Zephyrus & T

2 Months nearly to the day!!

2012-01-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

Since my last post...I know, I am terrible. But its a new year, so lets get started.....With what I did back in December!

Prince, the most crazy amazingness I’ve ever seen....A ridiculously late review, I know, but anyway, my god. What a guy. 53 and still wails like a mother. I wish he played more off the Purple Rain album, but then I guess it wasn’t the Purple Rain tour, was it? Ahhh, Purple Rain, Purple Rain....totally the sound track to my life when it came out...I was actually about 12yrs old, so really.... maybe not so much, but wow, did I love it. My friend had the album and we would go hang at her place and listen to it over and over and watch the movie...I must watch the movie again.....

I have to say, if I had the free pass, no repercussions, etc...I totally would. Honestly. It could easily be a complete disappointing freak show, but an experience to be sure.

In all seriousness though this is a great interview with him prior to his show in Van.:

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/artist+known+Prince+remembers+glyph+fondly/5751609/story.html

In it he is asked what his “boldest” move was. His response was changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol to escape a restrictive recording contract....I had no idea that was the reason he did that. I mean there was always some crazy rumor floating around about him, you couldn’t have any idea what the reality was.

Here's a nice shot of Prince and his purple symbol guitar....That symbol was also his stage, with LED lights, trap door and all....Love him SO much!!

Jehanne of the Witches & Prince!

2011-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Well, we are into tech week for Jehanne of the Witches. Things are crazy, but coming along. Here are a few of the designs. I hope to get a few photos from the costume parade on Monday. Things get so busy I always forget to take photos.

I am also putting up some Prince in honor of my procured tickets for his show in December. I am absolutely losing my mind over it. I think it requires a new outfit...possibly something sparkly....

Niel Gaiman is also tonight, I am going with a girlfriend who is also doing set dec for the show. One of my costumes will be onstage, so will have to post photos. I was supposed to help her with the load in and set up, but things are so crazy I may bail...Will post photos later.

Purple Rain!

Road Test Success, And Love Lies Bleeding...

2011-10-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

I passed my motorcycle road test yesterday! I'm so happy (and relieved!) to have that done. The instructor said I was the best rider of the day, yay! I was totally prepared to fail, you hear so many horror stories about how militant they are...Now I can sew my "scooterist" patch onto my jacket....I bought the patch but decided I wouldn't put it on until I passed my test.

It really felt good to do something that at one point I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to do competently. But, like most things in my life, I started this journey backwards. I got the scooter before I even knew how to turn it on. I just knew I'd wanted one for so long, it didn't occur to me that maybe this wouldn't be my thing. After the disastrous lessons on the motorbike, I had moments were I thought, "what have I gotten myself into here??" I'm thankful I did it that way though, I may have bailed on the idea had I not had my little bee already, and what a waste that would have been! Riding that vespa is a feeling I can only describe as similar to surfing. A feeling of being one with the elements somehow. Maybe those aren't quite the right words. Its a real sense of unity with your ride, like a team.

Now that I have been on the freeway a couple times and feel confident I can "keep up" I can take my scooter up to the coast for visits. Though I imagine that will have to wait until next year, its getting awful cold now with that wind coming at you so fast. But still gorgeous and sunny. October has always been my favourite month!

Here's a spider web on my foggy, dewy back porch this morning.

Will be heading out to see the Alberta Ballet's "Love Lies Bleeding" tonight. My extremely talented studio mate worked on it with several other girls we know. I'm so excited for all of them! I've seen photos of some of the costumes and my god, they are amazing! I can hardly wait! Here is the advert for the Calgary performance:

Scooter Rally!

2011-09-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

I attended my first scooter rally today! It was awesome. Went on my own, so a little weird to walk in cold like that, but people were pretty friendly. I felt a little stupid wandering around on my own, but eventually just walked up to a table and said, "hey you guys look like scooter riders" and off it went. Have never seen so many scooters riding at one time. I would really like to get some of the photos taken by passengers during the ride, those would be cool.

Oh my god, I have to add this photo of this dog! Cutest dog ever! I'm not sure how I feel about the german gunner look.....but oh my god this dog!

Dahlias and Plays

2011-08-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

My Dahlias are finally blooming! I thought for sure they weren't going to make it. I planted them late and our summer has been so bizarre, it didn't even really start until August. But it looks like 6 out of probably 9 are strong and healthy. I MUST dig them up this year. The first couple years I had them going, I left the bulbs in the ground and they were fine, but somehow my luck ran out and since then, every time I've tried to leave them in over the winter I've killed them. Dahlia murder...unforgivable. Unless you are chopping them down to put them on your table, then, you know, its a worthy sacrifice.

