I love dreaming. Dreams come in many forms. They come in day dreams. Waking dreams. They come in passing thoughts. Fleeting images, stimulated by sometimes totally unconnected events. They come when we sleep, sometimes to be remembered, sometimes not. Dreams feed us. They feed our spirit, our soul. Dreams can lead to great folly, or to great deeds. Dreams move us, one way or another. When we block our dreams, we become stagnant, unmoving, or moving very slowly collecting dust.
I just finished reading a book by Neil Gaiman, called Stardust. Yes, it is the same as the movie, however, it must be said that while the movie is very good, it is extremely different from the book. This comes as no surprise I am sure. I imagine the movie likened to an alternative reality, another possible way that the story could have happened, but in the end, I still prefer the book (although I saw the movie first and surely I will watch it again with great joy).
Having quite a feisty passion for old folk lore, mythologies, legends and modern spins working with the old into the new; I can say that this book certainly stirs up my dreams. This book has fed me, such as food does for our bodies, it has reminded me of my own inner light and the light that is within all that is part of this world.
I think what inspires me most about this book, is not in the story itself, but in Neil's gratitude, which also reminds me of a little paper book I found in my couch cushions while finishing up reading the book. But first I must share Neil's gratitude.
"Acknowledgements."
Neil writes, to us, the readers: "First and foremost, my thanks to Charles Vess. He is the nearest thing we have today to the great Victorian fairy painters, and without his art as an inspiration, none of these words would exist. Every time I finished a chapter, I phoned him up and read it to him, and he listened patiently and he chuckled in all the right places."
I know who Charles Vess is and truly his art is inspiring. But really what touched me so much about this statement is the idea of inspiring someone so much that that person should share each leg of the journey as it occurs in the creative process. The creative process can be such a vulnerable and private process. Such an honor is that. It leaves me with a feeling of awe that a great story teller should draw his inspirations, finding his dreams stimulated from the many images produced by the artist.
After reading this book, which I have not been able to put down for days, I am already feeling the build up of energy, the inspirations, my inner muse, waking up, and dreaming, preparing to use this new fuel to help push along my own creations. I always find the creations of others as well as the gratitude expressed from one person to another, helps push me to push myself to try my best to produce my best and see where I can go next within my own creations. I love the experience, the journey that it takes to hone my own skills. My goal is to wake up inspirations in others, such as Neil Gaiman has woken in me on account of what Charles Vess woke in Neil.
Interesting, isn't it? The process that is...
Where would we all be without each other?
I have such gratitude that you exist.
Whom do I speak?
Why you! The reader!
Because as I said, where would we all be without each other?
I have such gratitude for the process, the journey, and I can't wait to see what happens next in this adventure we call life.
Magic Words
"In the earliest time,
when both people and animals lived on the earth,
a person could become an animal if he wanted to
and an animal could become a human being.
Sometimes they were people
and sometimes animals
and there was no difference.
All spoke the same language.
That was the time when words were like magic.
The human mind had mysterious powers.
A word spoken by chance
might have strange consequences.
It would suddenly come alive
and what people wanted to happen could happen--
all you had to do was to say it.
Nobody can explain this:
That's the way it was."
- - after Nalugiaq
Edward Field, 'Songs and Stories of the Netsilik Eskimos
Quoted from Green Man Press
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Totally hilarious....
Ok. So recently, I have come to recognize exactly how geeky I am. I guess I should have known since I am dating a computer programmer and that sort of says it all. What tipped me off is how every so often, in the middle of the night, I get totally hooked to the DVDs my boyfriend brings home such as Doctor Who. At first, I was really anti-doctor but then, it sucked me in, like the vortex it is. This could be said about a few shows. I have always been a fantasy buff, with a leaning towards sci-fi, but usually more in the novel format (I adore reading) and often movies. Of course, I am totally obsessed with an on again off again ongoing research that I do of old faerie lore and world mythologies; very inspiring for my own creations.
What I am leading up to is "The Guild". I totally love this bizarre and quirky internet mini-show. I also relate to it. I went through an obsessive gaming phase as a teenager and into my early twenties. This is proven by the fact that I once failed a university course due to this obsession. I guess maybe it was a bit of an adiction. Failing the university course was a really good reality check. But something valuable I learned from going through that gaming phase is that I realized at a certain point that everything I learned in game, if I were to apply it to life, I would probably find life alot more interesting and alot more engaging. So I swore off gaming because I did not seem to be able to find the middle ground with it all. What I learned from gaming was perseverance, stamina and how to successfully face my challenges in life.
Today, while I can appreciate it, I have no interest in participating in gaming because I just have way too many career related and other activities that absorb all the time I have. I love how productive I am with my time, now that I don't play video games. However, my boyfriend is still a gamer and one night I caught him watching "The Guild" and quickly found myself adoring it. It's totally freaking funny and reminds me of a few people I know.
What I am leading up to is "The Guild". I totally love this bizarre and quirky internet mini-show. I also relate to it. I went through an obsessive gaming phase as a teenager and into my early twenties. This is proven by the fact that I once failed a university course due to this obsession. I guess maybe it was a bit of an adiction. Failing the university course was a really good reality check. But something valuable I learned from going through that gaming phase is that I realized at a certain point that everything I learned in game, if I were to apply it to life, I would probably find life alot more interesting and alot more engaging. So I swore off gaming because I did not seem to be able to find the middle ground with it all. What I learned from gaming was perseverance, stamina and how to successfully face my challenges in life.
Today, while I can appreciate it, I have no interest in participating in gaming because I just have way too many career related and other activities that absorb all the time I have. I love how productive I am with my time, now that I don't play video games. However, my boyfriend is still a gamer and one night I caught him watching "The Guild" and quickly found myself adoring it. It's totally freaking funny and reminds me of a few people I know.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Having a voice to speak with....
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Having a voice to speak with, I choose often to first sit in silence and watch, to learn and to try to observe how I can best assist in creating positivity. Ideally, when I speak, I don't want to waste my energy, so when I speak, I speak with the intention of being aware of the needs of my listener, I try to speak when I will be received, when I will be heard.
I don't know if I will be heard, but right now I choose to speak. I hope that in speaking, I will contribute to a domino affect of positive and healing change.
A few months ago during a midnight research session, I became aware of an upcoming documentary that aired tonight. I was privileged to have a promo-ticket to see the premier of The Cove. I believe everyone should see this film. It's so tragic but very important that we be aware of what is happening and to do all we can to create change for the better.
This film really struck a chord for me, maybe it's because of the graphic nature of the film footage, but truly, I could not stop crying through out most of the film. I was so upset when I left the theatre, that I accidentally twisted my ankle in a hole in the sidewalk I did not see. I knew these things were happening but to see the footage, it's very devastating. It's horrifying to think that this isn't just happening in Japan, it's happening everywhere pretty much to all species, including ourselves.
We all know this song and dance; why do we just keep falling into the same cycle of harmful actions as a human race?
Having a voice to speak with, I choose often to first sit in silence and watch, to learn and to try to observe how I can best assist in creating positivity. Ideally, when I speak, I don't want to waste my energy, so when I speak, I speak with the intention of being aware of the needs of my listener, I try to speak when I will be received, when I will be heard.
I don't know if I will be heard, but right now I choose to speak. I hope that in speaking, I will contribute to a domino affect of positive and healing change.
A few months ago during a midnight research session, I became aware of an upcoming documentary that aired tonight. I was privileged to have a promo-ticket to see the premier of The Cove. I believe everyone should see this film. It's so tragic but very important that we be aware of what is happening and to do all we can to create change for the better.
