Art Gotham's Square Foot Show Election 2008

On Saturday I'll be in a group show at Art Gotham's Square Foot Show. This year, fittingly, the theme is Election 2008. It has been a fascinating election to watch, i.e. the way a train wreck rivets one's attention. As a Canadian, who obviously can't vote in this country, I can't help but question the two party political system (and yes, I'm discounting the Ralph Nader and Ross Perot types) and view it as devisive and deficient. For many disillusioned voters, the 2008 elections will be a choice between the lesser of two evils, rather than an affirmation of support for the platform of either candidate.

"Politics and art? As impossible a mix as oil and water? Not necessarily. Has there ever been a more powerful anti-war message than Picasso’s Guernica? The last year has shown that Americans want to engage in politics again. We do care what happens here and abroad. To celebrate the excitement now bubbling as the coming election approaches, Art Gotham chose the timely theme “Election 2008” for its biannual Square Foot Show, which opens Saturday, October 26th and runs through Sunday, November 9th. Artists were provided with 12x12 inch canvases, and asked to think politically as they create works for the show. Nothing like a tough assignment for producing amazing results. "

ART GOTHAM

THE SQUARE FOOT SHOW | ELECTION 2008

Opening Reception: Saturday October 25 | 3-8pm
Works on view until Saturday November 8

Location: 192 Ave of the Americas (6th Ave btw Spring & Prince)
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday 1-6pm

When You Meet a Kindred Spirit

Two weeks ago, during the JC Artists Studio Tour, I had the opportunity of greeting a collector I had met during last year's tour. Even though we had only met several times I felt as though we had known each other much longer. We bonded over our similar cultural and educational backgrounds and I recognized him as a kindred spirit. He happily reported he had been so inspired by meeting artists last year that he fulfilled his long held desire to open a small gallery in our up-and-coming neighbourhood. The gallery recently had a very successful opening. When I met the owner last week I had a chance to tour the space. We had a wonderful discussion about potential projects and collaborations (and I'll post the details once they're confirmed).

The piece above is from a series called Family/Memory that I started when I was a student at ICP 2 years ago. It was recently acquired by my new patron/collector and has given me the needed impetus to continue the series.

Mini-lighting workshop

One of the benefits of photo assisting is that you learn a lot about lighting and how different photographers use it. I'm becoming more and more familiar with the equipment and therefore a lot more comfortable handling it. Now if I can just develop some amazing biceps I'd be able to carry really heavy gear (and look good in a tank top). Last year at school I had various conversations with fellow students about how important it was to learn about studio/strobe lighting. Some protested, saying, "But I'm a photojournalist so I don't need to learn studio lighting" or "I'm an artist and I like to use natural light". Frankly I think they're now at a disadvantage, now that many of us are looking for work as assistants. I was concerned about working when school ended so took a lighting course every semester and assisted whenever possible.

Last night I met some friends at school and taught a mini-lighting workshop. I reviewed the basics and showed lighting set-ups that I liked to use. Hopefully they learned something new. They told me I'd be a good teacher since I was clear and patient. Hmm, never thought about teaching before...

A recent performance I attended