I have also started work on the next play I'm designing costumes for. "Jehanne of the Witches," not bad, I like the script. Its about Joan of Arc and Gilles de Rais or "Blue Beard" written by a local playwright Sally Clark. Pretty interesting. I think we should be able to have some fun with it. Thrasso Petras will be directing and I just love him, we seem to jive quite well and that always makes it the best, when the collaboration and communication is on.

The Pixies

2011-08-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd throw up Debaser by the Pixies, all about Un Chien Andalou...

I think my favourite might be Wave of Mutilation though...For any ocean dwellers out there, can you not just feel the spray of the sea when you listen to this?? I'll put that up too...

Midnight in Paris

2011-08-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

While I haven't seen a Woody Allen movie for years, (mostly due to the fact that he married his 16 yr. old adopted daughter and I just can't get past that! Freak. And not the good kind.) I have to say, I was really glad I went to this one.

Clever, funny, kind of sweet. Nothing you'll lose your mind over intellectually, but worth the price of admission.

Owen Wilson's character is adorable and Marion Cotillard is so gorgeous she'll make your brain slide out your ear. And really, isn't that enough in itself?

Its at the 5th Ave.

Fin.

2011-08-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Right, so here is my Dalinian Dog.

He actually never started out as one, though he was always meant to be a bit unsettling and curious. I obviously was influenced by studying Dali in my art history class. Kind of amazing what we do unconsciously. I stepped back from the painting the other day and thought, oh, jesus, I've given him the crazy Dali eyes. Then I thought, I'm ok with that....

Classes!

2011-07-25T19:56:00.001-07:00

So I have been in classes this July and soon to be August, doing 9 credits condensed. A 6 credit Painting 310 and a 3 credit Art History 408. I'm really loving them both, though I did an oral presentation in art history today about a Lorca play and I'm not sure how well that went. I was to look at the play Blood Wedding in relation to surrealism. A bit of a challenge, I think. There wasn't really any feed back as we were running behind, so who knows. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough...I did enjoy the work, if that means anything.

Here's what I have been working on in paint....yes, more dogs....

This is the beginning stages of a peice that will become a more complex narrative

I open at the close.....

2011-07-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching the final chapter. I knew it was over when I finished the 7th book, but now thats it, no more movies to count on either. I'm so...I don't know...a strange mixture of feelings...bittersweet I suppose. Those books were such a special time for myself and my daughter. Neither one of us will ever recall those books without thinking of the other. In fact I remember one year at my Mom's for Christmas while everyone else was together reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas," we were holed up in the bedroom reading Harry Potter. The "Chamber of Secrets" I think maybe, or "Prisoner of Azkaban" I can't remember which. We started reading them when she was in kindergarden, and now she is 15. 10 yrs.

She had a soft spot for Snape from the start, we both did, as I'm sure many people sensed, there was more to that character than meets the eye. In fact when I was still in school taking textiles and first learning to weave tapestry, I wove her a Snape tapestry as one of my projects. It was SO bad! I'll have to post a photo. But she loved it and he hung over her bed pouring sleeping potion over her for many years to come.

The final movie gave Severus Snape his due. I was worried after the last one that there wasn't going to be proper attention payed, but my worries were in vain thankfully. An epic ending to an epic series. I can't wait to read them all again....

Bono in Vancouver!!

2011-06-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Oh good lord. Bono is in Vancouver. Any of you who know me, know I lose my mind over U2. (see my webpage under tapestries) Oh to pick him up hitch hiking! Why couldn't it be me?? Heres the story in the Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/thumbs-out-rock-star-gets-lift-from-oiler/article2045387/

I seem to have a strange 6 degrees of separation with the Bono Vox. Every time he is near, I know someone with a link, through work or whatever, but I seem to remain on the outer limits of his orbit. Maybe thats our destiny, to be so close, yet so far.....sigh.

Bono! If you are out there, meet me at the Art Gallery, we can bond over Dali and Carrington....we can sit together on one of those little benches and discuss the tortured artist and whether or not you must suffer in order to create great art....

Leonora Carrington

2011-05-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of Leonora with Max Ernst. She looks SO young. I suppose she was.

Her erie, preternatural subject matter never fails to stimulate my curiosity and move me. I fell in love with her work with the first image I ever saw, the cover of the book "Leonora Carrington, Surrealism, Alchemy and Art" I highly recommend it.

Heres a little known fact, Leonora actually made a couple tapestries in her day. Probably not woven herself, but I love a person with respect and appreciation for textiles.

A few greats from the last of the Surrealists...

2011-05-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Meal of Lord Candlestick

Pastoral

The House Opposite

Leonora Carrington

2011-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Just found out Leonora Carrington died yesterday. She was one of my favorite artists.
She must have been about 94 now. Her work will be featured in the VAG surrealist exhibit opening this Saturday.
Here is a link to an article about her on the CBC website: http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/05/26/obit-carrington-leonora.html

oh puppers.....