This film really struck a chord for me, maybe it's because of the graphic nature of the film footage, but truly, I could not stop crying through out most of the film. I was so upset when I left the theatre, that I accidentally twisted my ankle in a hole in the sidewalk I did not see. I knew these things were happening but to see the footage, it's very devastating. It's horrifying to think that this isn't just happening in Japan, it's happening everywhere pretty much to all species, including ourselves.
We all know this song and dance; why do we just keep falling into the same cycle of harmful actions as a human race?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Before and After....
I have been doing more and more photo editing and graphic design for myself and friends. I use GIMP instead of photoshop; I used to use photoshop but then due to my boyfriends ethics and my sense of privacy, I decided to go onto a linux system on my computer along with all free software.
It was at first difficult to adjust from photo shop to GIMP, and the only thing that GIMP doesn't do is CMYK, but that easily rectified by going to see a friend with a legal copy of photo shop.
What I like about GIMP is that it's co-created software by computer programmers who believe that software should be free and easily accessible for everyone. Free software is a constant evolution created by volunteer programmers on their spare time outside of their day jobs.
The photograph you see is a sample of my most current editing work in GIMP. The clothing is designed by Advika Clothing on 100% organic fabric.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Artist's Life
By Kern, Kite, Bandit & Lisa 12-06-07 drowtales.com
Artist's Life:
Monday Night, 5am
"We have to start going to sleep earlier."
"mmhhmmm"
Tuesday Night, 6am
"We really have to start going to sleep earlier."
"mmmmhhm"
Wednesday Night, 7am
"We REALLY, really have to start going to sleep earlier."
"mmhmmm *snore*"
I borrowed this comic strip from another website called Drowtales: Moonless Age, it's a fantasy comic that has recently peeked my interest. At the end of each chapter they have cutsie humorous parodies. Hence where "Artists's Life" came from.
When I saw this comic and what it is depicting, I was just laughing and shaking my head because this was such a typical day for me. Oh the artist life!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Latest & newest creations: a peak in my studio....
I took a class this spring from a wonderful teacher & artist by the name of Melanie Mathews, where I was excited to learn more techniques taking me further in the realm of mixed mediums.
"A dynamic and contemporary approach to acrylic painting in which mediums, gels, image transfer, and glazing are used to enrich your painting style. This is a contemporary take on the versatility of the acrylic medium, emphasizing personal imagery and a process of discovery" - quoted from Melanie Mathews
This particular painting is a custom creation for close friends of mine. I am also offering custom paintings like this on etsy. Using the above techniques, I create an original painting collage for that utilizes one of several photos submitted to me.
I started with two photos of the couple, one was of them camping and the other was from their wedding day. I then created a photocopy and transfered that onto the canvas (see photo). I then took two photos of their kittens and practiced drawing the kittens until I had results I was happy with. I layered the original art on top of the transfered photographs, painted with acrylic colours & metalics, then layered in gels and other mediums. The final coat is transparent butterflies.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"No job is too small to do beautifully"
(quoted from Brian Froud's "The Faeries Oracle")
" He sings as he works.... He would be the first to tell you that superb craftsmanship, however magical, is hard work - joyful and energizing hard work, but always challenging... work is done as well as possible, even where it will never be seen by anyone else....persevere through difficulties, learning still more of our craft as we work...."
"labor of love.... be willing to tackle difficult challenges... surpass previous achievements... patience... willingness... again and again until it i seven better then the best one can do... Yes, in balance to all of this, the "Master Maker" reminds us that we also need to learn our own limits... balance..." - Quoted from "The Faeries Oracle"
Right now I am trying to redevelop my rusty drawing skills, get them un-rusted then shine and polish until my skills are growing, honing, finer and finer, more and more precise... Alas it is a bit of a task that requires quite alot of patience. I am grateful that I have grown patient with age. I used to practice pencil drawing in realism regularly from the time I was 10 until I was about 17; I got very good for a while but I found I would get increasingly stressed out and frustrated with the challenge of trying to get it perfect. So I took a break from pencil drawing and have been exercising other aspects of my artistic skills (as you can see from my portfolio).
Now I am trying to come back full circle and bring all my skills together, expressed in what is for me, new experimentation in multi-media. I am having alot of fun.
Last night and today I have been practicing drawing my cat as well as my friend's kittens. I am alone in my studio at the moment and didn't have anyone to get feedback from to help point out to me what I struggle to see.... I can see it's a bit warped but I have a hard time breaking it down in my mind how to correct my drawings sometimes. So I put the image into the computer and layered the drawing with the reference photo; and wow that sure helps me to see how to correct things. I then print that out and by eye, I try drawing and erasing in the corrections.
Here is where I am currently at (I am not showing all the stages right now).
" He sings as he works.... He would be the first to tell you that superb craftsmanship, however magical, is hard work - joyful and energizing hard work, but always challenging... work is done as well as possible, even where it will never be seen by anyone else....persevere through difficulties, learning still more of our craft as we work...."
"labor of love.... be willing to tackle difficult challenges... surpass previous achievements... patience... willingness... again and again until it i seven better then the best one can do... Yes, in balance to all of this, the "Master Maker" reminds us that we also need to learn our own limits... balance..." - Quoted from "The Faeries Oracle"
Right now I am trying to redevelop my rusty drawing skills, get them un-rusted then shine and polish until my skills are growing, honing, finer and finer, more and more precise... Alas it is a bit of a task that requires quite alot of patience. I am grateful that I have grown patient with age. I used to practice pencil drawing in realism regularly from the time I was 10 until I was about 17; I got very good for a while but I found I would get increasingly stressed out and frustrated with the challenge of trying to get it perfect. So I took a break from pencil drawing and have been exercising other aspects of my artistic skills (as you can see from my portfolio).
Now I am trying to come back full circle and bring all my skills together, expressed in what is for me, new experimentation in multi-media. I am having alot of fun.
Last night and today I have been practicing drawing my cat as well as my friend's kittens. I am alone in my studio at the moment and didn't have anyone to get feedback from to help point out to me what I struggle to see.... I can see it's a bit warped but I have a hard time breaking it down in my mind how to correct my drawings sometimes. So I put the image into the computer and layered the drawing with the reference photo; and wow that sure helps me to see how to correct things. I then print that out and by eye, I try drawing and erasing in the corrections.
Here is where I am currently at (I am not showing all the stages right now).
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I went out of the city this past weekend....
I went out to the cabin in the forest with some close friends. It's easier to share in images then words these types of experiences.
In words, well we left the Montreal late and met our friends at the pond in the forest, in the "quebec outback". They spent one night with us, we were silly, had a great supper, got tipsy, played with kittens, went swimming, hiked in the forest. Then one set of friends went back to the city while we awaited our next guests to join us. There is a second video to come.
I create these video journals for my friends, family and all other curious people. I love taking photos and find it fun to make "ghetto" video recordings on my digital camera.
In words, well we left the Montreal late and met our friends at the pond in the forest, in the "quebec outback". They spent one night with us, we were silly, had a great supper, got tipsy, played with kittens, went swimming, hiked in the forest. Then one set of friends went back to the city while we awaited our next guests to join us. There is a second video to come.
I create these video journals for my friends, family and all other curious people. I love taking photos and find it fun to make "ghetto" video recordings on my digital camera.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Ahh...
So I have been working on my personal growth for a long time; I guess we all are. But for me, I technically have an under-active thyroid, IBS, asthma, some joint issues (tendinitis etc) and some other challenges. When I moved out of home at the age of 19, I was extremely overweight, depressed and at a loss as to how to create the life I wanted; I was also questioning what exactly I wanted.
Truly these are not unusual circumstances. However, the turning point started for me when I realized at a certain point that my inner world is my outer world; I cannot make change in my life if I cannot make change from within. For me this journey has taken on many forms and there are many stories I could share with you in this regards, all of which cast a "slightly different slant of light". It is my hope that my stories and experiences might be helpful to you or at least interesting.
