami & Earthquakes

Indonesia, Haiti, New Zealand and now Japan. I knew people who knew people in Haiti, but this time I actually have 2 friends who are in Japan; one is Canadian, and one is a Japanese girl I met here in Montreal in 2006. I guess because I have friends there, it has become more personal when I see the video footage and read what is happening there. So when the earthquake and tsunami hit, she was the first person I thought of. Finally on sunday she emailed me; I was relieved and in awe to hear that she was in Sendei when the earthquake & tsunami hit, she survived!

But it's heart breaking to see the footage of how the majority of survivors are dealing with the situation as they process what has happened. I think everyone who survived has lost someone, in many cases many people. I can't imagine either being in person there faced with the daunting task of rebuilding. I can't help but wonder if it is not perhaps smarter to just rebuild closer to the mountains? I realize many people love living on the ocean but who knows how long it could be before there would be another earthquake, it is so close to such a major faultline, it is only a matter of time on account of that the plate tectonics are always moving, the contenants are reshaping themselves. Anyways that's just my two cents.

Either way, my heart goes out to them and I wish I could do something to help. The only thing I am able to offer is if someone in Montreal is throwing a fundraising event (hint hint wink wink) they should contact me, I would be happy to contribute my services.

Recent adventures in April-Anna-Land

2011-01-31T15:45:00.003-05:00

Recently I went with my awesome friend, Al Kray, to see her boyfriend's band play at the Wheel Club in NDG of Montreal, QC, Canada. I had never seen him play before, but I had heard many good things from Al and knew it would be worth the treck out into the cold, cold, blustery winter night.

Bloodshot Bill doll made by Al Kray

"Bloodshot Bill n'The Handcuffs" are a rockabilly band that will keep your toes tapping and your face smiling, even if you aren't a fan of country western rock'n'roll.

The bass player was pretty fasinating, he was all over the place, spinning his bass like a twirl top toy, climbing on top of it as though to ride it like a skate board while also trying to play at the same time (he did a good job). The sax player and the drummer were equally full of energy, words do not do either of these men justice for the life they brought to their instruments and the excitment they created in the dancers.

Audience members enjoying a game of pool while watching the show.

Their antics, while fun to watch, were difficult to photograph (keeping in mind I don't have a professional camera), hence the many ghost like hands I captured in many photos. Luckily I created a video blog for your entertainment (see at the bottom of this article).

Normally "Bloodshot Bill" is a high energy solo act that tours North America, Mexico & Europe at festivals and concert outlets. Quoted from his myspace profile:

Bloodshot Bill

"Greasy Canadian has travelled ... all sortsa places too, from big festivals to tiny bars to trailer parks & truck stops...Tours mostly as a one man band, but has bands too...He is currently banned from entering the USA...Has put out a buncha music on his own, and has alot more comin'...Recently teamed up with Mark Sultan (BBQ) and released their debut LP, The Ding-Dongs...Also, recently teamed up with King Khan as Tandoori Knights, and released a full LP and a couple 7" singles...Has his own brand of hair grease, "Nice'n'Greasy", custom made for him by AGS, and it is without a doubt the best there is...Has a lotta side-bands you'll never hear ("thank god" sez you)....If he comes to your town and you want to make him happy, he likes spaghetti and meat alot, but not too much before the gig, please."

New! Miniature Paintings turned into Pendants!

2011-01-27T22:28:00.003-05:00

I am very excited to announce that I am now making miniature original paintings into pendants! Painting done in water colour & acrylic on archival paper with highest quality paints, sealed with a satin varnish. Many of the pendants are adorned with sterling silver glitter, copper or brass, Austrian crystal, glass crystals and garnets!

I have 10 finished and another 15 in the works, plus more to come. I have to finish taking photos and posting them but slowly but surely. I have one up for sale on my Etsy Shop right now, more to come!

"Blast from the Past" - Push Play TV Interview

2011-01-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

This is an old interview now, being approx. 2 years ago. But I don't think I ever posted the video up here on my blog, so I figured now was as good a time as any to share.

In the spring of 2009, I hadn't been back in the city very long. I had just arrived back in Montreal from my trip to Calgary to participate as the out of province artist for the Papa Wheely Association mutli-media art cabaret & one night only art exhibition at the Art Gallery of Calgary (the city gallery, which is also the biggest gallery in Calgary). I went down to a convention that I was invited to by Luca Vince Caltabiano, for an interview for his internet tv station, Push Play TV. I was interviewed by the lovely Jessica Elias, take a look!