2011-05-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

2011-05-22T16:01:00.001-07:00

Good news! My vespa ride last Sunday went really well! I got my speed up into 3rd gear and ventured out onto one of the busier streets around here. Was a little nerve wracking starting up at the light with all the other traffic, I wanted to get up to speed WAY faster than I think is possible with a manual transmission. So I was doing some super high revving and trying to change gears before it was ready. But, I didn’t stall out or anything, so yay!
Another discovery that most people would be unhappy about, I was actually kind of thrilled to find out because it means that maybe I’m not going as slow as I think I am, my speedometer is not working! Its a brand new bike, so its likely a wire that hasn’t been hooked up yet. A very nice mechanic is going to come take a look at it for me later today or tomorrow. Exciting. I can hardly wait to find out my speed.
So funny, I thought there was something a bit off there those first couple of rides. The needle seemed to be quite stationary, but then I was so worried about everything else that checking the speedometer was totally secondary. This last outing I felt a little more relaxed and in control.

I am posting a few photos of the last show I designed costumes for, “Twelfth Night” directed by the fabulous Thrasso Petras, set design, Jamie Nesbitt and lighting design Shannon Montgomery. I always hope to actually get these things posted BEFORE the show is over, but there just never seems to be time!

Twelfth Night - A few of the renderings....

2011-05-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

2011-05-22T08:58:00.001-07:00

Vespa!

2011-05-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

Well, here it is, actual proof that I am riding my scooter! I still haven’t taken it above 2nd gear around the ‘hood’ but I’m hoping for better later today. Its raining, but I suppose I have to learn to ride in that too....I took motorcycle lessons, which went, well, how do I put it...the program would’ve been better suited to someone who isn’t me. The classroom stuff and the parking lot rides all were great (despite me dumping the bike 5 times in one day) but when it was time for the road ride...well, it was dark and raining and a bike I had never been on before, and thats when I called it. It all went way too fast for me. Most of the guys in the group all had some experience riding, I had zero, and really no great desire to ride a motorcycle, just really want to be able to ride my scooter without being a hazard....Heres keeping my fingers crossed that I will actually become proficient at this one day.

Slippers!

2011-05-15T09:46:00.001-07:00

Here is my first crochet project! As you can see, nothing like the picture, but a slipper none the less. My problem is that I have no idea how to read a pattern, so I’ve totally winged it and taken detailed notes so hopefully I will be able to replicate it to some degree. Also, it seems that the slipper in the picture doesn’t actually come up very far at the sides and back. Its more of a slip on, which is not what I wanted at all, so I had to completely change the back and just make it all up, but its ok I think.

My Desk

2011-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

I took this photo of my cork board/inspiration board above my desk at work.
The photo really brings out what a jumbled mess it is! But, the reason I took it has more to do with the close up posted below of a shopping list I pulled from my pocket the other day and found it so funny I had to pin it up. When I pulled it out of my pocket, I looked at it with no surprise, just a shopping list from the last show. Then I stopped and looked at it again and thought, "Oh my god, this is my life, I love it!"

The list reads:

*pontefract cakes
*gummie worms
*chocolate
*mangos
*wine
*6 pair fish net stockings

John Galliano Suspended from Dior...?

2011-03-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, this is CRAZY! I keep hoping that this is some kind of mistake or hoax....but, it seems pretty clear...

Date with Ivan Sayers.

2011-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Almost anyone in Vancouver who is into fashion, costuming and the history of both knows who Ivan Sayers is. For those of you who don't, he is our local Fashion Historian whose incredible collection spans from approximately the 1700's, until around the 1960's. I was lucky enough to be invited to tour his home and view some of his collection.
This is a man who really does live his art. He has rooms that are dedicated to eras, floor to ceiling boxed collections, 1800's, Edwardian era, it is incredible. I took many pictures of the clothing, but felt that taking pictures of his home was maybe a bit too personal and a bit invasive. His collection of books and magazines are absolutely drool worthy, I took notes as much as I could, but it seems I didn't write down the era span of his vogues....it was impressive, make no mistake.
He was so gracious as to ask me what I might be interested in seeing, so that he could fish it out prior to our visit. It was such a hard question, with so much to choose from, where does one start?? So, I went for the things we get the least access to. Historical mens wear. I LOVE women's wear, but there is so much more access to information and even the garments themselves, that I thought mens wear would be great educationally.
So here are some of the many photos I took. I tried very hard to keep my dates correct and organized, but please step in and comment if I've somehow mixed them up!
(image above: vintage zipper, 1905/06)

Spanish 1810

2011-02-26T10:54:00.001-08:00

Knit pants!!

My absolute Fav!

2011-02-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Does this not scream "costume"?? I so love that someone owned this and used it as part of their wardrobe.
I'm pretty sure it belongs in the French 1800's category....(of course its French!)