What I want to focus on right now is the gratitude I have for how my health has changed. Of course I have had to work very hard for this; but right now I am seeing some growth that really seemed like such a dream. I am 4 sizes smaller then I was 10 years ago. I have been trying for years to teach myself discipline and motivation. My goal is to exercise every two days, and stretch every day.
I have also been receiving traditional Chinese medicine and practicing (on again off again) a style of martial arts called "Bagua Zhang" at the Montreal Gong-Fu Research Centre for 2 years. I have been exploring other alternatives for 7 years.
It's so amazing to feel so good and feel so healthy, I have never been this healthy and happy as an adult before. Even 3 months ago my health wasn't as good as it is right now; every day I just get healthier and stronger. I know most people when they turn 30 (I just did last december) that they panic about suddenly being "old", but me, I am excited with how young I am! I am looking forward to all my birthdays to come as I feel that I am like a fine wine, I will just get better with age. So far this has been exceptionally true.
I know they say it takes three weeks to create new habits, but I don't think that is true since many times I have hit three weeks and then proceeded to "fall off the band wagon". Habits! Routine! Who would ever think I could become a routine person, but here it is! I will give you a progress report in a few months; now it's a matter of sustaining these habits over an entire year.
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
I am super ecstatic as well about this Thai Yoga Massage practitioner I just had my first session with yesturday by the name of Asya, I highly recommend her. I have tried 4 different practitioners in the past year and with one exception (Stephanie Golden also rocks!), this is the second practitioner that I am truly satisfied and impressed with. I met Asya only a week and a half ago; she is highly skilled at what she is doing with such a lovely presence, and is quick to share a smile. Asya works alot with the elderly with helping them create mobility and improving their day to day health through regular Thai Yoga Massage.
What I like about Thai Yoga Massage is that it is combining pressure point therapy with massage and yoga stretches; except that you don't do anything, the patient just needs to relax and focus on deep breathing. The practitioner stretches you very gentle but further then you could do on your own; I felt so incredible. I highly recommend this form of therapy to anyone; I feel everyone can benefit, but particularly those who are either recovering from something that has laid you up for a long time, or perhaps like me you just want an extra boost to your regular efforts, perhaps you have digestive issues, back problems, there are so many things this form of therapy will assist you with.
Ok that's my health rant for today!!
Truly these are not unusual circumstances. However, the turning point started for me when I realized at a certain point that my inner world is my outer world; I cannot make change in my life if I cannot make change from within. For me this journey has taken on many forms and there are many stories I could share with you in this regards, all of which cast a "slightly different slant of light". It is my hope that my stories and experiences might be helpful to you or at least interesting.
What I want to focus on right now is the gratitude I have for how my health has changed. Of course I have had to work very hard for this; but right now I am seeing some growth that really seemed like such a dream. I am 4 sizes smaller then I was 10 years ago. I have been trying for years to teach myself discipline and motivation. My goal is to exercise every two days, and stretch every day.
I have also been receiving traditional Chinese medicine and practicing (on again off again) a style of martial arts called "Bagua Zhang" at the Montreal Gong-Fu Research Centre for 2 years. I have been exploring other alternatives for 7 years.
It's so amazing to feel so good and feel so healthy, I have never been this healthy and happy as an adult before. Even 3 months ago my health wasn't as good as it is right now; every day I just get healthier and stronger. I know most people when they turn 30 (I just did last december) that they panic about suddenly being "old", but me, I am excited with how young I am! I am looking forward to all my birthdays to come as I feel that I am like a fine wine, I will just get better with age. So far this has been exceptionally true.
I know they say it takes three weeks to create new habits, but I don't think that is true since many times I have hit three weeks and then proceeded to "fall off the band wagon". Habits! Routine! Who would ever think I could become a routine person, but here it is! I will give you a progress report in a few months; now it's a matter of sustaining these habits over an entire year.
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
I am super ecstatic as well about this Thai Yoga Massage practitioner I just had my first session with yesturday by the name of Asya, I highly recommend her. I have tried 4 different practitioners in the past year and with one exception (Stephanie Golden also rocks!), this is the second practitioner that I am truly satisfied and impressed with. I met Asya only a week and a half ago; she is highly skilled at what she is doing with such a lovely presence, and is quick to share a smile. Asya works alot with the elderly with helping them create mobility and improving their day to day health through regular Thai Yoga Massage.
What I like about Thai Yoga Massage is that it is combining pressure point therapy with massage and yoga stretches; except that you don't do anything, the patient just needs to relax and focus on deep breathing. The practitioner stretches you very gentle but further then you could do on your own; I felt so incredible. I highly recommend this form of therapy to anyone; I feel everyone can benefit, but particularly those who are either recovering from something that has laid you up for a long time, or perhaps like me you just want an extra boost to your regular efforts, perhaps you have digestive issues, back problems, there are so many things this form of therapy will assist you with.
Ok that's my health rant for today!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Now I can tell everyone about the birds and the bumbleBEES....
We have a bumblebee nest in the corner of the house underneath the roof, in a hole that I don't remember noticing before, right above the door to our porch. I don't mind, since I have gone "hog wild" over my porch gardening (my goal is to become a porch-farmer).
I am sad that there is a shortage of bees in the world so I am super excited that we are blessed to have bees living above us. They are so cute.
But in the last few days, the bees have been behaving in a most peculiar way. I saw a huge bumblebee fall down out of the nest and land on the porch and wobble and wiggle around with another little bee riding her. I was so confused. I wasn't sure if she wanted this other bee on her back since she seemed quite agitated, and then I thought, "the bee is biting her back???"
Then I saw it again today when I got up. I was so confused, I went and looked up on google, "bumblebee riding bumblebee" but couldn't find anything. I go back outside, sitting there, relaxing, listening to the birds, watching my cats and drinking my coffee. Sure enough the largest bumblebee falls out of the nest again, with another bee on her back. This time the bees settled down on top of the mop but this time she didn't seem so agitated and suddenly the little bee on her back started doing that most unmistakable gesture unique to males of all species. I was stunned, so I googled it and sure enough, I did in fact witness bees mating!! I guess there is a first time for everything...
I am sad that there is a shortage of bees in the world so I am super excited that we are blessed to have bees living above us. They are so cute.
But in the last few days, the bees have been behaving in a most peculiar way. I saw a huge bumblebee fall down out of the nest and land on the porch and wobble and wiggle around with another little bee riding her. I was so confused. I wasn't sure if she wanted this other bee on her back since she seemed quite agitated, and then I thought, "the bee is biting her back???"
Then I saw it again today when I got up. I was so confused, I went and looked up on google, "bumblebee riding bumblebee" but couldn't find anything. I go back outside, sitting there, relaxing, listening to the birds, watching my cats and drinking my coffee. Sure enough the largest bumblebee falls out of the nest again, with another bee on her back. This time the bees settled down on top of the mop but this time she didn't seem so agitated and suddenly the little bee on her back started doing that most unmistakable gesture unique to males of all species. I was stunned, so I googled it and sure enough, I did in fact witness bees mating!! I guess there is a first time for everything...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New Creations
So I have been hard at work in my studio, as usual.... These are my latest creations as well as photos from recent face painting contracts... enjoy!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Happy Canada Day..... errr, and moving day?
While today is Canada Day, the Jazz Festival is happening, "Kool & the Gang" are here; and I am writing on my blog at home missing it, out of choice, I was going to go with friends but then realized I felt anti-social and wasn't in the mood to deal with the crazy crowds of 200,000 plus people....
So trust Quebec to have a moving holiday known as "Moving Day"; a phenomona I had never encountered until I arrived in Montreal.