All the sad things that make you remember why life is so very blessed and so very beautiful.

2011-01-05T01:10:00.007-05:00

It was April 10th, my first morning back in Canada, having just arrived from Hong-Kong. There was a newspaper sitting on the table and on the cover was this beautiful image of a women with red hair, with her lungs painted on the outside of her body, and her arms were lifted up above her head to form the shape of a heart.

Immediatly I saw the image and thought that this is a lovely idea for a body painting. While at the same time giving me the shivers cause well I am not used to looking at people's lungs on the outside of their bodies. But something about this image was too beautiful to associate as being gore. I opened the newspaper to the article, and it was about the recent passing of Eva Markoort, a young women that many call a heroine. Her story is one that is too sad, beautiful, inspiring and full of messages worth listening to.

Regardless of the challenges a person might experience in life, there is something that everyone can draw from the messages of Eva Markoort's life.

Following is Quoted from 65_Red Roses & The Vancouver Sun.

"Eva Markvoort gave all her life away

The young actress with cystic fibrosis shared her life and her final weeks with the world

BY DOUGLAS TODD, VANCOUVER SUN APRIL 1, 2010

Beautiful, vivacious Eva Markvoort proved an accomplished actress in the theatre department at the University of Victoria. But when she began applying for roles beyond the campus, she often didn't receive the final call.

Directors told the talented actress they worried she would at unexpected times cough, have trouble breathing or not be able to show up for rehearsal, due to her lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis.

As Eva's disappointment expanded, film and theatre friends began telling the New Westminster-raised actress she was forgetting there was a far bigger role in which she should star.

The story of her life.

In the end, Eva became an icon of strength in the midst of suffering to countless people around the world: By fearlessly telling the harrowing story of what it is like to exist with the rare genetic disease.

Eva played out her role in many ways, including through the award-winning documentary made about her double-lung transplant in 2007, in which viewers literally saw inside her troubled body.

Eva enjoyed that the two-year-old film was called 65 Red Roses, since "65 red roses" was a child's malapropism for "cystic fibrosis." And she adored the flower. Organ transplants increased after the documentary aired.

Perhaps more impressively, in the past two years Eva connected with more than a million Internet readers and viewers through her blog, also called 65 Red Roses, by revealing in intimately frank detail what it was like each day for her to live and, as she would often write online: "love, love, love."

In the past six weeks, the tragically beautiful story of Eva's life came to a climax.

Eva decided to reveal to her worldwide community of Internet followers, which was particularly strong in Canada, the U.S. and Europe (especially Poland), what it was like to be a few weeks from death's door.

Eva's parents, Bill Markvoort and Janet Brine, talked about the remarkable short life of their daughter on Wednesday in their home in New Westminster, on what would have been Eva's 26th birthday.

More than 20 of Eva's friends, many from the theatre community, were coming to the Markvoort-Brine home later in the day to mark the anniversary, with a party.

Moving among rooms stacked with letters and cards from Eva's online admirers, Bill described the moment in February when their strong-willed daughter told them to gather around her VGH bed to make a video for her blog.

No one in the family knew what was going on. "She could be a bit imperious. A bit of a diva," said Bill. When Eva wanted something, she got it.

With the camera rolling and her family hugging close beside her, gaunt Eva suddenly began to talk about how she was soon going to die. Her agonizing battle was ending.

(ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW THE VIDEO)

She loved everyone.

Within hours of the video going onto the 65 Red Roses site, a tsunami of affection swept through the Internet.

Eva's last spoken words to her web community immediately drew more than 150,000 page views, in less than 24 hours. Tens of thousands more people would click with each passing day.

They still are, even with Eva passing away last Saturday in Vancouver General Hospital, waiting in vain for a donor so she could have a second double-lung transplant.

* * *

The walls of the large living-room in Eva's long-standing family home in the Queen's Park neighbourhood of New Westminster were this week blanketed from floor-to-ceiling with cards, letters, drawings, poetry, prayers, paintings, collages, mosaics and other gifts from Eva's horde of far-flung well-wishers.

The living room included a bed, which was itself smothered with cards and gifts. This had been Eva's bedroom during her many rough months, in which she was linked up to tubes and ingesting painkillers and other medications.

Of the thousands of gifts that have arrived for Eva through the family mailbox, the most common image is a red heart, in every shape, size and variation.