Menswear English 1770-1790

2011-02-26T10:41:00.001-08:00

Menswear English 1770-1790

2011-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

Horse hair and jute (?) lining,

Menswear 1800's- French

2011-02-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Knit Breeches!! Note the Rue Bonaparte Costumier stamp.

Chapeau Bras:

Flemish Lace 1750

2011-02-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

These four images are all from the same peice of lace. Note the detail of the imagery in the lace, and what looks to be the depiction of an aboriginal chief in the image directly below.

Lace from approximately 1700-1760

2011-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Avenue Q!

2011-02-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

So fabulous, so funny!! Avenue Q was everything it is touted to be and more.

The show is all about the journey into adulthood. The realization that life is way more complicated and complex than you think it will be when you are graduating college and the world is your oyster. Idealistic and somewhat naive Princeton moves to Avenue Q in New York and begins his quest to find his "purpose" in life. His journey, along with the other residents of Avenue Q, is a hysterical ride that shines a light on life, love and the many conundrums each has to offer. Oh, and did I mention most of the cast are puppets?

I took my 14yr old daughter to see it with me. I was a little concerned because there was so much talk of the vulgarity factor, but I wasn't bothered by it at all in the end. Yes, there was vulgarity and "adult themes" but none of it I considered offensive and I think thats the key. It had a good message and subject matter that she will likely experience eventually. The few moments that did make me cringe slightly and do a stealthy sideways glance, I'm pretty sure flew right over her head.

In the spirit of Valentines Day, I'm posting a clip from a show in Australia that features cast members Kate Monster and Christmas Eve Performing "The More You Ruv Someone"

The holidays!

2011-01-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Just a couple photos to pop up, one of several scarves I made over the holiday season. This one was done with a pattern designed by a friend, the others I did were made using my own design, but I wrapped those up and gave them away for christmas before I could remind myself to take pictures!! Thats ok, they all went to family friends and my darling mummy, so I'll get photos eventually.
Anyways, a mind boggling process that a friend was gracious enough to share with my studio mate and myself using a resist and felting process...add a little dye and voila! Un foulard violet!
Not the best picture I suppose, but theres something about the jumble of stuff and mirror reflection that I like.

Here is a photo of the necklace that I was dying for this christmas, so lovely and so unique! A little femur. I love it and have been wearing it almost every day. It is the creation of Bridget Catchpole and Michelle Nelson two brilliant local artists who came up with the line entitled "Votum"....I nearly lose my mind every time I go to their site. I want it all!! You MUST check this stuff out: http://www.votumjewelry.com/

Oh and heres a photo of my sweet wee doggie napping on my lap....

Tree Climbing Dog!

2011-01-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, its been forever since my last post and I've got some great stuff to put up very soon...but right now I have this AMAZING video of the funniest dog ever!! This is such a great video! Make sure you watch all the credits...

Fashion Week, etc, etc!

2010-11-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hi there, its been ridiculously long since I've last posted so scroll down, there are new posts and tons of pictures...wedding, Halloween, etc.
Took in an evening of fashion week shows here in Vancouver and had a fantastic time! There was work from many talented designers, including a gal who went to school at a college I used to work at. I was so thrilled for her! I thought the work was familiar, then I recognized a dress she worked on in class. So fantastic. She got a great write up in the Georgia Straight a week or so ago too. Dream Isabella.....keep your eyes open for her....
There was a really great mix of wearables and more conceptual pieces throughout the show, and some I was less than impressed with. Taking photos was a little tricky, I wound up with the backs of peoples heads more often than not. I tried to get a few of the more interesting pieces, I think my favourite line of the night included the fencing masks....very cool. So hard to keep up trying to take pictures and notes on my iphone! I won't even attempt to line up which designer belongs with what line!
Here's what I got:

Fashion Week, etc, etc!

2010-11-07T14:05:00.001-08:00

Dream Isabella....

Fashion Week, etc, etc!

2010-11-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week, etc, etc!

2010-11-07T14:00:00.001-08:00

Fashion Week, etc, etc!

2010-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween!

2010-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hey! Here are a couple photos from this past Halloween.
I've put the vignette on them in order to try and hide my disastrous living room!

The Wedding

2010-11-07T13:27:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from our wedding! Pay particular attention to the group photo that includes the giant squid archway. This arch way led into a lower room that we filled with games and a popcorn machine. Sadly we didn't get any photos of the games, the Wheel of Destiny, the Target Practice with the Steampunked gun, or the ring toss, but I will take photos individually and post them later on. It was a great day and we have some really fantastic shots taken by our photographer Mark.
Here is a link to his site for those of you looking for a photographer: www.marksphoto.ca/contactus.html

The Wedding.....

2010-11-07T13:22:00.001-08:00

The Wedding.....

2010-11-07T13:16:00.001-08:00

The Wedding

2010-11-07T13:00:00.001-08:00

The Wedding

2010-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Wedding.....