Montreal had this delightful idea to make all rentals on a lease system of one year that begins on July 1st of every year.... Thankfully there are a few landlords who have started breaking this tradition but still the majority participate in "moving day".
History
"The tradition began as a humanitarian measure of the French colonial government of New France, who forbade seigneurs, the semi-feudal landlords of the seigneuries, from evicting their tenant farmers before the winter snows had melted.[citation needed] In law, this date was set as May 1. Later, this evolved into a requirement that urban leases begin on May 1 and end on April 30. May 1 thus became "Moving Day", the day during which renters who wished to vacate their current premises physically changed domiciles."
"In 1973, during the Quiet Revolution, the government decided that it would be better to move Moving Day to the summer, so that students would not have to move during the school year. The law changed Moving Day to July 1 as of 1974, but no longer set a fixed term for leases. However, tradition has held sway, and the vast majority of leases are still a year long and begin around July 1. In 2004, approximately 120,000 households moved on or around July 1, corresponding to 4% of the population."
Impact
"Moving Day is a boon and a headache for commercial moving companies, and people often must reserve their services at least three months in advance."
"In Montreal, where as of 2002 only 36% of residents own their home, difficulty of moving is further complicated because, by convention, most Montreal landlords do not provide their tenants with a refrigerator or stove, meaning that tenants are forced to bring theirs with them."
"Also, exterior staircases leading up to second, third, or even fourth-storey apartments are common in many neighbourhoods, in part because historically this reduced the size of buildings and therefore decreased the owner's property taxes. These staircases are often narrow, curved, and metal – not ideal for nonprofessionals carrying major appliances."
So trust Quebec to have a moving holiday known as "Moving Day"; a phenomona I had never encountered until I arrived in Montreal.
Montreal had this delightful idea to make all rentals on a lease system of one year that begins on July 1st of every year.... Thankfully there are a few landlords who have started breaking this tradition but still the majority participate in "moving day".
History
"The tradition began as a humanitarian measure of the French colonial government of New France, who forbade seigneurs, the semi-feudal landlords of the seigneuries, from evicting their tenant farmers before the winter snows had melted.[citation needed] In law, this date was set as May 1. Later, this evolved into a requirement that urban leases begin on May 1 and end on April 30. May 1 thus became "Moving Day", the day during which renters who wished to vacate their current premises physically changed domiciles."
"In 1973, during the Quiet Revolution, the government decided that it would be better to move Moving Day to the summer, so that students would not have to move during the school year. The law changed Moving Day to July 1 as of 1974, but no longer set a fixed term for leases. However, tradition has held sway, and the vast majority of leases are still a year long and begin around July 1. In 2004, approximately 120,000 households moved on or around July 1, corresponding to 4% of the population."
Impact
"Moving Day is a boon and a headache for commercial moving companies, and people often must reserve their services at least three months in advance."
"In Montreal, where as of 2002 only 36% of residents own their home, difficulty of moving is further complicated because, by convention, most Montreal landlords do not provide their tenants with a refrigerator or stove, meaning that tenants are forced to bring theirs with them."
"Also, exterior staircases leading up to second, third, or even fourth-storey apartments are common in many neighbourhoods, in part because historically this reduced the size of buildings and therefore decreased the owner's property taxes. These staircases are often narrow, curved, and metal – not ideal for nonprofessionals carrying major appliances."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Explorations in art land....
So I just recently finished a very awesome, fun and interesting class at the Westmount Visual Arts Centre. . Back in January I was starting to get the winter dulldroms, and decided I needed to do something constructive. Since I had been experiencing some technical set backs in re-creating the vision inside my mind onto the canvas, I decided that taking a class might be a good idea.
I started researching art teachers in Montreal and had come across the website of an artist by the name of Melanie Mathews. I was very excited with what I was reading on her website about workshops but unfortunately I had a hard time getting in touch with her (cyber demons ate my email).
One event lead to another; the winter progressed the way winters do and just as the spring was starting here in Montreal, I decided it was a good idea to go to Calgary to participate in a group art cabaret at the city art gallery. After I got back from my trip, I decided at the last minute to see what classes still had space at the Visual Arts Centre.
I had narrowed my list down to two classes; one that specialized in the night-time scenery. The other was a class by Melanie Mathews.The night scenery class was canceled, so that left only one choice. I was very hesitant at first about taking Melanie's class only because I am not a morning person and the class was to begin at an ungodly hour; 9am!! Ouch! Who ever heard of starting a class at 9am? (ok, yes yes I am being slightly sarcastic)
Well, needless to say I had a few mornings of sleep-retardation, but asides from that, the class was completely worth it. I didn't realize before hand that the class was really just taking further an experimentation I had already begun on my own; working with textures and mixed mediums in art.
One of my favorite aspects of this class is that I have discovered how to make skins & transfers! Not to mention the exciting opportunity of trying out the many mediums that Melanie made available to us.
Melanie turned out to be a highly talented, intelligent, witty and informed teacher. She offered great observations and nudged us in the right directions in our classroom explorations. One of the aspects that made the class so interesting is that the students came from many walks of life, all ages, both professional and non-professional artists (and almost entirely all women, we had one token male). I have not taken an art class since high school, and those teachers combined with teenage angst, had left a bad taste in my mouth. So I really didn't expect to discover how much I really loved being surrounded by other artists busy at work on their creations. It's a really nice feeling and is very motivating with my own works.
I have attached photos of the 3 out of 4 paintings I finished in class (the 4th one I took home and started doing more work on it). I have all three of these paintings for sale on my etsy shop.
I started researching art teachers in Montreal and had come across the website of an artist by the name of Melanie Mathews. I was very excited with what I was reading on her website about workshops but unfortunately I had a hard time getting in touch with her (cyber demons ate my email).
One event lead to another; the winter progressed the way winters do and just as the spring was starting here in Montreal, I decided it was a good idea to go to Calgary to participate in a group art cabaret at the city art gallery. After I got back from my trip, I decided at the last minute to see what classes still had space at the Visual Arts Centre.
I had narrowed my list down to two classes; one that specialized in the night-time scenery. The other was a class by Melanie Mathews.The night scenery class was canceled, so that left only one choice. I was very hesitant at first about taking Melanie's class only because I am not a morning person and the class was to begin at an ungodly hour; 9am!! Ouch! Who ever heard of starting a class at 9am? (ok, yes yes I am being slightly sarcastic)
Well, needless to say I had a few mornings of sleep-retardation, but asides from that, the class was completely worth it. I didn't realize before hand that the class was really just taking further an experimentation I had already begun on my own; working with textures and mixed mediums in art.
One of my favorite aspects of this class is that I have discovered how to make skins & transfers! Not to mention the exciting opportunity of trying out the many mediums that Melanie made available to us.
Melanie turned out to be a highly talented, intelligent, witty and informed teacher. She offered great observations and nudged us in the right directions in our classroom explorations. One of the aspects that made the class so interesting is that the students came from many walks of life, all ages, both professional and non-professional artists (and almost entirely all women, we had one token male). I have not taken an art class since high school, and those teachers combined with teenage angst, had left a bad taste in my mouth. So I really didn't expect to discover how much I really loved being surrounded by other artists busy at work on their creations. It's a really nice feeling and is very motivating with my own works.
I have attached photos of the 3 out of 4 paintings I finished in class (the 4th one I took home and started doing more work on it). I have all three of these paintings for sale on my etsy shop.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Beautiful adventures.... excitement in Aprilanna-land...