Eva's death is making news headlines this week across Canada and in Europe.

"It's been unbelievable. It's so overwhelming," said Bill, vice-president of Probyn Log Ltd., sitting with his wife, Janet, principal of Peace Arch Elementary School, who spent the past seven weeks sleeping in Eva's hospital room.

Eva's parents have been reluctant to speak to the media, but decided to talk to The Vancouver Sun about their daughter, whose Internet life began four years ago.

That's when Eva began a private blog to keep in touch with others with Cystic Fibrosis, which strikes roughly one in 2,000 people, mostly of European extraction.

Due to the complex infectious nature of the illness, medical specialists strongly discourage people with CF from spending any time in each other's company.

But, after a while, Eva opened her site beyond the CF community, to the public.

At first Janet was against the idea. "But eventually I came around. I could see it was a real focus for Eva. It was benefiting her and others."

The page views and comments on 65 Red Roses began mounting at a feverish pace. Eva was having an impact far greater than expected.

In their living room, the parents told a few of the many remarkable stories about how Eva inspired an online network.

One story was of a suicidal U.S. woman who said she was "saved" after watching Eva online. The despairing woman couldn't help but be inspired by the strength Eva showed; living with someone else's lungs, which frequently become overpowered by mucous. The family ended up meeting the woman.

Another account of Eva's Internet influence revolved around the hundreds of letters she received from black students in gang-infested ghettos of Los Angeles. An L.A. school administrator had encouraged students at 18 schools to follow Eva's blog, from which he wrote they learned no one was "worthless," and they themselves became "more empathetic."

There were also many young men who fell in love online with Eva, confessing their unrequited desire to rescue the brave, sensual young woman from the unfairness of her terminal ordeal.

In general, Bill found young men and women responded incredibly to Eva's blog, in part because for many of them it was their first grave experience of the dying process, particularly with someone their age.

There were also, as expected, many, many patients and families struggling with cystic fibrosis who considered Eva a heroine.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Eva became a media star in Poland.

She was a top story on newspapers and on TV in the country of 38-million people, to the extent that a Polish TV crew came and filmed a story about her during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

The family, including brother, Hunter, and sister Annie, were asked to give a rough idea of what kinds of people had been sending the tens of thousands of comments Eva received on 65 Red Roses.

The family estimated about 10 per cent of the blog's traffic came from people struggling with Cystic Fibrosis. The rest came from "healthy" people, many from Canada, but with about 25 per cent from the United States and another 15 per cent from Poland.

Trying to understand the mystery of the Polish phenomenon, Bill had a few theories.

The documentary about Eva aired at least twice on Polish TV, which doesn't' have as many channels as in North America, he said. Nor does Poland have a health care system, he said, that can afford lung transplants. As well, "Eva" is a common Polish name, even while "Markvoort" is Dutch.

Bill and family believe, in addition, that Eastern Europeans may have a more open and healthy attitude than North Americans to difficult and "dark" themes, such as the life and death struggles of Eva.

Whatever the case involving the Poles, Bill found Eva's widespread Internet community astounding.

"I think the Internet is the most powerful thing imaginable. It provides immediate contact. It creates circles of friendship."

* * *

In addition to exposing her vibrant life and passions on the world wide web, Eva received many accolades in her short life.

Hearing of her troubles, the University of Victoria decided to rush through her bachelor's degree in fine arts in February, even though she had not quite finished her electives.

The House of Commons was told of her death this week. She had already received the Queen's Jubilee Service Award.

Meanwhile, the documentary, 65 Red Roses, continues to be aired around the world, including again this Friday evening in Canada on CBC.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well, gave Eva its prestigious Summerhayes Award in March, for raising awareness. As a result of her online influence, the foundation will be switching much of its educational and outreach campaigns to the Internet.

(ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW THE VIDEO)

Bill choked up as he read out a tiny sampling of the letters people have written Eva, including how she was "remarkable and strong." They thanked her for "giving all her love away" and being "one of the most beautiful people I've ever been able to know."

Bill and Janet said they feel a duty to respond publicly to the outpouring for their daughter. But, eventually, Bill said, the family will likely return to a more private life.

Just as Bill finished speaking, the mail carrier dropped another two dozen brightly coloured cards and letters through the family mailbox."

Some had red hearts.

dtodd@vancouversun.com

Read Douglas Todd's blog at www.vancouversun.com/thesearch

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