2010-11-07T08:09:00.001-08:00

Lady GaGa's Hairy Monster

2010-08-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, this may seem weird, but for whatever reason, Lady GaGa's blonde, I'll call it "Hairy Monster" costume instantly reminded me of this creature. I haven't thought of this thing in years!
....maybe crossed with a Scooby Doo ghost....and in black and white? Am I nuts?

Lady GaGa

2010-08-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Went to Lady GaGa last Tuesday, she was fantastic of course. I took my daughter (14) and her friend as her birthday present and they loved it, totally worth the dosh
The set and costume changes were, as expected, incredibly elaborate. I totally appreciate the artistry and the concept of us all on this journey to find the "Monster Ball" but I'm not sure if the complexity of the sets and wardrobe were worth it in the end..... Because both elements were so "heavy" they essentially stopped the show about 3 or 4 times for set and costume changes. The curtain would come down which was also a large screen that had projections of her posing, etc. canned music would come on and you would wait like 3min. each time. Not a big deal really, and it was all totally amazing, but I think she could be amazing with less "stuff" and no drop in momentum. And to be totally honest, where we were sitting stage left, quite a few of the larger props and set pieces actually interfered with sight lines. Oh well, if you've seen one bleeding statue, you've seen them all, right?

Here are some photos of our exciting evening with the Queen of Freak. I am in the pink wig, my daughter is in the red and her friend is in her lovely natural look.
Also a couple pics of the amazing people who got into full regalia....I love it!

More Lady GaGa

2010-08-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Lady GaGa's "Little Monsters"

2010-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Indigo

2010-08-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pics of me doing some indigo dying this summer.
Very fun.

It's been awhile....

2010-08-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, my bad, its been forever since I've posted, but its been a busy summer full of great stuff. New jobs, house reno's, festivals (too many to keep up with!) and great weather!
I'm posting a few photos of the jousting match at the Renaissance Festival out in Langley. It goes on every summer and is a nice day trip. The jousting definitely is the highlight for me, but there is also an on-going story line that is acted out throughout the weekend by Renaissance garbed actors. Pretty fun, pretty grass roots, low budget. There are also some fun games, aimed mostly at kids, but personally, there is no greater satisfaction than "shooting the nobles of the little castle" target game played with plastic guns loaded with little plungers...juvenile, I know, but there it is.

I'm so loving the jousting armour, the one gal made hers completely out of recycled material. I believe there was a kitchen sink involved. Seriously. Some great innovation.

floor cloth

2010-05-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post of a shot of the floor cloth I painted with my dog lying on it.
Literally and figuratively.
Not the best photo, but kinda funny none the less....

Henry Rollins Last Night

2010-05-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Checked out the Henry Rollins show last night, he is on his "Frequent Flyer" tour, so spoken word.
He was really great, super funny and of course, smart. He has this ability to make things funny, but still talk about important topics and drive it home. I guess this is why its called spoken word and not just comedy. I think people went home with lots to think and talk about and thats always good. Pretty clever too, his ability to tell us, "Canadians are no better than Americans so shut it" without being confrontational in any way. In his self depreciating way, he manages to insult his homeland and our homeland, take us all down a notch and make everyone laugh at it.... pretty great. He talked for close to 3 hours straight, I kid you not. And no water. Huh?? At the end of that show he must have ran off that stage and latched onto the nearest water bottle with the force of a shop vac.

My friend and I hung around a bit aprez the show, he does a meet and greet at the bus every night. He came out and was super friendly with everyone. I failed in my groupie endeavour and just took a few shots of him from the crowd. I totally could have hung out to do the hand shake, but I guess I prefer to fangirl from afar. And lets face it, the part of me that isn't too shy, is just weirded out by the whole "celebrity/average people" thing. I am torn.

Anyways, as I "fangirl-ed from afar" I have to say he was so great with everyone, totally engaged with whoever he was talking to at the moment. Impressive. If that were me with people all around, taking pictures, etc. my eyes would be like marbles on a washing machine.....

2010-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Problem solved! The painting is of Danae (don't ask me about the spelling mishap, I swear thats what I was told!) by Artemisia Gentileschi in 1612. The painting depicts Zeus having turned himself into gold mist, blows in through the open window and impregnates Danae.....hmmm, the original "golden shower".....?

2010-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hey there!
So the Doxa films were both great. The one, "Orgasm Inc." was shocking and funny at the same time, but mostly shocking. Really takes a good look at the major contenders in the pharmaceutical industry race for FDA approval on FSD drug treatments. Was pretty crazy. Its easy to see that "Female Sexual Dysfunction" is completely manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry.
The second film "Sin by Silence" was really moving. This is the one about the women who are in prison for murdering their abusive husbands. There were tears for sure, and just so you know, I'm not much of a crier. The women in this film, their stories....I think unless you've really been there, you can't possibly imagine what they've been through. Also, important to remember none of these women ever thought for a second that they would be where they are today. Made me wonder (as I often do after seeing these kinds of films) why I'm not doing something more important with my life.