The Fringe Festival
Last night I went to see some old and new acquaintance-friends perform in their latest production by The Ancient Rugged Revival, Cabaret l’Amour Fou, as a part of the fringe festival. I simply have to quote the words of another attendee because it really "hits the nail on the nose":
The experience was as if I had dropped acid and spent "the evening shinning flashlights on the ceiling while watching your favourite new, or old-school pirate movies. Now play an old blues record and put on episodes of Jim Henson's The Muppet Show. All this and you'll come close to the experience I had while I was in attendance for this show. I can't hype this show up enough, nor does its artists need me to at all. Without a doubt, the people who see this show, whether they knew what they were in for or not, will, like a wild, giddy, brush fire, tell everyone they meet about the erotic, awesome dream of this show. If you want to see a show that you'll remember forever and will let you grow old knowing that you experienced something wild, see this show, hear this show, become possessed by this show!" - Steven McLeod
Hello everyone!!
It's been a while since I have posted here on my blog. Been experiencing a bit of a brain-fog when it comes to sitting down and typing out my adventures as they have been happening. But also I have taken up the hobby of creating video-journals (some are quite ghetto but fun all the same) of said adventures; but those videos are actually very time consuming to create but it's a great exercise for learning how to do video-editing & video creation!
My latest adventures have included Cabaret Carte Blanche; I created simple version of pan, the nature-god from Greek & Roman mythology (simular gods in Celtic mythology as well). "Pan" was played by JAIAaquarian, a good friend of mine and talented performer here from BC.
I also painted one theatre & spoken word artist, Alessandra Naaccarato, a very talented lady I might add; as well as the beautiful and talented singer MOE & her musical cohert, Pedro.
I will soon post up a video-journal about the Cabaret Carte Blanche.
Onto other news:
I started an Etsy shop so if anyone who loves my artwork, this is a good venue to shop through.... Of course if you are ever in Montreal, you are also welcome to come check out my work in person.
I am only just getting the shop developed, there will be alot more to come (for all budgets) but for now I have 3 body painting styled art sculpture busts, & 3 prints/posters listed....
Please check me out:
http://aprilanna.etsy.com
Last night I went to see some old and new acquaintance-friends perform in their latest production by The Ancient Rugged Revival, Cabaret l’Amour Fou, as a part of the fringe festival. I simply have to quote the words of another attendee because it really "hits the nail on the nose":
The experience was as if I had dropped acid and spent "the evening shinning flashlights on the ceiling while watching your favourite new, or old-school pirate movies. Now play an old blues record and put on episodes of Jim Henson's The Muppet Show. All this and you'll come close to the experience I had while I was in attendance for this show. I can't hype this show up enough, nor does its artists need me to at all. Without a doubt, the people who see this show, whether they knew what they were in for or not, will, like a wild, giddy, brush fire, tell everyone they meet about the erotic, awesome dream of this show. If you want to see a show that you'll remember forever and will let you grow old knowing that you experienced something wild, see this show, hear this show, become possessed by this show!" - Steven McLeod
Hello everyone!!
It's been a while since I have posted here on my blog. Been experiencing a bit of a brain-fog when it comes to sitting down and typing out my adventures as they have been happening. But also I have taken up the hobby of creating video-journals (some are quite ghetto but fun all the same) of said adventures; but those videos are actually very time consuming to create but it's a great exercise for learning how to do video-editing & video creation!
My latest adventures have included Cabaret Carte Blanche; I created simple version of pan, the nature-god from Greek & Roman mythology (simular gods in Celtic mythology as well). "Pan" was played by JAIAaquarian, a good friend of mine and talented performer here from BC.
I also painted one theatre & spoken word artist, Alessandra Naaccarato, a very talented lady I might add; as well as the beautiful and talented singer MOE & her musical cohert, Pedro.
I will soon post up a video-journal about the Cabaret Carte Blanche.
Onto other news:
I started an Etsy shop so if anyone who loves my artwork, this is a good venue to shop through.... Of course if you are ever in Montreal, you are also welcome to come check out my work in person.
I am only just getting the shop developed, there will be alot more to come (for all budgets) but for now I have 3 body painting styled art sculpture busts, & 3 prints/posters listed....
Please check me out:
http://aprilanna.etsy.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Body Painting Art Bust - now available on Etsy
I opened an Etsy Shop for my art works & other hand-made items. I am only just getting started with this, so there is only one item up for sale right now, but there will be more later.
Singing and humming: my art journal, May 2009
I have started a video journal of my world as an artist...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Cabaret Carte Blanche
Throw Poetry Collective Presents
Cabaret Carte Blanche
Friday June 5th, 2009
Doors 7:30 Show 8:00
Theatre St. Catherine – 264 St. Catherine St. E.
$10 at the door
Featuring:
Music by Pharmakon MTL, Michelle Tompkins, James Irwin, Jindalee Lehman
Spoken Word by Moë Clark, Larissa Diakiw, The Throw Collective (including Chris Masson & Alessandra Naccarato)
Mixed Media Performances by Tender Morsels, Rachna Vohra, Vincent Tinguely & John Stuart
Live Body Painting by The Art of April-Anna
& more
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
The past 7 days... 3 new videos...
So there has been alot going on for me & my work in the past 7 days; about as much I as I could handle....
The film right below is: the Interdemensional Art Show in Montreal, organized by artist Chris Dyer and Psychonaut Gift Shop. Music is by the "Feast of Spirits", a project of Oliver Lewis & Anna Luisa Daigneault. http://www.myspace.com/montrealvisionaryartshow
I had the body painting competition on May 3rd (more professional photos & videos to come), I worked on completing a large canvas painting all week in my studio (professional photos to come), I went to a technical acrylic class on wednesday at the Westmount Arts Centre, I had a paid contract at a bar in Saint Hyacinthe on May 9th, and prepared for the Interdemensional Art Show on saturday May 9th.
Here is the video from the bar show in Saint Hyacinthe.
The film right below is: the Interdemensional Art Show in Montreal, organized by artist Chris Dyer and Psychonaut Gift Shop. Music is by the "Feast of Spirits", a project of Oliver Lewis & Anna Luisa Daigneault. http://www.myspace.com/montrealvisionaryartshow
I had the body painting competition on May 3rd (more professional photos & videos to come), I worked on completing a large canvas painting all week in my studio (professional photos to come), I went to a technical acrylic class on wednesday at the Westmount Arts Centre, I had a paid contract at a bar in Saint Hyacinthe on May 9th, and prepared for the Interdemensional Art Show on saturday May 9th.
Here is the video from the bar show in Saint Hyacinthe.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This Saturday - "Interdemensional Art Show"
I am participating in a one night only art show here in Montreal this saturday. I don't like to label myself or talk much about my inspirations since the audience of my work is quite broad, I like to harmonize with the people I am with. I am a spiritual person who looks at life through a filter filled with imagination and magick.
This is exactly what this art show is about; Chris Dyer has gathered the international artististic community (many disciplines) who draw from the spiritual & imaginative realms that we find through meditation & good intentions; our common ground is our common goal to leave this earth in a better state then when we got here.
I am showing my latest painting (completed today!) in the "Interdemensional Art Show" as well as I will have a boothspace there... There will be a large art gallery plus live music, performers & crafters market...
The art show got an article published in the "Montreal Mirror"; when you go to the page please scroll down.
Please come out and support us! Lots of dancing, lots of fun! One day only!
This is exactly what this art show is about; Chris Dyer has gathered the international artististic community (many disciplines) who draw from the spiritual & imaginative realms that we find through meditation & good intentions; our common ground is our common goal to leave this earth in a better state then when we got here.
I am showing my latest painting (completed today!) in the "Interdemensional Art Show" as well as I will have a boothspace there... There will be a large art gallery plus live music, performers & crafters market...
The art show got an article published in the "Montreal Mirror"; when you go to the page please scroll down.
Please come out and support us! Lots of dancing, lots of fun! One day only!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
This is from the pre-competition photo-shoot test I did in preparation for Color Mundo. Photography by Pierre Simard, model "Kimberly".
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Upcoming Events - May 2nd to the 10th
Color Mundo: Body Painting Competition - Sunday May 3rd
Color Mundo: Body Painting Competition
April-Anna is a Sponge & Brush Body Painter & Competitor
| Start Time: | 03 May 2009 at 08:00 |
| End Time: | 04 May 2009 at 18:00 |
| Location: | Marché Bonsecours |
| Street: | 350 St-Paul Est |
| Town/City: | Montreal, QC |
Interdimensional Art Show
| Start Time: | 09 May 2009 at 17:00 |
| End Time: | 10 May 2009 at 03:00 |
| Location: | The Eastern Bloc |
| Street: | 7240 rue Clark, close to metros De Castelnau (blue) and Jean Talon (orange) |
| Town/City: | Montreal, QC |
Fantasy or Fashion: Face Painting Workshop - May 10th, 11am-5pm
This is an introductory workshop for the beginner. Learn how to do styles for both kids & adults.
Registration deadline is May 5th.
$100.
514-243-4315
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Colour Mundo: upcoming body painting competition!
So the Color Mundo Body Painting competition is coming up in a week; Sunday May 3rd....
This is my second time participating... Competing is such a strange phenomena to me, I don't like competing, and it was a strange, reflective process watching my reactions last year to being in the competative environment... But it's good because all in all it forces me to grow... But I sort of wish that I didn't want to win, but I do want to win!! Why do I want to win??? Is it an ego thing?? I am not sure... exposure? recognitition? animalistic competition??? I have not figured out what my intentions are when I discovered I wish to win...
The theme last year was Ecology and Destruction. This year it is "Fantasy Worlds".
Last year I was actually really stressed out the whole time and way too short on sleep. At 4am, laying there tossing and turning, (I was so nervous about doing the competition) and some very drunk happy people from the auberge were below our bedroom window being way too loudly happy in the beaming heat of the newly arrived summer; hence I did the competition on 1 hour sleep... But I did do my yoga before I went!!! ... LMAO... This year I hope to be happy go lucky, and well slept....
It's super intense competing because you have 5 hours to execute your full head to foot body painting; for anyone who does body painting, you know that it's a marathon to achieve this and make it look good.
Anyways, I am trying to go into this for the fun of it, I am trying to have no attachment to outcome and I hope to make my peers feel comfortable and happy to see me...
That is something I appreciated last year is that the attitudes between competitors is actually very positive and very humble... People were so nice to me, it was really lovely.... I could tell that all the competitors were sad they didn't win but everyone was also very happy for those who did win... It was great!
It's really an opportunity to challenge myself to grow both artistically and personally.... My model this year is Kimberely, (model mayhem #79959); we are doing a test run of the concept I have for the event this tuesday in the studio with photographer Pierre Simard. Kimberely is also a hair stylist and will be doing her own hair.
If you come out to Color Mundo to see the competition, please be sure to stop by and say hello!!
This is my second time participating... Competing is such a strange phenomena to me, I don't like competing, and it was a strange, reflective process watching my reactions last year to being in the competative environment... But it's good because all in all it forces me to grow... But I sort of wish that I didn't want to win, but I do want to win!! Why do I want to win??? Is it an ego thing?? I am not sure... exposure? recognitition? animalistic competition??? I have not figured out what my intentions are when I discovered I wish to win...
The theme last year was Ecology and Destruction. This year it is "Fantasy Worlds".
Last year I was actually really stressed out the whole time and way too short on sleep. At 4am, laying there tossing and turning, (I was so nervous about doing the competition) and some very drunk happy people from the auberge were below our bedroom window being way too loudly happy in the beaming heat of the newly arrived summer; hence I did the competition on 1 hour sleep... But I did do my yoga before I went!!! ... LMAO... This year I hope to be happy go lucky, and well slept....
It's super intense competing because you have 5 hours to execute your full head to foot body painting; for anyone who does body painting, you know that it's a marathon to achieve this and make it look good.
Anyways, I am trying to go into this for the fun of it, I am trying to have no attachment to outcome and I hope to make my peers feel comfortable and happy to see me...
That is something I appreciated last year is that the attitudes between competitors is actually very positive and very humble... People were so nice to me, it was really lovely.... I could tell that all the competitors were sad they didn't win but everyone was also very happy for those who did win... It was great!
It's really an opportunity to challenge myself to grow both artistically and personally.... My model this year is Kimberely, (model mayhem #79959); we are doing a test run of the concept I have for the event this tuesday in the studio with photographer Pierre Simard. Kimberely is also a hair stylist and will be doing her own hair.
If you come out to Color Mundo to see the competition, please be sure to stop by and say hello!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Art Gallery of Calgary
Here are the videos & some photos from the recent art cabaret, The Dreadful Gestalt, which was organized by the Papa Wheely Association, at the Art Gallery of Calgary, April 10th. The videos are all posted on you-tube and you can access them by clicking on the links below.
The Art of April-Anna
Model photoshoot
Music
Go away part one
Go away part two
For more photos, please go see my facebook profile. I have photos set up in an album from the entire trip, plus photos specific to the art show on my group page for the art of April-Anna.
The Art of April-Anna
Model photoshoot
Music
Go away part one
Go away part two
For more photos, please go see my facebook profile. I have photos set up in an album from the entire trip, plus photos specific to the art show on my group page for the art of April-Anna.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Calgary
So exciting! Today is the big day of the art cabaret at the city art gallery in Calgary. I will have to share photos when I get back to Montreal, because I forgot to bring my cord so I could download photos onto my laptop... It's been a great week...
So tonight I will do a live body painting on a contortionist, and will display 5 pieces of my artwork. It's one night only, so if you are in Calgary, you should come check it out! There are 50 artists involved, live music and some performers. Will be lots of fun!
Tickets are $20; I have a couple tickets with me, so if you want to come out, give me a shout on my cell phone & business line: 514-243-4315
So tonight I will do a live body painting on a contortionist, and will display 5 pieces of my artwork. It's one night only, so if you are in Calgary, you should come check it out! There are 50 artists involved, live music and some performers. Will be lots of fun!
Tickets are $20; I have a couple tickets with me, so if you want to come out, give me a shout on my cell phone & business line: 514-243-4315
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fools Day
Ok, I admit, I forgot that today was April 1st. I wish I was more on the ball and could think up some awesome and grand prank to pull on all of you via my blog; but alas, my creativity seems not to include pranks...
Oh ye tall tales... spinning a good yarn is a talent.... Maybe I can dream up something for next year...
"April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, although not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, the jokes only last until noon: like UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa, someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool".[1] Elsewhere, such as in Ireland, France, and the USA, the jokes last all day." - Quoted from Wikipedia
Origins
"The origin of April Fools' Day is obscure. One likely theory is that the modern holiday was first celebrated soon after the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar; the term referred to someone still adhering to the Julian Calendar, which it replaced.[2] In many pre-Christian cultures May Day (May 1) was celebrated as the first day of summer, and signalled the start of the spring planting season. An April Fool was someone who did this prematurely. Another origin is that April 1 was counted the first day of the year in France. When King Charles IX changed that to January 1, some people stayed with April 1. Those who did were called "April Fools" and were taunted by their neighbors.[citation needed] In the eighteenth century the festival was often posited as going back to the times of Noah. An English newspaper article published on April 13th, 1789 said that the day had its origins when he sent the raven off too early, before the waters had receded. He did this on the first day of the Hebrew month that corresponds with April.[3] A possible reference to April Fools' Day can be seen in the Canterbury Tales (ca 1400) in the Nun's Priest's tale, a tale of two fools: Chanticleer and the fox, which took place on March 32nd" - Quote from WikipediaFor anyone wanting a good April Fool's Day Joke, I recommend this BBC youtube video (very amusing).