I highly recommend seeing both films.
Check them out if you can!!

So now I have a question for you guys. I need help! I am supposed to come up with an analyses for this painting (see below) by next thursday. I have the name of the painting, but I cannot find out anything else about it. Who did it, when, etc. etc. Anyone out there have any input?? Please? The title of the peice is: DanaA.....

2010-05-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there, just a reminder that the DOXA is up and running, opened on Friday. I have tickets to a couple different shows that look really interesting, "Orgasm inc." a look into the new, and some would say manufactured, phenomena of female sexual dysfunction, and "Sin by Silence" which is about women who are in prison for murdering their abusive husbands. Looks pretty intense. There are a ton of others I want to see, but I'm not sure how much more time I can make...there is one on Buffy Saint-Marie that I would really like to take in, we'll see....
I took a workshop on a material called "Foss Shape" last week, very fun stuff that supposedly is the new replacement for buckram. It can be used for millinery and armour and all kinds of sculptural projects. I will definitely be picking up some more of this stuff to have fun with. My studio mate had a full 2 day workshop on it, and brought back a couple really great pieces and some fantastic information. I'm posting the unpainted and very rough product I put out at the end of my 2 hour workshop, complete with blue pen mark. Nothing too special to look at really, but you can see the potential. It will fuse to itself, and harden into whatever shape you can mould it into just using steam.

Also, I want take a moment to plug the Georgia Strait Alliance, if you love our Straight of Georgia, go to this link and vote for the Georgia Straight Alliance to help them win a grant from RBC. Do it every day. These guys work super hard and deserve all the help they can get. Heres the link:
http://www.rbc-granfondowhistler-bluewaterproject.com/
And heres the link to the Alliance's webpage:
http://www.georgiastrait.org/
On that note, I'm going to post a peice I put together last year, it didn't get great reviews, too didactic, too whatever, but I really enjoyed putting it together, and I feel pretty strongly about the issue. I was inspired by the drastic state of the oceans, and all the issues surrounding it. It is mixed media, paper, paint, wax, rocks, fishing hooks, pocket watch, etc. on panel board.

And on a lighter note: Happy Mother's Day Mommies!!

2010-05-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Bonjour ma chéries,
I just hit up the "Make It!" hand made show at the Croatian Cultural centre, I just heard about it yesterday and today is the last day, but I believe they hold it every year. It was fantastic! Really great stuff and reasonable prices for hand made goods.
I'm sorry to be passing on the info now that its over, but I have posted some pics of the fantastic earrings I picked up for myself and for my friend's birthday. They are amazing, I had such a hard time deciding which pair to buy for myself, I wanted them all! Lots of vintage circus and curio type imagery. The gal who makes them seemed like a real doll too, so always nice to support not just the local artists, but also the nice ones!
Here is her website: www.phaulet.com
The earrings are all are double sided too, which I love. I picked the tattooed woman with the cycling women on the back for myself and the dissected brain and figure with the crazy flower for my friend.
Looks like May will be a busy month full of interesting lectures and fun shows. So I am looking forward to sharing!

terminal city rollergirls...

2010-04-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Went to see the rollergirls last night! Was SO great, and super packed. A really diverse turn out, seemed like a bit of every neighbourhood in the city there. Very cool.
We were pitched against the Atomic City Rollergirls (WA) who we wailed on. In a very sportsman like way. The Atomic city girls were great, but of course, we were rooting for our home team, the Faster Pussycats....who clearly had the superior outfits, even though they could have used a little more elastic around the edges of their shorts....
I took lots of photos, but only these two were usable, I will have to become a little more savvy with the camera for next time. Hard to get good photos with them whipping around the track like that, knockin' each other down and getting sent off to the "Penalty Palace".....
They really are a decidedly tough bunch of bitches.

Now all I can think is..."if I were a rollergirl, what would my name be??"

hand made soap...

2010-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple shots of my sisters hand made soap in my teacup soap dish. Smells great and looks super pretty too. I will let you know when I know where it will be available.

2010-04-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

Gasp, who would do something like this?? Could this be someone trying to intercept the corporate agenda by suggesting that going into debt won't lead to a glamourous jet setting lifestyle....?

2010-04-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of the show I was working on as costume designer. Italian American Reconciliation, Tara Arnett did the set design (brilliant as usual) Dave Winstanley was lighting designer (also brilliant) and Steven Drover directed. He's quite good I must say, have worked with him a few times now and so far I haven't seen a show he did that I didn't like....