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
In Westmount, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada organized their own contribution to Earth Hour by organizing a public gathering at the top of Westmount look-out to view the moon, & Saturn. Members & hobbyist star gazers were kind enough to bring up their private telescopes to share with all those present. It was quite alot of fun to gaze at the craters of the moon with my own naked eyes, little say the rings of Saturn; sure beats gazing at photos on the Internet!
Earth Hour
Saturday, March 28
People & cities around the world were requested to voluntarily participate in turning off all your lights, computers & other devices which draw on electricity for one hour. The idea is bring real awareness to how we affect the environment and little things we can do to that make an impact when everyone is participating. For many this is a silent protest to bring attention to the seriousness of the environmental and ecological situation.
"We, in the industrialized world, take our abundant energy for granted and don’t consider just how much we benefit from its use in every minute of every day. Driving our cars to work and school, sitting in our lighted, heated homes and offices, powering our computers and countless other labor-saving appliances, we count on the indispensable values that industrial energy makes possible: hospitals and grocery stores, factories and farms, international travel and global telecommunications." (quoted from the Westmount Examiner) The rest of the article I consider to be somewhat irrational.
Any law can be used for the greater good or the greater evil; all laws are made in a way that is slightly loose and open to interpretation.
While it is true that there is evidence to support that the environmental global emergency may as much be a part of a natural process as it is man-created; that doesn't excuse our part in how we impact the planet.
Any extreme action is not going to solve problems. This is true. A middle ground has to be found. We could very easily plan our cities, our power usage, our power sources & other forms of modern luxury in a way that is harmonious to the earth. As a society we only think about the needs of a luxury seeking society that is scared of what it can't control.
The earth is definitely going through a natural cycle right now; technically I don't think the end of the last ice age has finished because the only reason the poles have ice caps are because they are left overs from the last ice age. So the ice caps would probably be melting at some point anyways. But I doubt it would be this fast without our contribution. There would not be this many animals on the verge of extinction, the trees would not be as few, or the waters as polluted, little say the condition of the air. The trees do a lot to help process small amounts of pollution and create clean air but they can't handle what we currently produce when our pollution increases and the trees are disappearing.
It's totally irresponsible to suggest that we don't have a hand in creating the mess we are dealing with. It's also not constructive to get emotional about it or to ignore what is going on or evade responsibility.
If we were to draw on multiple energy sources instead of relying on just one, we could still have electricity without making a huge impact.
I personally see Earth Hour as an opportunity as individuals to try to teach ourselves to be aware of how we are affecting the environment and to analyze what we can do to create the best of all worlds.
People & cities around the world were requested to voluntarily participate in turning off all your lights, computers & other devices which draw on electricity for one hour. The idea is bring real awareness to how we affect the environment and little things we can do to that make an impact when everyone is participating. For many this is a silent protest to bring attention to the seriousness of the environmental and ecological situation.
"We, in the industrialized world, take our abundant energy for granted and don’t consider just how much we benefit from its use in every minute of every day. Driving our cars to work and school, sitting in our lighted, heated homes and offices, powering our computers and countless other labor-saving appliances, we count on the indispensable values that industrial energy makes possible: hospitals and grocery stores, factories and farms, international travel and global telecommunications." (quoted from the Westmount Examiner) The rest of the article I consider to be somewhat irrational.
Any law can be used for the greater good or the greater evil; all laws are made in a way that is slightly loose and open to interpretation.
While it is true that there is evidence to support that the environmental global emergency may as much be a part of a natural process as it is man-created; that doesn't excuse our part in how we impact the planet.
Any extreme action is not going to solve problems. This is true. A middle ground has to be found. We could very easily plan our cities, our power usage, our power sources & other forms of modern luxury in a way that is harmonious to the earth. As a society we only think about the needs of a luxury seeking society that is scared of what it can't control.
The earth is definitely going through a natural cycle right now; technically I don't think the end of the last ice age has finished because the only reason the poles have ice caps are because they are left overs from the last ice age. So the ice caps would probably be melting at some point anyways. But I doubt it would be this fast without our contribution. There would not be this many animals on the verge of extinction, the trees would not be as few, or the waters as polluted, little say the condition of the air. The trees do a lot to help process small amounts of pollution and create clean air but they can't handle what we currently produce when our pollution increases and the trees are disappearing.
It's totally irresponsible to suggest that we don't have a hand in creating the mess we are dealing with. It's also not constructive to get emotional about it or to ignore what is going on or evade responsibility.
If we were to draw on multiple energy sources instead of relying on just one, we could still have electricity without making a huge impact.
I personally see Earth Hour as an opportunity as individuals to try to teach ourselves to be aware of how we are affecting the environment and to analyze what we can do to create the best of all worlds.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Drink, be merry, be Irish and listen to some good tunes...
Because it is Saint Patrick's Day, I wish to bring attention to "Belfast Andi", one of the Irish musicians who helps to keep the Irish Sessions alive and well in Montreal.
I met "Belfast Andi" nearly two years ago. I irregularly attend the Irish music sessions held at the pubs. Being a singer myself with a focus on folk music from Ireland and Scotland, one of my favourite things to do in Montreal is to watch and sometimes join in with Andi and other musical cohorts in some musical mischief.
CTV recently decided to make "Belfast Andi" the focus of one of their programs, My Montreal, in recognition of Saint Patrick's Day. Please do check it out, it's quite a fun segment.
I met "Belfast Andi" nearly two years ago. I irregularly attend the Irish music sessions held at the pubs. Being a singer myself with a focus on folk music from Ireland and Scotland, one of my favourite things to do in Montreal is to watch and sometimes join in with Andi and other musical cohorts in some musical mischief.
CTV recently decided to make "Belfast Andi" the focus of one of their programs, My Montreal, in recognition of Saint Patrick's Day. Please do check it out, it's quite a fun segment.
Happy Saint Paddy's Day! Irish: Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig
So today is Saint Patrick's Day...
Of which my experiences as a Canadian seem to point to this being a day that anyone who has any small or large amount of Irish in them, get right riled up and green with the excitement.
Some people have even been known to run around pretending there are leprechaun's (Tuatha Dé Danann) hiding behind every tree. This is of course an excuse to pinch the bum of any passerby who isn't wearing green, while blaming it on the leprechauns. The Canadian version of the legends say that if you don't wear green, your bum is going to be pinched by the wee folk.
Other Canadians take this as an excuse to go see the parade, cheer alot and get drunk at an Irish pub. So all in all, I am not totally sure what we are celebrating, but it largely seems to be all about being Irish.
I know for Christian Irish, this is a sacred day. The story goes that today is the day that Saint Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. My pagan friends tell me the snakes are a metaphor for the pagans and that by being chased out, they were either converted or murdered.
I don't know the exact truth of things, but this is what Wikipedia has to say about the subject (excerpts);
"Saint Patrick (Irish: Naomh Pádraig), was a Roman Britain-born Christian missionary and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Brigid of Kildare and Columba. When he was about 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his native Wales as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After entering the church, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary in the north and west of the island... no link can be made between Patrick and any church..."
"Most modern studies of Saint Patrick follow a variant of T. F. O'Rahilly's "Two Patricks" theory. That is to say, many of the traditions later attached to Saint Patrick originally concerned Palladius, a deacon from Gaul who came to Ireland..." "Palladius and Patrick; ... what we now know of St. Patrick was in fact in part a conscious effort to meld the two into one hagiographic personality.."
"Murchiú's life of Saint Patrick contains a supposed prophecy by the druids which gives an impression of how Patrick and other Christian missionaries were seen by those hostile to them:
Across the sea will come Adze-head,
crazed in the head,
his cloak with hole for the head,
his stick bent in the head.