2010-04-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

2010-03-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps, just a real quick one here to let you all know in case you haven't yet heard, LEGENDS of Main St is going out of business. Very very sad, loved that shop, and have been frequenting it for years. Always the best prices and quality. They are having a closing out week sale that started last Saturday and I can tell you Diane is practically giving it away. Everyday more stock is brought out from the back room, so good to try and go a couple times if possible. Also, there is a guest book at the front desk for you to leave your contact information should you be interested in attending some smaller shows, etc. that she will no doubt be hosting in the not so distant future.
I've posted a photo of the lovely Diane and a couple of the store front.
Try not too feel too guilty walking out with all that loot.......
.....and hats off to the fashionista proprietor who lovingly dressed us (and our casts) for so many years, we will be looking forward to keeping up with you and whatever new adventures you have in store! xo

2010-03-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy busy around here, so hence the belated updates!

I have posted some fabulous photos of a workshop I attended by Kathy Soucie, of Sans Soucie Clothing and Textile Design. It was a fantastic class on what is called Subtractive Cutting, a garment pattern cutting technique developed by Julian Roberts. I won't list all the ins and outs of it, but I will say its an incredibly intuitive process and creates really sculptural unique garments. Definitely worth learning, especially for those of us who dislike the "pattern" in pattern drafting.

Here is Julian Roberts' site: http://www.julianand.com/school/THEBANANAMILKSHAKE.htm

Of course everything Kathy creates is always fantastic and her teaching skills are no different. Was a really fun, relaxing and playful workshop, with easy to understand instructions on what could have been very confusing material.

This is Kathy's website: http://www.sanssoucie.ca/

I highly recommend checking her out. Her stuff is amazing and her success well deserved.

Am heading into tech week for the show I'm designing, so I'll have some great photos of that to post within the next week or so!

2010-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Two gorgeous gals swimming in the Colbert sea with a beautiful mountain/cityscape backdrop! Love that stripy scarf.....

2010-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Have been out and about checking out some olympic stuff going on around town. Pretty fun, I've got to say, lots off free stuff, which is always good. I also went down to check out the taping of the Colbert Report outside of science world, (AKA the Russian pavilion) I didn't stay for the whole thing, but, he was hysterical as always. I've posted some shots of him and one of him and Michael Bubbles. The interview he did with Ujjal Dosanjh was taped prior to this live taping so he shot the bits in between that and then showed the interview on the screens he had stage left and right.....I couldn't see the screens, but I could hear the interview....Like the moment he asks Dosanjh what caste he's from in India.....there are just no lines that guy won't cross! You could hear in his voice Dosanjh was nearly losing it.... Its like a train wreck, you just can't turn away.....except maybe you don't laugh at train wrecks.....? I can't wait till it airs! Though I have to say as I was watching my friend voiced the same question I was thinking, why aren't we watching Rick Mercer doing something like this? He's always so involved, but I haven't seen or heard anything out of him lately regarding all this olympic business? Weird.
My camera or possibly my computer is screwing with me right now, so I can't post all the photos I took, BUT, I am posting 2 photos of who I like to call "the cat man"...yes, this man walks around town with a cat on his head.....seriously. The cat? The infamous "Cali Nash" who has her own face book page and wears purple mardi gras beads for a collar. Apparently the cat was never coaxed into surfing his noggin, she in fact trained herself......?

2010-02-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

PS. As you scroll down know that A) Heidi is not naked! She is wearing a strapless dress, which, B) she looked fabulous in and I should've taken a photo of that!!

Best Coast

2010-02-13T12:42:00.001-08:00

2010-02-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Checked out the Vivian Girls show last night, it was great even though they were a little late getting on. They had 2 opening acts, both of whom were a little bit of alright. The first, Cosmetics, had a really nice groove. After her performance she set up shop next to where me and my friend were sitting and began selling what looked like little 45's. Which I thought was kinda cool. The next act Best Coast, were awesome. I will definitely be keeping a look out for them. This is their blog: www.bestycoasty.blogspot.com
Love that mix of pop/punk/surf....
I've left you guys with a couple photos of our lovely Vivian Girls, me and my gorgeous gal pal Heidi (still wet from walking in the rain) and a sample of Best Coast...I'm so running out and buying a cd!!

2010-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

So, headed downtown last night for the opening of the Da Vinci show "The Mechanics of Man". It was crazy, lined up around the block, moved pretty quick, but once you got inside it was a little too much work to try and get into the Da Vinci section. So, checked out everything else, some pretty great stuff going on, one that I really dug was the Michael Lin: "A modest Veil", pourquoi? Not only is it just beautiful visually, it is hung outside the gallery on the Georgia Street side of the building. I love the idea that anyone can enjoy this. You don't have to pay to go into the gallery, it is for everyone and anyone. Makes it less precious too, which is funny, because it visually is soooo precious! Pink and red and flowery....I love it.
I have to say, while I'm not fond of the olympics (I love the sports, not the politics) there is quite a buzz downtown that I really enjoyed. So many things going on, I don't know if I've ever seen so much action in our city (well, maybe Expo 86). Tons of cultural olympiad stuff going on, so many art shows. I just looked at the schedule for the Candahar Bar on Granville Isl. and wow, some great stuff coming up, Rebecca Belmore, Stan Douglas, very cool. And the amazing Vancouver Light show Vectorial Elevation by Montreal-based electronic artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. You can actually go to the website and design a light show. Heres the site: http://www.vectorialvancouver.net
Heres an image of the Michael Lin exhibit and one of Vectoral elevation.