He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house;
all his people will answer: "so be it, so be it." "
Patrick in legend "... all evidence suggests that post-glacial Ireland never had snakes; one suggestion is that snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids of that time and place..."
"Blue, not green, was the colour long-associated with St. Patrick. Green, the colour most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times, may have gained its prominence through the phrase "the wearing of the green" meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing. At many times in Irish history, to do so was seen as a sign of Irish nationalism or loyalty to the Roman Catholic faith. St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish."
Of which my experiences as a Canadian seem to point to this being a day that anyone who has any small or large amount of Irish in them, get right riled up and green with the excitement.
Some people have even been known to run around pretending there are leprechaun's (Tuatha Dé Danann) hiding behind every tree. This is of course an excuse to pinch the bum of any passerby who isn't wearing green, while blaming it on the leprechauns. The Canadian version of the legends say that if you don't wear green, your bum is going to be pinched by the wee folk.
Other Canadians take this as an excuse to go see the parade, cheer alot and get drunk at an Irish pub. So all in all, I am not totally sure what we are celebrating, but it largely seems to be all about being Irish.
I know for Christian Irish, this is a sacred day. The story goes that today is the day that Saint Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. My pagan friends tell me the snakes are a metaphor for the pagans and that by being chased out, they were either converted or murdered.
I don't know the exact truth of things, but this is what Wikipedia has to say about the subject (excerpts);
"Saint Patrick (Irish: Naomh Pádraig), was a Roman Britain-born Christian missionary and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Brigid of Kildare and Columba. When he was about 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his native Wales as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After entering the church, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary in the north and west of the island... no link can be made between Patrick and any church..."
"Most modern studies of Saint Patrick follow a variant of T. F. O'Rahilly's "Two Patricks" theory. That is to say, many of the traditions later attached to Saint Patrick originally concerned Palladius, a deacon from Gaul who came to Ireland..." "Palladius and Patrick; ... what we now know of St. Patrick was in fact in part a conscious effort to meld the two into one hagiographic personality.."
"Murchiú's life of Saint Patrick contains a supposed prophecy by the druids which gives an impression of how Patrick and other Christian missionaries were seen by those hostile to them:
Across the sea will come Adze-head,
crazed in the head,
his cloak with hole for the head,
his stick bent in the head.
He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house;
all his people will answer: "so be it, so be it." "
Patrick in legend "... all evidence suggests that post-glacial Ireland never had snakes; one suggestion is that snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids of that time and place..."
"Blue, not green, was the colour long-associated with St. Patrick. Green, the colour most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times, may have gained its prominence through the phrase "the wearing of the green" meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing. At many times in Irish history, to do so was seen as a sign of Irish nationalism or loyalty to the Roman Catholic faith. St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Upcoming Workshops - Calgary & Montreal
Howdy folks...
So just to let you know there are presently 4 workshops booked; two in Calgary for the beginning of April and two in Montreal for the end of April, beginning of May.
$100 per student, supplies included.
April 7th & 8th, 6:30pm-10pm.
The Art Spot - 1040 14th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta
(403) 450-0995
Class must be paid in full when you register.
Minimum 10 students.
Registration Deadline is April 3rd, 2009.
open to everyone.
$100 per student, supplies included.
April 11th, 1pm - 6pm.
The Art Spot - 1040 14th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta
(403) 450-0995
Class must be paid in full when you register.
Minimum 10 students. Registration Deadline is April 3rd, 2009.
So just to let you know there are presently 4 workshops booked; two in Calgary for the beginning of April and two in Montreal for the end of April, beginning of May.
The Art of Mehndi
This workshop is for the beginner who wants to learn Mehndi: the Art of Henna. Learn how to make henna; both traditionally and non-traditionally. Fresh henna will be pre-prepared adn ready to work with right away. Learn about traditional & non-traditional application methods, types of designs, history & practice drawing with henna.$100 per student, supplies included.
April 7th & 8th, 6:30pm-10pm.
The Art Spot - 1040 14th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta
(403) 450-0995
Class must be paid in full when you register.
Minimum 10 students.
Registration Deadline is April 3rd, 2009.
Fashion or Fantasy
This workshop is for the beginner who wants to learn how to do fantasy or fashion face painting, adding flair to regular make-up or pizazz to theatre stage make-up. Introduction to materials, techniques, colour theory, styles and tapping into your creative flow. This workshop is a fun but intensive class;open to everyone.
$100 per student, supplies included.
April 11th, 1pm - 6pm.
The Art Spot - 1040 14th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta
(403) 450-0995
Class must be paid in full when you register.
Minimum 10 students. Registration Deadline is April 3rd, 2009.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bal Du Mont Royal
Around this time last year, I had a contract for a project called the "Bal Du Mont Royal". This is an anual fundraiser for the Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation; organized on a volunteer basis by employees of Cirque Eloize and held at the Montreal Science Centre.
I painted 26 "murals" on acetate panels. Each "mural" measured 10 feet by 3.5 feet. I also was responsible for the face & body painting for 1 opera singer, 4 ballerinas and 14 staff members on the night of the show.
Tonight I came accross a clip from last year's event on Montreal T.V. If you are interested, keep your eyes peeled for my artwork.
Monday, March 2, 2009
A healthy body means better quality art....
I have always been focused on self-empowering approaches to personal health care, particularly when treating long term health challenges. I find modern medicine to be very effective with diagnosis and emergency work but have not been pleased with their ability to create solutions. So just over a year ago I decided to try out traditional Chinese medicine.
I discovered a great book called "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford. This book is focused on where modern science has been able to confirm and agree with Chinese medicine.
What I like about traditional Chinese medicine is it's holistic approach. It is a combination of herbal treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, skeletal alignment (very similar to chiropractic work), nutrition, and more.
The Chinese medicine doctor that I see is Ethan Murchie at the Montreal Gong-Fu Centre in the mile-end. He has been trained with many teachers in both North & South China; although Mr.Murchie has one main teacher he has worked with for 16 years based out of the North American Tang Shou Tao in Arizona.
I am absolutely ecstatic with the results I have seen with Mr.Murchie; although half of it is what I also achieve in my own life. To truly heal, or re-channel personal health challenges, it is absolutely necessary that I be pro-active. Learning to listen (and act on) to my body's needs has to be approached from all directions; mind, body, & spirit.
The healthier my body gets, the better my art gets.
I recommend anyone who has not been satisfied with what western medicine has had to offer, to please go try out the Montreal Gong-Fu Centre's services; it is money well invested. It isn't easy to be pro-active, but is necessary if you want to get the most out of your health and your life.
I discovered a great book called "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford. This book is focused on where modern science has been able to confirm and agree with Chinese medicine.
What I like about traditional Chinese medicine is it's holistic approach. It is a combination of herbal treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, skeletal alignment (very similar to chiropractic work), nutrition, and more.
The Chinese medicine doctor that I see is Ethan Murchie at the Montreal Gong-Fu Centre in the mile-end. He has been trained with many teachers in both North & South China; although Mr.Murchie has one main teacher he has worked with for 16 years based out of the North American Tang Shou Tao in Arizona.
I am absolutely ecstatic with the results I have seen with Mr.Murchie; although half of it is what I also achieve in my own life. To truly heal, or re-channel personal health challenges, it is absolutely necessary that I be pro-active. Learning to listen (and act on) to my body's needs has to be approached from all directions; mind, body, & spirit.
The healthier my body gets, the better my art gets.
I recommend anyone who has not been satisfied with what western medicine has had to offer, to please go try out the Montreal Gong-Fu Centre's services; it is money well invested. It isn't easy to be pro-active, but is necessary if you want to get the most out of your health and your life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)