2010-02-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, I HAD to add Hot in the City to this post...my god, the 80's. Did my mother have any idea what I was watching?? lol
I especially like the chick in the saddle with the riding crop.....and whatever the hell kind of shirt is it he's taking off in the beginning?? Makes me laugh so hard!
(Don't forget to scroll down to the earlier post:)

2010-02-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

Huge news people, and I for one am losing my shit over it.
There is a buzz that I have read about that says that Aerosmith is looking for a new front man...who is the new possibility?
BILLY IDOL!
Sweet mother of god, say it isn't so! Please Billy, please, don't tie yourself to that sinking ship. I will do whatever it takes, buy and re-buy every album you ever made, I'll make all my friends do the same, but please, please don't sell yourself down the river like that. I'm usually all about change, keeps things interesting and the inspiration flowing, but...I don't know if I can handle this one.

I'm leaving you with a video of Billy covering "Don't you Forget About Me" by the Simple Minds. Anyways, some fantastic shots of our man through the ages...some of which I had plastered over my bedroom walls....and ceiling....sigh....
Here's keeping our fingers crossed that Billy Idol will still exist musically as a single entity!

2010-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Bonjourno!
Great news from my amazing entertainment diva friend! The Vivian Girls are gracing Vancouver on February 12th at the Biltmore Cabaret. Yippee, tix are $13- at Scratch, Red Cat, Zulu and Ditch (Victoria) Records, or on-line at: www.ticketweb.ca
Can't wait.
I have been working madly the last couple weeks and hope to have some post-worthy imagery sometime soon! The costume design I'm on right now seems to be off to a slow start, but they always do start out that way...the calm before everyone checks their watch and all hell breaks loose! Actually, it isn't a huge show, so, shouldn't get too crazy, knock wood. Have begun weaving on that tapestry commission I wish I could give more details about, but regardless, I'm thrilled to be on the loom again. I forgot how totally at peace I am while working on the loom. I should be on this particular job until July. I hope I'll be able to share more at some point, if not now, then later into July.
I'm adding a recent sketch of mine. The image is comprised of small dots. It's based on a few of the Gestalt principals of perception: closure, proximity/similarity and continuation.
Will be looking for you at the Vivian's show!:)

2010-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Bonjour, Happy Monday, I need to share with you my latest musical find, the Vivian Girls. Don't know if you've heard of them, I hadn't until I came across them while browsing Zulu Records (a Vancouver landmark). I was caught by their name, "Vivian Girls" which I recognized from Henry Darger. If you don't know Henry Darger, you NEED to! Fascinating stuff, a really good documentary on him is: In the Realms of the Unreal, The Mystery of Henry Darger, directed by Jessica Yu. Just google him and you'll find a ton of stuff.
Anyways, so I take a listen to these gals, and I'm instantly taken. A sound I find kinda similar to the Ramones with a splash of Blondie. So I buy the album, open it up AND, one of the girl's last name.....? Ramone....coincidence, or conspiracy...? Who cares, I love it.
Heres an image of the latest album, Everything Goes Wrong, along with an image of the vivians...... these girls are on fire!

2010-01-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

Baba Brinkman's "Rap Guide to Evolution" was fantastic! Funny, smart, engaging....I highly recommend it. I was really impressed with how he took some really complex "theories" and made them totally accessible to everyone. Very insightful links between evolution and rap as a genre for young underprivileged men fighting to the top of the food chain in order to pass on their genetics.
He was asked to write the Rap Guide to Evolution by a professor from Birmingham U, so, as he states in the show, he currently preforms the only rap show that has been "peer reviewed"....very cool.
Here are some shots from the show:

2010-01-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

whoops, sorry guys! The website is www.babasword.com ! Tsk, two days on and I'm already making corrections, tsk.

2010-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I am working hard on a few different projects right now, however, I have no photos of them to share just yet. I've started production on a costume design for a College in New West, once we get to more fittings and dress rehearsals there will be more visuals. Also working on a top secret weaving project...hopefully I will be able to share more on that eventually also!
Am going to see a performance by Baba Brinkman today. He will be telling the story of evolution through rap...sounds totally different and worth checking out. Here is his website: www.babasworld.com
I will let you know how it goes. As for right now, I leave you with a couple more images of some of my work.
Thanks!

2010-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Bonjour!
I thought I'd start off this blog with an image of one of my favourite paintings, my spectacular dog Silas lounging in his den...